Off and racing in outback Queensland town

The Melbourne Cup of the Outback is about to be off and racing in one of Queensland's tiniest towns.

From Friday up to 7000 punters are expected to descend on the community of Birdsville, which usually has a population of just 115, for its annual race meet.

This year marks the 135th anniversary of the two-day event.

Trainers, jockeys and horses from as far south as Bendigo and as far north as Darwin have made the trip for the 13-race program.

It will be headlined on Saturday afternoon by the $35,000 Birdsville Cup, run over 1600m.

Birdsville Race Club vice-president Gary Brook said the event was a "bucket-list experience for people in the racing industry, punters and spectators alike".

"That's why we're all still out here kicking up the dust some 135 years on," he said.

"Last year was challenging with the rain, but the forecast is all clear for blue skies and warm weather - and we're looking forward to hosting a great meet."

Queensland Senator Pauline Hanson will be one of the thousands of spectators to attend this year's event.

Senator Hanson said it was one of the biggest on the racing calendar.

"You'll have people drive out in their 4x4's to their private jets, but the one thing everyone has in common is they all sleep in a tent - me included," she said.

"Birdsville has one of the country's most iconic pubs in the country and I can't wait for another Birdsville pie from the bakery."

This year's racing meet will again support the Royal Flying Doctor Service.