Australia’s most iconic outback race meet, the Birdsville Races have been held since 1882 and continue to be a bucket list experience for intrepid travellers and punters the world over. Known as the ‘Melbourne Cup of the outback’, the two-day spectacular of thoroughbred country racing has become synonymous with plumes of striking red dust as horses thunder down the legendary Simpson Desert track.
Tickets to the September 2022 Birdsville Races will go on-sale at 9.30am EST on Monday May 2, 2022.
“The dust has barely settled on a historic one-off April race meet and we’re already gearing up to run the Birdsville Races in September again. After missing two years because of COVID, it’s exciting to be saddling up for a second edition of the Birdsville Races in 2022. We had a hot April meet with unseasonably warm weather so we’re looking forward to getting back to our traditional dates on the first weekend of September with milder conditions. This September, we’ll also be commemorating the Birdsville Races’ historic 140th anniversary. Whether you’ve been to the Birdsville Races before or are looking to trek out for the very first time, this September’s edition is an absolute can’t miss. Saddle up, because we’re about to throw an absolute cracker of an outback celebration!” said Birdsville Race Club Vice President, Gary Brook.
Much-loved television personality Sammie O’Brien experienced her first ever Birdsville Races in April 2022, and will return once again in September as the ambassador for the 2022 Birdsville Races.
“The April Birdsville Races were some of the best fun I’ve had in a long time! For a small town, they put on a very big show! There’s so much to see and do over the weekend, and I can’t wait for round two in September!” said Sammie O’Brien.
The iconic township of Birdsville – home to a general population of just 115 residents – will once again swell to host thousands for a renowned 13-race carnival and unique outback entertainment and activities. Travellers who make the pilgrimage to Australia’s most remote town will be treated to a bumper weekend of thoroughbred racing, plus a stacked lineup of outdoor film and live music, cocktail parties, pub festivities and Fred Brophy’s famous travelling boxing troupe.
The Birdsville Races are proudly supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland, and features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.
The races attract visitors to outback Queensland from the beginning of August, who set up camp early to enjoy the region’s yabby races, street parties and various other events that lead into the big Friday and Saturday race days. The Races also provide a much-needed social event for remote property holders and communities, as well as a vital economic boom for outback Queensland.
“There is no better way to experience the Birdsville Races and journey into Australia’s heartland,”said Birdsville Race Club Vice President, Gary Brook. “Roadies membership offers the ultimate road trip and golden ticket to lasting memories, lifelong friends, and unparalleled experiences in the amazing vastness of the great Australian outback.”
Throughout the Birdsville Races, wide open cornflower blue skies and parched red terrain typically create a stunning backdrop for race competition, with gourmet fare served at the trackside OBE Pavilion.
The legendary Birdsville Hotel also acts as an iconic watering hole for racegoers wanting to kick celebrations into the night, while Fashions on the Field brings colour, character and couture to race days across five categories for men, women, families and novelty dress.
A much-loved charity element, the Birdsville Races also proudly support the Royal Flying Doctor Service, hosting a five-kilometre fun run to help fundraise for the vital service in the remote region.
Following the TAB Birdsville Cup win of Echo Point for trainer Todd Austin at the recently completed April event, Austin will be out to achieve the rare feat of back-to-back TAB Birdsville Cup wins in September. If he does so with Echo Point, Austin will receive a $15,000 bonus courtesy of the Birdsville Race Club – the largest bonus offered in the 140 years of the event.
The Birdsville Races organising committee comprises a network of current and former residents of Birdsville, all keen to share the magic of the outback races – keeping the event alive and in the psyche of Australian punters.
Each year, horses and trainers make the long-haul trek to Birdsville, from places as far away as Darwin, Tamworth, and the Sunshine Coast. Upon arrival, they set up camp under gum trees alongside the Diamantina River – creating their own community that has become as tight knit as the long-term residents of the rural township itself.
Tickets to the September 2022 Birdsville Races are set to go on sale next Monday May 2, with organisers predicting the greatest incarnation of the Races yet as it returns to celebrate its historic 140th anniversary on September 2 & 3.
More info: www.birdsvilleraces.com