Don't miss: Birdsville Races

Birdsville Races. Photo / Supplied

September 1-5
Queensland, Australia

Dating back to 1882, Birdsville's iconic annual racing carnival captures the spirit of the vast Australian interior.

It's often called the Melbourne Cup of the Outback and, fittingly, this year the actual Melbourne Cup trophy takes a trip to the tiny town (usual population 120) on the edge of the Simpson Desert. Thousands of visitors, many in their own aircraft, will flock in for an exciting race programme that's complemented by a cabaret, outback movies, boxing, novelty horse races, a cam-fire sing-along, fashions, Outback-style competitions, sideshows, auctions and more. The event raises funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

See birdsvilleraces.com