Kangaroo Kelly's Overview

Without question, this has to be one of Australia's most unique events. Birdsville is nothing more than a Pub, a general store, a caravan park and a few other outbuildings; its population is 326 people. That is for all the year excepting for the weekend of the Birdsville Races when the town's population swells to over 6000 people. Light and other aircraft are parked everywhere about the Pub and the bush race track. Many racegoers sleep under their aircraft, using the Town's public showers or the Caravan park showers. There are 9 cabins at the Caravan park, but other than that it is camping at the park or on the banks of the Diamantina River. Anybody who is anybody goes to the Birdsville Races. The event is held annually in the first week of September.

Your pilot will present you with your complimentary, genuine Akubra Coolabah Hat as a momento of your trip. After setting up camp, see the Birdsville Working Museum. Step back in time and go to the Wirrarri Tourist Centre for information, photos, videos, internet. Browse the street stalls & explore the town and visit the Blue Poles Gallery & Carevanserai. Mind you, the Birdsville Pub is busy and the place to go to socialize with the racegoers. By Monday morning, the empty beer bottle stack at the back of the hotel is sometimes can be as high as the rear wall.

Make sure you are at the Pub for the Race Calcutta, Bid for a horse, form a syndicate then ride the bus to the racecourse. To keep up with the social whirl, go to Friday night's party at Shire Hall. Casual Dress - No shorts, thongs or t-shirts.

There's live entertainment, food and drink aplenty and a program of events currently in planning to ensure that all visitors have a memorable experience on the weekend at the Birdsville Races.

The race is on Saturday. See the Birdsville Cup. Promotion Night - Beer Garden Birdsville Hotel.