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The nation’s most iconic bucket-list racing experience – the Birdsville Races – returns on August 31-September 1.

The carnival will draw thousands of travellers to Australia’s most remote settlement for a jam-packed program of thoroughbred racing, unique outback entertainment and wild and wacky festivities.

Tickets to the 136th edition of the Birdsville Races are now on sale with organisers promising one of the biggest and best programs in the event’s long history.

A two-day racing pass starts at $69.90. In 2018, the event will work with ticketing partner Oztix to meet widespread demand from around Australia as well as overseas.

Billed the ‘Melbourne Cup of the Outback’, the Birdsville Races see the tiny town on the edge of the Simpson Desert swell from a general population of 115 people to more than 6,000 visitors for two days of racing featuring 13 races as well as a line-up of film and comedy nights, live music, cocktail parties and Fred Brophy’s famous travelling boxing troupe.

“2018 marks the 136th year since racing began in Birdsville, and this year’s event will once again present one of the best and most unique Outback experiences this great country has to offer,” said Gary Brook, vice president of the Birdsville Race Club.

“The extremely remote location is what makes the races so special. Nothing beats the sight of the horses racing around the bend and kicking up the striking red desert dust each year.

“It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience, especially if you’re an Aussie.”

Proudly supported by Tourism and Events Queensland, the event sees many visitors flock to Birdsville from the beginning of August – setting up camp early to enjoy the region’s yabby races, street parties and various other events that lead into the Friday and Saturday race days.

Outback fare is a major element of the 2018 Races with the Birdsville Bakery serving up its famous selection of curried camel and kangaroo and claret pies.

Trackside, food trucks and gourmet dining vendors will deliver an international flavour to the quintessentially Australian event.

The legendary Birdsville Hotel will once again act as the resident watering hole for racegoers wanting to kick celebrations into the night, while Fashions on the Field will bring colour, character and couture to race days across six categories for men, women, families and novelty dress.

A much-loved charity element supports the Royal Flying Doctor Service, hosting a 6km fun run to help fundraise for the vital service in their remote region.

Horses and trainers make the long trek to Birdsville from places as far away as Darwin, Tamworth and the Sunshine Coast.

They set up camp under alongside the Diamantina River, creating their own community that has become as tight knit as the long-term residents of the township itself.