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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 within a few days, not to mention hundreds of cars and light airplanes?

Driving to Birdsville is an adventure itself, from whichever direction you arrive. Attending the famous Birdsville races is certainly an unique experience you shouldn't miss.

History

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 once. This 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.

Facts about the Birdsville Races 2010

• The racecourse is about 3 km outside of the town.
• There are 6 races on Friday 3th September 2010, and 7 races on Saturday the 4th September 2010.
  The XXXX Gold Birdsville Cup is the 5th race on Saturday.
• The entertainment program begins on Wednesday the 1st 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.
• 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 is still cutting the track, 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.

One Day Birdsville Races 2010 Tour

Debbie and Graham Reid from Travel West Outback Tours offer an unique one day flight tour from Brisbane to the races. Here's your chance to visit the races in a truly luxurious style.

Saturday 4 September 2010 - Start early in Brisbane for a day full of excitmement. Enjoy refreshments and beautiful views while you fly to Birdsville.
Take a photo and have a drink at the famous Birdsville Hotel while you stop in town before your private transfer to the race track. Watch the races from the Corporate Marquee with lunch, nibbles, wine & beer included. Contact Debbie and Graham for details, and to book your tour.



Been there, done that? Tell us about your experience at the Birdsville races, we really love to hear from you. :) Click here to write your story, share a photo, or ask a question.

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