Kicking off the first weekend of September, the 143rd Birdsville Races will once again draw thousands to outback Queensland for two days of racing, revelry and country hospitality. Early bird tickets are on sale now, with general release going live at 10am on 30 May 2025.
Each year on the first weekend of September, Birdsville transforms from a remote town of around 100 locals into a buzzing hub of more than 6000 visitors, travelling from across the country to this iconic area where Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory meet. Known as the ‘Melbourne Cup of the Outback’, the Birdsville Races are about more than just horse racing — they’re a true celebration of outback culture and community.
The 2025 Birdsville Races festival runs from Wednesday 3 September to Sunday 7 September, with official race days on Friday 5 September and Saturday 6 September.
Early bird tickets are currently still available, so get in quick.
General release tickets, including access to the in-demand OBE Pavilion, go on sale at 10am Friday 30 May and are expected to sell fast.
Fast facts
Birdsville Races 2025
Where: Birdsville, Qld
- When: Friday 5 September to Saturday 6 September 2025 (with entertainment and events running during 3–7 September)
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Tickets: Early bird tickets out now and available online.
General admission will be on sale from 10am, Friday 30 May — head here to find out more . -
Ticket prices: (booking fees apply)
Early bird offer: Two-Day General Admission — $89.90
General release tickets:- Friday General Admission — $49.50
- Saturday General Admission — $59.50
- Two-Day General Admission — $99.90
- OBE Trackside Pavilion — from $310 (Friday), $360 (Saturday)
- Pre-Ordered Picnic Boxes — $60
Children under 18 are free but must be accompanied by an adult.
Set against a classic outback backdrop of red dirt and wide-open skies, the races are held on a track that’s as iconic as the event itself. But the Birdsville Races aren’t just about what happens on the track — the event brings a festival-like energy to the outback, with visitors enjoying everything from local landmarks to lively catchups at the pub.
Proud winners from the 2024 Birdsville Races
The Birdsville Races proudly supports the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS)
Support for outback Queensland
This year’s event carries added significance, providing a timely boost to regional tourism following recent floods across outback Queensland. With many landowners and towns still recovering, the influx of visitors for the races will offer crucial economic support.
“Outback Queensland needs tourism to help recover from the floods. Stock has been wiped out and it’s going to be years until some landowners fully recover, and this has a knock-on effect in small regional communities. Tourists can not only do good with the money they spend travelling to Birdsville, but it will also be an incredible time to visit the region”, said Gary Brook, Birdsville Race Club vice president. “We’re anticipating a bumper crop of wildflowers, there will be an abundance of wildlife and the waterways are flowing. The Channel Country really sings after rain so it will be spectacular to experience — and all roads will be open, allowing our roadies to come from all directions.”
Visitors from all over Australia help boost the economy of this remote region
What to expect
While the races are the main drawcard, the journey to Birdsville is half the fun — so start planning now.
“We know that the trip to Birdsville through spectacular outback landscapes and welcoming country towns is nearly as important to our roadies as the two days of racing. We love following along and seeing the camaraderie and fun had as they make their way to us”, said event manager Ginnie Hope-Johnstone. “We have such a broad group of travellers who join us. From grey nomads to backpackers, racing die-hards and families in between, the races draw a diverse crowd — but they all seem to have a similar spirit of adventure and love of a good time.”
Neodium — winner of the 2024 Birdsville Races — with the Brooks family
Alongside the action at the track, visitors can experience everything from Fred Brophy’s famous boxing tent — one of the last remaining boxing tents in the world — to red-dirt golf at the Birdsville Dunes Golf Club, camel pies from the local bakery and the unmatched hospitality of the Birdsville Hotel, which is the beating heart of the town during the races.
This year’s Birdsville Races officially run across Friday 5 September and Saturday 6 September, but the action kicks off well before the horses hit the track. Arrive early and you’ll catch live music at the Birdsville Hotel and official merchandise on sale from Wednesday 4 September. The Thursday before race weekend (5 September) is packed with highlights — including the popular Cup Parade, the RFDS Races Gala and two shows from Fred Brophy’s famous Boxing Troupe (the second show will go ahead based on demand).
Enjoy the laid-back festival vibes in an iconic outback Queensland location
Fred Brophy's Boxing Troupe
And once the last race is run, things wind down gently on Sunday. Local cafes and eateries will be open for breakfast, with most serving food until around 10am.
OBE Pavilion
For those looking to experience the races in style, the fully catered OBE Pavilion is a hot-ticket item.
“We encourage everyone who would like to experience the OBE Pavilion to get in quickly. Last year tickets sold out within minutes, and we had a lot of people asking how they could get tickets”, Hope-Johnstone said. “The answer is ‘get in early’. The OBE Pavilion is our answer to the Birdcage, albeit with dusty boots and a more relaxed sense of fun. Whether you’re in sequins or stubbies, everyone is welcome trackside in Birdsville.”
OEB Pavillion dining with a view
More than just the races
Birdsville and its surrounds offer plenty to explore beyond the race weekend. Make time to visit Big Red, the towering dune that’s a favourite with four-wheel drivers; the tranquil Birdsville Billabong; the heritage-listed Burke and Wills Tree; and of course, the much-loved Birdsville Bakery.
Good news for travellers: recent floodwaters have subsided and more access routes into Birdsville are now open. The Birdsville Development Road from Windorah is once again navigable by 4WDs, and the Diamantina Bridge has reopened after weeks underwater. By the time the races kick off, all major routes are expected to be open to all traffic.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned racegoer, the 2025 Birdsville Races promise a truly unique outback adventure. Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of Australia’s most iconic events.
Don’t miss out on this iconic event — grab your tickets now!
Head to the Birdsville Races website to find out more about the program, accommodation options and more.
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