Camel trainers thirsty for a win will be humping it to outback Queensland in July for a share in Australia's richest ever camel races, with the announcement Boulia Camel Races is offering a record $45,000 prize pool with new sponsoring partner Thirsty Camel Bottleshops.
The Thirsty Camel Cup is the most coveted and prestigious win on the camel racing circuit, famously known as Australia's longest camel race, run over a mammoth 1500 metres. The Cup final is the climax of two full days of professional camel races on July 17 and 18, and is run under the regulatory body, Racing Queensland.
A few thousand travelers will make the epic trek to the edge of the Simpson Desert to witness the iconic event touted as the 'Melbourne Cup of Camel Races'.
The tiny town of Boulia's population explodes 10-fold, from a mere 300 residents to around 3000, who descend on the outback town for a weekend of races, camping and entertainment by the trackside.
The Cup final will be defended by reigning champion, local Boulia Camel trainers Dannileah Stewart and Ronnie Callope, whose camel Wason won the Cup in stunning form, for their first Cup win on home soil.
Trainers and jockeys will travel up to 2100 kilometresd to reach the Boulia Camel Races, coming as far as Shepparton, Victoria and Newcastle, NSW for what they regard as the most coveted race, being the longest, toughest and most prestigious race on the camel racing circuit.
Adrian Moelands of Thirsty Camel Bottleshops said the Boulia Camel Races a perfect match to put our name to and it means a lot for us to be able to support this iconic Aussie event.
"As part of the festivities, Thirsty Camel will also be running a promotion in the lead up to the event for consumers across Australia to purchase a participating product and 'back a camel' in the races," he said.
"It is the nation's most loved camel race and we thought it was time we joined the party to share the excitement and the larrikin fun of it with our customers nation-wide."
This year marks the 24th Boulia Camel Races, first held in 1997 and since then cementing itself as a a 'bucket-list' experience for Outback adventurers. Surrounding the racing action in Boulia is a full program of live music, novelty races, camp oven cooking, helicopter rides and even the Great Australian Ride-on Lawn Mower Race.
While most travelers bring their own camping set-up, the addition of bell style glamping tents proved a hit with luxury travelers at the last event, with organisers now doubling the number available to book in 2021.
Those who venture to Boulia remain vigilant on the lookout for the famed Min Min light, a mysterious phenomenon that continues to be sighted by travellers on Boulia's remote Outback roads, causing ongoing intrigue.
A 3-Day Boulia Camel Races pass is $90 Adult, with camping included. Under 18 years are free entry.
Helen Walker
Helen is the Toowoomba-based journalist who loves nothing better than covering anything horse sport related, however she covers all commodities and personality yarns. Over the years she has lived in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Longreach and Roma filing stories for the 'bible of the bush'. Contact 0459 827414.
Helen is the Toowoomba-based journalist who loves nothing better than covering anything horse sport related, however she covers all commodities and personality yarns. Over the years she has lived in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Longreach and Roma filing stories for the 'bible of the bush'. Contact 0459 827414.
