Don River Community Access Points
Can I buy 2025 Don River Dash Merch?
Not yet! Our merch should be available mid August. In the meantime, you can still purchase ’24 merch from the Shop button on our website.
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 Don River Dash takes place in the stunning coastal town of Bowen, in North Queensland’s Whitsundays region.
Bowen is conveniently located 200km south of Townsville and 200km north of Mackay, making it an easy drive from either direction. You can also fly into the Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine), which is just an hour’s drive from Bowen.
Whether you’re travelling by car or plane, getting to the Don River Dash is simple – and the destination is well worth the trip!
When can I nominate to race?
Bike and Car Nominations will open early to mid July 2025.
For Bike registrations, go to the following links: Bike Registrations 2025
For Car registrations, link is coming soon.
Where can I find the supplementary regulations?
2025 Supp Regs will be available early July.
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?
As much as we love our four-legged friends, pets are not permitted at the Don River Dash. This is both for the safety of all attendees and to comply with Motorcycling Queensland’s official policy.
Please help us meet our obligations to MQ and keep the event safe and enjoyable for everyone by leaving your pets at home. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation!
Is there entertainment over the weekend?
You bet!
We kick things off with our family-friendly community event on Friday night, and it’s one you won’t want to miss. All race vehicles and bikes will be on display, giving you the chance to get up close, meet the drivers and riders, and soak up the excitement before the action begins.
There’ll be a fantastic selection of food vendors, plus a bar operated by the Grand View Hotel to keep the good vibes flowing. Live music will be provided by the incredibly talented Jacynta Lee, and we’ve got a few more surprises planned – stay tuned!
On Saturday evening, why not unwind and explore Bowen? Enjoy a delicious meal at our sponsor, the Grand View Hotel, take in a stunning sunset at Grays Bay with classic fish and chips, or check out one of the many great local eateries around town.
It’s the perfect weekend to experience the thrill of racing and the best of Bowen!
Is camping available?
Yes. Competitors are able to camp at the showgrounds. Refer to the Supplementary Regulations for more details. For spectators, there are 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. While you are waiting for our 2025 event, you can watch last year’s race on our YouTube channel – check it out!
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?
Absolutely – yes!
Our event relies on the support of dedicated volunteers, and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. We need help with a range of official roles to ensure the smooth running of the event, including sweep riders, checkpoint staff, and recovery crews on race days.
There are also important tasks outside of racing hours – such as setting up at the showgrounds, marshalling vehicles before races, and assisting with site clean-up at the end of each day.
Please note: all volunteers must follow the strict guidelines set by our governing bodies. This includes a zero alcohol policy while in the river and the requirement to wear closed-in footwear at all times. For safety reasons, volunteers must be 16 years or older to work in the river areas, and per MQ policy, no dogs are allowed on the track.
We’re incredibly grateful for the support of every single volunteer. Keep an eye on our social media channels in June, when we’ll be calling for expressions of interest to join the team!
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.
