Camel Races, free camping and nightly campfires – what more could you want on an adventure in Outback Queensland?
Well Boulia, guarantees ‘more’ and you’ll find it 304km south of Mount Isa.
Get prepared for an adventure on and off the racetrack when you head to the iconic Boulia Camel Races this July (15 – 17 July 2022).
It’s Outback Queensland’s weekend to rival the Spring Carnival. When you first see the camels come hurtling down the racetrack, you’ll see why this is the race that stops the tiny town of Boulia in the heart of Outback Queensland Channel Country.
Heats are over 400 metres, beginning Saturday morning before place getters progress to 1000 metre heats by the afternoon. The final? You’ll be barracking for your favourite long-legged beauty over 1500 metres – Australia’s Longest Camel Race – on the Sunday.
They say the best things in life are free – and Boulia Camel Races lives up to the saying.
In fact, Boulia welcomes ticket holders to stay onsite at the racecourse for up to 10 nights without paying a dime.
There’s plenty of room, so pick your favourite spot, build a campfire and make yourself at home. Campsite facilities include toilets and hot showers. Bonus: Pets are welcome too!
If camping isn’t your style, you can book one of their luxury glamping tents track-side at the races, equipped with all the comforts.
Your mission, if you choose to accept it: enter the Camel Tagging competition. Uniquely Boulia… Camel Tagging is a crowd favourite off the racetrack.
Step 1: Jump in an arena with some of the livelier camels.
Step 2: Attempt to get close enough to stick a piece of duct tape onto one of the gentle giants.
Step 3: Return to your starting position, and then retrieve their duct tape from the camel before the clock is stopped.
The fastest competitor wins. Simple!
Event organisers say it’s hard to tell who gets more laughs out of this contest – the competitors in the arena, or the crowd gathered to cheer them on.
The timing of the Boulia Camel Races couldn’t be better, tucked in around a bumper calendar of other events in Outback Queensland including just after the Big Red Bash in Birdsville.
If you’ve ever wanted an excuse to head to the outback, planning your holiday around an event or two will help make it a trip of a lifetime.
Find the complete Outback Queensland events calendar here.
Beyond two big days of camel racing, the event’s three-day program features a swag of fun for the entire family from novelty race competitions to live music to fireworks.
When the dust has settled on the racetrack for the day, don’t forget to watch the stunning outback sunset put on a show too. As the stars come out to play, look up for the fireworks display and BYO dance moves for the Saturday night live music line-up.
Some say it’s fact, and others say it’s folklore, but it’s worth trying your luck to see these fabled lights while you’re in town.
Locals are no strangers to these eerie sights, which are said to look like bright glowing balls and have been known to reduce grown men to tears.
The Min Min’s have only ever been seen in Boulia at night and there’re many different theories as to what they could be.
Scientists think they’re either fluorescent gasses rising from the barren ground, or a cloud of bioluminescent insects. But others say they could be UFO’s or the spirits of local legends. We’ll let you decide.
The Min Min Encounter Centre is your next best experience to the real deal. You’ll meet eccentric true-blue characters who will tell you their tales of the mysterious light.
And a 7th reason for good luck!…
With free camping, there’s every reason to embrace everything that Boulia has to offer.
Stop in at the Boulia Heritage Centre to see world?class marine fossils, an insight into the prehistoric predators of the deep that rival the Loch Ness Monster.
Keep an eye out for the beautiful murals in Boulia too, found at Robinson Park, you’ll come to meet an eye-catching plesiosaur on the amenities block in a splash of colour.
So, will we see you in Boulia for the Melbourne Cup of Camel Racing in July?
Buy your 2022 Boulia Camel Races tickets now!