There’s a new trail in Outback Queensland, and it’s for camel racing

Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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Follow the camels as they race through outback Queensland.

What is it about camels? Hardy, lumpy and notorious for spitting when they’re grumpy. Yet they’re still so damn adorable and just a little thrilling to be around. Now imagine red dirt flying, camels charging and crowds cheering throughout outback Queensland towns in one giant, month-long race. Enter Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail.

This all-new outback Queensland experience started in the tiny town of Jundah, made its way to the iconic town of Birdsville for a brand new event, the Birdsville Camel Carnival. And now the race will continue through four other towns until July 26 (with plenty of time to rest in between, of course). But how can you get involved?

Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail
Catch the camels after their fast start in Jundah. (Image: Danielle O’Brien)

July 12: Bedourie

Race over to the Bedourie Camel and Pig Races this weekend to see the races, of course, but also browse market stalls, enjoy a tasty lunch and experience the unique performance that is the Crack Up Sisters. From aerial circus stunts, knockabout clown acts, impressive whip cracking (no really, the sisters have won awards) to a whole lot of gags, a performance by The Crack Up Sisters goes big or goes home.

Amanda Lynn of The Crack Up Sisters cracks a whip on a flower held by audience member
Watch the fun Aussie performance group, The Crack Up Sisters. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

July 18 – Aug 2: Boulia

The Boulia Camel Races is a three-day event of camel racing, live music, performances and even a race for humans who don’t mind running in jocks and socks. It’s a true and quirky taste of the Queensland outback. Outside the festivities, you may even spot the famous Min Min Light: an unexplained phenomenon reported in the Australian outback, where a floating, fast-moving ball of light appears to follow cars.

July 26: Winton

Yet another reason to visit Winton, the camel racing will culminate in a vibrant arts and music celebration in a nod to the town’s famous ties to outback storytelling (Banjo Patterson first performed Waltzing Matilda in a local pub here).

saddles along the main street of winton 150
Saddle up to Winton. (Image: TEQ)

A good reason to stock the esky and hit the highway.

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Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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6 reasons why Townsville is the new events capital of Queensland

    Australian Traveller Australian Traveller
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    Beyond the sand, sea and food scene, Townsville is shaping up to be the new events capital of the Sunshine State.

    Townsville is quickly making a name for itself as an events capital of Queensland. From worldwide sporting events to celebrations of the arts, there’s never been a better time to align your next tropical getaway with the unbeatable vibes of an event in Townsville.

    The yearly calendar is full, meaning there’s an event for everyone. But these are shaping up to be some of the biggest events in 2025.

    1. North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA)

    24 Sep – 12 Oct 2025

    While sun, sea and sand might be the first images conjured up at a mention of Townsville, the tropical city is fast making a name for itself as a cultural hub. Experience it at its best during the North Australian Festival of Arts.

    Over several weeks, the famous Strand in Townsville will be bursting with colour, sound and energy as it celebrates the arts, culture and community. Catch theatre, cabaret, dance, circus acts and so much more. Stop to listen to world-class live music and even get involved with interactive workshops.

    In previous years, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra performed a free outdoor concert and Brisbane Author, Trent Dalton, was there to share his latest book.

    performers at North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA)
    Catch live music and more.

    2. Supercars NTI Townsville 500

    11-13 July, 2025

    Sports fans will be pleased to know that Townsville boasts more than just the NRL Cowboy’s. Those facing the comedown of this year’s Formula 1 can bounce back with the 2025 NTI Townsville 500. Each year, the event draws motorsport enthusiasts from around the country as Supercar racing takes over the streets of Townsville.

    Off the race track, the weekend also promises plenty of car tricks and displays – think drifting, car builds and the MotorEx automotive expo  – plus live music, ADF displays, freestyle motocross and more.

    crowd watching Supercars NTI Townsville 500, townsville events
    See supercars take over Townsville.

    3. Australian Festival of Chamber Music

    25 July – 2 Aug 2025

    Clear your ears of the sounds of revving engines with one of the city’s longest-running events,  The Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM). Here, some of the world’s most celebrated musicians head to Townsville to perform an impressive 30 concerts over nine days.

    The best part? AFCM features exclusive shows that can only be experienced at the festival, like AFCM Concert Conversations, where visiting festival musicians share their personal and professional lives.

    lead image for Australian Festival of Chamber Music, townsville events
    Experience exclusive events at the AFCM. (Image: Andrew Rankin)

    4. SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week

    28 Aug – 2 Sep 2025

    Just 20 minutes from the city, koala-filled Magnetic Island is a must-do at any time of year. Time the trip for the annual SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week to not only enjoy paradise, but also five days of tropical racing fun with a twist.

    Every August to September, enjoy live bands, parties, beach festivals, markets, long lunches and even mud crab races. All while taking in tropical island views.

    SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week
    Enhance Magnetic Island trips with five days of tropical racing. (Image: TEQ)

    5. Wedgwood: Artists and Industry exhibition

    23 Apr – 24 Aug 2025

    Hailing from England, Wedgwood has been a household name almost since the brand started in 1759 (by Charles Darwin’s grandfather). With over 260 years under the company’s belt since then, its ceramics and designs are popular all over the world.

    And now, Wedgwood: Artists and Industry will showcase highlights of the brand’s history – straight from the UK’s Victoria and Albert Museum – at Townsville’s Perc Tucker Regional Gallery.

    Wedgwood teacup
    See the best of Wedgwood. (Image: Getty/ Photonewman)

    6. Wallabies v Argentina

    6 September

    Rugby fans should time their Townsville getaway for September to add watching the Wallabies clash against Argentina from Queensland Country Bank Stadium to their itineraries.

    The home ground of the NRL North Queensland Cowboys, this vibrant and stylish $185 million sporting venue in South Townsville is the perfect setting to enjoy sports.

    aerial of Queensland Country Bank Stadium in townsville
    See the rugby at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. (Image: TEQ)

    Start planning your event-filled getaway at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au.

    Desert Champions Way: the new trail in Outback Queensland