Toodyay Picnic Race Day
Once a year, the hills above the Avon Valley fill with racegoers in their best outfits, picnic rugs spread across the lawn and the sound of hooves on the track. The Toodyay Picnic Race Day is held on a Sunday in late September at the historic Toodyay Racecourse, and it's one of Western Australia's best-loved country race days.
It is run by the Toodyay Race Club, which was founded in 1865, and it is one of the few picnic-style meetings still going in the State. This page covers everything you need to know: what happens on the day, the history of the racecourse and the club, why it matters to Toodyay, and practical tips for planning your visit.
Toodyay Picnic Race Day at a Glance
Here are the key details for planning your visit.
Jockeys in purple, green and red silks racing thoroughbreds on the grass at the Toodyay Picnic Race Day
When: A Sunday in late September (Sunday 27 September in 2026). The date for 2027 hasn't been announced yet, so check the club's website.
Time: Gates open at 11am, with racing through the afternoon and live music after the last race
Where: Toodyay Racecourse, 172 Racecourse Road, Toodyay
Cost: Paid entry. Buy your tickets online in advance to skip the queue. In 2024 adult tickets were $40 plus a booking fee, and children under 18 were free if supervised by an adult. Check the club for the current prices.
Dress: Smart racewear is encouraged, especially if you want to enter Fashions on the Field

Dogs: Check with the Toodyay Race Club before you bring a dog
Getting there: About an hour from Perth by car. Bus packages from Perth have been offered in previous years.
Organiser: Toodyay Race Club
Official website: toodyayraceclub.com.au
What Happens on the Day
The race day is a full afternoon of racing and entertainment for all ages. These highlights are based on the 2026 program. The line-up changes each year, so check the club's website closer to the date.
Horses and jockeys racing past the crowded grandstand at the Toodyay Racecourse
The Racing
The day is built around live thoroughbred racing, and the feature race is the Toodyay Cup. The racecourse is a tight, turning track of about 1650m with a short straight of just over 200m, and races have been run over distances from 1100m to 1850m. That means the horses are close to the crowd for most of each race.
The Toodyay Race Club only races once a year, so the picnic race day is the one chance to see horses on the Toodyay track.
Group of women in colourful dresses and hats on stage at Fashions on the Field, Toodyay Picnic Race Day
Fashions on the Field
Fashions on the Field is one of the highlights of the day. In 2026 the competition was sponsored by Rohan Jewellers, with categories for ladies, gentlemen and juniors. Registrations open on the day at the office, so you don't need to book ahead.
Flyer for the Myles Wilson Dash for Cash, a 100m sprint for football club members at the Toodyay Picnic Race Day
The Myles Wilson Dash for Cash
The Myles Wilson Dash for Cash is a 100m sprint for men and women representing their local football clubs. Entrants must be registered with a football club, enter through the club’s website before the day, and run in their club colours, with any prize money going to their club. Late entries aren’t accepted, but it’s a fun one to watch from the lawn.
Child having her face painted as a tiger at the Toodyay Picnic Race Day kids’ activities
Kids' Activities
The day is designed for the whole family, and children's activities are free. In 2026 they included a sandpit, face painting fairies, bubbles and chalkboard fun.
Musician in a cowboy hat playing an acoustic guitar in front of hay bales
Live Music
There is live music throughout the day. In 2025 and 2026 the line-up included Toodyay local Oscar Litchfield and songwriter Harry Foxton, who finished the day with a set after the last race.
Black coffee and crepes food truck serving at the Toodyay Picnic Race Day
Food, Drink and Betting
Food trucks and local vendors are set up around the course, and picnic-friendly food is encouraged. The racecourse is licensed with bar facilities, so alcohol can't be brought in. The main betting area is under cover, which comes in handy if one of September's showers comes through.
The History of the Toodyay Race Club
The Toodyay Race Club was founded in 1865, which makes it one of the oldest racing clubs in Western Australia. The club celebrated its 150th year in 2015, and for more than 160 years it has been a meeting point for the Avon Valley community.
Racing was revived after the Second World War. In 1946 the Toodyay Road Board agreed to put money towards a track upgrade, provided the sporting bodies using it matched the amount, and in 1949 the course was redesigned, with the circuit plotted by the WA Turf Club's course supervisor. Racing stopped for seven years in the 1990s and returned in 1997.
The racecourse facilities are owned by the Shire of Toodyay and leased to the club. When the track and the main betting area needed repairs, the race meeting was moved to Belmont from 2022 while the work was done, and the Toodyay Picnic Race Day returned to the Toodyay Racecourse in 2024.
Toodyay wasn't the only place where the valley raced. The Culham Race Club was formed in 1902, and its annual races were one of the biggest social events in the Toodyay Valley until the railway cut through the track and the last meeting was held in 1913.
Vintage photo of the grandstand and judges’ tower at the Toodyay Racecourse beside the lawn and wooden benches
Race Day Milestones
1865: Toodyay Race Club founded
1902: Culham Race Club formed, with its last meeting in 1913
1946: Toodyay Road Board backs a track upgrade as racing is revived after the war
1949: Racecourse redesigned
1997: Racing returns after a seven-year break
2015: Club celebrates its 150th year
2021: Picnic Race Day held on Sunday 26 September
2022: Race meeting moved to Belmont while the track is improved
2024: Picnic Race Day returns to Toodyay, on Sunday 22 September
2025: Picnic Race Day and Toodyay Cup held on Sunday 28 September
2026: Picnic Race Day held on Sunday 27 September

Why the Toodyay Picnic Race Day Matters
On the surface it's a day of horses, hats and live music. Underneath, it tells some of the bigger stories of Toodyay and the Avon Valley.
Three women in hats and dresses sitting on the grass at a picnic race day
A Rare Kind of Race Day
Racing WA describes the Toodyay meeting as one of the few remaining picnic-style race days, where you can enjoy the old-world charm of a historic course set among hills and trees. It's a different atmosphere from a city race day, with picnic rugs on the grass and families, friends and locals all sharing the same lawn.
Women in racewear wearing numbered sashes in the marquee at Fashions on the Field in Toodyay
Helping Local Groups
The race day has long raised money for local groups. In 2021, for example, the funds raised on the day through Community TAB went to the Toodyay Lions Club, the Avon Valley Shotokan Karate Club, the local St John Ambulance branch, the Toodyay Cricket Club and the Coondle-Nunile Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade, and members of those groups helped out with activities on the course.
Crowd of racegoers along the rail at the Toodyay Racecourse with the grandstand and Avon Valley hills behind
A Day That Brings Visitors to Town
The club says the race day brings thousands of people from the Wheatbelt and Perth to Toodyay, and it's a chance to show visitors what a vibrant town it is. When the race day has been cancelled or moved in the past, local community groups, accommodation providers and traders have felt the loss.
Country and Context
The Toodyay Racecourse sits in the Avon Valley on Ballardong Noongar country. Please treat the grounds and the surrounding bush with respect.
Plan Your Visit
Everything you need to get to Toodyay, dress for the day and make the most of it.
White car drWhite car driving along a winding road through the hills towards Toodyayiving along a winding road through the hills towards Toodyay
Getting There
By car, Toodyay is about an hour from Perth along Toodyay Road, and the racecourse is on Racecourse Road. Race day is busy, so allow extra time to park and walk in.
In previous years the club has offered return bus packages from Perth, which included entry to the race day. These have been sold through Moshtix, so check there for the latest details.
Three men in suits and hats on stage at the Fashions on the Field gentlemen’s category
What to Wear
Smart racewear is part of the fun, with summer dresses, suits, hats and fascinators all common. Comfortable shoes are a good idea because most of the day is spent on grass, and September weather in the Avon Valley can be cool and showery or warm and sunny, so bring layers, a hat and sunscreen. If you're planning to go into the Members' Area or a marquee, check with the club for any dress requirements.
Racegoers sitting in folding chairs by the fence watching the races at the Toodyay Picnic Race Day
Making the Most of the Day
Arrive early to find a good spot for your picnic rug and have a look around before the first race. If you'd like to enter Fashions on the Field, register at the office when you arrive. Between races, try the kids' activities, listen to the live music and check out the food trucks.
If you have a flutter, please bet responsibly.
Victoria Hotel on Stirling Terrace, Toodyay, a heritage red-brick pub with two-storey verandahs
Eat, Drink and Stay
Food trucks and vendors are on the course all day. For more options in town, see Where to Eat and Drink in Toodyay. If you want to stay for the weekend, book early and see Toodyay Accommodation.
Two couples in race day outfits holding drinks, with a green fascinator, at the Toodyay Picnic Race Day
Make a Weekend of It
Join the Toodyay Historic Walking Tour, visit Connor's Mill and the Newcastle Gaol Museum, and walk the Bilya Walk Track beside the Avon River.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Toodyay Picnic Race Day?
On a Sunday in late September each year. In 2026 it was held on Sunday 27 September. Check the Toodyay Race Club website for the 2027 date.
What time does it start?
Gates opened at 11am in 2026, with racing through the afternoon and live music after the last race.
How much does it cost?
Tickets are sold online through Moshtix. In 2024 adult tickets were $40 plus a booking fee, and children under 18 were free. Check the club for the current prices.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. There are free kids' activities including a sandpit, face painting, bubbles and chalkboard fun, and children under 18 have been admitted free when supervised by an adult.
Can I bring a picnic?
Yes, the day is a picnic race day, and there are food trucks too. The racecourse is licensed, so alcohol can't be brought in. Check the club's current conditions of entry before you go.
Do I have to dress up?
No, but smart racewear is part of the day, and it's a must if you want to enter Fashions on the Field.
How do I enter Fashions on the Field?
Registrations open on the day at the office, with categories for ladies, gentlemen and juniors.
Can I bring my dog?
Check with the Toodyay Race Club before you bring a dog.
Can I place a bet?
Yes, there is TAB betting on the course. If gambling is a problem for you or someone you know, call Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858.
How can I get there from Perth?
By car it's about an hour. In previous years the club has offered bus packages from Perth that include entry, so check Moshtix.
How do I become a vendor or sponsor?
Email the Toodyay Race Club at info@toodyayraceclub.com.au.
Get Involved
Become a Member
In 2024, membership of the Toodyay Race Club was $80 plus booking fee, and it included entry to the race day, access to the Members' Area in the grandstand and tea and coffee. Memberships run to 31 March and are renewed on 1 April each year.
Run a Stall or Become a Sponsor
The club invites local vendors to put in an expression of interest to sell at the event, and it is also looking for local businesses who would like to sponsor it. Email info@toodyayraceclub.com.au.
Travel Tip - Make a weekend of it. Join the Toodyay Historic Walking Tour, visit Connor's Mill and the Newcastle Gaol Museum, or walk the Bilya Walk Track along the Avon River. See the Toodyay Getaway Guide to plan your trip.

Planning more trips? See what else is on at Toodyay Events.
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