Don River Community Access Points
Can I buy DRD24 Merch now?
Yes, you can, limited quantities of DRD24 Merchandise are available for mail order. Click on the link below.
How do I become a member of the Burdekin Offroaders Club?
Simply click on the URL below and follow the process. If you have any questions, please contact the club.
Where is the Don River Dash held and how do I get there?
The Bowne Rail Company Don River Dash is held in the beautiful Whitsundays town of Bowen, North Queensland. Bowen is 200km south of Townsville and 200km north of Mackay. It is also easily accessible through the Whitsunday Airport which is 1 hour and 12 minutes drive from Bowen.
How do I nominate to race?
Bike and Car Nominations will open mid 2025.
For all competitor information, go to the following links: Coming SOON
Is the Don River Dash family friendly?
Absolutely! In fact, it tends to have the ability to bring out the little kid in all of us. We all love watching fast bikes, buggies and cars shooting down the river bed. Choose a favourite and cheer them on! Plus, there is also a chance to get up close and personal with the vehicles and drivers, bikes and riders at our family friendly Friday night community event.
Is the Don River Dash Pet friendly?
We love our four-legged friends, but for the safety of everyone at DRDHQ – Bowen Showgrounds, this year’s event will be a NO PET zone.
With almost 1000 people camping, numerous moving vehicles, and children playing, we want to ensure a safe environment for all. Please kindly leave your pets at home and help us keep the event safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
Is there entertainment over the weekend?
Yes, Watch this space for updates!
Is camping available?
Yes. Competitors are able to camp at the showgrounds. Camping can only be purchased with nominations. Contact admin@donriverdash.com.au if you have any questions. For spectators other camping sites and caravan parks are available across Bowen. Check out our Stay and Play page for more.
Where can we stay in Bowen if we aren’t camping?
With so many gorgeous beaches to explore, Bowen has plenty of motels, hotels, resorts and other accommodation options to stay in. Check out our Stay and Play page to find the accommodation that suits you best.
Will there be live commentary of the race?
Yes, there will be live commentary via Live Streaming. More info to come!
Where is the best place for spectators to view the race?
While there are multiple areas for people to view the race, there are two purpose-built spectator points that offer prime viewing. The Telegraph Road and Gladstone Park Road spectator areas are set up to catch all the best action. You can find the roads on Google Maps and then follow the signs when you’re close.
Where is the best place for spectators to park?
Will there be food and drinks?
We will have a number of quality food and beverage providers at our Friday night community event, and at spectator areas on Saturday and Sunday. And, we will also have dedicated food vendors at the showgrounds to keep our camping competitors refuelled and ready to race.
Can competitors pre-run the river?
Yes. The river is a public space so pre-running can be done anytime through the year. Please be mindful there are crossings in the river that are public roads, so be watch for traffic.
Can spectators watch the race in the river bed?
Short answer is NO.
QLD Police will be assisting DRD officials to move all spectators out of the riverbed for the safety of the Competitors and Spectators.
Notice to Spectators: Spectators are warned that Motorsport is dangerous, and accidents can and do happen. All care is taken to protect the public, but spectators are warned that there is a possibility of an accident-causing personal injury, death, economic loss or property damage.
The spectator acknowledges that entry into the vicinity of the event has a degree of danger and that the promoter, clubs, corporations, organisations, participants and other persons having any connection with the promoting, organising or conduct of the event shall have no liability, either in tort or contract, for any personal injury, death, economic loss or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, to the spectator except in regard to any rights that spectator may have arising under the Civil Liability Act 2003 (QLD) and the Australian Consumer Law.
Further detailed information available: Standing Regulations.
Can I volunteer?
There are a number of official volunteer roles that we need filled in order to run our event. We have roles for sweeps, recovery crews, checkpoint crews among other roles. We would love for you to register as a volunteer. Many hands make light work and without an army of volunteers DRD would not be the success it is. Complete this form, if you have any questions, head to our contact page and we will get back to you asap.
Will there be toilet facilities available?
Yes. Competitor facilities will be located at the Showgrounds. Spectator facilities will be located at Russells Crossing aka Pat McDonnell Earthmoving Spectator Area & Whitsunday Ag Services Spectator area at Gladstone Park Road.
Where can we stay in Bowen?
Upon nominations, competitors can register and pay to stay at DRD HQ (Bowen Showgrounds) Spectators can book accommodation via our website www.donriverdash.com.au by selecting the BOOK HERE button.
Is there an age requirement to ride at DRD?
Bikes – This event is a seniors-only event, you must be over 16 and hold a MQ Senior Licence.
