Most of the time, Birdsville is known as a town with a whole lot of nothing that is far
away from everything. But once a year this country blip 1,600 kilometres west of
Brisbane draws a 6,000-plus crowd to its racetrack for a weekend of equestrian
competitions and entertainment. As a testament to the event’s success, the races have been held almost continuously since 1882.
In 2018 the program will include a session that goes into the history of the races, as
well as a fun run, cocktail party, live music and performances by boxing showman
Fred Brophy. There is also a fashions on the field contest, so don’t think going
countryside means you don’t need to frock up.
Understanding that travelling to the event requires significant time and effort, a
number of towns in the Queensland Outback tag-team the Birdsville shindig with their own races. Swing by the Betoota (Horse) Races and Windorah Yabby Races on the way there, and barrack at the Bedourie Races on the way home.