The iconic Birdsville Races (Image Tourism and Events Queensland — Reichlyn Aguilar)
Is your New Year’s resolution to experience more of Australia in your caravan travels? In this feature we get under the hood of seven of the best Aussie regional festivals and events in 2025 you won’t want to miss.
1. Birdsville Races, Qld: 5–6 September 2025
First held back in September 1882, the Birdsville Races have come to be affectionately known as the ‘Melbourne Cup of the Outback’. That could be for many reasons. Having any similarity between the prize money purses is not one of them.
We’d venture that the ‘Melbourne Cup’ metaphor comes down more to tradition, colourful characters, fashions on the field, flamboyant headwear on the ladies (and not-so-flamboyant Akubras on the men), than it does to the prize purse.
What the two events certainly do share is that horses, trainers, owners, jockeys, bookies and racegoers come from far and wide for a sensational event. What the two events don’t share — but which undoubtedly contributes in spades to the atmosphere at the Birdsville Races — is a proliferation of caravanners who are passionate about outback events.
The Birdsville Races were unveiled in 2009 as one of only 15 iconic events and festivals in the Q150 icons celebrating the places, people and pages (a.k.a. ‘stories’) which have made Queensland the place that it is.
Music fans won’t be disappointed, with live music at the Birdsville Hotel (Queensland’s westernmost pub) every day. Fashions on the Field, the Royal Flying Doctor Service Birdsville Races Gala and live entertainment by Fred Brophy’s Boxing Troupe will complement the great Aussie music, add to the fun and augment the atmosphere.
The Birdsville Races are one of three racing weekends comprising the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival, which also incorporates the Betoota Races (30 August 2025) and the Bedourie Races (13 September 2025). Since the Birdsville Races (first weekend of September) are bookended by the Betoota Races and the Bedourie Races, why not make it a ‘Treble’ and attend all three during your road trip?
And with the Birdsville Races being held in one of Australia’s most iconic outback towns, don’t miss enjoying an ice cold frothy in one of Australia’s most iconic pubs while you’re at it.
Tickets and more information
Head to the festival website or contact the Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre:
P: 1300 794 257
E: info@diamantina.qld.gov.au
Getting there
- Birdsville Track from Marree
- Eyre Developmental Road (Bilby Way) from Bedourie
- Birdsville Developmental Road from Windorah
- Cordillo Downs Road from Innamincka
Where to stay
At time of writing, the Birdsville Tourist Park was not taking bookings for the September 2025 (Birdsville Races) period. Please visit its Facebook page for information regarding making booking requests or email the Park at info@birdsvillecaravanpark.com.
Camping
Fortunately, Birdsville is as RV Friendly Town with free camping (and potable water available) on the Birdsville Common, several dump points and public showers opposite the Birdsville Sports Centre ($5 donation).
2. Innamincka Races, SA: 30 August 2025
If it weren’t for the fact that the Innamincka Races and the Betoota Races are being held concurrently on 30 August 2025, we’d be writing about suggesting turning your Simpson Desert Racing Carnival ‘Treble’ into a ‘Quaddie’.
Innamincka River Cruise (Image South Australian Tourism Commission)
But even if you wanted to leave the Innamincka Races early and drive to the Betoota Races in anything shy of two days with a decent overnight sleep in between, you’d be putting your van, vehicle and very disdainful travelling companions (whether person and/or pooch!) through a ‘somewhat’ jarring gallop across the gibber that would not exactly be meritorious of the description ‘smooth and comfy’.
Accordingly, we recommend the following itinerary:
- Innamincka Races: last weekend of August
- Birdsville Races: first weekend of September
- Bedourie Races: second weekend of September
If you have the time available, surely you would have to be clinically bananas not to at least ‘double dip’ and attend two of these iconic Aussie outback events, right? Better still, make it a ‘triple treat’ and attend all three! Then keep your attendance at the Betoota Races in the back pocket for a future excuse to revisit outback Queensland on another road trip.
Dating back to the late 1800s, the Innamincka Races are a time-honoured bush race meeting replete with fashions on the field, food and beverage offerings, live music and trackside bookies.
More information
Head to the festival website here.
Getting there
- Strzelecki Track from Lyndhurst
- Bulloo Developmental Road from Thargomindah (Adventure Way)
- Various routes from Tibooburra
- Cordillo Downs Road from Birdsville
Where to stay
P: 08 8675 9901
E: info@innaminckahotel.com.au
Camping
Cooper Creek is lined with plenty of picturesque campsites within coo-ee of The Innamincka Hotel. For information about camping permits, fees and the Desert Parks Pass, visit National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia website.
3. Parrtjima — A Festival of Light, NT: 4–13 April 2025
This isn’t Vivid Sydney (not that Vivid isn’t mind-blowingly fabulous, because it is!). It’s even better.
Parrtjima 2025 in the desert town of Alice Springs (Mparntwe), NT, marks the festival’s 10th anniversary and its first-ever orchestral performance, courtesy of the more than 60 musicians of the Darwin Symphony Orchestra (DSO). While entry to Parrtjima is free of charge, the outdoor performance of the DSO for 90 spellbinding minutes on the closing weekend attracts a fee and pre-paid tickets are required. The orchestra will perform alongside Desert Divas Catherine Satour, Casii Williams and Bronwyn Stuart, and will include the Gurrulwa Guligi (Big Wind) by Bilawarra Lee and Netanela Mizrahi. An extended experience is also available with welcome drinks and bush food canapes, at an extra charge.
Rhoda Roberts in conversation with Shellie Morris (Image Parrtjima 2024)
Shining a light on the oldest continuous culture in the world and the only authentic Aboriginal light festival of its nature anywhere, Parrtjima is where new meets old, bringing together modern technology, art, music, song, ancient stories and timeless culture, blending them into the perfect amalgam.
The theme in 2025 is ‘Timelessness’. Tjoritja (the MacDonnell Ranges) have been around for 300 million years. But you certainly won’t be, so be sure to go and see the spectacular lightshow on the timeless MacDonnell Ranges — and the timeless red sand of the Alice Springs Desert Park — at Parrtjima.
The opening weekend will feature performances by Troy Cassar-Daley, a Welcome Ceremony and Blak Markets. Except for the closing weekend performance by the DSO, Parttjima is free and runs every night. By registering for ‘Any Day Festival Admission,’ attendees can access the venue on any evening; tickets are valid for multiple nights.
Grounded featuring the work of Margaret Bloomfield (Image Parrtjima 2024)
More information, registration and tickets
Getting there
- Stuart Highway from Port Augusta or Darwin
- Barkly Highway from Mount Isa (Overlanders Way) followed by Stuart Highway from Threeways/Tennant Creek
- Plenty Highway from Boulia (Outback Way)
- Great Central Road (Outback Way) from Laverton to Yulara followed by Lasseter Highway to Erldunda and then the Stuart Highway
- Tanami Road from Halls Creek
- Victoria Highway from Kununurra to Katherine followed by the Stuart Highway
Where to stay
Discovery Parks – Alice Springs
Wintersun Cabin and Caravan Park
4. Back O’ Bourke Easter Festival (18–21 April 2025) and Back O’ Bourke Picnic Races (20 April 2025), NSW
What is the official definition of ‘Picnic Races’?
Here at Caravan World, we confess that we don’t know. But we do know that it involves Australian horse races for amateur riders held in the bush in regional Australia amid a relaxed setting. And maybe a tipple (or four) to accompany a flutter (or two). And that can only be a good thing.
Couple an Easter Festival with Picnic Races and you’ve got the perfect recipe for festive fun in the outback!
Bird’s eye view over Bourke, nestled on the edge of the Baaka-Darling River (Image Destination NSW)
While we might not know what defines ‘Picnic Races’, we do know Bourke. And it wouldn’t be spanning the bow too far to venture that our production editor, Amelia Mansell, knows Bourke better than most on our team. You can read her article ‘Back O’ Bourke: An iconic New South Wales adventure’ in issue 650 or online here.
Amelia was born and raised in Bourke. Her grandfather, Russ Mansell, built the paddle boat PV Jandra, a reimagined version of the original steam paddle boat built in Mannum in 1894 and which operated on the iconic Darling-Baaka River.
During the Back O’ Bourke Easter Festival, extra cruises on the PV Jandra will operate, to cater for the increased demand.
The festival will also feature entertainment at local cafes, pubs and restaurants, the Easter Colour Run, Crossley Engine display, Long Table Dinner at the Back O’ Bourke Information and Exhibition Centre, Central Park Easter Markets, street parade, wool bale rolling competition, Giant Easter Egg Hunt, pancake breakfast and of course, the signature Back O’ Bourke Picnic Races featuring a five race program, fashions on the field and trackside entertainment after the last race of the day.
Don’t miss the Bourke Aboriginal Art Gallery and Back O’ Bourke Art Gallery which will be open every day during the festival.
And don’t forget! Bourke is the perfect departure gateway (or arrival resupply point!) for the Darling River Run. It’s very unlikely indeed that Bourke’s local businesses won’t have everything you need when it comes food, beverage, insect repellent, sunscreen, firewood, fuel and gas.
More information
Back O’ Bourke Information and Exhibition Centre
Getting there
- Mitchell Highway from Bathurst via Dubbo or from Charleville via Cunnamulla
- Kidman Way from Jerilderie via Cobar
- Kamilaroi Highway from Narrabri via Walgett
- Barrier Highway from Broken Hill or Nyngan to Cobar then Kidman Way
Where to stay
Camping
Fully self-contained caravanners can pay to stay by the Dry Bogan River on Rossmore Station.
There is free camping at Mays Bend on the Darling River, 10km from the Kidman Camp. There are no facilities so you will need to be self-contained.
For more information about camping options, contact the Back O’ Bourke Exhibition and Information Centre.
5. Outback Festival — Winton, Qld: 23–27 September 2025
Does it get any more ‘outback’ than a race to decide the fastest thunderbox in the nation? We suspect not.
The Outback Festival in Winton, held during the Queensland school holidays, has been celebrating the spirit of the bush for more than 50 years. It is the quintessence of outback festival quirkiness and thoroughly deserves its place in our list!
All roads lead to Winton in September (Image Tourism and Events Queensland)
The festival’s flagship event, the Quilton Australian Dunny Derby, entails teams of five people (two ‘pullers’, two ‘pushers’ and a ‘jockey’ riding on the loo in the outhouse on wheels) competing on a 200m obstacle course, vying for the coveted title of Australia’s Fastest Dunny and the honour of claiming the Golden Throne (and a share of $5000 prize money). Losing teams get to compete in the Constipation Stakes and there is also a prize for the best-presented dunny and team.
This is a very family-friendly event, and not only because it’s held during the school holidays. Bush Poets’ Breakfast, artists, musicians, Swag Toss, Broom Throw, Bushman’s Egg Throw, True Blue Aussie Sports Competition, Meggsie Cart Races, Wool Bale Rolling (one event for adults, one for children), Little Swaggies Hat Toss, Roy Shaw Memorial Truck Pull, Whip Cracking Championships and Children’s Wobble Board Painting all contribute to the fun atmosphere.
More information and tickets
Getting there
- Mitchell Highway from Charleville then Landsborough Highway (Matilda Way)
- Flinders Highway from Townsville then Kennedy Developmental Road from Hughenden
- Kennedy Developmental Road from Boulia
- Barkly Highway from Mount Isa followed by Flinders Highway from Cloncurry then Landsborough Highway
Where to stay
Accommodation in Winton does sell out quickly during the festival, so we recommend booking a long way in advance.
Tattersalls Hotel and Van Park
The Pelican Caravan Park and Cabins
Winton Roadhouse, Cabins and Caravan Park
6. Byron Bay BluesFest, NSW: 17–20 April 2025
With headline acts such as Crowded House, Kasey Chambers, The Cat Empire, Hilltop Hoods, Xavier Rudd, Tones and I, Vance Joy, Ocean Alley and Allison Russell (this list is inclusive, not exhaustive; there are plenty more!), the 36th (and, sadly, final) Byron Bay Bluesfest is set to go out with a bang, not a whimper.
The final chapter of Australia’s most-awarded music festival will be as much about its illustrious, unforgettable past as it will be about the outstanding lineup of artists performing across the Easter long weekend from 17 to 20 April 2025. If there is another regional music festival that has played host to Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Midnight Oil, Cold Chisel, Santana, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Robert Plant and the late James Brown, we’d like to know about it.
The Byron Bay Bluesfest 2025 will be this iconic event’s last hurrah
The Byron Bay Bluesfest’s swag of gongs over the decades includes a Top 10 finish at the Pollstar Awards (USA) for International Festival of the Decade, a Keeping the Blues Alive Award for Bluesfest Director Peter Noble OAM, eight awards at each of the Australian Event Awards (Best Cultural and Music Event of The Year) and the North Coast Tourism Awards for Major Festivals and Events, four awards at Helpmann Awards for Best Contemporary Music Festival and one win at the Helpmann Awards for Best International Contemporary Concert.
Byron Bay Bluesfest has also won six gold and three silver awards at the NSW Tourism Awards and two silver and one bronze award at the Australian Tourism Awards. For its three consecutive wins in 2017, 2018 and 2019 at the NSW Tourism Awards, Byron Bay Bluesfest was inducted into the NSW Tourism Awards Hall of Fame.
More informationand tickets
Getting there
- M1 Pacific Motorway from Brisbane or the Gold Coast
- M1 / A1 / M1 Pacific Motorway / Highway from Sydney
Where to stay
Accommodation options sell out quickly for the Byron Bay Bluesfest, so we strongly recommend booking well in advance of the event. Visitors may need to be prepared to book a longer stay in order to comply with any Easter minimum stay booking conditions. Owing to the nature of print magazine deadlines, Caravan World is unable to verify accommodation availability.
Reflections Byron Bay Holiday and Caravan Park
Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park
7. Ord Valley Muster, WA: 16–24 May 2025
If our ‘Australia’s must-attend festivals in 2025’ wasn’t to include an outback Australian event in Western Australia alongside all the states and territory we’ve showcased, it would be akin to inviting your campground/holiday park/rest area neighbours over for sundowner beers or chardy and then asking them to leave after only three sips of mineral water. It would, purely and simply, be incomplete.
And with that, we shine our spotlights (or our high beams at least!) on the Boab Metals Ord Valley Muster 2025 in Kununurra, awarded Silver in the 2024 Perth Airport WA Tourism Awards, in the Festivals and Events category.
Kununurra Campdraft and Rodeo (Image Tourism WA)
The Nexus Airlines Kimberley Moon Experience on 24 May is the apex (or should that be ‘nexus’?) of the Ord Valley Muster. A black-tie, ticketed dinner featuring Australian artists Lime Cordiale, Thelma Plum and Mark Seymour and The Undertow among the headline acts.
Set against the backdrop of Kununurra/Goonoonoorrang, the Ord Valley Muster takes you on a cultural journey spanning tens of thousands of years of Aboriginal history, told through art, storytelling and performance, paralleling comedy, music, river cruises, yoga boats, unique dining experiences and family activities. Other preeminent events include the Kimberley Fine Diamonds Dinner, Art in the Park, Party in the Park, a Cliffside Dinner at Lake Argyle and a three-hour Bottomless Brunch at Emma Gorge, traditional Corroboree by the Miriwoong Gajerrong people at the Corroboree Under the Stars and, in partnership with Blak Tapas, Waringarri Arts presents an Art, Culture and Bush Tucker experience.
Homestead Dinner (Image Tourism WA)
More information and tickets
Getting there
- Great Northern Highway from Broome followed by Victoria Highway
- Victoria Highway from Katherine
Where to stay
In 2024, the Ord Valley Muster attracted close to 1500 out-of-region visitors. The 2025 event is scheduled to run from 16 to 24 May and is expected to entice thousands of visitors from outside the region to experience the 10-day festival.
Accommodation will be at a premium, so don’t delay!
Discovery Parks – Lake Kununurra
Ivanhoe Village Caravan Resort
Kimberleyland Waterfront Holiday Park
Ord River near Kununurra (Image Tourism WA)
Notable mentions
It’s simply not possible to cover every fabulous regional event or festival taking place in 2025 in just one feature article. That said, here are a few other Caravan World favourites. Make booking your tickets and your caravan campsite early another New Year’s resolution so that you don’t miss out!
- Roma’s Easter in the Country: 17–21 April 2025
- Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta: 8 June 2025
- Alice Springs Beanie Festival: 20–23 June 2025
- Boulia Camel Races: 18–20 July 2025
- Mount Isa Rodeo: 7–10 August 2025
- Henley on Todd Regatta: 16 August 2025
- Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash: 21–23 August 2025
- Shinju Matsuri: 23 August – 7 September 2025
- Deni Ute Muster: 3–4 October 2025
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