Marble Bar Race Club

Marble Bar is renowned for being one of the hottest towns in Australia, often recording extremely high temperatures. During the cooler month of July, the Marble Bar Race Club hosts the annual Cup meeting, swelling the town’s population from 200 to 2000. This iconic event attracts visitors from interstate and overseas, with caravans arriving in droves to join the festivities.

Located 1,500km northeast of Perth, Marble Bar offers visitors a true Australian outback experience. The town’s name comes from what was thought to be a marble bar crossing the Coongan River, but the rock is actually jasper. Historical sites like the Comet Gold Mine and the Corunna Downs Airbase, a secret World War II airbase, add to the town’s rich history. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic Chinaman’s Pool and the jasper bar swimming hole.

The Marble Bar Race Club, established in 1893, boasts over 130 years of history. Highlights of the Cup weekend include the Marble Bar Ball at the Civic Centre. The nearby Ironclad Hotel, famous for serving the coldest beers in the hottest town, comes alive with revellers enjoying the outback hospitality.

Racegoers are encouraged to camp at the track on Friday and Saturday nights. While accommodation is limited, options are available at the Caravan Park and Travellers Rest Roadhouse.

Held annually in July, the race meeting features six races, with the Marble Bar Cup as the main event. The fun continues with the highly anticipated “undie-run,” where participants strip down to their undies and race the final 100 metres. This event has become as famous as the horse races, with many eagerly anticipating the opportunity to get on track and bare all. Post-race entertainment runs until about midnight.