One of the most iconic events on the Outback calendar kicks off today, with the Birdsville Races drawing thousands of travellers – including a healthy contingent of grey nomads – to the remote Queensland community.
Known as the Melbourne Cup of the Outback, the Birdsville Races have a rich history of dirt track racing, novelty fashions on the field and colourful characters, including the famous Fred Brophy Boxing Troupe.
The event also supports the important outback medical work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service through a themed ‘Birdsville Beachgoers’ Fun Run, and glamorous gala under the stars.
The combined prize money for the 13-race carnival tops more than $300,000, plus bonuses. The Birdsville Cup prize money alone is $60,000.
The Birdsville Cup Parade is part of the build-up to the main event, PIC: Peter Wallis
But, as always, it will be the social side of the event, as much as the racing itself, which will be the highlight for most racegoers.
For many grey nomads a visit to at least one Birdsville Races is on the travel bucket list.
And it’s guaranteed to be a memorable experience.
Bookie Graham Saunders hasn’t missed a Birdsville Cup since 1985, aside from the years the event was cancelled for Equine flu and Covid.
“I’ll never forget the first time I came to the Birdsville Races until I turn 100,” says Graham. “It was mind blowing – planes everywhere, buses, people all over the place, you had to see it to believe it. It’s just a good old fashioned country carnival.”
Graham says betting at Birdsville has changed over the years, as technology and infrastructure at the track has improved.
“I remember in the old days; they used to have one payphone and you’d cue up with your 20 cents to get information on a horse and form,” he said. “When I first started, we’d all be flipping through the Australian racing calendar … you’d all sit around for a couple of weeks, going through the books.”
Birdsville Race Club Vice President, Gary Brook, says Birdsville offers a quintessential Australian experience that can’t be found anywhere else.
“It’s the only place everyone wants to buy you a beer,” he said. “People in Sydney and Melbourne don’t turn around to you at the bar and say – ‘where are you from? Can I buy you a beer’?”
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Most definitely should be on the bucket list.
Just finished watching the 2025 race..fantastic and everybody has fun..no raised voices in anger..just lots of laughs and drinks ..e erybidy welcome young and old