The Sheikh Zayed International Camel Endurance Race

August 22, 23 & 24th August, 2008

An event the likes of which has never been staged in Australia will take place in the sleepy Outback town of Hughenden in central western Queensland.

A $50,000 prize purse, 160 km camel endurance race will be run in the stunningly beautiful area of Porcupine Gorge, this is where Dinosaurs roamed, where ancient tribal Australians hunted in a land of towering cliffs, pockets of vine forest and deep permanent waterholes, it's beauty even more inspiring when contrasted to the savannah plains surrounding the gorge.

This event will be an extreme test of the entrant's skill and the amazing endurance abilities of this extraordinary animal.

Camels played a major role in the opening up of this vast and desolate interior, covering huge distances with loads that were unimaginable for other beasts of burden.

The race will highlight the Outback and its rugged beauty, those competing will experience hardship and trials as never before and for many just to finish will be a accomplishment of which they will be forever proud.



Teams and camels will come from all over Australia the Middle East, America, Asia and Europe. The competition will be intense. There is potential for reciprocal event being held in the UAE in 2009.

The township of Hughenden will come alive with the endurance race coinciding with an Arid Lands Festival and expo which will focus attention on the best methods of arid living and pleasure from Australia and around the world. It will promote sustainable use of natural resources and enhance public awareness. Outback friendship and hospitality will come to the fore with a huge town party the night before the race and a top of the line concert at the end of this extraordinary event.

This is the real outback, the heart and soul of Australia, this is where the tough get going and the weak fall off the edge.

The competition will be open to all comers, from all corners of the earth, one camel one rider with strict veterinary guidelines to protect the well being of the animals.

camel racePrize Money.

  • 1st place overall $14,000 + gift + Trophy
  • 2nd place $ 9,000 gift + Trophy
  • 3rd place $ 7,000 gift + Trophy
  • 4th place $ 5,000 gift + Ribbon
  • 5th place $ 3,000 gift + Ribbon
  • 6th place $ 2,000 gift + Ribbon
  • 7th place $ 1,000 gift + Ribbon
  • 8th place $ 500 gift + Ribbon
  • 9th place $ 500 gift + Ribbon
  • 10th place $ 250 gift + Ribbon
  • The fittest camel as per heart rate recovery collated over the possible three heart rate checks.
    Prize ……$1,000 plus
    This prize will be awarded by the veterinary team.

  • Best presented and looking camel or camels and team.
    Prize……$500 plus
    This prize will be awarded by the Race Jury

Gifts are yet to be determined but will be posted on this web page when secured.

  • Rider/Jockey receives a trophy for the first 3 places.
  • Free camping for up to 2 weeks prior to the event will be available at the Hughenden show grounds.

Entry to the Festival events is not included in registration fees

  • Registration fee is Aus $50 per camel, due one week prior to the start of the race.
  • Late registrations incur an additional $50 fee per camel.
  • Total cut off is 36 hours before the race commences.

Brochure of Camel Race.

Rules.

Registration and Imdemnity Forms