This past weekend I completed the 2025 edition of Dirty Boonah by Audax Queensland. It was my second year in a row tackling the 200 km distance, with other options available at 50, 100, and 150 km. The 200 is a very challenging ride, featuring just over 4,000 metres of elevation gain and two particularly long climbs in the 50–100 km segment. The scenery along the route more than makes up for these gruelling ascents.
The course is roughly 50/50 gravel and sealed roads. Apart from a short stint on the Cunningham Highway, the roads were very quiet throughout. This year, 13 riders took on the 200, with just over 50 participants across all distances. Numbers were about half compared with last year, which I suspect was due to Father’s Day weekend coinciding with several other gravel and road rides taking place in the region.
The event starts and finishes at the Dugandan Hotel—or “The Dugie,” as it’s known by locals. It’s a classic country-style pub and one of the oldest in Boonah, having been converted from a general store built in 1886 into a pub in 1913. Many of us finish the day there with a beer or two, a meal, and plenty of stories from the ride.
The scenery throughout the course is truly majestic. It includes rolling hills and farmland with contrasting colours of lush green crops and freshly ploughed soil, large paddocks of cattle and horses, the dense forest of Koreelah National Park, 14 crossings of the Condamine River with its clear, flowing water through Condamine Gorge, Teviot Falls, and spectacular mountain backdrops—many with sheer rocky cliffs.
A big shout-out goes to Sean and Justin for their volunteering and the hours they spent at their respective checkpoints waiting for all of us on the 200 km route. They provided an excellent selection of snacks, water, sugary and caffeinated drinks, and even essential riding supplies like tubeless sealant and chain lube. I really needed that chain lube after deciding to ride through one of the Condamine River crossings. Once my chain dried, the noise coming from it was horrendous—like it had been stripped of all lubrication—and I still had 80 km left to ride! Lastly, a huge thanks to Paul for organising Dirty Boonah and for all the work he does for Audax Queensland.
Dirty Boonah is a fantastic event, and if you’re interested in gravel cycling, it’s one that shouldn’t be missed. It’s without doubt my favourite gravel ride of the year. The sense of accomplishment from conquering the climbs, the stunning scenery, and the camaraderie will keep bringing me back.
