Birdsville Races Town Celebrations

Birdsville comes alive during Birdsville Races week, with a packed program of entertainment, activities, food, shopping and community celebrations taking place throughout town.

Alongside the action at the racetrack, visitors can experience plenty of Birdsville hospitality in the town centre. Browse local businesses and visiting vendors, enjoy live music at the Birdsville Hotel, explore the historic Old Birdsville Hospital and Birdsville Courthouse, and join in a range of activities for all ages.

This year’s town celebrations include the RFDS Fun Run, Birdsville Whip Cracking Competition, Birdsville Horseshoe Toss, Birdsville Cup Parade, author event with former Birdsville policeman Neale McShane, merchandise, food vendors and more.

Thursday 3 September – Town Celebration Highlights

Thursday is set to be one of the biggest days in town before racing gets underway:

• 8:30am – RFDS Fun Run commences
• 9:00am–4:00pm – Daily tours of the Old Birdsville Hospital, Adelaide Street
• 10:00am–4:00pm – Birdsville Races merchandise and town vendors
• 10:00am–4:00pm – Experience Birdsville Courthouse
• 12:00pm – Birdsville Whip Cracking Competition, Vendor Area, Burt Street
• 2:00pm – Birdsville Horseshoe Toss, Vendor Area, Burt Street
• From 3:30pm – Birdsville Cup Parade, commencing at the Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre and travelling along Burt Street to the Birdsville Hotel
• From 5:00pm–10:30pm– Live music at the Birdsville Hotel
• 5:40pm – RFDS Birdsville Races Gala shuttle service commences
• 6:00pm – RFDS Birdsville Races Gala

Town Vendors

A variety of food, merchandise and specialty vendors will be trading in the Burt Street vendor area, including:

Bertalli’s Hot Potato Chips, Birdsville Races Merchandise, Birdsville Races Roadies, Frontier Services Sausage Sizzle, KleverCap, One Stone Crow Creations, Outback Cop – Neale McShane, RFDS Simulator, Sunliner Catering, The Phat Wag, Weyhill Farm Garlic Salts, Whitman’s Coffee, Wright’s Pick ‘N’ Mix Sweets and 3099 Jerky.

 

Meet the Author – Neale McShane

Wednesday 2 September | 2:00pm
Birdsville Courthouse, MacDonald Street

Meet former Birdsville policeman and author Neale McShane as he reads from his book Outback Cop, shares stories from his time policing one of Australia’s most isolated communities and answers questions about his experiences and writing journey.

Visitors can also step inside the historic Birdsville Courthouse and discover stories of law, community and life in the Outback.
Please note: Fees apply for the Birdsville Courthouse Experience - Visit the Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre to book.

Whip Cracking Competition

Thursday 3 September | 12:00pm
Vendor Area, Burt Street

Come along and show us your best crack in the Birdsville Whip Cracking Competition. Competitors can take on target whip cracking and trick/freestyle categories, with whips and eye protection provided. Prizes include vouchers from local Birdsville businesses and 3099 Jerky.

Birdsville Horseshoe Toss

Thursday 3 September | 2:00pm
Vendor Area, Burt Street

An all-ages competition bringing a little extra Outback fun to Burt Street. Throw five horseshoes and see how close you can land them to the stake — or score the ultimate ringer!

Birdsville Cup Parade

The colourful Birdsville Cup Parade will once again make its way through the heart of town on Thursday afternoon. The parade commences at 3.30pm outside the Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre, travels along Burt Street and finishes at the Birdsville Hotel.

Plan Your Visit

Town celebrations continue throughout race week, with daily heritage experiences, race-day activities, merchandise, live entertainment and hospitality across Birdsville.

Temporary traffic changes and road closures will be in place within the Birdsville CBD during the event period. Visitors are encouraged to follow local signage and allow extra time when travelling through town.

Whether you’re visiting for the famous races or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Birdsville Races week is an unforgettable opportunity to experience the community spirit, characters and hospitality that make the Diamantina so special.

View the daily program and event posters below for full details. For more info about the Races program at the track go to the Birdsville Races website

 

When

Location

29 Burt Street, Birdsville, 4482, View Map