A camel train near Birdsville. Photo Brett Stanley
There’s a heap of camel races coming to outback Queensland later this year involving a carnival, a muster, racing – and the Birdsville Hotel.
The Outback Camel Trail runs for three weeks (July 5-26) across different towns and takes in the newly created Birdsville Camel Carnival.
The Birdsville races, from July 8-10, will feature evening concerts at the Birdsville Hotel, camel rides, live entertainment and artisan markets.
Qld Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek says the Birdsville carnival will be a truly unique experience that will leave locals and visitors thirsty for more.
“Birdsville’s newest cultural event is presented alongside the John Williamson Big Red Sunset Concert, offering outback audiences a wealth of arts activity across several days,” he says.
“The government is proud to support Diamantina Shire Council in presenting a carnival experience, set to drive cultural tourism, employment opportunities for artists and arts workers, and economic outcomes for the Birdsville community.”
Diamantina Shire Mayor Cr Francis Murray says the trail combines racing and culture.
“It’s a unique opportunity for visitors to connect with our history, meet our communities, and experience the magic of the Outback,” she says.
Outback Queensland Tourism Association (OQTA) CEO Denise Brown predicts the trail will be experience like no other.
“The trail has been designed to celebrate one of the Outback’s most iconic attractions and allow visitors to have more opportunities to be involved with camel racing,” she explains.
“Visitors are encouraged to explore our townships. Connecting our townships through racing events will also provide ongoing benefits to our operators and regional economies.”
The three-day Boulia races have been described by some as the “Melbourne Cup of Camel Racing”, drawing thousands for the racing and entertainment of a festival atmosphere.
THE TRAIL
- Jundah Camel Races – July 5.
- Betoota Outback Muster – July 4-7.
- Birdsville Camel Carnival – July 8–10.
- Bedourie Camel Races – July 12.
- Boulia Camel Races – July 18–20.
- Winton Camel Races – July 26.
