FAQs

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We’ve put together a helpful list of commonly asked questions and answers. Click to expand each one.

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Ticketing Questions

Where can I buy tickets for the Races?

All official Birdsville Races event tickets are available through OzTix. Visit our website from 9 May 2023 to access the ticketing portal. 

Tickets will not be available at the gate.

When do tickets for September 2023 go on sale?

Tickets for the September 2023 Birdsville Races will go on sale on 9 May 2023.

 

Follow us on social media and stay up to date with further ticketing information by registering for our newsletter via the link on our homepage www.birdsvilleraces.com.

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets to the 2023 Birdsville Races cost as follows: 

THURSDAY AUGUST 31, 2023

 

RFDS Birdsville Races Gala Admission – Adult 18+

$174.95

FRIDAY 01 SEPTEMBER 2023

 

General Admission Friday – Adult 18+

$44.40

General Admission Friday – Under 18

An accompanying Adult ticket is required to purchase an Under 18 ticket.

$0

OBE Pavilion Friday VIP Pass Adult 18+

$332.05

SATURDAY 02 SEPTEMBER 2023

 

TAB Birdsville Cup General Admission Saturday – Adult 18+

$49.50

TAB Birdsville Cup General Admission Saturday – Under 18

An accompanying Adult ticket is required to purchase an Under 18 ticket.

$0

OBE Pavilion TAB Birdsville Cup (Saturday) VIP Pass Adult 18+

$388.15

 

Can I buy a ticket at the gate?

No tickets will be available for purchase at the gate.

How many tickets can I buy in one transaction?

A purchaser can purchase up to 8 of any one ticket type as part of a single transaction.

Do I get a souvenir medallion with my ticket purchase?

Limited edition souvenir medallions are now sold separately and are not included in any ticket options.

The medallions can be purchased at the official Birdsville races merchandise van in Birdsville during race week.

Medallions do not entitle the holder to entry into the course.

How can I sell my ticket if I cannot attend?

Our ticketing partner Oztix has a live integration with Tixel to enable seamless transition of tickets from one party to another.

 

Do I need to be vaccinated to attend the Races?

No, there is no current requirement to be vaccinated for COVID-19 in order to attend the Birdsville Races.

The previous mandate by Racing Queensland ended on 14 April 2022.

Travel Questions

Where is Birdsville?
Birdsville is a town situated on the edge of the Simpson Desert in the far South West of Queensland.

To find out more about Birdsville and places nearby to visit, click here.

How do I get there?
For tour operators see our Tours Information section. For air and self-drive see our Travel Information section.
What accommodation is available or where can we camp?
Please visit our ‘Getting There’ page for information on accommodation options during race week.
Where can I obtain fuel/vehicle repairs in Birdsville?
There are two service stations in Birdsville offering both fuel and vehicle repairs

  • Birdsville Fuel Service
  • Birdsville Roadhouse

RACQ breakdown service is available through the Birdsville Roadhouse.
Please note that NO AUTOGAS is available in Birdsville.

Where can I get groceries?
Selected groceries are available at the Birdsville Roadhouse and Birdsville Fuel Service outlets. A substantial number of mobile food vendors are set up in Birdsville during race week offering a wide array of food options for all tastes.
Where can I have a shower?

The Diamantina Shire Council offers shower facilities for a small charge. The showers are located on Billabong Boulevard adjacent the Wirrarri Information Centre and Birdsville tennis courts. Due to the size of the crowd you can expect some delays in waiting for a shower.

How far is the racecourse from town?
The racecourse is approximately 3km south of Birdsville. A shuttle service operates to and from the racecourse in the morning and throughout the day. This service has pickup locations in front of the Tourist Park and at selected locations enroute to the race course. Part proceeds from this service are donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Road Traffic Restrictions
A number of traffic restrictions are in place during the Birdsville Races including reduced speed limits within the town and on the approach roads. Traffic police will be out in force and strict penalties will apply. A zero tolerance policy will be enforced to all traffic infringements. Police will be conducting Random Breath Tests both in Birdsville and along incoming and outgoing roads in the days prior and following the races. Campsites along the Diamantina are within walking distance of the town and we urge visitors to use the shuttle bus service to and from the town.
Where can I obtain further information about what to do and see in Birdsville and the surrounding area?

More information on what to see and do in Birdsville can be found on the ‘The Location’ page of this website. Additional information can be sourced from www.thediamanina.com.au of contacting the Wirrarri Information Centre on 07 4564 2000. or info@diamantina.qld.gov.au

Race Day Questions

What are the dates of the races?

2023 | Friday 1 – Saturday 2 September
2024 | Friday 6 – Saturday 7 September

How do I get there?
For tour operators see our Tours Information section. For air and self-drive see our Travel Information section.
Can I get money out in Birdsville?
The Commonwealth Bank has an agency at the Post Office with card access and the agency is opened over the races. An ATM is available at the Birdsville Hotel and EFTPOS is also available at various outlets.
How far is the racecourse from town?
The racecourse is approximately 3km south of Birdsville. A shuttle service operates to and from the racecourse in the morning and throughout the day. This service has pickup locations in front of the Caravan Park and at selected locations enroute to the race course. Part proceeds from this service are donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
How can I purchase a souvenir medallion?

The most sought after piece of merchandise at the Birdsville Races is a souvenir medallion.

Souvenir medallions can be purchased from the official Birdsville Race Club merchandise van situated adjacent the Wirrarri Information Centre during race week.

Are there on course TOTE facilities?

Yes, TOTE facilities are provided through an on course TAB van. There are also up to 12 on course bookmakers accepting bets on all major race meetings across Australia including Birdsville.

Where do I park at the race course?
Public parking is available outside the northern fence of the race course. A drop off zone is provide for the general public who wish to drop passengers prior to parking. Car passes are provided to BRC members, sponsors, officials, workers and vendors. No other vehicles are permitted within the race course.
Are pets allowed into the race course?
No dogs or other pets are allowed into the race course.
Can I bring food and drinks into the race course?
The racecourse is a licensed venue and as such BYO alcohol is not permitted. The venue is also a glass free zone. Attendees are welcome to bring food and non-alcoholic drinks into the course. Please note that all bags and storage containers will be inspected by security prior to entry.
What time do the races start and finish?

Day 1 – Race 1 commences at or about 12.52pm with the final race at approximately 5.12pm.

Day 2 (Cup Day) – Race 1 commences at 1.00pm EST with the final race (Race 7) scheduled for 4.45pm EST.

Please note that race times are proposed only and may be subject to change without notice.

Accessibility Questions

Are there accessible disabled toilets onsite at the Birdsville Race Track?

There is one unisex disabled toilet onsite at the Birdsville Race Track – right hand transfer.

What is the main surface at the track?

All dirt or gravel ground surfaces which means it can be uneven at times.

Is there a dedicated viewing or seating area on course for disabled and wheelchair access?

No, however, there are plenty of viewing areas available in GA.

Are there stairs at the track?

No.

Is there a disabled drop off point available at the track?

Yes, please register your interest via the contact us page on the Birdsville Race Club
website and a registration form will be sent to you to register. Applications open July 1.

Other Questions

Where can I get groceries?
Selected groceries are available at the Birdsville Roadhouse and Birdsville Fuel Service outlets. A substantial number of mobile food vendors are set up in Birdsville during race week offering a wide array of food options for all tastes.
Where can I have a shower?
Public shower facilities are provided by the local council and are located in the town adjacent the Wirrarri Information Centre for a small charge. Due to the size of the crowd you can expect delays in waiting for a shower.
Can I get money out in Birdsville?
An ATM is available at the Birdsville Hotel and EFTPOS is also available at various outlets. The Commonwealth Bank has an agency at the Post Office with card access and the agency is opened over the races. All visitors are encouraged to bring sufficient cash for the duration of their stay.
Will my mobile phone work?
Telstra provides a reliable 4G service in Birdsville and during large events.

Optus provide mobile coverage within Birdsville however data capacity is limited during large events.

What medical and pharmacy services are there in Birdsville?
The is NO pharmacy in Birdsville. The Birdsville Clinic is not a licensed pharmacy and as such prescriptions cannot be filled. All travellers are encouraged to bring with them any required medication. Emergency and basic medical services are provided within the town through the Birdsville Clinic and the Royal Flying Doctor Service is on hand in Birdsville during race week to assist in times of emergency.
Who to contact in case of a medical emergency?
Emergency treatment can be arranged by:

  • Calling 000
  • Presenting to the Birdsville Clinic – there is an emergency button at the front door.
  • Calling the Birdsville Clinic directly on 07 46563245.
Where can I obtain further information about what to do and see in Birdsville and the surrounding area?
Contact the Wirrarri Information Centre on 07 4656 3300 or info@diamantina.qld.gov.au

You can also visit the official travel site for the region to find out more about what to see during your time in Birdsville and the surrounding area.

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