More than 220 bikes and 80 cars roared into action on the (mostly) dry riverbed of the Don River last weekend for the 2025 Custom Lithium Don River Dash.
After two days of fierce competition, Clayton Chapman and navigator Adam McGuire claimed top honours in the car category, while Far North Queensland rider Ivan Long took victory in the bikes after sitting out the 2024 event. Both were crowned 2025 Kings of the River.
The title of Queen of the River – Bikes went to Georgia Hanrahan, who secured the crown despite rolling into the pits on the final lap with a flat front tyre.
“I love this event and it just gets better every year,” Hanrahan said.
Burdekin Offroaders president Michael Marson said he was proud of how the weekend unfolded.
“2025 was one of the most challenging years we’ve had in terms of track preparation,” he said.
“Managing the water still in the river after a wet year proved difficult, but we achieved a good track with intense work from our volunteers and club members over several weeks.”
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the economic impact of the event was huge.
“It's generating over $7 million into the local economy and that's not just in the event taking place itself, but it's people coming to this region, spending time in cafes, restaurants, accommodation and enjoying their stay while they're in the in the Whitsunday region,” said Mayor Collins.
“It's proven to be a fantastic event that we look forward to on the calendar each year.”
Mayor Collins also said the Don River Dash is an excellent example of a new event that has solidified itself as a recurring fixture.
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy, said the Don River Dash was a fantastic event for Bowen and the entire Whitsunday region.
“We know our visitor numbers at the Bowen Visitor Information increase before, during and after the Dash.
“Many competitors, their support crews and their families come before the event and stay for a few days later to explore the region.
Leanne congratulated the organisers and said the Don River Dash was growing in popularity every year and provided a significant economic boost to the entire region.
With record competitor numbers, packed spectator areas and strong community support, the 2025 Custom Lithium Don River Dash has once again proven itself as a hallmark event for the Whitsundays.
Photo credit: Tony Hodgkiss
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