Birdsville Races – 31 Aug-1 Sep 2018
(From David Hill, Owner – VH-FJF)
The Birdsville Races is the quintessential destination for Australian aviators, and definitely a unique
experience that RRFC members should tick off their bucket-list.
At the end of August every year, the tiny outback town of Birdsville swells from 140 to over 6,000 as
city dwellers join stockmen from all around Australia to descend on the town for a couple of days of
celebration and partying….oh….and to attend the races.
Literally hundreds of aircraft of all types and sizes fly in, and camp next to their aircraft.
Getting there is a good part of the adventure, and the opportunity to experience so many outback
destinations along the way. Some pilots use Birdsville as a stepping stone and extend their travels
into Central Australia to visit other destinations such as Alice Springs, Uluru (Ayers Rock) and
beyond. The options are endless.
One example is to depart
Richmond early on Friday
morning, short stopover to
refuel at Bourke, then on to
the Noccundra Hotel, where
you can literally taxi to the
back door of the pub for
lunch.
Noccundra Hotel (Photo - Coldstream Flying Club)
From Noccundra, it is a relatively short
200 nm flight to Birdsville, where you can
pitch your tents next to your aircraft or
under the wing before joining the carnival
atmosphere in town for the evening.
There are a variety of stalls and other
places to get meals and refreshments, and
portable amenities at the airfield, so you
can travel light, with a small tent and a
sleeping bag, or just a swag if you prefer
to sleep under the stars.
On Saturday, you can hitch a ride with one of
the many vehicles that are usually heading in a
procession to the races, which are held just
outside of town.
The majority of aircraft tend to depart Birdsville
early on Sunday morning. So be prepared to
wait your turn if you are also planning to leave
early to get back to Richmond that same day.
Alternatively, you could plan to sleep in, and overnight somewhere on the return. The Underground
Motel in the opal mining town of White Cliffs is a great stopover and offers the unique experience of
underground accommodation. Alternatively, there is an above ground hotel if preferred. Either will
pick you up from the airfield by prior
arrangement when making your
booking
You can book an afternoon guided tour
of White Cliffs to take in the sights
including dinosaur fossils, opal mines,
gem displays, underground homes etc.
Narromine is a great refuelling and lunch stop on the way home next day. The Soul Food Design Café
is only a 15 minute (1 km) walk from the airport (Open 8:00AM-3:00PM Mon-Sat). Alternatively, you
can walk or catch a taxi into town, which is approx. 2 km away.
If you have time, a tour of the Narromine Aviation Museum at the airfield is well recommended.
And if you need to overnight because of weather, or prefer to take an extra break before heading
home, the Narromine Tourist Park and Motel is located right on the airfield.
Things to consider.
ALA’s and unsealed strips – Always check with the CFI for approvals for operations of club
aircraft into ALA’s. In particular, please take care with unsealed and gravel strips like
Noccundra. Limit run-ups to areas clear of stones (Noccundra has rubber strips for run-ups),
and smoothly increase power (use the vernier throttle if fitted) on takeoff. Always check
with the airfield operator for condition etc prior to use.
Animal Hazards – Ask the airfield operator, and keep an eye out for all types of livestock and
native animals on remote airfields. A precautionary run over the field prior to landing can
often stir the animals into moving which makes them easier to see. If you have never done a
precautionary low level run, or it has been a while since you did one in the aircraft you will
be flying, practice one or two with an instructor.
Remote operations – Make certain the aircraft has a working ELB, and know how to use it.
Carry emergency water and first aid kit just in case.
Fuel – Confirm fuel availability at your destinations, and method of payment prior to
departure. Have an alternate fuel plan should the fuel bowser become inop, or fuel suddenly
not be available at your destination. Be even more vigilant to check fuel for correct grade,
and free from water or other contaminants. Fuel trucks operate at Birdsville during the races
in addition to the normal bowser. Be prepared to pay over $3:00 /litre for Avgas here and
other outback locations. Record your fuel purchases so that you can claim the cost back at
Richmond AVGAS prices.
Flies & Mozzy’s – Take a good insect repellent with you!
Additional Info & Contacts:
Ballina Aero Club – The Ballina Aero Club operate the Birdsville Airport during the Race weekend.
Additional information can be found under “special links” on their web site or contact them – they
are very helpful : https://www.ballinaaeroclub.org.au/birdsville-2018/
AIP SUP – Keep an eye out for the AIP SUP published by Airservices for Birdsville Operations each
year. I can provide a copy of the 2017 AIP SUP (H109/17) if anyone is interested.
Noccundra Hotel – Manager - Neil Turner 07 4655 4317, noccundra@bigpond.com
White Cliffs – Underground Motel – 08 8091 6677, Above Ground Hotel Manager & Refueler – 08
8091 6606
Narromine Tourist Park & Motel – 02 6889 2129
As mentioned above, this is only intended as a guide to help stimulate your “adventure glands”.
Australia has some the best flying destinations to explore in the world - the options are endless.
We look forward to seeing all the photos and hearing those exciting stories of adventures and
experiences from members to include in the club newsletter for next year.
