More Than Just a Weekend
3–5 October 2025 | Barcaldine & Longreach
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of rowing, road-tripping, and regional hospitality at the 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.
Whether you're part of a crew, travelling solo, or need help finding a seat or boat — register now on our Events page.
Full race details and Orphan entry links are open on the Events page of our website: Barcaldine Outback Sprints and Longreach Head of the Outback
Weekend Guide
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.
🔗 Register now on the Events page of our website to secure your car (or seat) in the convoy.
www.outbackrowing.com/events
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
• 4:30pm – Welcome Dinner Cruise on the Thomson River with Outback Pioneers
OR
BARCALDINE
• 6:00pm – Drinks under the Tree of Knowledge followed by dinner at the Shakespeare Hotel
SATURDAY
Outback Sprints, Barcladine
- 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
- 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
- 6.00pm Morgans Boots and Blazers presentation dinner at The Drovers Place (Longreach)
SUNDAY
Head of the Outback, Longreach
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
MORE!
Accommodation Options
More information to come
Other Activities & Recommendations
More information to come
