The gravel roads around Gympie are about to come alive, as the 2025 Accent Benchtops Rally Queensland gets set to host Round 3 of the Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship from July 4 to 6. With the championship heating up and a bumper entry list now locked in, this year’s event promises to deliver some of the most exciting action of the season, both on and off the stages.
Building on the momentum of previous years, Rally Queensland will again transform the Gympie region into a hub of motorsport and community celebration. The weekend will kick off with the popular Wheels on Mary Street on Friday night, where rally cars will be on display in the heart of town alongside entertainment and a party atmosphere that sets the tone for what’s to come.
Across the weekend, competitors will tackle 14 gravel stages, covering nearly 200 kilometres of competitive running. Saturday’s route will feature fast forestry stretches near Imbil and Brooyar, while Sunday will serve up tighter, technical stages that are expected to test even the most experienced crews. With cool winter conditions and a mix of road surfaces, tyre choice and strategy will be crucial.
The ARC title fight will be in full swing, with current championship leader Harry Bates aiming to extend his advantage. He’s expected to face strong opposition from the likes of Scott Pedder, Hayden Paddon, and a returning Toby Price, who is set to once again steer the Maximum Motorsport WRX as part of the popular Subaru WRX Challenge. Price’s presence is always a fan favourite and in Gympie, he’ll be right at home on the Queensland gravel.
Spectators will be well looked after, with designated points planned at key stages including the always-spectacular Brooyar Loop.
The Gympie Showgrounds will again serve as the event’s Service Park and Telstra Rally Village with organisers promising a bigger and better experience this year. From driver signing sessions and merchandise stalls to local food vendors and even a BBQ championship, the Telstra Rally Village is shaping up to be a major attraction in its own right.
Organisers have made small changes to the route this year to improve flow, safety and spectator access. Stage 1 will see a revised start due to changes around the Gympie Music Muster site, while some liaison sections have been shortened to make the event more efficient for teams and officials. It’s all part of an effort to raise the bar, not just for competitors, but for fans and volunteers as well.
The event has once again attracted a large field, 23 crews entered for the ARC, with another 35 lining up for the QRC and clubman categories. For many competitors, Rally Queensland is a must-do. The stages are rewarding, the atmosphere is electric, and the community always rolls out the red carpet.
This year’s rally also carries extra weight, as the ARC season hits its mid-point. With just three rounds remaining after Gympie, every point matters. A strong performance here could be the difference between leading the title and playing catch-up when the series heads south.
As the clock ticks down to rally weekend, all eyes will turn to Gympie. With a stacked field, world-class roads and a community that embraces the sport, the 2025 Accent Benchtops Rally Queensland is shaping up as a true highlight of the rally calendar. If you’re a fan of high-speed gravel action, this is one event you won’t want to miss.
