The camels are returning to Queensland outback towns in July for a jam-packed three weeks of races.
The Outback Camel Trail covers five events in five towns over 21 days with other activities like pig, yabby and mower races (Boulia), stargazing and a once-in-a-decade bloom of desert flowers thanks to recent rain.
WHEN AND WHERE • July 3-4: Jundah Camel Races
• July 6-9: Birdsville Carnival
• July 11: Bedourie Camel and Pig Races
• July 17-19: Boulia Camel Races
• July 25: Winton Camel Races.
Outback Queensland Tourism Association (OQTA) CEO Denise Brown says the Trail is a unique experience.
“Events like this aren’t just fun; they’re ingrained in the social and economic fabric of outback communities,” she says.
“The Trail allows visitors to experience camel racing up close and personal, meet the camels and their owners, to know the locals and explore more towns.
“Weaving the camel racing events together into an easy-to-follow trail has been an outstanding success,” Brown says.
CHAMPION CAMELS
The joint winners from last year are returning: a camel from Oakfield Ranch near Newcastle, NSW, called Geoffrey and stablemate Polished Copper claimed two titles each to share the Trail trophy.
This year, Geoffrey, Polished Copper and a road train will again make the 4000km round trip to the Outback.
Organisers say almost 7000 people attended the Trail last year which they say was “an extraordinary result”. There were more than 20 camel races, 14 pig races, yabby and ride-on-mower races at Boulia, broom throwing at Bedourie and camels in a bar at the Birdsville Hotel.
Sansome says last year’s Trail was incredible.
“The Trail was an amazing adventure for our team and my whole family who came along. We are preparing now for 2026 with our camels back in training,” she says.
“Not even five blown tyres could take the mile wide smiles off all our faces last year!”
Winton Shire Council Mayor Cathy White says the 2025 race day worked very well for them.
“Race day here last year was a massive success,” she says.
“The new Trail has been a game-changer, giving camel riders and racers a full circuit and giving travellers more chances to experience towns and events under one epic adventure banner.”
Click on the following for links to each race website: Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail – The Diamantina.
OUR EARLIER STORY: Camels poised to hit the trail
