The red earth of outback Queensland is set to come to life with the thundering of hooves as the annual Birdsville Races bring thousands to the bush on September 2-3.
The small township of Birdsville with a population of 115 people (known as one of the most isolated towns in Australia), will welcome more than 7,000 race goers of all ages from across the nation.
Now in its 134th year, the renowned Birdsville Races offer an outback experience like no other.
Birdsville Race Club vice president, Gary Brook said seeing the plume of red dust and colour of the jockey’s silks against the barren landscape as the horses thunder around the dirt track is a spectacular site.
“There is no other race meet like the Birdsville Cup anywhere in the world. It really is a bucket list experience,” Brook said.
The two-day event consists of a 13 race program, and has a prize pool of $200,000. The event also offers a wide range of off-track activities and entertainment for race-goers.
With dirt as far as the eye can see at the legendary Birdsville Race track, the only flashes of colour come race day are the wide open cornflower blue skies, the jockey silks, dessert flowers and the fashion on the fields.
“Fashion on the fields is taken very seriously,” Brook joked.
“Whether it’s an Akubra, fascinator or sun hat race goers love to dress for the occasion and make a big effort.”
Thousands of dollars in prizes will be up for grabs in the competition which consists of six categories for men, women and families, and this year a novelty dress competition will be a feature of the Friday race day.
The Birdsville Races proudly support the Royal Flying Doctor Service and hosts a fun run to help fundraise for the service in their remote region.
Also on the agenda during race week is a gala Birdsville Races Cocktail Party, a screening of ‘Last Mail from Birdsville – The Story of Tom Kruse’, a huge auction, music by Paul Costa and X Factor’s Andrew Wishart, entertainment by boxing tent showman Fred Brophy, and an educational history of the Birdsville Races and tours of the historic town.
For foodies, there’ll be a variety of food truck vendors at the races, or the option of a luxury outback dining experience in the trackside marquee for those who have purchased a hospitality package.
The Birdsville Races organising committee comprises a network of current and passed residents of Birdsville, all keen to share the magic of the outback races – keeping the event alive and in the psyche of Australian punters.
