Queensland’s Outback Camel Trail

Camel train in Birdsville - Pic Brett Stanley

The heart of Outback Queensland is set to come alive with the launch of the Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail, a unique cultural tourism experience celebrating the rich cameleer history and the vibrant arts of the region.

This month-long trail from July 5 to July 26 is set to become a cornerstone of sustainable tourism in Outback Queensland, drawing visitors to multiple iconic towns.

The trail includes the newly created Birdsville Camel Carnival supported by the Queensland Government, through Arts Queensland. From July 8–10, 2025, this inaugural event in Birdsville is a central part of a larger Outback Camel Trail, uniting communities across the region in a celebration of heritage, sport, and culture. The Birdsville Camel Carnival, offers visitors an immersive cultural experience, including:

• Evening concerts featuring headline acts at the Birdsville Hotel.

• Camel rides and cameleer history celebrating the region’s unique heritage.

• Entertainment by the Crack-Up Sisters, pig races, and acoustic performances.

• Queensland artisan markets, showcasing the creativity of local makers, including the Birdsville Bakery’s Camel Pies.

The Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail will form the centrepiece of an exciting sequence of events featuring world-class camel racing and vibrant cultural festivities:

• Jundah Camel Races – July 5: Launching the trail in the picturesque township of Jundah, the event offers thrilling races alongside community markets, family entertainment, and a taste of the quintessential Outback spirit.

• Betoota Outback Muster – July 4-7: A new multi day event celebrating music at the Betoota hotel, fantastic way to kick off the events in the Diamantina Shire.

• NEW Birdsville Camel Carnival – July 8–10: This new event combines camel inspired attractions, storytelling, local markets, and live music to honour Birdsville’s rich history and cameleer heritage.

• Bedourie Camel Races – July 12: Known as the “Town of Sand and Sun,” Bedourie hosts a day of exhilarating camel racing paired with family-friendly activities and local food stalls, showcasing the hospitality of the Diamantina Shire.

• Boulia Camel Races – July 18–20: As the “Melbourne Cup of Camel Racing,” the Boulia Camel Races are the pinnacle of the trail. This three-day event draws thousands for high-stakes racing, entertainment, and a true festival atmosphere.

• Winton Camel Races – July 26: Concluding the trail in the legendary town of Winton, 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.

“This trail embodies the spirit of Outback Queensland, combining adrenaline-filled racing with rich cultural programming,” said Diamantina Shire Mayor Cr Francis Murray. “It’s a unique opportunity for visitors to connect with our history, meet our communities, and experience the magic of the Outback.”

Outback Queensland Tourism Association (OQTA) CEO, Denise Brown advised that the trail offered an authentic Outback experience like no other.

She advised, “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.

“Visitors are encouraged to explore a number of our townships providing a unique opportunity to meet more locals and really embrace an authentic Outback experience.

“Connecting our townships through a sequence of racing events will also provide ongoing benefits to our local operators and regional economies.”