A True Outback Spectacle
Dubbed the Melbourne Cup of the Outback, the Birdsville Races have been an iconic outback tradition since their inception in 1882. What began as a small local event has grown into a two-day celebration that draws crowds of up to 6,000 racegoers to this remote town on the edge of the Simpson Desert.
Held annually on the first Friday and Saturday of September, the races feature a 13-race program as part of the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival, with horses competing from all over Australia for the prestigious TAB Birdsville Cup.
But the excitement doesn’t stop at the racetrack. Visitors can enjoy the lively TAB Birdsville Cup Parade, Fashions on the Field, entertainment at the iconic Birdsville Hotel, a fun run, the RFDS Gala Party, and a variety of local food vendors. With so much to see and do, the event offers a true taste of outback hospitality and fun.
Attracting visitors from across the country and around the world, the Birdsville Races are more than just a sporting event—they’re an enduring Australian tradition that leaves memories to last a lifetime.