Birdsville Races Somewhat Different from Royal Ascot

The Birdsville Races are the most famous outback races in Australia. They are held every August in Western Queensland and almost everyone has to drive about three days to get there, with no tarred roads, mobile phone coverage, hotel rooms or other creature comforts us urban softies take for granted. A real Australian tradition of a weekend of drinking, pies, punting, horse racing, sun, barbies, dust, camping and entertainment.

I wonder how long these kinds of events will survive as Australia becomes increasingly urbanised.

When I was growing up the Point to Point was held every year, just down the road at Balcormo. It was the same kind of thing. People would congregate for the day and enjoy the racing, have a punt, beer and a pie and then go home. At least at Birdsville you can pretty much count on the weather.

As for racing, I still don't see the attraction.