Bentleys' Australian Outback Rowing Regatta

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of rowing, road-tripping, and regional hospitality at the Bentleys' Australian Outback Rowing Regatta Weekend, held across two iconic Queensland towns: Barcaldine and Longreach.

From the high-energy Outback Sprints in Barcaldine on Saturday to the legendary Head of the Outback in Longreach on Sunday, the weekend is packed with racing, social events, and a convoy of cars and boats winding its way through the heart of the Outback. It’s more than just a regatta. It’s a celebration of rowing in regional Australia, a chance to meet new friends, reconnect with old ones, and discover the spirit of the bush.

WEDNESDAY - FRIDAY

Getting to Longreach and Barcaldine

Whether you're flying, riding the rails, or hitting the road, there’s an Outback Rowing adventure waiting for you.

By Plane

Fly direct into Longreach with QantasLink. Flights operate regularly — check with Qantas for current schedules.

By Train

Take the scenic route! Travel from Brisbane, Rockhampton, or Emerald with Queensland Rail. A great way to see the country and arrive relaxed.

By Road – Join a Convoy!

Prefer to drive? Choose your own adventure and join one of our Outback Convoys. Each convoy includes scenic stops, rowing sessions, and plenty of roadside fun.

Northern Route Convoy – Departs Brisbane and goes through Rockhampton before heading west. Click HERE to register for this convoy.
Inland Convoy – Travel from Sydney or Brisbane through the heart of Queensland. Click HERE to register for an inland convoy.

Depart: Wednesday 1 October 2025

Depart Brisbane or Sydney. If you're joining the Convoy you’ll be added to our WhatsApp group and email list to stay up to date with all the latest convoy details, including route plans, rowing stops, meal bookings, and any last-minute changes.

Arrive: Friday 3 October 2025

Outback Convoys arrive in Barcaldine around 3:30pm, with boats unloaded and rigged in preparation for racing.

FRIDAY

Friday Night Kick-Off

No matter where you're staying — Longreach or Barcaldine — the fun begins Friday evening!
Registrations for all weekend activities open soon, so start planning your stay and join us for an unforgettable Outback Rowing experience.

LONGREACH
• 6:30pm – Welcome Dinner TBA in Longreach

BARCALDINE
• 6:00pm – Drinks and dinner under the Tree of Knowledge followed by a few more drinks at the Shakespeare Hotel. RSVP here now.

SATURDAY

Outback Sprints, Barcladine

Breakfast at your choice of venue
7.30am Bus departs Longreach for Barcaldine
8.00am Gates open at Barcaldine Rec Park. Join & rig boats
9.00am Competitor briefing
9.30am Boats on the water for regatta photo
10.00am Time trial (750m)
11.00am Outback Duel (750m)
12.00pm Lunch (at the Water Sports Club canteen - wraps and burgers, salads and sandwiches)
1.00pm Outback Gift (750m)
3.00pm State of Origin Sprint and Bush Boat Challenge Cup
3.30pm Racing concludes, boats split and loaded onto trailers
4.00pm Bus and boats depart Barcaldine for Longreach
6.30pm Morgans Boots and Blazers presentation dinner at The Drovers Place (Longreach). RSVP here now.

SUNDAY

Head of the Outback, Longreach

Breakfast at your choice of venue
7.15am Bus departs Longreach for Apex Riverside Park
7.45am Bus arrives at Apex Riverside Park and join boats
8.30am Competitor briefing at Apex Riverside Park.
8:30am Spectators meet at the bus at Apex Riverside Park and leave to board the spectators ferry for morning tea on the Outback Aussie Tours ferry. You will cruise to the turnaround point ready to cheer on the boats as they turn.
9.00am Boats on the water. Warm up to start at Outback Aussie Tours Jetty
9.15am Race starts (7km)
10.30am Racing concludes, boats split and loaded onto trailers
11.30am Presentation lunch (venue Smithys)
2.30pm bus departs for Longreach
Afternoon is free or join us for a group tour of the Stockmans Hall of Fame museum from 3pm - 4pm. RSVP here now.
6.00pm Farewell drinks and dinner at Qantas Museum. RSVP here now.

MONDAY

Convoy Departs or Stay Another Day!

6.00am Depart Longreach
7.15am Breakfast in Barcaldine
12.00pm Lunch in Morven
7.00pm Dinner at Royal Hotel Toowoomba
10.30pm Arrive at West End

From camping under the stars to homestead stays with thermal pools and stunning outback sunsets, Longreach and Barcaldine region offer a wide range of accommodation options to suit every kind of traveller.

Longreach Station
10311 Landsborough Hwy, Longreach.
BOOK

Albert Park Motor Inn
Infracombe Rd & Stork St, Longreach
BOOK

Longreach Caravan and Cabin Park
180 Ibis St, Longreach
BOOK

Saltbush Retreat
Infracombe Rd, Longreach
BOOK

David Counsell's place
Dunblane
BOOK HIPCAMP

Hotel Shakespeare
97 Oak Street, Barcaldine
BOOK

Barcaldine Caravan Park
65 Box St, Barcladine
BOOK

Barcaldine Country Motor Inn
1 Box St, Barcaldine
BOOK