Don River Dash
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Welcome to the only two-day offroad race that sees bikes, buggies and trophy trucks race a reverse grid format through a multi-terrain natural course.

Inspired by the best international courses in the world, the Don River Dash attracts elite professional competitors and delivers more action for spectators in a world-class tourism destination.
Simply, unlike any other race, the Don River Dash is an unmissable event.
Plan to be in Bowen, The Whitsundays, from 4 – 6 September 2026.

RACE. RECHARGE. RELAX.

2025 LIVE STREAM Friday – Showgrounds Experience
2025 LIVE STREAM Saturday Race – Day 1
2025 LIVE STREAM Sunday Race – Day 2

 

2026 Event Schedule
DRD HQ MAP
Official Spectator Areas - see individual details under our Be Involved tab.
Track Map
Every year at the Don River Dash, we recognise two Every year at the Don River Dash, we recognise two people whose contribution to our event goes above and beyond.
There are never more than two awards. They are deliberately meaningful, deliberately limited, and reserved for people who truly embody the Spirit of the Dash.
This year, we are incredibly proud to recognise Dean Newton (Birdy) and Daniel Macdonald. 
Dean Newton – Birdy
Many competitors and crews will know Birdy as the bloke who recovered them — and he has certainly done plenty of that over the years!
But what people don’t always see is everything Birdy does behind the scenes.
He gives an exceptional amount of time, energy and effort to the Don River Dash. From helping prepare the track to recovery duties, Birdy just gets in and gets it done.
He is one of those people who quietly gives an enormous amount to make the event happen — and we’re incredibly grateful for it.
Daniel Macdonald
If there is a problem at the Dash, chances are someone has already said:
“Ring Dan Mac.”
Generator playing up? Ring Dan Mac.�Issue with the speakers? Daniel will sort it out.�Need someone to drive machinery through the river, weekend after weekend, helping prepare the track? Yep, you guessed it… Dan’s the man.
Daniel is one of the most completely selfless people you could meet. Nothing is ever too much trouble, and he never seems to stop supporting the event — or the people working behind it.
He is always there, always willing to help and always looking for a way to make things work.
Dean and Daniel are exactly what the Spirit of the Dash is about — people who give their time, skills and energy because they care about the event, the competitors, the volunteers and the community around it.
Congratulations Birdy and Dan. These two awards couldn’t have gone to more deserving people. 
And from all of us at the Don River Dash — thank you.
Finisher plates can be collected at the Showground Finisher plates can be collected at the Showgrounds (blue shed) from 4:30 - 5:30 Sunday. Please hand in your competitor wristband to receive. Just a reminder, we don't post these plates, it is in person collection only.
Results from Day 1 are now available on our websit Results from Day 1 are now available on our website.
Every year, Woolworths Bowen quietly donates hundr Every year, Woolworths Bowen quietly donates hundreds of dollars’ worth of grocery items, which the wonderful ladies of QCWA then transform into more than 300 lunches for our hard-working volunteers. 
It’s support like this that happens quietly behind the scenes, that makes such a huge difference to our event.
Thank you, Woolworths Bowen, for your ongoing support. We — and especially our volunteers — appreciate you very, very much! 
From all of us at Team DRD, thank you!
Campers & Showgrounds visitors — we’ve got a food Campers & Showgrounds visitors — we’ve got a food update! 
The news from our food vendors is that Grumpy Mas had a HUGE night last night and sold out of everything — including all the provisions they had planned for the rest of the weekend! 
So, unfortunately, they’ve packed up and won’t be able to feed you today. But don’t worry — we’ve still got you covered! 
☕ Dazza & Meraki are serving up your coffee fix�🍟 Spud Stop is serving up their delicious spuds, including GF and vegetarian options. �🍛 Sally’s Curry Hut is serving up the good stuff. �🍴 Meraki is also serving up plenty of tasty food. 
🍦Mr Whipsunday will visit regularly with delicious desserts. 
So come hungry, grab a feed and keep yourself fuelled for the day!
And a big PS from Grumpy Mas… THANK YOU! ❤️�They reckon you guys did a pretty good job of eating! 😂
We have a strict no drone rule at the Custom Lithi We have a strict no drone rule at the Custom Lithium Don River Dash. As you all know the helicopters chasing the cars and bike often fly very low and can appear out of nowhere ! We ask you to please respect the safety of these crews and leave your drones at home 🙏 tune into the livestream to catch all the excitement of the helicopter camera as it stream live to our Facebook and YouTube channels all weekend 

AORRA Australian Off Road Racing Association
AASA - Australian Auto-Sport Alliance
Mickey Thompson Tires Australia
Raceline Wheels Australia
RGM Maintenance
Follow on Instagram
Every year at the Don River Dash, we recognise two Every year at the Don River Dash, we recognise two people whose contribution to our event goes above and beyond.
There are never more than two awards. They are deliberately meaningful, deliberately limited, and reserved for people who truly embody the Spirit of the Dash.
This year, we are incredibly proud to recognise Dean Newton (Birdy) and Daniel Macdonald. 
Dean Newton – Birdy
Many competitors and crews will know Birdy as the bloke who recovered them — and he has certainly done plenty of that over the years!
But what people don’t always see is everything Birdy does behind the scenes.
He gives an exceptional amount of time, energy and effort to the Don River Dash. From helping prepare the track to recovery duties, Birdy just gets in and gets it done.
He is one of those people who quietly gives an enormous amount to make the event happen — and we’re incredibly grateful for it.
Daniel Macdonald
If there is a problem at the Dash, chances are someone has already said:
“Ring Dan Mac.”
Generator playing up? Ring Dan Mac.�Issue with the speakers? Daniel will sort it out.�Need someone to drive machinery through the river, weekend after weekend, helping prepare the track? Yep, you guessed it… Dan’s the man.
Daniel is one of the most completely selfless people you could meet. Nothing is ever too much trouble, and he never seems to stop supporting the event — or the people working behind it.
He is always there, always willing to help and always looking for a way to make things work.
Dean and Daniel are exactly what the Spirit of the Dash is about — people who give their time, skills and energy because they care about the event, the competitors, the volunteers and the community around it.
Congratulations Birdy and Dan. These two awards couldn’t have gone to more deserving people. 
And from all of us at the Don River Dash — thank you.
Finisher plates can be collected at the Showground Finisher plates can be collected at the Showgrounds (blue shed) from 4:30 - 5:30 Sunday. Please hand in your competitor wristband to receive. Just a reminder, we don't post these plates, it is in person collection only.
Results from Day 1 are now available on our websit Results from Day 1 are now available on our website.
Every year, Woolworths Bowen quietly donates hundr Every year, Woolworths Bowen quietly donates hundreds of dollars’ worth of grocery items, which the wonderful ladies of QCWA then transform into more than 300 lunches for our hard-working volunteers. 
It’s support like this that happens quietly behind the scenes, that makes such a huge difference to our event.
Thank you, Woolworths Bowen, for your ongoing support. We — and especially our volunteers — appreciate you very, very much! 
From all of us at Team DRD, thank you!
Campers & Showgrounds visitors — we’ve got a food Campers & Showgrounds visitors — we’ve got a food update! 
The news from our food vendors is that Grumpy Mas had a HUGE night last night and sold out of everything — including all the provisions they had planned for the rest of the weekend! 
So, unfortunately, they’ve packed up and won’t be able to feed you today. But don’t worry — we’ve still got you covered! 
☕ Dazza & Meraki are serving up your coffee fix�🍟 Spud Stop is serving up their delicious spuds, including GF and vegetarian options. �🍛 Sally’s Curry Hut is serving up the good stuff. �🍴 Meraki is also serving up plenty of tasty food. 
🍦Mr Whipsunday will visit regularly with delicious desserts. 
So come hungry, grab a feed and keep yourself fuelled for the day!
And a big PS from Grumpy Mas… THANK YOU! ❤️�They reckon you guys did a pretty good job of eating! 😂
We have a strict no drone rule at the Custom Lithi We have a strict no drone rule at the Custom Lithium Don River Dash. As you all know the helicopters chasing the cars and bike often fly very low and can appear out of nowhere ! We ask you to please respect the safety of these crews and leave your drones at home 🙏 tune into the livestream to catch all the excitement of the helicopter camera as it stream live to our Facebook and YouTube channels all weekend 

AORRA Australian Off Road Racing Association
AASA - Australian Auto-Sport Alliance
Mickey Thompson Tires Australia
Raceline Wheels Australia
RGM Maintenance
Follow on Instagram
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