Birdsville Races return to outback Queensland after two-year-long COVID hiatus

Thousands of punters, bookies and caravaners have made the long journey out to Birdsville to place a bet at one of the most isolated horseracing events in the country.

Historic Birdsville Races have returned to the outback after a two-year-long delay 

More than 3,000 people have travelled to the frontier town to partake in the action

Attendance is lower than the previous years, but organisers say the event is still a «success»

The Birdsville Races swells the tiny frontier town on the edge of the Simpson Desert in outback Queensland from its usual population of 115.

It's the first time the famous event has been held since 2019 after the pandemic induced a two-year-long hiatus.

But it hasn't stopped the adventurous from making the seemingly endless drive on dirt tracks to soak up the atmosphere.

Paul Whelan travelled more than 2,000 kilometres in a caravan from Bairnsdale, Victoria, to attend the races.

For him, it's a chance to catch up with mates over a cold one.

«My mate came down from Darwin to meet us here … we just wanted to try something different,» he said.

Drinks have been flowing both on and off the track, including at the town's local watering hole.

Punters have also been making the most of the live music and entertainment.

Publican Ben Fullagar said the town welcomed the influx of tourism after two years of restricted interstate travel.

«Last year, we only had two states that could access Birdsville, so it's really rewarding after those difficult times to see everyone rolling into town,» Mr Fullagar said.

«This is a homegrown event run by people within Birdsville. It's an iconic thing that's part of the DNA of the town.»

With about 3,000 visitors flocking to the town over a three-day period, this year's turnout is