Join the Outback Convoy

Brisbane - Rockhampton - Emerald - Barcaldine and Longreach

For those driving to the Outback Regatta in Barcaldine and Longreach,  join the Outback Convoy — a unique road trip experience taking the boats from Brisbane following the M1 to Rockhampton then onto the Australian Outback Rowing Regatta. Along the way, we’ll stop to row at iconic inland waterways and enjoy regional hospitality.

Convoy Itinerary

Wednesday – Rockhampton Welcome
Kick things off with a welcome dinner hosted by our Rockhampton friends at the Red Lion Hotel.

Thursday – King of the Fitzroy  & Emerald Arrival
Kick off the day with a 6:00am breakfast at Rockhampton Grammar School before heading to the Fitzroy River.  

Once a much-loved race in the region, King of the Fitzroy is being re-engaged as part of the Outback Convoy experience. Launching from the Rockhampton Fitzroy Rowing Club, this revived event offers crews the chance to race (or paddle with purpose) in mixed line-ups.

Please arrive by 8:30am to help unload boats and get ready to row. Crews will be made up of either existing race line-ups or mixed combinations, depending on numbers.

Following the session, boats will be reloaded, and we’ll enjoy a 1:00pm lunch at The Great Western Hotel before continuing the journey to Emerald.

Don’t forget to book your own accommodation in Emerald. That evening, we’ll reconnect for a Convoy Dinner at a local pub, proudly sponsored by Queensland Tourism.

Friday – Row on Fairbairn Dam & BBQ in Alpha
The convoy continues with a morning row on Fairbairn Dam near Emerald – meet at 7:00am. This vast waterway, twice the size of Sydney Harbour, supplies water for agriculture and mining across the region. Crews will mix and match for a fun paddle before boats are packed up again (ETD 11:00am).

Lunch is a classic Outback BBQ in Alpha, hosted by the Alpha Show Society 12:30.
After lunch, we continue west to arrive in Barcaldine late afternoon.

Monday – Return Journey to Brisbane
The return leg departs early Monday. Plan for a 12-hour drive to Toowoomba, with a convoy dinner planned for 6:30pm at the Royal Hotel.

Prefer a slower trip? Take the inland route back, and enjoy extra rowing stops at scenic outback locations.

Register to Join the Convoy

Be part of this unique rowing adventure. Register now and we’ll keep you updated with route details, activity plans, and convoy logistics.

Any questions? email the Outback Rowing team.