Vacation Somewhere Different!

Birdsville Races

As an avid enthusiast of “Horse Racing” and an owner of a moderately successful mare racing in provincial New South Wales Australia I have more than a passing interest in major racing events around the world.

I have attended the Dubai World Cup, the financial pinnacle of the global racing calendar, and am drawn, like iron filings to a magnet, to the major racing events in the UK, France, Japan and the US.

However, by far the most unique horse racing event takes place in the middle of the Queensland outback on the first Saturday in September every year.

Birdsville is located on the edge of the great Simpson Desert, 400 kilometres from the nearest town.

There is one Pub, a racetrack and a few locals (mainly cattle station owners) that make up the local population (approximately 100 souls). Some of the cattle stations in the area are larger than some small European countries and is equally populated by beef cattle.

Birdsville was established by a few hardy souls in 1870 as a tent town, but by 1882 the town was fully established with a pub and the now famous Birdsville Races were first held.

The Birdsville Races is a week- long event with few hundred light aircraft landing at the dirt airstrip, visitors also brave the long drive on dusty roads to Birdsville and visitors camp at the local camping ground in tents and caravans.

As you would imagine the pub is the focal point of the town and entertainers are brought to the town for the week long party.

The pub has to order in copious supplies of beverages to supply the 6,000 revellers for the week long festivities.

On race day (first Saturday in September) the dusty Birdsville race track is alive with colour.

Fashions of the field still include a large array of hats (the broad-brimmed Akubra variety) and heels are generally “Boot Heels” (this is no country for stilettos). There is no mobile phone coverage, but you can still bet with the dozen or so local bookmakers. The race day consists of 12 races, the gala race is a 1600 metre event with prize money of around A$100,000 and the racing is of genuine quality with horses coming from near and far for this uniquely prestigious event.

All entry fees are donated to the RFDS (Royal Flying Doctor Service). Out here things have to be pretty serious before you call the Doctor and he then usually arrives by plane.

I for one hope to make the trip this year, as it is, by far the most unique horse racing event, combined with the true pioneering spirit that still exists in the outback today.

Author: John Rummery, Queensland, Australia
Submitted 18 January 2010

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