---

The Birdsville races are held on the first Friday and Saturday in September every year. Join a non-stop party in one of the most isolated Outback towns.

The main race, the $28,000 XXXX Gold Birdsville Cup, is internationally acknowledged. It is said to be the Melbourne Cup of the Outback.

Can you imagine what it is like when a tiny town of 100 swells up to 6000 excited race fans within a few days? Not to mention hundreds of cars, caravans and light airplanes. It is an unique event, and you can experience true Australian joy and fun.

Driving to Birdsville is an adventurous journey where you can discover the wonderful Outback scenery, from whichever direction you come. Attending the famous Birdsville races is certainly an unique experience you shouldn't miss.

History of the Birdsville Races

The first races were held in September 1882. About 150 visitors, station owners and stockmen, visited the first event.

Apart from a few years during World War II, the races have only been cancelled twice. The first time was in 2007 because of an outbreak of equine influenza. Horse movement was banned in Queensland and New South Wales the week before the races. No horses in Birdsville meant no races.

However, this didn't keep people off, the festivities continued during the weekend.

The second time was 2010 when the main race day had to be cancelled due to rain.

The Birdsville Races 2010

Now 2010 was a race event that really made it into the history charts.
Troubles began when Cooper Creek cut off the Birdsville Track, and everyone was worried that the ferry wouldn't manage the crowds heading north to Birdsville. Now, somehow they made it.

The event started as planned, however, torrential rain on Saturday morning (the day of the Gold Birdsville Cup) flooded the race track. At first, the races were postponed from Saturday 4th September to Tuesday 7th September 2010. Still, the party in Birdsville went on.
Finally, the races had to be cancelled. In 128 years history, it was the first time the races were cancelled because of the weather.

Well, the wild weather also had thousands of (wet) travellers stuck in Birdsville for a few days.

Facts about the Birdsville Races & 2012 Program

Please note: The races & entertainment programs haven't been finalised yet, so below is an overview based on last years's programs. Please come back for the latest information.
The Birdsville Races 2012 are held on 31st August and 1st September.

• The racecourse is about 3 km outside of the town.
• There are 6 races on Friday 2th September 2011, and 7 races on Saturday the 3th September 2011.
  The XXXX Gold Birdsville Cup is the 5th race on Saturday.
• The entertainment program begins on Wednesday the 30st August and includes
          The classic films Back of Beyond and The last mail from Birdville, featuring the legendary mail man Tom Kruse and his 1936 Leyland Badger mail truck. Screened on Wednesday the 1st and Thursday the 2nd September 2010.
          Rare Footage rocks the races on Thursday the 2nd and Saturday the 4th from 8pm to midnight.
          Fred Brophy's Boxing Troupe is the last tent boxing show in the world. This year Fred celebrates 31 years at the Birdsville races. Don't miss his shows every night opposite the hotel.

General Tips for the races weekend

• Accommodation - The hotel won't be available during the race week. The caravan park doesn't take any reservations, but it is available for visitors, first in, first served is the rule. You can also camp on the Diamantina river. Portable toilets will be provided by the council. Showers are available for a small fee at the campground and on other locations in town.
• Supplies - Birdsville has two fuel stations, but no Autogas and leaded fuel.
• Food - The Birdsville Auto Centre has a general store, there is a bakery in town, and food stalls are located in several places.
  The race club offers a corporate marquee at the race track for gourmet dining. There are only 120 seats, so book early.
  For more information about facilities check out the travel tips page.
• How to get there? Take the Birdsville Track if you come from the south, the Birdsville Developmental Road from the east, or the Eyre Developmental road from the north.
  
  Update on the Birdsville Track: Cooper Creek cut the track the second year in row 2011. This is a rare event that happened 20 years ago the last time. Travellers from the south can use the ferry service (no caravans allowed) to cross the Cooper. An alternative route would be to travel via Innamincka to Birdsville.
  Check out the latest road conditions on the track.
  
  Greyhound bus runs a shuttle service from the town to the racecourse during the race days. There are several tour operators running tours to the races, mainly from Queensland.
  
  If you drive on your own, please drive carefully, don't drink and drive. Police will monitor the area around Birdville closely.
• Take an unique flight from Brisbane to the Birdsville races 2012. Click here to read more about Travel West's day tour to experience the races.
• If you are looking for a great Outback Adventure tour to the races, contact Voyager 4x4 Tours. They run a 10-days tour and iclude a visit to the races.

---