Warm up in the Outback

WHEN chilly winter gets into your bones, pack up and head to Outback Queensland which has a line-up of events to warm the spirits with country hospitality.

Here are some good reasons to hit the road and head west:

BOULIA CAMEL RACES: The Melbourne Cup of Camel Racing attracts professional camel racing teams from around Australia, all with hopes of winning the 1500m Boulia Camel Cup.

Held on the cusp of the Simpson Desert, it’s the longest, toughest and most prestigious camel race in Australia and is an epic experience for both competitors and spectators. From July 15-17, Boulia is celebrating 25 years of camel racing. Find out more at bouliacamelraces.com.au

BETTER IN BLACKALL FESTIVAL: Escape the rat race city and taste life in Blackall – where “life is better”. The town springs to life in a four-day festival program packed with local food, beverage and food tastings, live music and entertainment, art and cultural displays, billy cart races, barbecue competitions, and a swag of familiar faces. August 17-21. See outbackqueensland.com.au/events/better-in-blackall-festival

Winton’s Outback Festival

OUTBACK FESTIVAL: Join the 50-year celebration of the Winton Outback Festival. The biennial event draws thousands of visitors to experience the outback extravaganza. There’ll be a one-off anniversary event weekend September 23-25, with a Golden Anniversary Gala Dinner under the stars, live entertainment, Boulder Opal markets in Winton’s main street and Bush Poets Breakfast Recovery Show. See outbackfestival.com.au

Tee off in the Outback Masters

OUTBACK QUEENSLAND MASTERS: Set in the heart of the outback, the Outback Queensland Masters is made for golf enthusiasts, whether amateurs or first-time golfers. Australia’s most remote golf series, it spans more than 2000km through Roma, Tambo, Barcaldine, Winton, Mount Isa and the 2022-million-dollar hole-in-one in Birdsville on the edge of the Simpson Desert. It continues until July 24. See outbackqueensland.com.au/events/outback-queensland-masters