WAY OUT BACK
BIRDSVILLE – AT THE CENTRE OF IT ALL
It’s both miles from anywhere, and the heart of the action in September.
DISCOVER THE BIRDSVILLE RACES EVENT
THE RACES
Now in their 136th year, the Birdsville Races are an iconic Australian event. Find out about all the dust and the drama that has taken place on the first weekend in September every year since 1882.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
It’s mostly about horse racing, but not entirely… it’s about the fun and the fashion, too. Find out what else is on offer across the weekend, including the Annual RFDS Birdsville Races Fun Run.
BIRDSVILLE TOWNSHIP
There’s plenty more to see and do once you arrive in Birdsville itself for the races – including a visit to the iconic Birdsville Hotel and Birdsville Bakery, or having a quiet drink down by the Birdsville Billabong at the edge of town.
EXPLORE BIRDSVILLE AND SURROUNDS
When you’ve travelled that far, you’ve got to make the most of it!
Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre
If you want to speak to a local and get advice on what to see and do around Birdsville and The Diamantina region, there’s no better place to start than the Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre. For those requiring modern cons, the Centre also incorporates a library and gallery with wifi access.
Located at 29 Burt Street, BIRDSVILLE QLD 4482, within walking distance to the famous Birdsville Hotel, the scrumptious Birdsville Bakery, roadhouse, general store, post office and caravan park. You can also reach the centre via: Phone: 07 4564 2000 or Email: info@diamantina.qld.gov.au
The Birdsville Hotel
Known as Australia’s most iconic outback pub, The Birdsville Hotel has always shone as a beacon for thirsty travellers at the end of the Birdsville Track. Racegoers will enjoy good food, cold drinks, and outback hospitality. For more details, visit the official website here.
Diamantina River
This river connects Birdsville with Lake Eyre, and runs by the edge of town. It’s known for being wild and unpredictable during the rainy season, but around race time is a beautiful place to sit with a book, have a yarn with other travellers, and look out for native wildlife.
Birdsville Billabong
Easily accessible on the edge of town, this is a great place to swim, kayak, fish, or walk – or just to sit and admire the birdlife. IN the middle is Pelican Point, the swimming spot preferred by locals and the best spot in Birdsville to watch the sun set over the water.
Big Red Sand Dune
Famous amongst 4WD enthusiasts around the country, this monster dune marks the symbolic edge of the Simpson Desert. It’s a spectacular boundary marker like no other. You’ll find it about 35km from Birdsville township.
Burke & Wills Tree
Just outside Birdsville is a tree marked with the inscription ‘B’ and ’76’. It was so inscribed by intrepid Australian explorers Burke & Wills, signifying the 76th camping spot on their epic travels in the mid-1800s.
Birdsville Bakery
Another icon of outback hospitality, the Birdsville Bakery was the first bakery in town. It has been in operation since… 2004. That’s right, Dusty and Jacko brought the first bakery to Birdsville less than 15 years ago, and the Bakery has been perfecting the art of pie-making ever since. They have a range of delicious food on offer for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and trying their world famous curried camel pie is a must for all travellers. More information
Frontier Services Inland Mission Hospital
Established in 1923 under Australian Inland Mission, the hospital is an important part of the early Royal Flying Doctor Service story – it became the base for one of the first six pedal radios, which laid the foundations for communications between outback stations and the air ambulance service established by Dr John Flynn.
Waddi Trees
Not far outside Birdsville you’ll find the rare and ancient Waddi Trees, some of which are up to 1000 years old.
Registrations Closed
Registrations are now closed for 2019. To be notified when registrations are open for the 2020 Birdsville Races, please sign up here and we'll let you know.
