Announcement: Spring downfall causes one day postponement of iconic Birdsville Races

All roads lead to Birdsville this week – or do they? While the Birdsville Race Club isn’t expected to have its annual two-day meeting directly impacted by rain, there are concerns that roads leading there could be cut off to visitors.

Unseasonal August rain hit the North West and parts of the Channel country earlier this week and some roads were quick to shut, albeit temporarily.

Several roads in the Barcoo Shire were closed or restricted to four-wheel drive vehicles, including the road from Windorah to Birdsville.

The road between Boulia and Bedourie was also closed early in the week after properties in the area received up to 50mm of rain.

Helen Commens, who lives on a property in Windorah, said the roads were soft and authorities were trying to prevent them from getting badly cut up ahead of Birdsville.

She said she expected most travellers to get through to Birdsville, provided there wasn’t more rain.

Ms Commens also said it was a good year for Outback tourists. “We haven’t had the country looking as good as it has for years,” she told the ABC.

“This time they get to drive through beautiful wildflowers.” Ms Commens said the wet weather was “bloody exciting” for the region. “(The rain) will bring the feed along now,” she said.

Thousands of punters are expected to be at the Birdsville Race Club this weekend, with the races starting tomorrow and finshing on Saturday with the Cup meeting.

Mount Isa’s representation is down on previous years, with many trainers opting to stay away this year. Denise Ballard is sending a handful of horses to the iconic September meeting, while Bob Burow is also going down. Most trainers have avoided making the long trip, with many blaming high diesel costs and the inability to find staff to look after their horses at home while on the road.

There are a number of races with just four runners, while one has just three acceptors. Barcaldine trainer Todd Austin, who won the April edition of the Birdsville Cup this year, has the top weight Hemmerle in Saturday’s Cup, looking for an historic “same year” double.

If Austin does make it back-to-back Cup winners, he will pick up a $10,000 bonus.

This article appeared in North West Weekly, 1 September 2022.