The Outback town of Birdsville is getting ready to party as grey nomads and other travellers arrive for this weekend’s iconic Birdsville Races.
Extra police officers are being sent to the town in far south-west Queensland as the permanent population of 100 swells to anything up to 8,000.
The two-day race meeting, which has been dubbed ‘Schoolies for Over 50s’, begins tomorrow and the atmosphere is building.
“I’ve done eight races and they have all been really good crowds and we don’t expect it be any different this year,” local Senior Constable Neale McShane told the ABC. “Everyone has a good time and they enjoy the festivities.”
However, Constable McShane warns that motorists not familiar with the conditions should stay off dirt roads after dark.
“I think because we’ve had a large amount of water over the past four years, the kangaroo numbers have built up,” he said. “There are a large number of cattle that are on the side of the road and sometimes they sit in the road.”
Not surprisingly, the weather is looking promising for the big event, and the ABC reports that the hot and dusty conditions are not bothering anyone.
“We have had races where it has rained – 5,000 people trapped in the town in 2010,” said Constable McShane. “That won’t happen this year because there is not a cloud in the sky and no rain expected.”
Are you in Birdsville for the races? How is the atmosphere? Have you been in previous years? Comment below.
Nearly made it, broke down at the DIG TREE and had to go for repairs.
Maybe next year ??
Hubby & I went, thoroughly enjoyed it. The town atmosphere was unbelievable. We arrived 2 weeks prior to the race, and seen all the changes. We free camped out the road, where the council placed, portable toilets, rubbish skips, bags. Bus into town and races for the 2 days celebrations. Expensive place for food & alcohol, will take extra with us next time. Pub sells cans $6.70 each. Roadhouse is the only place to buy fresh fruit and veg and meat. BBQ chops $15 Kg. Would recommend you take as much frozen stuff as possible.