Whether it’s yabbies, chickens, camels or even dunnies, if it can move, chances are the competitive folk in Queensland’s outback will have a way to race it.
A trip to outback Queensland is synonymous with breathtaking scenery, authentic bush pubs and colourful, character-filled townships.
And it’s that combination of small-town spirit and classic larrikinism that will see the outback play host to some of Queensland’s most wild and whacky events in 2025.
Whether you’re a racing traditionalist or more interested in getting among the dirty and dusty action, these best-on-field events promise unforgettable outback racing action for participants and spectators alike.
April
Ben’s Chicken Racing (Royal Carrangarra Hotel)
Where: Tambo
Decked out in vibrant racing colours and accompanied by witty commentary, Ben’s chooks just love to run in this popular show. The chickens are auctioned in each race, with the winnings split 50/50 between the chook ‘owner’ and a local charity, with up to 10 chickens running in each race.
When: Every evening from April to October
Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Adventure Run
Where: Julia Creek
Dirt, dust and muddy obstacles await in Australia’s dirtiest run, held as part of the annual Dirt n Dust Festival. With races for adults and kids of all ages, including the Dusty Kids Obstacle Challenge, get ready for fun memories and seriously dirty laundry to take home.
When: 11–13 April
The Julia Creek Dust n Dirt Adventure Run is muddy good fun.
Augathella Billy Cart Races
Where: Augathella
Billed as the ‘biggest revhead festival this side of the Warrego’ these family-friendly races draw drivers and their customised wheels from far and wide, with thousands of dollars in prize money at stake.
When: 20 April
The Barcaldine Goat Races are a nod to the town's past.
May
Barcaldine Goat Races
Where: Barcaldine
Goat carts were once a common sight across Queensland, used for work, travel and racing. Held as part of the Tree of Knowledge Festival, the Barcaldine Goat Races are fast-paced and unpredictable, cementing the town’s legacy as the goat racing capital of Australia.
When: 4 May
June
Muttaburra Sheep Races and Dino Dash
Where: Muttaburra
The annual Muttaburra Stock Show offers a packed program featuring everything from delicious local produce to sheepdog trials, shearing displays, competitions and even a shopping pavilion. Paying homage to the area’s dinosaur and agricultural heritage, the show’s hilarious Dino Dash features a crowd of dinosaur-costumed competitors.
When: 7 June
July
Boulia Camel Races
Where: Boulia
Known as the ‘Melbourne Cup of Camel Racing,’ this action-packed festival includes Australia’s richest professional camel races, live music, fireworks and more. Watch the pros kick up the dust on the track, check out the yabby racing and cheer on future stars in their homemade camel costumes competing in the Boulia Kids’ Camel Race.
When: 18–20 July
Editor’s Tip: Look out for the other camel racing events while in the region. The new Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail starts in Jundah on 5 July, concluding in Winton on 26 July.
August
Blackall Billy Cart Races
Where: Blackall
There’s an event for everyone in Blackall’s fun-filled billy cart street races, from aspiring under-five ‘Mini Motor Heads’ through to the competitive open event.
When: 14–17 August
Longreach Yabby Racing
Where: Longreach
It may only be a side event at the annual Longreach Yellowbelly Fishing Classic, but these yabby races are no less popular. Join the crowd barracking for their favourite to cross the line for the top honours.
When: 29–31 August
The Blackall Billy Cart Races cater for all ages.
Winton's Dunny Derby is a highlight of the Outback Festival.
September
International Yabby Races
Where: Windorah
Held in front of the Windorah Pub leading into the Birdsville Races, this iconic event always draws a big crowd of locals and fun-seeking visitors on the Birdsville trail.
When: 3 September
Dunny Derby (Winton Outback Festival)
Where: Winton
Possibly one of the pottiest events you’ll find in Australia, the Dunny Derby features teams battling to get their decorated dunnies on wheels past obstacles to win the fastest dunny and best-decorated outhouse. The best losing teams also qualify to compete in the Constipation Stakes!
When: 26 September
International Yabby Races
Where: Windorah
Held in front of the Windorah Pub leading into the Birdsville Races, this iconic event always draws a big crowd of locals and fun-seeking visitors on the Birdsville trail.
When: 3 September
Dunny Derby (Winton Outback Festival)
Where: Winton
Possibly one of the pottiest events you’ll find in Australia, the Dunny Derby features teams battling to get their decorated dunnies on wheels past obstacles to win the fastest dunny and best-decorated outhouse. The best losing teams also qualify to compete in the Constipation Stakes!
When: 26 September
Plan your outback adventure
The outback makes up more than 65% of Queensland’s footprint and covers breathtaking and diverse landscapes from the red sands of the Simpson Desert to the gorges and waterways of the eastern regions.
Spend your days exploring tiny towns, uncovering Indigenous history and learning more of Australia’s pioneering past.
The region offers a diversity of accommodation experiences from camping and pub accommodation to boutique farm stays, glamping and five-star wellness retreats.
To plan your visit, including itinerary suggestions and more information on these events, visit outbackqueensland.com.au.
Photos supplied by Tourism and Events Queensland and Outback Queensland Tourism Association.
