The Birdsville Carnival returns on Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 July 2026 with a refreshed two-day program celebrating the stories, spirit and character of the outback.
Bringing together history, culture, music, family entertainment and community, the Carnival offers visitors the chance to experience one of Australia’s most iconic remote towns at its most authentic.
Discover Birdsville’s Stories
At the heart of the program is the Birdsville – The Black Book exhibition, inspired by the work of Frances Gage McGinn and displayed at the Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre.
The exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse into the people, stories and cameleering history that helped shape Birdsville and the surrounding region.
Visitors can also explore the Birdsville Courthouse Police Complex and Aboriginal Tracker’s Hut Museum, which will be open daily throughout the Carnival. New installations will add further depth to the town’s frontier and policing history.
Australia’s Richest Camel Steeplechase
The novelty action begins at Birdsville Oval from 4pm on Wednesday 8 July with Australia’s Richest Camel Steeplechase.
Competitors will race 100 metres wearing camel masks and numbered race bibs while tackling a series of steeplechase obstacles.
There is $250 in local business vouchers and a winner’s sash up for grabs, with fun children’s races following the adult competition.
Entry is free, with nominations being taken at the Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre.
Great Outback Strength Tractor Pull
On Thursday 9 July, teams will put their strength to the test in the Birdsville Tractor Pull.
Beginning at 4pm at Birdsville Oval, the timed novelty event will see adult teams of two attempt to pull a tractor across the course as quickly as possible.
First place will receive two $100 local business vouchers and a sash, second place will receive two $50 vouchers, and third place will receive two $25 vouchers.
Entry is free, with a fun children’s team event to follow the adult competition.
Poddy Poo Bingo
The Birdsville Social Club will also bring plenty of laughs to the Carnival with Poddy Poo Bingo on Wednesday and Thursday.
Squares cost $10 each, with $500 in prize money up for grabs. Participants select a lucky square and wait to see where the poddy makes its move.
Squares can be pre-purchased with cash from the Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre, with the activity supporting the Birdsville Social Club.
Music, Markets and Movies Under the Stars
Across the two days, visitors can enjoy a relaxed mix of family-friendly entertainment, open-air film screenings under the stars and markets offering food and merchandise.
The Carnival will also come alive at the Birdsville Hotel beer garden, where live music will bring locals and visitors together in true outback style.
With its more intimate format, the event provides the perfect opportunity to slow down, meet the locals and enjoy Birdsville’s distinctive atmosphere.
Explore Beyond the Carnival
Visitors are also encouraged to explore more of the region during their stay.
Take a scenic flight over the Channel Country, travel out to Big Red for an unforgettable desert experience or stop by the Birdsville Bakery for one of its famous camel pies.
More than just an event, the Birdsville Carnival is a celebration of place — rich in history, grounded in community and set against one of Australia’s most remarkable landscapes.
For event nominations, Poddy Poo Bingo squares and further information, visit the Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre.