Outback Adventures: Racing Through Queensland’s Quirkiest Events
Australia is famous for its love of sports so it’s not surprising this competitive streak spills over into some of the quirkiest contests you’ll ever find.
Whether it’s yabbies, chickens, goats, camels, or even dunnies, there’s a race for just about anything in Outback Queensland. Expect the unexpected, and a whole lot of laughs.
Get ready to join the locals for a wild ride through the most unique events in the Outback.
Here’s a few of our favourites.
Ben’s Chicken Racing (Royal Carrangarra Hotel)
Location: 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 ten chickens running in each race. There’s music and food served afterwards, and a free shuttle bus to and from the venue.
When: Every evening from April to October
Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Adventure Run
Location: Julia Creek
There’s dirt, dust, and muddy obstacles galore 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: April
Augathella Billy Cart Races
Location: Augathella
Billed as the ‘biggest rev head 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: Easter
Barcaldine Goat Races
Location: 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, and cement the town’s legacy as the goat racing capital of Australia.
When: May
Muttaburra Sheep Races and Dino Dash
Location: Muttaburra
The annual Muttaburra Stock Show offers up a packed schedule of events featuring everything from delicious local produce to sheep dog 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, while the sheep races are always a runaway success.
When: July
Bedourie Camel and Pig Races
Location: Bedourie
The thrill of camel racing and the fun of pig racing, enjoy a weekend of racing, camp oven baking competition, novelty events, and free camping too!
When: July
Boulia Camel Races
Location: Boulia
Known as the ‘Melbourne Cup of Camel Racing,’ this action-packed festival includes Australia’s richest professional camel races, heaps of music, fireworks, experiences, and fun events in between. 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: July
Blackall Billy Cart Races
Location: 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: August
International Yabby Races
Location: Windorah
Held in front of the Windorah Pub in the build-up to the Birdsville Races, this iconic event always draws a big crowd of locals and fun-seeking visitors on the Birdsville trail.
When: August / September
Longreach Yabby Racing
Location: 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: August / September
Dunny Derby (Winton Outback Festival)
Location: Winton
Possibly one of the pottiest events you’ll find in Australia, the Dunny Derby features teams battling to get their decorated dunnies past obstacles to win the fastest dunny and best decorated outhouse bragging rights and prize money. The best losing teams also qualify to compete in the Constipation Stakes!
When: September (biannual)
Nindigully Pig Races
Location: Nindigully
The famous ‘Piggies’ are an annual tradition hosted by the Nindigully Pub to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Along with the racing there’s live music, family-friendly activities, and free camping along the Moonie River next to the pub, making it perfect for a long weekend stay.
When: November
Outback Events
If you’re looking for the larrikin, fun-loving spirit of Outback Queensland then these events are a great way to experience it for yourself. So, whether you’re into traditional races or something a bit more offbeat, check out our events pages and get ready for some unforgettable Outback adventures!
