2018 Birdsville Races

Iconic Outback Bucket-List Experience

The nation's most iconic bucket-list experience – the Birdsville Races – are set to return this August 31-September 1, 2018, drawing thousands of travellers to Australia's most remote town for a jam-packed program of thoroughbred racing, unique outback entertainment and wild and wacky festivities.

Tickets to the 136^th edition of the Races went on sale today, Friday April 27 through www.birdsvilleraces.com, with organisers promising one of the biggest and best programs in the event's long history.

A two-day racing pass starts at $69.90 and trackside hospitality options featuring a gourmet outback feast are available.

In 2018, the event will work with ticketing partner Oztix to meet widespread demand from around Australia as well as overseas.

Billed the 'Melbourne Cup of the Outback', the Birdsville Races see the tiny town on the edge of the Simpson Desert swell from a general population of 115 people to more than 6,000 visitors for a two-day, 13-race program, as well as a bumper line-up of film and comedy nights, live music, cocktail parties and Fred Brophy's famous travelling boxing troupe.

"2018 marks the 136^th year since racing began in Birdsville, and this year's event will once again present one of the best and most unique Outback experiences this great country has to offer," said Gary Brook, Vice President, Birdsville Race Club.

"The Birdsville Races are extremely remote in location – and that's part of what makes them so special. Nothing beats the sight of the horses racing around the bend and kicking up the striking red desert dust each year. It's truly a one-of-a-kind experience and something you should in your lifetime, especially if you're an Aussie."

Proudly supported by Tourism and Events Queensland's It's Live! in Queensland major events calendar, the event many visitors flock to Outback Queensland from the beginning of August – setting up camp early to enjoy the region's yabby races, street parties and various other events that lead into the big Friday and Saturday race days.

Throughout the event, wide open cornflower blue skies and parched red terrain dotted with unique outback flora combine to create a stunning backdrop for the race competition, while Birdsville transforms into a buzzing hive of activity with live music, cocktail parties and Fred Brophy's famous travelling boxing troupe.

As in previous years, outback fare will be a major element of the 2018 Races, with the Birdsville Bakery serving up its famous selection of curried camel and kangaroo and claret pies. Trackside, food trucks and gourmet dining vendors will deliver an international flavour to the quintessentially Australian event.

The legendary Birdsville Hotel will once again act as the resident watering hole for racegoers wanting to kick celebrations into the night, while Fashions on the Field will bring colour, character and couture to race days across six categories for men, women, families and novelty dress.

A much-loved charity element, the Races will also continue its proud support of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, hosting a 6 kilometre fun run to help fundraise for the vital service in their remote region.

The Birdsville Races organising committee comprises a network of current and former residents of Birdsville, all keen to share the magic of the outback races – keeping the event alive and in the psyche of Australian punters.

Each year, horses and trainers make the long haul trek to Birdsville, 10,000 kilometres collectively, from places as far away as Darwin, Tamworth and the Sunshine Coast. Upon arrival, they set up camp under gum trees alongside the Diamantina River – creating their own community that has become as tight knit as the long-term residents of the rural township itself.

Birdsville Races

Birdsville, Queensland

Friday 31^st August & Saturday 1st September 2018

Starting from $69.90

www.birdsvilleraces.com