http://www.hemamaps.comBIRDSVILLE RACES, QUEENSLAND
SURVIVING RACE DAY
IF YOU think surviving the trip across the desert
to Birdsville is enough to prepare you for the
races, you’re wrong. As soon as you walk through
the gates to the iconic red-dirt racetrack, you’re
entering a world unlike any other. This is as
Australian as you can get, and there are a few
tips to prepare for the big day.
Eat a big breakfast. We mean a big, greasy,
stomach-lining breakfast. Outback hospitality
means beer instead of water, so you’ll want your
belly nice and absorbent for the day ahead. It’s
a drought zone after all and something has to
quench your thirst.
Prepare to walk. Remember when we said we
packed stilettos? We lied. Be prepared to walk, as
the racecourse is 3km south of the township and
there are limitations on driving cars to the track.
A shuttle bus is available from the caravan park.
Cover yourself with insect repellent – the flies
are enough to drive you insane.
Drink beer responsibly. There are plenty
of police around to keep things in order, for
anyone concerned.
Place your bets early. The town sees more than
7000 people travel to the racecourse to watch
horses pound the dirt. Expect it to be crowded
and disorderly.
The best part about
the outback races is the people.
Everyone is there to have fun and you’ll
meet some great people and hear some
amazing stories.
Anything goes when it comes to the dress code- no one is there to judge. In fact, one of the
races’ traditions is to pick your craziest costume,
create a backstory and spend the day as someone
else. There’s also a fashions of the field
competition for the ladies (and gents) who want
to slap on traditional race-wear. But don’t take it
too seriously and don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Our advice: if you’re not one to get into costume,
swap out the fancy shoes and fascinators for
boots and an Akubra.
At the entrance to the
iconic Birdsville Races.
Place your bets!The 2016 Birdsville Races are
on September 2-3. More info at
http://www.birdsvilleraces.com118 http://www.4X4australia.com.auEXPLORE BIRDSVILLE RACES