the bush telegraph

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!

Yes, all forms of entry are welcome.

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!

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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. NOTE: We will be providing a designated camping area for Roadies during the Races.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

More information on what to see and do in Birdsville can be found on the ‘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

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.

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.

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.

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.

No dogs or other pets are allowed 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.