4x4 Activities July - September 2018: Travel Bulletin

Pack your bags, load up your rig, and head for the countryside as it comes alive this July to September with plenty of activities from camel races to rodeo events, and wonderful outdoor camping and beach activities.

OUTBACK QUEENSLAND CAMEL FESTIVAL (QLD)

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The Outback Queensland Camel Festival comprises three big camel races: Bedourie (two-day event on the second weekend in July), Boulia (three days on the third weekend in July) and Winton (last weekend in July, and a single-day event).

Camel racing has been run in Australia since the late 19th century, and the Boulia Camel Race is the second richest professional camel race in the country and promotes the longest running camel race in Australia. These events are great to follow, with plenty of accommodation and campsites available.

See www.thediamantina.com.au for more info.

DARWIN LIONS' BEER CAN REGATTA (NT)

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The crazy and fun Darwin Lions’ Beer Can Regatta will be held on July 22 and promises to be plenty of fun for the whole family.

The event kicks of at 10:00am and will run until 5:00pm. Held at Mindil Beach, Darwin, there are beach-based events for all ages – sandcastle building, running events and thong throwing – and some fun water activities as well.

There is a bar facility on-site, so no BYO grog. The popular Mindil Beach Sunset Market food and craft stalls will be trading all day.

Head to www.beercanregatta.org.au for more info and to see photos of some of the best boats over the years.

MT ISA MINES ROTARY RODEO (QLD)

The Southern Hemisphere’s largest rodeo takes place at Mt Isa each year, and in 2018 runs from August 9-11.

The rodeo promises to be busy and action-packed, hosting bull riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, roping, barrel racing and other challenging events. Extra entertainment includes a concert to celebrate the rodeo’s 60th year.

Jimmy Barnes, Shannon Noll, the McClymonts and more to star in a series of concerts over the three days. For the whole line-up and schedule of events visit www.isarodeo.com.au.

LOUTH RACES (NSW)

A great excuse to spend a few days in beautiful outback NSW, the Louth Races is hosted by the Louth Turf Club and is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2018. The races will be held on Saturday August 11 (with lead-up events starting from August 8).

Louth is located on the banks of the Darling River, 132km north-west of Cobar. The Louth Turf Club stages a seven-race program, and all the usual amenities such as betting, bar, barbecue and afternoon tea will be available at the event. Camping spots with firewood, toilets and a few showers are available at the racecourse as well.

See www.louthraces.com for more details.

2018 BIRDSVILLE RACES (QLD)

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The remote town of Birdsville will come alive with festivities once more from August 31 to September 1, for the annual Birdsville Races.

Each year punters from all over Australia flock to the iconic outback town for a jam-packed program of thoroughbred racing, unique outback entertainment and wacky festivities.

Tickets are on sale now, with two-day racing passes starting from $69.90. At days’ end the legendary Birdsville Hotel comes alive as the go-to drinking hole, where the celebrations kick on well into the night. It’s a must-do adventure that should be on every tourers’ bucket list. Tick it off this year!

Visit www.birdsvilleraces.com for more info.

TEAGLE EXCAVATIONS ARB PINES ENDURO 400 (SA)

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Round six of the ARB Australian Off Road Racing Championship (ORRC), held from Friday Sep 21 to Sunday Sep 23, offers three days of off-road racing near Millicent.

The ARB ORRC runs over six rounds at six different locations in 2018. The series showcases the skills of drivers and navigators, racing through a mix of terrain in search of glory.

See www.offroadracing.com.au for more info.

SEVEN EMU STATION (NT)

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For those touring the Top End and Gulf this season, Seven Emu Station, located 85km south-east of Borroloola in the Gulf Country, is a great way to spend a few days camping, driving, fishing and enjoying the cliff-side campsites that overlook the Robinson River. The working cattle station covers 4300km² and includes part of the Australian Wilderness Conservancy’s Pungalina-Seven Emu Sanctuary.

Check out www.sevenemustation.com.au for more information.