The Inaugural Amazons Australia Adventure Race - A Resounding Success in Tropical North Queensland

The inaugural Amazons Australia, a world-first all-female adventure race within the prestigious Adventure Racing World Series (ARWS), has concluded with overwhelming success.

Mission Beach, Cassowary Coast, QLD – July 18, 2025 – The inaugural Amazons Australia, a world-first all-female adventure race within the prestigious Adventure Racing World Series (ARWS), has concluded with overwhelming success. Held from July 6th to 10th, 2025, in the breathtaking Cassowary Coast region of Tropical North Queensland, the event captivated participants and spectators alike, delivering an unparalleled blend of challenge, camaraderie, and natural beauty.

A Perfect Tropical Backdrop

The Cassowary Coast proved to be the ideal host, blessing the race with perfect tropical weather throughout the three-day stage event. Teams navigated through an incredible array of landscapes, from the dense, ancient rainforests teeming with life to pristine, deserted islands accessible by paddle. The iconic and elusive cassowaries even made appearances, adding to the unique allure of the region. Participants had the rare opportunity to swim in natural pools, a refreshing highlight amidst the demanding race legs.

A Testament to Female Endurance and Spirit

One of the most remarkable achievements of The Amazons Australia was the 100% completion rate. This extraordinary feat is a rare occurrence in the demanding world of adventure racing and stands as a powerful testament to the resilience, determination, and collaborative spirit of the all-female field. Thirty-three teams, comprising sixty-six women, completed all 3 demanding days and to become true "Amazon Warriors".

Exceptional Local Support and Hospitality

The local businesses in Mission Beach played an integral role in the event's success. They delivered first-class functions for participants, offering delicious food and drinks in stunning settings with panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding islands. This warm and generous hospitality significantly enhanced the overall experience, fostering a strong sense of community and celebration.

The resounding success of the inaugural The Amazons Australia was significantly amplified by the brilliant and proactive support from the local tourism organisations and the Cassowary Coast Regional Council. Their commitment to fostering events that showcase the region's unique natural assets and engage the community was evident at every turn.

The Cassowary Coast Regional Council, recognizing the immense potential of this world-first event, provided invaluable logistical, promotional, and administrative assistance. Their vision aligns with their Economic Development Strategy and Events Strategy, which aim to enhance the region's profile, contribute to economic growth, and strengthen sustainable events. This strong foundational support from local government ensured a smooth planning and execution process, demonstrating their dedication to attracting and nurturing significant sporting and tourism initiatives.

Furthermore, the dedicated efforts of local tourism bodies, particularly Cassowary Coast Tourism Inc. (CCT) and the Mission Beach Visitor Information Centre, were instrumental. They leveraged their deep local knowledge and established networks to assist with promotion, community engagement, and ensuring visitors received a warm welcome. Their collaborative spirit with event organizers helped to seamlessly integrate the race into the local fabric, creating a truly immersive experience for participants and highlighting the region's appeal as an adventure tourism destination. This partnership not only ensured the event's operational excellence but also showcased the Cassowary Coast's commitment to delivering memorable visitor experiences, further cementing its reputation as an emerging hub for adventure sports and ecotourism.

Mountain Designs: Official Event Sponsor

Mountain Designs were the official event sponsor for The Amazons Australia. As an iconic Australian brand synonymous with quality outdoor gear, their partnership was a natural fit for an event that celebrates endurance, adventure, and connection with nature.

Mountain Designs' commitment goes beyond financial backing. Their deep understanding of the needs of adventurers and their passion for the outdoors truly resonated with the spirit of the race. Their support not only helped cover essential operational costs but also provided invaluable credibility and excitement; ensuring participants were equipped (literally and figuratively) for the challenges ahead. Event organised Jan Leverton commented, “We look forward to continuing this strong partnership as we grow The Amazons Australia into a premier event on the international adventure racing calendar.”

Race Highlights and Winners

Teams engaged in a dynamic multi-sport challenge encompassing trekking, mountain biking, paddling, and precision navigation. The 3-day stage race format allowed for intense racing by day (up to 8 hours) followed by much-needed rest and social interaction each evening, contributing to the high completion rate.

The inaugural champions were:

Warriors Category: Spirited Women Chicks (Emma McCosh & Kym Skerman)
Legends Category: Spirited Women Hens (Debbie Chambers & Marquita Gelderman)
Tribes Category: Tri Adventure Snacks (Gina Dunsdon & Hayley Kellner)

A Bright Future for The Amazons Australia

The overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants coupled with the flawless execution and stunning natural environment, confirms the success of The Amazons Australia. The organisers have already confirmed that the event will be returning to the same region next year, promising another unforgettable adventure for women from around the globe. This will further solidify the Cassowary Coast's reputation as a premier destination for adventure tourism and underscore Australia's commitment to promoting women in sport.

The Amazons Australia has not only set a new benchmark for all-female adventure racing but has also demonstrated the incredible strength and spirit of women pushing their limits in the heart of one of Australia's most spectacular landscapes.

For further information visit;

www.amazonsaustralia.com
www.arworldseries.com
https://cassowarycoasttourism.com.au

Photographs by Margarete Oti