Birdsville began life as "Diamantina Crossing" in 1881 and was given it's present name in 1885. It is said that one Robert Frew, a local identity, gave the name as a compliment to the birdlife of the area. The town's original function was as a "tariff wall" between Queensland and South Australia. Tolls which had provided the town's income, ceased in 1901 with the formation of the Federation and the town declined. Another thoery on the town's name is that locals wanted to name it Burtsville after a popular settler named J.Burt. Burt declined the offer and the name Birdsville was used as a compromise. Birdsville is best known for its annual race meeting when the population grows from 100 to 6000 in 2 days.
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