It’s time to kick start your engines and strap in for a wild weekend to remember as the infamous Don River Dash roars into the Whitsundays for another year this September!
Set to be held from Friday the 5th until Sunday the 7th of September, the annual weekend of high-octane action and spectacular speed demon racing will soon mark it’s seventh year in the region and the community is bursting with excitement and anticipation.
Since its 2019 debut with juts 40 bikes and 30 cars, the daring Don River Dash has grown exponentially into one of North Queensland’s premier off-road racing events. 2024’s race attracted well over 230 bikes, 89 cars, and captivated crowds exceeding 5,000 people, further delivering an estimated $7 million in direct economic benefits to Bowen, Collinsville, and the greater Whitsunday Shire. Competitors and spectators alike travel from across the state and beyond each year to fill motels, cafes, pubs and more to explore the region’s many attractions, and this year, Don River Dash organisers hope the event will attract more visitors than ever before.
A unique course unlike other off-road races in Australia, the Don River Dash sees competitors tackle a challenging 50-kilometre loop along the dry Don River bed; 25 kilometres upstream on the southern bank before navigating their way back along the northern side. Sand, rocks, jumps, and unpredictable terrain test even the most experienced drivers and riders and the course is completed three times on both Saturday and Sunday, totalling 300 gruelling kilometres. With the riverbed changing each year, and occasional rainfall adding wet surprises, no two races are ever the same.
The Don River Dash has been recognised as one of the best off-road races on the East Coast, drawing trophy trucks, buggies, and modified racers alongside hundreds of bike riders. Behind the scenes, around 200 volunteers work tirelessly on every aspect of the event, from track construction and recovery to logistics and safety. Their dedication has helped cement the Dash as a hallmark event for the Whitsundays, showcasing not just the region’s spectacular inland landscapes but also its warm hospitality and community spirit.
The 2025 edition promises to be the biggest yet. With competitors from across the country already signalling their intent to take part, the question on everyone’s mind is who will be crowned King or Queen of the River. Past champions, including multiple-time winner Liam Walsh, have set a high bar, but the ever-changing course means anything can happen over two intense days of racing.
Mark your calendar for the 5th to the 7th of September and get ready to experience the dust, the speed, and the energy of the Don River Dash!
WHAT: Don River Dash
WHEN: 5-7 September
The Don River Dash will roar into the Whitsundays from the 5th to the 7th of September (Photo Supplied)
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