With the iconic Birdsville Races turning 140 years, we thought we’d shine a spotlight on the history of this bucket list caravan and camping event.
Held in the frontier town of Birdsville every year at the northern end of the famous Birdsville Track, the races breathe life into the tiny town as thousands descend upon it with their swags, caravans and campers. Getting there is part of the adventure and many take the opportunity to conquer Big Red, the monster dune that marks the symbolic edge of the Simpson Desert.
The Birdsville Races were born in the spring of 1882 when the first unofficial races held place. Back then, the track was straight and the prize was 200 pounds.
The Birdsville Racetrack moves to the western side of town. It quickly became known as the ‘Flemington of the Outback’ and remains here today.
The current Birdsville Race Club President, David Brook arrives and plays his part as either President or Secretary for the next 50 years.
“My uncle Bob was the President of the Birdsville Race Club for many years and one day, I remember he was leaving town and handed me a leather bag with all the Race Club documents in it. He said, ‘You’d better hold onto this’ … and that’s how I got the job.”
David Brook
In 1962, Indigenous stockman Kevin ‘Spinny’ Monaghan rides his first Birdsville Race at the age of 18 years. This year will celebrate a 60-year association between Spinny and the iconic outback races.
The year 1966 sees Queensland Parks and Wildlife Ranger, Don Rowlands attend his first meet. Since then, he hasn’t missed a race in 56 years! A descendent of the Watti Watti family and a Wangkangurru Yarluyandi elder, Don plays an integral role in preserving the culture and history of his people.
Australia’s sitting Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser attends in 1978, showcasing the carnival to the rest of Australia. The visit cements the event as a rite of passage for Aussies looking to experience a true outback event. Fred Brophy’s famous travelling boxing troupe attends for the first time in the same year, challenging punters to take their shot in the ring.
1982 sees record crowds numbering 7000 – 8000 people for the centenary event and the Brook family win their first of six Birdsville Cups with Brashleigh, trained by George Dawson. George goes on to become the most successful Birdsville Cup trainer of all time, winning no less than seven cups.
In 1985, Birdsville’s current-day and much-loved bookie, Graham Saunders takes his first bets. Since then, he has only missed one race.
“I’ll never forget the first time I came to the Birdsville Race until I turn 100.”
Graham Saunders
