the bush telegraph

Fact or Furphy?

With the FAQ below we sort out bulldust from the bull…. for you.

ROADIES Membership

When do I need to join by?
The sooner the better to start connecting with other Roadies, however, registration will close off on 1st August 2022.
When will I receive my Roadies Member Pack?

Packs will be mailed from 1st July 2022, with the final packs mailed on 2nd August 2022.

Who needs to make the booking for my Roadies Team?

Roadies Team Registration must be completed by the individual that purchased the tickets to the 2022 Birdsville Races. Roadies member benefits for your entry will only be mailed to this individual. Please register all individuals who are part of your Roadies Team under the one booking.

Is there a cost involved to join the Roadies?

No your Roadies membership is absolutely free if you have purchased tickets to the 2022 Birdsville Races

Does my Roadies membership card provide entry to the races?

Strictly, no – you will need the tickets that you purchased on the Oztix website to enter the track. Your Roadies member card will be used to redeem any sponsor, hospitality, camping offers and prizes that may eventuate.

WHAT ACCOMMODATION IS AVAILABLE OR WHERE CAN WE CAMP?

Please refer to our state-by-state-routes on our Journey page.

Also, visit the Birdsville Races ‘Getting There’ page for information on accommodation options during race week.

WHERE CAN I OBTAIN FUEL/VEHICLE REPAIRS IN BIRDSVILLE?

There are two service stations in Birdsville offering both fuel and vehicle repairs:

  • Birdsville Fuel Service
  • Birdsville Roadhouse

RACQ breakdown service is available through the Birdsville Roadhouse.
Please note that NO AUTOGAS is available in Birdsville.

WHERE CAN I GET GROCERIES?

Selected groceries are available at the Birdsville Roadhouse and Birdsville Fuel Service outlets. A substantial number of mobile food vendors are set up in Birdsville during race week offering a wide array of food options for all tastes.

WHERE CAN I HAVE A SHOWER?

The Caravan Park offers shower and washing facilities for a small charge. Other shower facilities are provided by the local council and are located in the town. These are also available for a small charge. Due to the size of the crowd you can expect some delays in waiting for a shower.

HOW FAR IS THE RACECOURSE FROM TOWN?

The racecourse is approximately 3km south of Birdsville. A shuttle service operates to and from the racecourse in the morning and throughout the day. This service has pickup locations in front of the Caravan Park and at selected locations enroute to the race course. Part proceeds from this service are donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

ARE THERE ROAD TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS?

A number of traffic restrictions are in place during the Birdsville Races including reduced speed limits within the town and on the approach roads. Traffic police will be out in force and strict penalties will apply. A zero tolerance policy will be enforced to all traffic infringements. Police will be conducting Random Breath Tests both in Birdsville and along incoming and outgoing roads in the days prior and following the races. Campsites along the Diamantina are within walking distance of the town and we urge visitors to use the shuttle bus service to and from the town.

WHERE CAN I OBTAIN FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN BIRDSVILLE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA?

More information on what to see and do in Birdsville can be found on the Location page of this website. Additional information can be sourced from www.thediamanina.com.au of contacting the Wirrarri Information Centre on 07 4564 2000. or info@diamantina.qld.gov.au

General

Is the Birdsville Races Roadies an organised Rally / Bash?

The Roadies is not a ‘rally’ in the true sense. Along with other benefits, organisers provide Roadies with the means and tools to connect with other Roadies via this site, and via the suggested route and town stays, so that you can travel in convoy just like a rally/bash. However, it is up to each and every Roadie to organise their own trip and itinerary, connect with other Roadies, organise time of departure, etc. There will be no event organiser en route.

Is there back up mechanical support like a Rally?

No, you are responsible for your own vehicle reliability and safety. But there is nothing like the safety in numbers that comes with travelling in convoy!

Can I enter my plane, motorbike or bus?

Yes, all forms of entry are welcome.

What should I call my team name on my car door sticker and web profile?

Anything you like! You could be named after your favourite band, footy team, movie, or favourite number. All that we ask are the team names are inoffensive. So have some fun with your team name!

Can we theme our vehicle and dress up ourselves?

Yes, we encourage you to have as much fun as possible. Get into the spirit of adventure and fun by theming up your car, entry name, and perhaps even clothing that you wear en route to match your theme! There will be prizes presented in Birdsville for the best themed entries.

I want to become a Roadie, but I am not overly interested in connecting and travelling in convoy with other Roadies. Is this OK?

We understand some Roadies will want to ‘go their own way’. Roadies are of course welcome to arrange their own route – and that does not stop you from becoming a member!

Who does the Roadies Support?

Birdsville Races Roadies is an initiative of the Birdsville Race Club, which also supports the Royal Flying Doctor Service as the event charity.

Where is Birdsville?
Birdsville is a town situated on the edge of the Simpson Desert in the far South West of Queensland.

To find out more about Birdsville and places nearby to visit, click here.

How do I get there?
Please refer to our state-by-state-routes on our Journey page.

For tour operators see our Tours Information section. For air and self-drive see our Travel Information section.

CAN I GET MONEY OUT IN BIRDSVILLE?

The Commonwealth Bank has an agency at the Post Office with card access and the agency is opened over the races. An ATM is available at the Birdsville Hotel and EFTPOS is also available at various outlets.

HOW FAR IS THE RACECOURSE FROM TOWN?

The racecourse is approximately 3km south of Birdsville. A shuttle service operates to and from the racecourse in the morning and throughout the day. This service has pickup locations in front of the Caravan Park and at selected locations enroute to the race course. Part proceeds from this service are donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

ARE THERE ON COURSE TOTE FACILITIES?

There are up to 14 on course bookmakers accepting bets on all major race meetings across Australia including Birdsville, however no TOTE facilities are available. Sky Channel is televised on course and RadioTAB is available on 101.3 FM.

WHERE DO I PARK AT THE RACE COURSE?

Public parking is available outside the northern fence of the race course. A drop off zone is provide for the general public who wish to drop passengers prior to parking. Car passes are provided to BRC members, sponsors, officials, workers and vendors. No other vehicles are permitted within the race course.

ARE PETS ALLOWED INTO THE RACE COURSE?

No dogs or other pets are allowed into the race course.

CAN I BRING FOOD AND DRINKS INTO THE RACE COURSE?

The racecourse is a licensed venue and as such BYO alcohol is not permitted. The venue is also a glass free zone. Attendees are welcome to bring food and non-alcoholic drinks into the course. Please note that all bags and storage containers will be inspected by security prior to entry.

WHAT TIME DO THE RACES START AND FINISH?

FRIDAY – Race 1 commences at or about 1.00pm with the final race at 4.35pm

SATURDAY – Race 1 commences at or about 12.30pm with the final race at 4.35pm.

Race and Location

Where can I get groceries?
Selected groceries are available at the Birdsville Roadhouse and Birdsville Fuel Service outlets. A substantial number of mobile food vendors are set up in Birdsville during race week offering a wide array of food options for all tastes.
Where can I have a shower?
Public Shower facilities are provided by the local council and are located in the town adjacent the Wirrarri Information Centre for a small charge. Due to the size of the crowd you can expect delays in waiting for a shower.
Can I get money out in Birdsville?
An ATM is available at the Birdsville Hotel and EFTPOS is also available at various outlets. The Commonwealth Bank has an agency at the Post Office with card access and the agency is opened over the races. All visitors are encouraged to bring sufficient cash for the duration of their stay.
Will my mobile phone work?
Telstra provides a reliable 4G service in Birdsville and during large events.

Optus provide mobile coverage within Birdsville however data capacity is limited during large events.

What medical and pharmacy services are there in Birdsville?
The is NO pharmacy in Birdsville. The Birdsville Clinic is not a licensed pharmacy and as such prescriptions cannot be filled. All travellers are encouraged to bring with them any required medication. Emergency and basic medical services are provided within the town through the Birdsville Clinic and the Royal Flying Doctor Service is on hand in Birdsville during race week to assist in times of emergency.
Who to contact in case of a medical emergency?
Emergency treatment can be arranged by:

  • Calling 000
  • Presenting to the Birdsville Clinic – there is an emergency button at the front door.
  • Calling the Birdsville Clinic directly on 07 46563245.
Where can I obtain further information about what to do and see in Birdsville and the surrounding area?
Contact the Wirrarri Information Centre on 07 4656 3300 or info@diamantina.qld.gov.au

You can also visit the official travel site for the region to find out more about what to see during your time in Birdsville and the surrounding area.

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