Schedule a couple of days in Charleville and enjoy the diverse attractions. Everyone, but everyone, stops here as it's the most obvious place to start in Birdsville. 5 Km from Windorah - Birdsville road I thought I saw bushfire smoke but it was just dust clouds from the relentless procession of 4x4's with caravans The road surface from the S.A. border north to Birdsville is all white silica, trucked in to facilitate an all-weather road , however as I found out the hard way, it was very abrasive to my X-ring . its not the wild west that it once was. Visit Website. So our plan was to go there. Via the very good Donohoe Hwy from Mt Isa, Bedourie, Boulia or even Windorah; Via the Birdsville Development Road from Betoota and Windorah . This being on a good track. don't worry about the distance from town as a bus run back and forth all day about every 30 mins. Windmills have become iconic with Australias outback and Boulia has a grand dame standing right in the main street. From Birdsville there are a few Do you think that I will only need one tank of fuel? Many follow themes such as the Scented Garden and Japanese Garden. The Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre offers a historical display and the bank of the Diamantina River is a fantastic spot for fishing or enjoying a picnic. With one eye on a huge rain system bearing down on inland Australia from the north-west, we decided to get out of there. Environment, Water & Natural Resources, Port Augusta office, Simpson Desert (Munga-Thirri National Park). Eventually youll reach Sturts Stony Desert. wish I was going CHEERS. This is a must-see side trip. If youve heard the saying Beyond the Black Stump and ever wondered where it is look on the median strip between the Australian Hotel and the Waddi Tree store onHerbert Street,and youll find Boulias answer to the Black Stump. Location: Birdsville to Maree (Maree is in the north-east of South Australia and Birdsville, is in the south-west of Queensland) Track Length: 517 km Road Conditions: Stony track with large pebbles (gibbers) and dry sand. Freight and Heavy Vehicles: For more information on Flood Recovery Permits (FRPs) and freight route information, contact the Flood Recovery Road Access Group: 1300 105 647 or floodrecovery_roadaccess@tmr.qld.gov.au. By 4WD Tracks: Via the QAA/French Line (across the Simpson Desert & via Big Red) Via the 'Inside' Birdsville Track (dry weather only) If you're planning a trip to Birdsville as part of a bigger . It really doesnt matter which way you go, theyre all good! The Corner Country is a special place. Let the high mineral content of the water from the Great Artesian Basin relax and revitalise you. One such stately building is the restored Old Town Hall, now home to the Ipswich Art Gallery, an interactive art gallery and social history museum worthy of a visit. After cresting the first dune, the swale between the dunes (over half a kilometre long) was covered in pools of water. if you need fuel fill up when you get there, the que at the end of the week-end is crazy. From here the mighty Cooper commences its epic journey towards Lake Eyre. The first dune has an easier chicken track just to the north of the main track, so youll generally be okay there. One which the van and car will last the journey. So you should be okay. Youre on them before you realise and some of them are pretty deep. (Melbourne, Victoria Australia). The track crosses two large dunes. Then with no moon, the stars blanketed the sky from horizon to horizon. Here you can watch and listen to stories told by the locals of droughts and floods in the wonderful water wall, marvel at the seven-metre-high steel bottle trees, which look magnificent at night, or wander the art gallery. My wife & I just travelled from Mt. We fitted new tyres A/T to both before heading off which included the Birdville and Oodnadatta tracks and The Plenty Highway (Track) then back to the Tropics. After all it wouldnt be right to call it Silver City Highway, thats a name those New South Welshmen use! A couple of others had driven through, but theyd obviously had some problems in deep bog holes. Fishing the Ward River is popular in Charleville and with the local fishing club restocking the waters you can almost be assured of a catch. Windorah to Birdsville road conditions - The Grey Nomads Forum Click here for the Grey Nomads website -> The Grey Nomads Forum -> Road conditions -> Windorah to Birdsville road conditions Start A New Topic Quick Reply Please log in to post quick replies. But we were there in March and it was extremely remote. Delectable home baked goodies line the shelves just waiting to tempt you and your taste buds will be eternally grateful so give in to this temptation. Points of interest include the mirrored solar panels reflecting vibrant outback colours and the red sand hills, where you can watch the sunset from the crest of a magnificent red sand dune while sipping a glass of your favourite wine. What is the best time of year to travel to Birdsville? Heres a few ways you can travel between Tibooburra and Innamincka. The road was B**** terrible, mostly because the trucks tore it up, especially if it got a bit wet. Morven, which the locals say is small in size but big in character, is an easy 44 kilometres from Mungallala. This is a roadtrain route. doubled up on tyres, carried 30L extra fuel & 20L water, CB radio, covered rear window with closed cell foam and we had no problems. Then it becomes a wide, well maintained dirt road all the way to Warri Gate. Can anyone advise if it's safe and doable to drive from Windorah to Birdsville in a rear wheel drive vehicle I have a Mazda bravo 2004 in good mechanical condition I would appreciate some honest answers / regards norm. Located in far North-Western Queensland, a mere stone throw from the Queensland/Northern Territory border, this town may only have a population of around 440 but it packs its weight in things to see and do. 4 Southern Avenue, West Beach, Adelaide, South Australia, 5024. Take a Birdsville area Scenic Flight 8. The town is a hub for intrepid travellers heading across the Simpson Desert, the largest area of parallel sand dunes in the world. Lets just say we were glad to reach the Innamincka turnoff. Stretching across 507,000 hectares this outback national park, 183 km southeast of Boulia is home to many rare and threatened species and abundant birdlife including the rainbird, blackfaced cuckoo, lorikeets, brolgas and plain turkey/bustards. 088356 1874. There is live entertainment, camp oven cooking,food, fireworks, childrens amusements and a hostof novelty races and events. The Warrego Way starts at the Sunshine State's capital, Brisbane, and finishes in the iconic and remote Birdsville. Then we started along the track to Cullyamurra Waterhole, only to be faced with a long stretch of black soil covered in water. Once out of Toowoomba the paddocks open up and you are now well and truly in the Darling Downs. Rather than risk getting bogged up to our axles, we decided to camp on the western side of the first dune and walk to Haddon Corner. 647 or floodrecovery_roadaccess@tmr.qld.gov.au. Listen to UHF 40 for instructions. With a few days to spare, Arrabury Road looked like a good option and the last dirt road wed be able to travel on for a while. Western 2 flight path to Boulia is highlighted in Orange. The town's name means dust storm, and there are quite a few sand dunes around that can produce dust. There are plenty of accommodation choices and fabulous bakeries and butchers in Charleville. in Australia that claim to have the original black stump. Along the way, you can see ancient trees from the dinosaur age, endangered mammals, unwind in the soothing waters from the sub artesian basin, delight in yarns told over country bars, or just relax and enjoy the brilliant sunsets and starry nights. And last but not least, if you continue past the Old Strzelecki Track turnoff youll reach the Strzelecki Track. Windorah CP, Barcoo council operated, is well worth a short stay. Warrego Way. We took the Dig Tree Loop Road, which is a spectacular drive through ancient Mesa country on the northern side of Cooper Creek. . Roll up and pay when council staff appear. A 4WD Kluger should be OK, as long as it's in good shape, and you have paid particular attention to the tyres, which should be as-new, and you've made sure that tyre pressures are lowered to around 20psi for the rough stuff. hey guys: A group of us girls are doing the trek from Brisbane in an SUV - Captiva Maxx ----- Do you think this would be ok? Birdsville has received 45 mm yesterday, and all approachable roads closed, and this is its annual Race weekend. We drove down to the Maree and Windorah roads and they are closed, with police ensuring no one crosses the road closed sign. Top up wherever you can. I only have a small low clearance front wheel drive Hyundai i30CW and would appreciate advice as to whether I can travel this road, bearing in mind that I would observe all precautions such as checking the road conditions etc on the day. Be prepared for remote travel. Recommended road trip circuit from Brisbane: St George; Cunnamulla; Thargomindah; Innamincka; Birdsville; Birdsville to Brisbane via Windorah and Roma; Things to Pack: Enough bottled water to last at least 3 days (plus some extra) Snacks for the road trip; At least 3 days of dry food for meals that will keep in the car. I'd strongly advise contacting Queensland Roads to get the latest. Back on the road again. Drop down to 20psi tyres pressure and enjoy the dust and rocks for the next 3 hours. I assume you have an EPIRB or Spot Tracker? Should we considerleaving the caravan at Boulia if need be and stay at the Birdsville pub for a night. promise you there is more great Outback scenery and loneliness. Make sure you come prepared with your favourite sunset drinks and nibbles so you can really soak up the serenity of the perfect sunset location. Be careful, be prepared for breakdowns. Seven kilometres south of Mitchell, a steel monument marks the site of their last bold but futile stand. Aimed at Baby Boomers & mature age travellers, there is a wealth of information, reviews, articles and other resources to educate and assist people. Could you please tell me if your caravan is an Off-Road caravan? So what are your choices? Windorah is the last fuel stop before Birdsville from this direction. They have 2 luxurious cottages . One of the most worthwhile attractions in Mitchell is the Great Artesian Spa, the largest open-air spa in Australia. Birdsville Burke Developmental Road Corner Country NSW Darling River Run Gary Junction Road Gibb River Road Great Central Road Nullarbor Old Ghan Rail Line Savannah Way Strzelecki Track Stuart Highway Tanami Road The Outback Way WA Goldfields Other Road Trips Country Towns QLD Country Towns NSW Country Towns SA Country Towns WA Country Towns Its a fascinating read. Just wide open spaces and plenty of places to pull up stump for the night. The above ruins are a good example of the kind of homesteads built by early settlers in Australia's remote regions. Be careful of the sand dunes. And while theyve tried to build a decent base, its full of rocks embedded in the road. Unsure of current conditions. I wouldnt normally recommend it in a 2WD. Quilpie is a 210 kilometre drive from Charleville along the Warrego Way. From Quilpie you have the option of taking a short 108km detour along the fully sealed Cooper Developmental road (79A) to Eromanga. Arrabury Road is well worth the drive. Any questions or comments? Council advises that during the Council's Christmas Break-Up period, garbage collections in Beodurie and Birdsville will occur on the following dates Wednesday, 28 December 2022 Wednesday, 4 January 202. Travelled to the Birdsville races 2018 . The tree is a Waddi (Acacia Peuce), which can only be found in the Boulia/Diamantina Shires. A few kilometres out of Birdsville is a very rare stand of ancient trees. It is the administrative centre of the huge Diamantina Shire, located on the Georgina River. The surrounding flat-topped mesas hinted where the original tableland had been millions of years ago. Photo: Derek Barry Locals and tourists are benefitting from $5 million worth of works on the Diamantina Developmental Road between Bedourie and Boulia which paved and sealed the final eight kms of the 190 km link, just in time for the Birdsville Races. Around 50km before the turnoff, youll see the road into Haddon Corner which is about 15km each way. So you ask me "What is beyond Birdsville?" - Good question! This quaint town swells from 115 to a couple of thousand as everyone is now on the road to Birdsville Races. Call into the unstaffed information centre in the old store building and learn from displays how the property once managed over 12.000 head of cattle requiring up to 20 stockmen. Thanks :). We travelled at approx 70 kph . by Tony B kind. . Toowoomba offers the visitor everything a wide range of accommodation for all budgets and many fine eateries, restaurants and shops. The mercury is already nudging 40C on a February morning in Birdsville and, walking down the main drag, you could be forgiven for mistaking yourself in the nearby ghost town of Betoota. tracks this is just heaven, don't you agree?Bedourie offers everything a traveller needs. The Shire's only industry is Beef Cattle Grazing, the area is renowned for the quality of stock produced. Contact Winton Shire Council on (07) 4657 2666 or the Visitor Information Centre on (07) 4657 1466 for further information. [6] Floodway upgrade [ edit] A word of warning. Toowoomba puts on a sensational show of colour in springtime. It doesnt really matter which road you take between these towns, each one is special in its own way. This drive is just under 40km and takes you into country youd never imagine existed out here. Just wondering what te condition of the road, Hi, Just wondering if anyone has recently travelled from Windorah to Birdsville and can provide an update on what the road condition is like and how long it took them? Nearby to Warra visit a coloured cotton farm and insectary where predatory and beneficial insects are bred for use in agriculture. Mind you, you need your wits about you on this road too. There is another service station around the corner and if you only want fuel, head around there as the line-ups are much shorter. options to continue your journey, but first I'd like to answer your next question "what does The Diamantina Development Road between Boulia and Bedourie is now fully sealed. We were in a 4 wheel drive and averaged between 80 to 90 Klms per hour across the dirt / stony gravel roads without lowering our tyres. For more information on Flood Recovery Permits (FRPs) and freight route information, contact the Flood Recovery Road Access Group: 1300 105 An outback event filled with loads of fun for everyone with the final race The Thirsty Camel Cup being Australias longestand the richest camel race inAustralia! View all. 12 hours on the bike, 8 hours on gravel to Birdsville. been there a few times in past years and seen lot of buses. Boulias windmill allows all visitors to town an opportunity to capture one of those iconic outback images! birds. There have been some bad collisions along here, with over-enthusiastic travellers forgetting about on-coming traffic at the crests of the dunes. However, roads in the Outback improve Do you think a Mazda 2 could do it safely, Hi I am on my way to Birdsville bash. Day 16: Off to Bedourie this morning. Any advice would be appreciated. But believe The road varies from rough to sandy to a wide gravel highway further north. Boulia Min Min centre Danielle Lancaster. As I said earlier, we didnt see another vehicle the whole trip. The road is arrow straight and you feel like youre on a giant rollercoaster. to take the Lake Machattie detour. According to a police . is the road from boulia to mt isa sealed. After a full day or two in Miles its time to head due west to Roma, 140 kilometres further along the Warrego. Youll need decent tyres. Do not attempt it if the road is covered in places; there's many a motorist that's been bogged up to the door handles in innocent-looking puddles. Right now there are no problems, but as you know, conditions can change any day. Although there is quite a lot of stony / gravel still out there it was a great trip. I will be driving a 2011 AWD Kluger. On that road your vehicle clearance and good tyres are a must. Well, I hope you like corrugations! These low dunes arent any anything to worry about though. We loved the drive to Boulia, amazing countryside and history. moment you traverse a barren spot that makes you think it is the end of BaSC x Drive to road conditions Please drive to the road conditions and take care when passing trucks. Overall a good drive , does get a bit rough in a few places but hey it's the outback.. The wind has been blowing a gale all morning and has been collecting dust, by late afternoon it was quite brutal. More than a hundred million years ago Boulia lay below a vast inland sea called the Eromanga Sea. Just stick to the main routes, like Cameron Corner out to the Strzelecki Track, then up to Innamincka. Time to continue along the Warrego: next stop Dalby. Someone in their wisdom decided to cap the sand dune crests with clay. If you click through and make a purchase, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For movement within and around a local region, contact the regional permits office. Bedourie's artesian water supply is of good quality, it even feeds the Accommodation is at the "Windorah Hilton". Mungallala is the only town you pass through on your trip west from Mitchell to Morven. very remote track. The Red Stump Tourism and Events Queensland. Visit the extremely rare Waddi trees, which only grow in three places in the world and, if youre lucky enough to time your visit with one of the many annual events, witness incredible displays of horsemanship at the gymkhanas, rodeos, bronco branding and race meets in the Diamantina shire. Then you turn left onto Moomba Road. Public Toilets. You wont miss it as its under the huge shed. It leads you into jump-up country and pretty soon youre heading straight for the hills. And dont worry, the road is hard-packed. Biggest worry is the 4x4's with camper teailers doing over 100 kph throwing up stones every where when passing or over taking . Birdsville to Windorah ch 88.7 - 264.7 See Diamantina Shire Council for Bedourie to Windorah ch 213.1 - 388.78 See Quilpie Shire Council for Quilpie to Windorah ch .00-174.96 Drive to road conditions x x while the next moment you cross a creek, lined with bushes and trees, and you are in a different world. No 4wd towing a camper too, I was up in that area in 2014 and passed many 2wds including small hatch backs with low ground clearance and huge overloaded motorhomes full of grey nomads. Coober . . Follow the highway as it winds steeply up the eastern side of the Great Dividing Range. 10 questions with Issada Skincares Deb Farnworth-Wood, The spud-tacular Robertson Potato Festival is back, Top 10 Indigenous tours and experiences on Australias islands, 10 dog treat companies your pooch will love. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the works were jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments. Enjoy. This is a remote drive, with fuel being few and far between. The ruins are protected by federal and state heritage legislation, so please, leave them as you find them. Leaving pretty Miles you pass through the townships of Drillham and Dulacca, both established with the coming of the railway into the west. Visit the Chinchilla White Gums, a beautifully tall and straight eucalypt native to this area. Middle Road is an alternative route to the Tibooburra Cameron Corner Road. You gaze down into the valley you just drove through and its laid out before you like a map. This road links Birdsville and Windorah with markets in major centres across Australia. Be mindful of the soft edges when trying to get off the road. Although if youre the driver, you wont have much of a chance to sightsee! Hear the sound of the didgeridoo and watch Aboriginal artists at work at the C.D.E.P. We are leaving Plainland around 30th Aug along with our tent and look forward to meeting up with others travelling the same road, cheers to all. On the afternoon of February 23, 2023, emergency services in Maryland responded to a serious crash involving multiple vehicles on Solomons Island Road at Birdsville Road. You can see Waddi trees here Can anyone tell me if the Birdsville Development Road is sealed please.