The 2026 Birdsville Races, the Melbourne Cup of the Outback, are locked in for their 144th running on September 4-5, with early bird tickets bolting out of the gates today.
From today at 10am, subscribers to the Birdsville Races database have the first opportunity to purchase a limited number of discounted tickets to the bucket list event, with the general public able to access the discount offer from tomorrow, April 21.
Tickets are available via www.birdsvilleraces.com
Full ticket sales, including the prized OBE Pavilion trackside marquee and RFDS Gala, will open April 28 – with Pavilion tickets selling out within minutes in previous years.
Set on a red dirt track carved out of the desert, the iconic Birdsville Races see the township swell from around 100 people to more than 6,000 punters, revellers and outback diehards chasing two days of racing and revelry.
Billed as one of the world’s most remote race meets, the 2026 Birdsville Races will be the biggest event staged in Outback Queensland this year.
Following widespread flooding earlier in the year, the usually harsh landscape is shaping up as a once-in-a-generation spectacle across coming months – with wildflowers and an explosion in wildlife expected across the Simpson desert region.
Birdsville Race Club President David Brook said snapping up early bird tickets this year made more sense than ever.
“We know budgets are tighter, so getting in early and saving on tickets is a smart play. Despite our costs rising we have worked hard to ensure we can maintain our ticket prices at the same level as last year to also help budgets. And once in Birdsville there is a large amount of free, pet-friendly camping that can be accessed – before, during and after the races,” added David Brook.
“What people will see on the way to and in Birdsville this year will be something special. The Outback is already coming alive, particularly the veins of the unique Channel Country landscape that the water has flowed through. We’ll have an abundant Bilby season by the time Spring hits in September, as well as emus and hundreds of different birds in addition to beautiful desert wildflowers. The trip to and from Birdsville will be spectacular.”
The two-day early bird general admission tickets that will go on-sale this month are priced at $89.90 (plus booking fees) and include return shuttle transfers from town to track and automatic free membership to the Birdsville Races Roadies – a growing convoy of travellers turning the trip to Birdsville into a rolling outback adventure.
Birdsville Races Event Producer Ginnie Hope-Johnstone said the journey had become just as important as the finish line.
“The countryside will be incredible this year, and seeing water in places like Big Red and Lake Eyre is something most people never get the chance to experience.”
Back trackside, the OBE Pavilion – the Birdcage of the bush – remains the golden ticket. Fully catered and perched right on the action, it’s become the event’s most in-demand experience.
“The OBE tickets are a bigger outlay – but for premium trackside covered marquee seating, and top-quality dining with OBE Organic beef and all beverages and live entertainment included in the ticket price – they represent great value for money. It’s a rare treat to be able to dine at this level in such a remote location. I encourage anyone wanting the OBE Pavilion experience not to hesitate, they’re always the hot ticket option and sell out almost as soon as they go on-sale,” Hope-Johnstone added.
Birdsville Races Roadies membership, which is included free with all ticket purchases, gives racegoers rewards, benefits and ways to connect with other travellers via on-line team profiles, rally style car door stickers to display “team names” and access to Roadies merchandise and discounts.
Curated travel routes across Queensland, NSW, Victoria and South Australia, with stop-offs in towns like Roma, Cunnamulla, Quilpie, Windorah and Mt Isa – complete with other discount deals, fuel stop mapping, road updates and details on local events like yabby racing and street parties are also available as part of the free Roadies membership.
To reassure travellers planning a trip to Outback Queensland a new SWQ Fuel Tracker has been launched here SWQROC Fuel Tracker to give up-to-date information on fuel availability right across South West Queensland, with Birdsville Roadies also set to receive up to date fuel advice direct from Birdsville throughout August until post the September races.
“Fuel availability is as much of a concern as pricing is at the moment – so to be able to reassure our Roadies via the new Fuel Tracker app and with updates direct from the Birdsville Roadhouse that there is good fuel supply in Birdsville as well as some of the towns they will travel through will help restore travel confidence,” said David Brook.
TICKET DETAILS
- Two-Day Early Bird General Admission: $89.90 + booking fees
- GA post-early bird: $99.90 + booking fees
- OBE Trackside Pavilion: From $310pp Friday (members $232.50) and $360pp Saturday (members $270)
- Friday GA – Adult 18+ – $49.50 + booking fees
- TAB Birdsville Cup GA Saturday – Adult 18+ – $59.50 + booking fees
- RFDS Birdsville Gala (Thursday evening) – Adult 18+ – $120 + booking fees
- Pre-ordered Charcuterie Picnic Boxes: $60 + booking fees (feeds 4-6 people)
- Gourmet Sandwich Boxes: $60 + booking fees (feeds 4 people)
