The Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail
This new adventure is a road-tripping, town-hopping celebration of outback spirit, with unforgettable experiences at every stop.
Kicking off the Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail, the Jundah Camel Races in early July has high-energy racing, vibrant community markets, and family-friendly entertainment, offering visitors an authentic taste of Outback spirit, complete with local food, country hospitality, and a festival atmosphere.
Jundah to Birdsville
From Jundah to Birdsville, the road unwinds through a landscape carved by time and magnificently coloured by the recent rains.It’s about 360km of classic outback travel – red dirt, wide skies, and the kind of silence that hums with stories.
Along this wonderful drive, you will pass through the heart of the Channel Country, where Mitchell grass plains meet gibber deserts and the birdlife is booming post-flood.
This is road-tripping at its purest – no traffic, just the occasional kangaroo, flock of galahs, and maybe even a curious camel or two.
Fill up in Jundah, pack plenty of water and snacks, and prepare for a journey as memorable as the destination.
Located at the end of the famous Birdsville Track, this remote Outback town is surrounded by stunning landscapes, the Simpson Desert, Sturt's Stony Desert, and Channel Country.
The Birdsville Camel Carnival from 8-10 July will celebrate its deep-rooted cameleer heritage over three days with storytelling, local markets, and live music featuring Mick Lindsay, Missy Lancaster and Caitlin Drew at the legendary Birdsville Hotel.
There’ll be camel rides and cameleer history sessions, entertainment by the famous Crack-Up Sisters, pig races, street food and the Birdsville Bakery’s famous Camel Pies.
Wholly recommended are visits to the Birdsville Billabong and the historic Birdsville Racetrack.
Stop by the Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre for travel tips, road conditions, and an impressive gallery showcasing local artists' work.
Birdsville to Bedourie
The drive from Birdsville to Bedourie is a true 0utback experience – 200km of wide-open country and desert colours. Allow about 2.5 to three hours.
You’ll be cruising through the heart of the Diamantina Shire, where the landscape rolls from red dune country to vast claypans. Right now, there’s a sea of wildflowers and birdlife. Keep an eye out for brolgas and emus.
Then, hold on to your hats and dust off your boots because the Bedourie Camel and Pig Races on 12 July isn’t just about fast-paced, knobby-kneed camel action, they have pig races too.
Watch the little porkers sprint for glory in these legendary races, then laugh it up with the Crack Up Sisters, browse stalls and taste outback tucker.
Whether you're a local or visiting, this is the heart and humour of the Aussie outback.
After the camels and pigs are all run and done, history buffs can pass by Glengyle Station and Cookawinchika Waterhole. In town, see The Dust Storm Sculpture, symbolizing Spinifex swirling in a storm, and step back in time at the 1880s Mud Hut. To indulge a little, unwind in Bedourie's Artesian Spa and Aquatic Centre.
Bedourie to Boulia
From Bedourie to Boulia, the road stretches 200km through some of Outback Queensland’s most ancient and awe-inspiring landscapes.The drive takes around 2.5 hours, tracing the edge of the Simpson Desert and winding through gibber plains. It’s Min Min Light country – so don’t be surprised if the desert throws a mystery your way.
Then, welcome to the Boulia Camel Races (18-20 July), famously known as the 'Melbourne Cup of Camel Racing’.
This three-day event draws thousands for high-stakes racing, entertainment, and a true outback festival atmosphere.
The big final – The Cup – is Australia's most prestigious camel race, being the longest and the richest in Australia.
This is the ultimate showdown on the Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail.
Boulia to Winton
The stretch from Boulia to Winton is road-trip magic – 360km of vast skies and prehistoric charm.Allow four to five hours of drive time, pack snacks, water, and a good playlist – there’s little between the towns, but plenty to marvel at.
The Winton Camel Races on 26 July will feature an arts and music celebration, more from the Crack Up Sisters, nods to its strong ties to outback storytelling and fabulous novelty events. Gates open at 11am at the Winton Showgrounds with tickets $10 and children under six free.
A Celebration of Outback Queensland The Desert Champions Way, produced by Diamantina Shire Council and supported by the Remote Area Planning & Development Board (RAPAD), Outback Queensland Tourism Association and Arts Queensland, 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.
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