Being stuck indoors has been one of the major downfalls of recent times, which is why the 2021 Don River Dash 300 brings excitement to the town of Bowen.
An off-road, multi-terrain race that spans over the course of 2 days, the event is suited for buggies and bikes among the bed of the Don River near Bowen, in the North Queensland Whitsunday region. Consisting of 3 x 50 kilometre loops in the river bed, there is guaranteed to be plenty of action throughout the course. The event is unique, even for off road enthusiasts, given the course happening on a dry river bed.
Held every September, this year’s event kicks off on 11 September to 12 September 2021.
Starting from the Bowen Showgrounds, teams will head down closed off tarmac roads before descending onto the track entering the Don River. Competitors will be faced with some challenging obstacles such as large rocks, a ton of debris and deep sand. The track heads upstream in the riverbed for approximately 25 kilometres until reaching a turnaround point, headed back down the other side of the riverbed. Once the three laps around the river are done, competitors will head back to the finish line in Bowen making it a total distance of around 160 kilometres. One part of the circuit will see competitors racing underneath the Bruce Highway.
With the Spring weather setting in slowly, it’s a fantastic time of year to host the event with the location visually spectacular.
The highlight of the Don River Dash goes far beyond the adrenaline rushing excitement of watching the vehicle’s maneuver their way around the terrain. The event brings the community closer together, giving the town a chance to celebrate amid the pandemic happening around. This year, the Don River Dash 300 is supported by Pat McDonnell Earthmoving and the Whitsunday Regional Council.
2021’s Don River Dash 300 will be the third time the event has ever been held, with last year seeing some thrilling action hosting 75 drivers and 140 bike riders. Defending champion Billy Geddes attended last year in his Geisel Bros trophy Truck, with Toby Price heading the bike riders with his KTM bike after also competing in his class 4 truck “Hellboy”. Competition was tough last year, seeing the likes of the Chapman brothers, Jake Swinglehurst, and Bailey Coxon to name a few.
Don River Dash registration details
It’s more than an off road race, the Don River Dash is a destination experience attended by many off road enthusiasts looking for some fast and furious action.
Last year’s entries came in quick, filling up spots without hesitation. And if social media is a good indication of how things will go, this year’s registration is predicted to be the same. Registrations opened on Monday 25 July 2021 at 9am.
The dual car and motorbike event has a competitor cap of 100 cars and 250 bikes. There are three steps to the entry process with Step 1 requiring minimal details and an entry fee, with the full registration process detailed on the Off Road Racing events page.
The best vantage points for the Don River Dash 300
There’s no better place to sit back and enjoy the action than in the designated spectator areas along the Don River banks. These designated spots
Other great vantage points include the start line in Bowen township to see the racers off, or the turnaround point approximately 25 kilometres upstream.
As part of 2020’s improvements, the host of the Don River Dash 300 will be continuing improving communications with spectators and fans. This will include running a local FM radio station to broadcast commentary of the race, which fans and spectators can tune into to keep updated with what’s happening in the race. So, don’t forget to tune in when parked in a designated spectator area along the course.
There will also be some live-streaming action on the Burdekin Offoraders Facebook page for those who can’t make it live.
Make the most of the 2021 Don River Dash 300
Given that you’re in the area, why not head to the Grand View Hotel in Bowen for an exceptional dining experience.
Promising the best and freshest local produce, the restaurant is headed by professional chefs that have curated magnificent meals which have proved popular among locals and tourists alike.
From lunch specials such as stone baked pizzas, loaded street meat fries, chicken ceasar wraps, and pork sausage rolls to all-time classics including ginger beer battered fish and chips, premium rump steaks, spicy Rhode Island calamari, and more, there’s something for everyone.
Oh, and if the heat does overwhelm you when spectating the Don River Dash, a cold beer on tap at the Grand View Hotel will win your heart and appetite.
