The first race meeting was held in 1882 as an event for hack and stock horses with a few local spectators. The carnival now includes a 12-race program and prize money in excess of $110 000. The XXXX Gold Birdsville Cup is a much sought after trophy and is famous throughout the world.

Situated three kilometres to the South East of the town the track itself is on a claypan alongside the sand dunes. The track is 2000m in circumference with the longest race, 1600m XXXX Gold Birdsville Cup starting in the back straight. All starts are on the course proper with the exception of the 1000m, which starts from a chute. Birdsville is one of four tracks in Queensland that run anti-clockwise

Crowds of over 6000 racegoers celebrate the carnival each year enjoying two days of quality outback racing and two great nights of live entertainment. Other entertainment includes the AKUBRA Fashions of the Field, Fred Brophy's Boxing Troupe, whip cracking, sideshows, a giant auction and much more. Great entertainment, class horseracing and premium hospitality makes for a fantastic week in the heart of Australia's outback.