There’s a specific kind of silence that exists in the Australian outback, a vast, dusty quiet that’s usually only broken by the distant hum of an engine or the rustle of emus darting through the scrub. But for a few days a year, that silence is shattered by the Sunraysia Safari Rally.
If you’re familiar with the legendary Dakar Rally, you know the drill: grueling stages, navigation nightmares, and machines pushed to their absolute breaking point. The Sunraysia Safari Rally, initially held in 2017 but traces its roots back to the 1970’s, brings that same spirit to the Australian landscape, but with a unique, grassroots flavour that you just don’t get on the world stage. We were invited to join the rear of the Rally by Subaru, and it was amazing.
More Than Just a Rally
This isn’t your typical special stage rally where you’re darting around a forest track for a few minutes at a time. This is cross-country rallying in its rawest form. We’re talking about competitive stages that stretch for 248 kilometres in a single, breathless hit. To put that into perspective, imagine driving from Melbourne to Albury on a goat track at full speed, non-stop.
Over four days, competitors chew through 1,179 competitive kilometres, with another 1,300-plus kilometers of transit on public roads. By the time Saturday afternoon rolls around, if you’re on a motorbike, your body feels like it’s been through a safari, because, quite literally, it has.
The “Rough as Guts” Reality
What makes this event truly special, and what sets it apart from the manicured, polished drive programs we often see, is the terrain. This isn’t a curated experience designed to keep your car’s suspension pristine. It is, as the organisers put it, “rough as guts.”
You’re driving on private, working farms. These aren’t purpose-built tracks; they are the veins of the outback. The landowners in this district are the unsung heroes of the event, generously opening their gates and, in some cases, firing up heavy machinery to grade new roads just to keep the rally moving.
“The landowners happily say, ‘Oh, that road’s a bit boring. How about I cut a new one through the trees?’ and the whole community just embraces it,” the organizer notes. It’s a rare, symbiotic relationship between motorsport and the land.
A Journey Through History
The route isn’t just a test of driving skill; it’s a trip through time. For example, the afternoon section takes participants through the Tarcoola property near Pooncarie, a place steeped in history. This is the very ground where the ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition camped on their historic journey.
Standing on the banks of the Darling River today, it’s hard to imagine that this was once a bustling inland port, with paddle steamers churning up and down the water. Now, it’s a quiet, picturesque stretch of the outback, but the history remains etched into the landscape.
Community at the Core
Perhaps the most heartwarming aspect of the Sunraysia Safari Rally is the community involvement. When the rally rolls into Pooncarie for lunch, it’s not just a pit stop; it’s the biggest fundraising event of the year for the local primary school, which has a student body of just six kids.
It’s a reminder that motorsport, at its best, is about more than just the fastest time or the most capable vehicle. It’s about the people who open their gates, the schools that serve lunch, and the shared passion for the road, no matter how bumpy that road might be.
The Road Ahead
After a challenging few years navigating border closures and the logistical nightmare of COVID-19 (where organizers were split across state lines for months) the event has emerged stronger than ever.
Whether you’re a seasoned rally veteran or just someone who appreciates the sheer grit of outback driving, the Sunraysia Safari Rally offers an experience that’s becoming increasingly rare. It’s raw, it’s dusty, and it’s undeniably authentic. So, if you ever get the chance to trade the tarmac for the red dirt, take it. Just make sure you’ve had your coffee, checked your route instructions, and are ready for the ride of a lifetime .
