Birdsville Cup the jewel in Queensland’s crown

If Melbourne has its first Tuesday in November, the tiny outback town of Birdsville has its first Saturday in September.

The Birdsville Cup races draw a crowd of thousands, by road and plane, to the Queensland town for an iconic event that has been running annually for 133 years.

The 120 residents of Birdsville know all too well it’s more than just a horse race.

Funds are raised during the two-day event to aid the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Visitors can also get a look at one of the last travelling boxing shows in Australia, run by entertainer and Queensland legend Fred Brophy.