Simpson Desert Racing Carnival

Experience the ultimate outback racing adventure at the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival!

Enjoy the thrill of the iconic Birdsville, Betoota and Bedourie Races held over three consecutive weekends from August 31 to September 14, 2024, in Outback Queensland.

Immerse yourself in live entertainment, race fashion, licensed bars, and genuine country hospitality. Camping facilities are available in Betoota, Birdsville, and Bedourie.

Betoota Races

Experience the transformation of the ghost town of Betoota as it comes alive with a vibrant mix of locals and holidaymakers celebrating the region's signature event – The Annual Betoota Races.

Held on the last weekend in August, the Betoota Races marks the beginning of the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival.

On Friday night, slip into your dancing shoes and dance the night away. Then, on Saturday, test your luck at backing a winner in one of the six thrilling races. Don't miss out on the Fashions on the Field competition, explore the stalls, and you might even win a lucky gate prize! 

Then mingle with the down-to-earth country characters living in isolated Betoota, which sits on a vast gibber plain surrounded by cattle stations east of Birdsville and west of Windorah. Once famous as a Cobb and Co change station, now a secluded lonely ghost town. Year-round folk are also welcome to camp by the riverbank of Brown’s Creek near the deserted Betoota Hotel and stop at Deon’s Lookout - a memorial with peaceful views. More info

Birdsville Races

Known as the Melbourne Cup of the Outback, the Birdsville Races draw crowds of 6,000 racegoers to Birdsville each year for two days of top-quality outback racing and entertainment.

 

Taking place on the first Friday and Saturday of September as part of the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival, the 13-race program features horses from across Australia competing for the prestigious TAB Birdsville Cup.

 

In addition to the thrilling races, the event offers a range of entertainment including Fashions on the Field, Fred Brophy's Boxing Troupe, live performances at the Birdsville Hotel, a Fun Run, the RFDS Gala Party, numerous food vendors, a giant auction, and much more.

 

With its rich history and unique atmosphere, the Birdsville Races attracts visitors worldwide, making it a beloved Australian racing tradition. 

Tickets are now on sale at birdsvilleraces.com

 

Bedourie Races

Get ready to dazzle in pink at Bedourie's highly anticipated Races!

All in the name of Breast Cancer patient support, the Bedourie Races marks the grand finale of the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival on the second weekend in September each year.

Join hundreds as they flock trackside by day in their finest pink silks to back a winner crossing the pink finishing posts. Kick on with live music and a fun-flowing bar once the races are finished.

Don’t forget to carve out time to enjoy the town sights including the restored historic Mud Hut, the Dust Storm Sculpture on Herbert Street, and the immerse yourself in the 22-person Thermal Spa with warm mineral water from the Great Artesian Basin.  More info