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.
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.
Travelling as a group? Hire a bus with a driver
Tell us about the trip and we'll connect you with an accredited charter operator — minibus to full-size coach, anywhere in Australia. The operator quotes you directly; AusBus adds no fees.