shallow focus photography of horse race
SportBirdsville, QLD

Birdsville Races

The Birdsville Races have run since 1882 on a dirt track at the edge of the Simpson Desert, and they remain outback Australia's most famous race meeting. On the first weekend of September a town of around 100 people swells to 6,000 or more for two days of racing, all raising money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

First weekend of September (Friday and Saturday)Paid

What to expect

Getting there is the point: most visitors fly in on light aircraft or drive the long desert roads and camp beside the town. Expect dust, heat, characters and a bar that earns its legend. It is remote in every sense, and unforgettable for exactly that reason.

  • Sport
  • Regional Tourism
  • Community Event

Getting there

No scheduled coach services reach Birdsville; it is deep in the Queensland outback, and most race-goers drive or fly in.