Original Outback Racing: Birdsville Races EST. 1882.
Celebrating 143 years in the heart of Australia in 2025
Known as the Melbourne Cup of the Outback, the Birdsville Races draw crowds of 6,000 racegoers to Birdsville each year for two days of top-quality outback racing and entertainment. Taking place on the first Friday and Saturday of September as part of the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival, the 13-race program features horses from across Australia competing for the prestigious TAB Birdsville Cup.
In addition to the thrilling races, the event offers a range of entertainment including Fashions on the Field, Fred Brophy's Boxing Troupe, live performances at the Birdsville Hotel, a Fun Run, the RFDS Gala Party, numerous food vendors, a giant auction, and much more.
Outback icon Fred Brophy has announced 2025 will be the final year his legendary Boxing Troupe appears at the Birdsville Races. For 43 years, Fred’s boxing tent has been a staple of outback entertainment—bringing wild nights, big characters and unforgettable memories to crowds across Queensland. Don’t miss your chance to witness history and say farewell to a true outback legend. Join us for Fred Brophy’s final round at this year’s Birdsville Races!
With its rich history and unique atmosphere, the Birdsville Races attract visitors from around the world, making it a beloved Australian racing tradition.
In 1882, on the South Australian and Queensland border, 150 individuals gathered for the inaugural Birdsville Races, raising nearly 200 pounds by public subscription, enough to draw a significant crowd at the time – but a far cry from the $300,000 in prize money on offer today. This modest beginning marked the birth of the Birdsville Race Club. Over 143 years, the club has undergone numerous name changes, reflecting the town's evolving interests. In 1990, the Birdsville Race Club took its present name.
The track, once a simple fenceline with races starting by flag or cable raise, has transformed into a 2000m circuit, with the longest race – the 1600m Birdsville Cup – starting in the back straight. Birdsville is still one of only four tracks in Queensland that runs anti-clockwise.
The event's popularity surged in the 1970s when then Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser visited, sparking national interest. Today, the races draw over 6,000 attendees, maintaining a connection to its origins. Originally featuring local horses and riders, the races now attract competitors from around the world. The future focus is on enhancing facilities while preserving the unique Birdsville Races atmosphere, supporting both the local community and the Royal Flying Doctor Service Queensland.