Desert Champions Way Outback Camel Trail roars into life as racing camels hit the red dirt
AND THEY’RE OFF!
Desert Champions Way Outback Camel Trail roars into life as racing camels hit the red dirt
The dust is flying, the camels are charging and one of Australia’s most extraordinary Outback adventures is officially underway.
The Desert Champions Way Outback Camel Trail has begun, with racing camels thundering into Jundah this weekend to kick off four weeks of Outback Queensland mayhem, community celebrations and unforgettable red-dirt experiences. From Jundah to Birdsville, Bedourie, Boulia and Winton, the month-long trail transforms some of Queensland’s most iconic Outback towns into a rolling festival of camel racing, music, storytelling, legendary pubs and bucket-list adventures.
Emily Parrott, second-generation cameleer, with 2025 champions Polished Copper and Geoffrey, back on the Desert Champions Way to defend their camel crowns_photo Aaron Skin
Leading the convoy once again are defending champions Polished Copper and Geoffrey, last year’s shared Camel of the Trail winners, alongside their cameleer and jockey Emily Parrott, who has travelled from Newcastle with her racing team to defend the coveted title. Total kilometres round trip – over 2,000.
For Emily, a second-generation cameleer who has spent her life working alongside camels, the annual pilgrimage to Outback Queensland is about far more than racing. “It’s always exciting when the first race begins,” she said. “These camels love to run and there’s nothing quite like seeing them hit the red dirt in Outback Queensland. Every town has its own personality, every crowd gets right behind the camels and we can’t wait to get underway again.”
Over the next four weeks, visitors will experience much more than racing. The Trail weaves together camel races, live music, community festivals, campfire storytelling, Outback pubs, camel pies, spectacular desert landscapes and, thanks to recent rains, some of the most breathtaking wildflower displays seen across the region in years. From the famous Birdsville Carnival and the quirky Bedourie Camel and Pig Races, to the legendary Boulia Camel Races—known as the Melbourne Cup of Camel Racing—and the grand finale in Winton, every stop offers its own unique slice of Outback Queensland.
Whether you’re backing Polished Copper, cheering home Geoffrey or simply chasing Australia’s ultimate red-dirt road trip, one thing is certain…
The Outback is open — and it’s racing.
The Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail: Let the camel mayhem continue in 2026!
Jundah Camel Races – July 3 & 4, 2026:
Kicking off the Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail, the Jundah Camel Races has added a day because one just wasn’t enough!! Joining the camel races will be sheep racing, working dog jumping, sheep penning on the Friday night, live entertainment and FREE CAMPING! This little Outback town with a big heart is home to incredible hospitality, great fishing, bird watching, sightseeing, swimming, canoeing, and boasts spectacular sunrises and sunsets! Follow (20+) Facebook for more
Birdsville Carnival – July 8 & 9, 2026:
The Birdsville Carnival is a spectacular new event celebrating the town’s deep-rooted history and Outback spirit, with live music celebrations at the legendary Birdsville Pub, Outback flavours at the renowned Birdsville Bakery (Camel Pie is a must taste!), family-friendly entertainment and more. All information HERE
Bedourie Camel & Pig Races – July 11, 2026:
Known as the “Town of Sand and Sun” – welcome to Bedourie where – and only in Outback Queensland – fans will experiences the thrill of camel racing, the hilarity of pig racing, and a whole variety of novelty events that make for bucket list memories! There’s food stalls and all the country hospitality this little town is famous for.
Boulia Camel Races – July 17–19, 2026:
Australia’s legendary and iconic Outback event is back, the Boulia Camel Races, aka the Melbourne Cup of Camel Racing. This is where horsepower steps aside and hump-power takes over. Experience on Saturday and Sunday camels thundering down the track in the epic 1200m Camel Cup, lawn mower races, boots & jock races, truck pull, camel tagging, yabby sprints, kids races, amusement rides and plenty of laughs, with live music under the stars Friday and Saturday nights. For tickets and more info visit www.bouliacamelraces.com.au
Winton Camel Races – July 25, 2026:
The finale of the trail takes place the legendary town of Winton, where visitors can enjoy camel racing alongside the town’s vibrant arts and music scene, including nods to its strong ties to Outback storytelling and history. The famed Crack Up Sisters will take the entertainment rein. The birthplace of Banjo Paterson’s “Waltzing Matilda”, Winton hosts more than just a race—it’s a celebration of Outback history, culture, and community spirit.
A Celebration of Outback Queensland The Outback Camel Racing Trail, supported by the Outback Queensland Tourism Association and local councils, is designed to enhance cultural tourism across the region. It aligns with the Diamantina Shire’s tourism strategy to expand arts and cultural events that highlight the region’s distinct identity while fostering sustainable economic growth.
