Tickets to the 2023 Birdsville Races will go on-sale today Tuesday May 9th from 10am AEST at www.birdsvilleraces.com as organisers gear up to run the most remote horse race in the world on the first weekend in September.
Staged in the spectacular Simpson Desert of Outback Queensland, the Birdsville Races have built a reputation as a truly bucket list adventure – with a rich history spanning 141 years.
“The remote setting and history of the Birdsville Races make it one of the most unique horse racing experiences in the world. Watching thoroughbred horses thunder down our dusty desert track is a true bucket list experience,” said Gary Brook, Vice President, Birdsville Race Club.
Ranked in the top 10 of Australia’s iconic horse racing tracks, the Birdsville race track is the only thoroughbred dirt race track to be included amongst the green turf of other renowned racing destinations such as Flemington, Rosehill and Royal Randwick.*
“The Birdsville Races is unlike any other race meet in Australia. We still stage some of the traditional elements of a big race meet such as fashions on the field and our version of the Birdcage with a gorgeous VIP trackside marquee – however we also offer the most amazing setting in the Simpson Desert and the whackiest fashions on the field dress up outfits on the first day of racing. And our after parties are legendary – with the town of Birdsville swelling from its usual 150-ish population to around 6,000 people enjoying a mix of their own campfire fun, a cold beer at the iconic Birdsville Hotel or Fred Brophy’s renowned boxing tent in the heart of town,” said Ginnie Hope-Johnstone, Event Manager, Birdsville Race Club.
The journey to the Birdsville Races through Outback Queensland is an integral part of the bucket list experience for grey nomads, intrepid families and young adventurers alike.
“Membership of the Birdsville Races Roadies is also available for free for all ticket holders. We’ve experienced great growth in this initiative in recent years and in 2022 we had thousands of racegoers from around Australia take part, making memories and friendships to last a lifetime on their pilgrimage to the races,” said Ginnie Hope-Johnstone.
2023 will see even more rewards, benefits and ways to connect with other travellers included as part of the Birdsville Races Roadie’s membership as well as travel routes designed to showcase the best of Outback Queensland – from artesian hot springs to Australia’s biggest dinosaur, bilby’s, Opal fossicking and more.
The recent rains throughout Outback Queensland will make for spectacular scenery for Roadies in 2023 whichever direction they’re travelling from. Rivers and creeks along the routes will be running, and there will be an abundance of wildlife and native grasses.
“The red earth of Outback Queensland has large swathes of greenery – it’s a rare occurrence to see the desert looking so lush. The Channel Country looks absolutely spectacular from the air with scenic flights available from Birdsville,” added Gary Brook.
The adventure continues when Roadies arrive in Birdsville, with outback entertainment at the iconic Birdsville Hotel, an outdoor cinema under the Milky Way, Fred Brophy’s famous travelling boxing troupe, camel pies at the Birdsville Bakery, sunset drinks at Big Red, paddle boarding on the Billabong and a round of golf on the Birdsville Dunes Golf Course where the red sand bunkers are nearly as challenging as the ball stealing crows.
Everyone purchasing Birdsville Races tickets before July 15th will automatically be mailed Roadies rally-style car sticker packs before July 30th. Alternately, for those hitting the road beforehand – or purchasing tickets after July 15th – car stickers can be collected in Birdsville.
The Birdsville Races is proudly supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar. The Birdsville Races generate millions of dollars in tourism spending for Outback Queensland, as well as being a much-needed social event for remote property holders and communities. The event also supports the important outback medical work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
The Birdsville Races is a full TAB meet with the combined prize money for the 13-race carnival topping more than $285,000 as well as bonuses up for grabs across the two days of racing. The TAB Birdsville Cup prize money is $42,000.
Volunteering opportunities also exist at the 2023 Birdsville Races – giving an insiders perspective on the event.
Volunteers receive complimentary general admission entry tickets and exclusive Birdsville Race Club merchandise. Interest in volunteering can be made during the ticket purchase process or via the website. Those who pre purchase their tickets and would still like to volunteer will be gifted a merchandise voucher to the value of Friday and Saturday GA entry instead.
What: 2023 Birdsville Races
Where: Birdsville, Queensland
When: Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd September 2023
Cost: GA Tickets $44.40pp
Obe Organic Pavilion trackside VIP marquee packages start from $332.05pp (tickets are limited)
More info: www.birdsvilleraces.com and tickets on-sale at www.birdsvilleraces.oztix.com
*Trip Advisor ranked
