Birdsville lies in far east Queensland, just 149km away from the border of Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Birdsville has been around since 1881 when the first store was built, known locally as "Diamantina Crossing". It wasn't until 1885 it became known as Birdsville.  There are two theories behind the naming of the town.  The first theory is that it was named by a local, Robert Frew who gave the town the name as an acknowledgement to the birdlife of the area.  The other theory is attributed to the locals of the area wanting to name it Burtsville (after the popular settler, J. Burt).  Burt declined the offer and the name was changed to Birdsville as a compromise.  To the east of the town is the Diamantina River, which was named in 1866 by William Landsborough, an explorer.

In 1888, Birdsville was regarded as a flourishing town, raising enormous revenue from customs at the border crossing.  But the federation of Australia in 1901 meant no more border taxes could be collected.

The races themselves have been going on for over a century, the first race was held in Birdsville in 1882.   Birdsville has plenty to offer, such as the Museum and National Park, to the rare flora and fauna, such as Kowari, Peregrine Falcon and the rare Waddi Trees.  Birdsville boasts modern telephone facilities, first installed in 1976, only 90 years after the initial application for a telegraph was placed.

The races have become a tradition, an Australian icon and something to remember.   Have a look at the happy faces of past visitors to Birdsville Races.

Ask Mick about flights to Birdsville Races from Brisbane.