Sunday 28 August 2016

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON – ONLY DAYS TILL ICONIC BIRDSVILLE RACES

All roads leading into Birdsville are open and ready for the influx of travellers set to hit town for the Birdsville Races next Friday and Saturday – September 2 & 3.

Race organisers have received queries about the impact a rise in the river might have on access to the area. In response, Gary Brook, Vice President, Birdsville Race Club says, “I can confirm that all roads to Birdsville are open - and that the moderate rise in the river poses no threat at all to access to the region, or to the races. We’re looking forward to a great event.”

Now in its 134th year, the renowned Birdsville Races offer an outback experience like no other.

About the Birdsville Races 2016

The red earth of outback Queensland is set to come to life with the thundering of hooves as the annual Birdsville Races bring thousands to the bush for the race that the dust never settles on.

Set in the Simpson Desert in the small township of Birdsville - population 115, known as one of the most isolated towns in Australia, will welcome more than 7,000 race goers of all ages for the hotly contested Birdsville Races.

The two-day event consists of a 13 race program, and has a prize pool of $200,000. Taking place on a Friday and Saturday, the event offers a wide range of activities and entertainment for race-goers.

With dirt as far as the eye can see at the legendary Birdsville Race track, the only flashes of colour come race day are the wide open cornflower blue skies, the jockey silks, dessert flowers and the fashion on the fields.

Fashion on the fields offers thousands of dollars in prizes and consists of six categories for men, women and families, and this year a novelty dress competition will be a feature of the Friday race day.

The Birdsville Races proudly support the Royal Flying Doctor Service and hosts a fun run to help fundraise for this vital service in their remote region.

Also on the agenda during race week is a gala Birdsville Races Cocktail Party, a screening of ‘Last Mail from Birdsville – The Story of Tom Kruse’, a huge auction, music by Paul Costa and X Factor’s Andrew Wishart, entertainment by boxing tent showman Fred Brophy, and an educational history of the Birdsville Races and tours of the historic town.

For foodies, there’ll be a variety of food truck vendors at the races, or the option of a luxury outback dining experience in the trackside marquee for those who have purchased a hospitality package.

What to see,  film, and photograph

  • The 134th Birdsville Races
  • Historic screening of Last Mail from Birdsville – The Story of Tom Kruse (This Kruse was inspiring young Aussies long before Tom Cruise became a famous actor!
  • History of Birdsville Races at the Community Halls
  • Royal Flying Doctor Service Fun Run
  • Birdsville Races Cocktail Party
  • Fashion on the Field
  • Paul Costa Show
  • The Andrew Wishart Show
  • Brophys Boxing Troupe
  • The best desert flowers in 20 yearsTown Attractions

Town Attractions

  • Birdsville Bakery

o Home of the famous Camel Pie!
o The Birdsville Bakery will serve up a selection of Aussie classics – with their menu listing everything from a bowl of Weetbix or baked beans on toast, to wattle seed custard tarts and a pie menu that includes curried camel and kangaroo and claret.

  • The Birdsville Hotel

o A legendary hotel that has stood on the end of the Simpson desert for years. It is located next to the airstrip and offers accommodation (outside of race week), hearty meals and cold beers for a true blue Aussie outback experience.

  • The Birdsville Track

o A famous 4WD track just outside of Birdsville township

  • ‘Big Red’

o a 40 metre high sand dune on the edge of the Simpson desert that challenges locals and tourists alike to get to the top of it to watch a spectacular sunset.

  • Diamantina River

o Great for a dip or a spot of fishing

  • Burke & Wills Camp site

o Marked by a party following in the footsteps by of the famous explorers. It is marked with a prominent blazed tree ‘C76 1860’

  • The Waddi Trees

o 6km to the north of Birdsville it is the location of the largest patch of Waddi Trees (also known as Acacia Peuce) one of only three such spots in the world

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