Birdsville Races 2022: Iconic outback event kicks off despite wild weather

It was all about fascinators and a sea of flannelette trudging through the mud, as revellers got down and dirty for the wildest party in the outback.

The mud has all but cleared, but that hasn’t stopped the wildest party in the outback from officially kicking off in Birdsville.

On day one of the iconic racing event, which draws thousands of punters to the Simpson Desert in South-West Queensland each year, there was almost more bog than booze as revellers ploughed through the entry gates at midday.

Birdsville downpour doesn't dampen spirits, as outback revellers ride high despite postponement. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/MaxAgency

Despite the mud and floodwaters, campers were rearing to go for day one of iconic racing event. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/MaxAgency

Birdsville, one of the driest regions in the country, was hit by an “unseasonal” deluge on Thursday, turning the famed red dirt racetrack into a muddy mess. As a result, the event was pushed back from Friday to a Saturday/Sunday event.

Birdsville Races 2022 has kicked off. Picture: Brian Roberts

Birdsville Races 2022 has kicked off, and things started to heat up. Picture: Brian Roberts

Birdsville Races brought plenty of colour to the track. Picture: Brian Roberts

But as the clouds cleared and the sun made a welcomed return, the races — which hung in limbo at the hands of mother nature — was given the all clear to run on Saturday afternoon.

Combing plenty of colour with copious amounts of champagne, no fashion leaf was left unturned trackside.

From fluoro tutus to a touring group of ‘Birdsville Bishops’, it was all about embracing the quirkiness of the outback at this year’s event.

The colour from the Birdsville Cup.

The Birdsville Bishops travelled all the way from Melbourne.

This weekend marks the 140th anniversary edition of the Birdsville Races – the ‘Melbourne Cup of the Outback’.

In the lead-up to today’s events, revellers were forced to embrace sodden campsite and chaotic weather conditions, as an “unseasonal” amount of rain dropped across the region on Thursday.

As a result, the two-day event was forced to postpone day one of festivities from Friday to Saturday due to the famed red dirt racetrack turning into a muddy mess.

Punters had to get creative with their choice of footwear at the Birdsville races. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/MaxAgency

“So much work goes into putting the Birdsville Races on and so many punters travel thousands of kilometres to join us at this unique outback carnival,” Gary Brook, Vice President of the Birdsville Race Club, said of the weather event and postponement decision.

“But spirits remain high in Birdsville as thousands of punters flock into town.”

Much like the end of race day, shoes were optional around the track. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/MaxAgency

Mark and his sons Ethan and Toby, travelled from Byron Bay to embrace the races from one of Australia’s “driest” towns — and were surprised when the weather turned into a day of relentless rain.

“We have spent about a week travelling and camping at different destinations to get here and have had a great time,” Mark explained, adding it was the first time his sons had come to the famous race event.

Revellers were forced to get ready for the races in muddy conditions. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/MaxAgency

“We’re heading to the pub, and going to Fred Brophy’s boxing tent.

“We are just going to set up now on the side of the road somewhere, on a bit of higher ground.

“It’s been a bit of a nightmare, but you have to smile and enjoy it.”

Each year, the ‘Melbourne Cup of the Outback’, sees the tiny town of Birdsville swell from 115 residents to around 6000 visitors.

The Birdsville Races started as a humble bush meet in 1882 and has now grown over more than a century to become a bucket list experience for intrepid travellers, racing enthusiasts, grey nomads and culture vultures alike.

This year celebrates the 140th anniversary of the famous two-day event.