Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Andy and Kirsty Holmes from custom lithium with Grant Denyer before the off road ride. Photo credit: Dan Johns
The roar of engines revived through Bowen this past weekend, as the Don River Dash delivered two days of fast-paced racing across an iconic off-road river course.
Now in its eighth year, the Burdekin Offroaders event challenged competitors to complete across 300 kilometres through deep sand, water crossings, dust and heavy traffic. Flooding earlier this year had stripped away large amounts of sand and vegetation, leaving organisers with the enormous task of building two new 25-kilometre tracks through the changed riverbed.
“Our volunteers, officials, recovery crews, track preparation teams, sponsors and the wider community all play such an important role in making this event possible,” said Burdekin Offroaders President Michael Marson.
“Their commitment and effort, both in the lead-up and across the race weekend, is what makes the Don River Dash such a special event for Bowen and the Whitsunday region.”
Australian television personality and motorsport enthusiast Grant Denyer was among the weekend’s most recognisable competitors, tackling his first off-road race in a Custom Lithium-backed vehicle.
“My first ever off-road race was nuts,” Denyer said.
“I sent it flying, got drenched in river crossings, sand in my bits and a smile that won’t leave my face. The Don River Dash was epic.”
Denyer praised the people, terrain and location, describing the event as “some of the most fun you can have in a car”.
Brett Comiskey and navigator Corey Cooper conquered the car section in a brand-new Class 8 Mason all-wheel-drive truck, completing the course in two hours and 38 minutes.
The victory was made even more impressive by Comiskey having virtually no time behind the wheel beforehand, with his only previous drive occurring when he unloaded the truck from the trailer.
In the bike section, Newcastle rider Levi Stephens went one better than his second-place finish in 2025, claiming victory in two hours and 50 minutes.
The engines were not the only things firing on all cylinders over the weekend, with the Don River Dash delivering a welcome boost for businesses across Bowen.
Bowen Tourism and Business Manager Leanne Abernethy said the Visitor Information Centre and local accommodation providers were consistently busy around the event.
“At the Bowen Visitor Information Centre, we are always busy leading up to the event, as well as over the weekend and the days immediately after,” she said.
“A lot of competitors, along with their crew and supporters, come several days before and many stay for a few days after the event and check out the rest of the region.”
“Bowen Tourism and Business is proud to support the Don River Dash.”
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