A 1967 MGB from Castlecrag will take part in a national charity car rally from Bathurst to Cairns in support of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Major Fundraiser Marks 35 Years
The 2025 Outback Car Trek is celebrating its 35th year as one of Australia’s largest charity road events. The trek has raised over $35 million since it began in 1990, with this year’s campaign aiming to contribute $1.5 million towards regional health services. The rally takes participants through outback towns across New South Wales and Queensland.
Route and Schedule
This year’s trek will begin in Bathurst on Thursday, 29 May, with participants making overnight stops in Dubbo on 30 May, Bourke on 31 May, Cunnamulla on 1 June, Quilpie on 2 June, and Longreach on 3 and 4 June. The journey will then continue to Julia Creek on 5 June, Karumba Point on 6 June, and Chillagoe on 7 June, before concluding in Cairns on Sunday, 8 June. Dinners and local gatherings are planned at each location, though the route is subject to change at the discretion of the event organisers.
Royal Flying Doctor Service Impact
The Royal Flying Doctor Service operates across 7.13 million square kilometres, providing round-the-clock aeromedical transport, general practice, and health clinics to remote communities. In many locations, the RFDS is the only available provider of healthcare services.
Castlecrag Driver Brings ‘Outback Tiger’ to the Trek
One entry in the 2025 trek will be a customised 1967 MGB known as the Outback Tiger, displaying the number plate “ZOO.” The vehicle features striking striping and has undergone recent aesthetic updates. The driver, based in Castlecrag, will represent the Lower North Shore on the long haul north.
Community Support and Fundraising
The Castlecrag entry has raised $8,865 of its $10,000 target as of the latest update, supported by both individual and business donors. The top contribution so far is $3,750. A QR code has been shared through the fundraising platform to encourage additional support.
Final Destination: Cairns
The rally will wrap up in Cairns, where accommodation has been arranged at the Pullman Cairns International under a discounted group rate. No prepayment is required for bookings made through the trek’s official link.
Local Involvement in a National Effort
The Lower North Shore’s contribution to the 2025 Outback Car Trek underlines the ongoing community support for rural medical services. With the event fast approaching, preparations and fundraising continue for what will be more than a week on the road across some of the country’s most remote terrain.
Published 13-May-2025
