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 . Historic Ipswich, Queenslands oldest provincial city, oozes with charm in its sprawling gardens and magnificent private and public buildings. Accommodation is at the "Windorah Hilton". Forlorn places, shimmering mirages, exactly what we expect the Australian Outback looks like. Okay, the black stump is an imaginary point after which the Well, I hope you like corrugations! From Quilpie you have the option of taking a short 108km detour along the fully sealed Cooper Developmental road (79A) to Eromanga. The silence is only broken by the howling wind and the sound of the The above ruins are a good example of the kind of homesteads built by early settlers in Australia's remote regions. RACQ Road Conditions. Keep an eye out for the oil donkeys dotted along the Old Strzelecki Track. Close to the highway is the Jondaryan Woolshed, built in 1859 and recently restored. Note: This article contains an affiliate link to Camera House. The races have been run and the weather is fine. The Haddon Corner track continued the theme of black soil and mud. Do you plan to travel to, or within Australia? Has anyone done this trip across . The road is well-formed all the way to and beyond Omicron Station. One day well have to camp within sight of these hills and watch the sunrise. 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. A variation on the Fortville Gate route is to drive out to Cameron Corner then hook right and head vaguely North-East for a while until you turn left onto Omicron Road. Duration: 5-7 days Route: Brisbane - Chinchilla - Roma - Charleville - Windorah - Birdsville 'Travel west young man' was an adage used in the past to entice folks into the outback - a world full of . South Australian Outback Roads (SA Government), Queensland Road Condition Report (Live map via the Queensland Government), Road Conditions Report & other Travel Information (Diamantina Shire Council), Birdsville and Strzelecki Tracks Road Report (SA Government), 1300 361 033 Northern SA Road Conditions (Automated Service), +61 (0)7 4656 2028 Outback Queensland / Diamantina Shire Road Condition Report (Visitor Information Centre), +61 (0)8 8648 5328 Simpson Desert Conservation Park & Witjira National Parks Desert Parks Information, +61 (0)8 8648 5300 Dept. We recently 2 weeks ago travelled from Windorah to Birdsville and the road was good it is sealed from Windorah to the turn off then for the next approx 20 k. The unsealed section to Betoota was in good condition we towed a 21 ft van with no problems. The fascination of Outback Australia is the ever-changing scenery. When a wide loadis coming towards you, slow down and where possible, find a safe spot to pull off the road. Eventually the road climbs onto the tableland, which stretches out in all directions. This Heritage listed cottage constructed in the 1880s of stone and compacted rubble houses an array of historical artefacts including machinery, photographs, communications, homewares and much more. Mungallala, population around 130, originated as a railway town. Sit back and enjoy the unique flora and fauna throughout the surrounding countryside. Many follow themes such as the Scented Garden and Japanese Garden. Its definitely remote. Eyre Creek is in flood, you need to take the Lake Machattie detour, a Bedourie, another small bush town with true Outback character. Fuel, food, and accommodation are available at Mungallala. https://www.oka4wd.com/forum/members-vehicles-public/569-oka196-xt-motorhome. Travel safely. With the road being predominantly gibber rock this makes for an extremely uncomfortable and bumpy ride. kind. I'd strongly advise contacting Queensland Roads to get the latest. (Melbourne, Victoria Australia). But we were there in March and it was extremely remote. Boulia Min Min centre Danielle Lancaster. So what are your choices? Transport and motoring. Its a fascinating read. The town is a hub for intrepid travellers heading across the Simpson Desert, the largest area of parallel sand dunes in the world. The above ruins are a good example of the kind of homesteads built by early settlers in Australia's remote regions. 12 hours on the bike, 8 hours on gravel to Birdsville. For all other route restrictions use the following link https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au . Sit atop the 40 metre high Big Red, the biggest sand dune on the eastern edge of the desert, and watch four-wheel-drivers take on the challenge of the steep and sandy tracks. 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. Now only about 70 km of road remain unsealed, and the dirt Margaret Road. The Min Min is a mysterious light that is said to dance just above the horizon and follow you. 960W of solar, 400Ah of AGMs, 310L water, 280L fuel. Contact Winton Shire Council on (07) 4657 2666 or the Visitor Information Centre on (07) 4657 1466 for further information. Conditions change depending on weather and the time since it was last graded. Via the very good Donohoe Hwy from Mt Isa, Bedourie, Boulia or even Windorah; Via the Birdsville Development Road from Betoota and Windorah . Some parts are smooth, but theyre few and far between. We chose to drive North from Tibooburra through Warri Gate on the NSW/QLD border, follow for a while, turn left onto Orientos Road, left onto Moomba Road and follow until you turn right to Innamincka. 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. The museum is 3 kilometres outside of Eromanga off the sealed Mt. 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. [1] Its length is 273 kilometres (170 mi). On that road your vehicle clearance and good tyres are a must. It's a little under 400km between Windorah and Birdsville, and while much of the road is unsealed, it's a beautiful drive, achievable in a single day. The sand dunes surrounding Bedourie are very photogenic, especially in Head to Hospital Hill Walk for a history lesson and then its on to Mitchell. The town of 4,000 is getting restless. Youre unlikely to see another vehicle out here. Eventually youll reach Sturts Stony Desert. Lots of stone chips if lucky ( 5 my first trip ) now l just get way of the road when l see them comming , who needs a broken windscreen or window. but big red is well worth a look, and a night time concert would be unreal. I am checking out now how and what roads to take. The term channel country refers to the intricate network of braided channels and waterholes that spread up to 80 kilometres across the landscape during flooding. Take your time and enjoy the unique outback. 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. promise you there is more great Outback scenery and loneliness. So as always, give the trucks plenty of room and be prepared to stop until the dust clears. Clearly this is a major truck route. (Info from a sign at the homestead). Roll up and pay when council staff appear. Note: This article contains an affiliate link to Apple. The Roadhouse - the Grand Central Station of Birdsville. Listen to UHF 40 for instructions. This time, we struck it at its worst after a long dry spell. After rain the development road can have water filled holes in some of the depressions, something to keep in mind. Its roughy 380km from Windorah to Birdsville. Plenty of camping spots; none of them marked as "official", but you should be OK if you pull well off the road, and don't camp in a creek bed. Western 2 flight path to Boulia is highlighted in Orange. If you click through and make a purchase, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Further down the main street is the Dogwood Crossing centre, which was the original name given to Miles. Or you can go West from Tibooburra towards Cameron Corner, dont turn off to Cameron Corner, but continue to the NSW/QLD border. Take these roads slowly, dont be in a hurry. Youll be amazed how much the country changes between Tibooburra and Innamincka from vast gibber plains to tall sand dunes and even vast shallow lakes after decent rain. Then, welcome to Roma, the home of the Big Rig and the gateway to cattle country. and a whole lot more at our FREE RESOURCES Page! Any questions or comments? Western 2 flight path to Boulia is highlighted in Orange. 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. Road trains can be 55m long and the rear trailer can sway one (1) metre either side! Today, travel west and your journey will still be filled with adventure but luckily, you don't have to take the rutted bush tracks of the past. Duration: 5-7 days Its not a slog through deep sand. . We chose the three states in one day option, a loop up and into Queensland then across to Innamincka. Do you think a Mazda 2 could do it safely, Hi I am on my way to Birdsville bash. We are a couple of seniors off to Birdsville for our first time. Its a must !!!! A word of warning Although the Cordillo Downs track goes through some of the most beautiful country in Australia, it is important to drive to the conditions. In the gardens is the Visitor Information Centre where they will be only too happy to fill you with activity suggestions for your visit, no matter how long it is for. Hello Rita we were thinking of travelling with a commodore sedan & a high lift 16.5 poptop from Cunnumulla to Birdsville by the Birdsville development road in late April . Just before Mungallala is a protected area where you can walk amongst the rare Ooline (Cadelia Pentastylis), a remnant pocket of rain forest trees dating back 1.6 million years. Birdsville has received 45 mm yesterday, and all approachable roads closed, and this is its annual Race weekend. This road links Birdsville and Windorah with markets in major centres across Australia. By the way, if you are staying overnight, ask whoever or wherever you will be staying. Day 3: Windorah to Birdsville and Back. Stop at the pub by the side of the road and youre likely to meet a local for a yarn. Given what we saw, there was no way we were going to take on the Coongie Lakes track. Most times it would be extremely arid. Just be prepared. 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. Preferably bitumen . At this point, the road widens, sometimes many lanes wide. DONT drink and drive, I must have got tested about 12 times. Very optimistic settlers started a pastoral venture in 1877, however, Carcory homestead was already abandoned in 1906. Road conditions from Brisbane to Birdsville Brisbane 26C Broken Clouds Feels like 78.76 Wind speed 11.5 mph Pressure 1010 hPa Dalby 27C Broken Clouds Feels like 80.73 Wind speed 16.2 mph Pressure 998 hPa Chinchilla 28C Broken Clouds Feels like 81.45 Wind speed 18.1 mph Pressure 1008 hPa Jackson 29C Scattered Clouds Feels like 82.09 REMEMBER TO ALWAYS CHECK ROAD CONDITIONS BEFORE TRAVELLING, AND TAKE ENOUGH . The Red Stump Tourism and Events Queensland. Of that distance reckon about 60% is still corrugated dirt road. if you need fuel fill up when you get there, the que at the end of the week-end is crazy. It continues to intrigue many since it was first recorded at the Min Min Hotel, now a ruins, in the 1890s, when it appeared over a grave at the rear of the hotel which burnt down in the 1990s. Wed never given this border corner much thought before. As you say the condition of outback roads can change over night but we just wondered what it is like generally as to wether any part of it is sealed and does it get badly rutted at that time of the year.I am familiar with the RACQ web site as to road closures in Queensland because of flooding. Along the way, you meet characters like Gunna and Bluey. For an appreciation of life in the outback, visit the Charleville School of Distance Education and the visitor centre of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. For accurate up to date road conditions for Queensland also check the following sites: RACQ Road Conditions. But with your experience, you obviously know what preparation you need to do and how to look after your vehicle. Then we started along the track to Cullyamurra Waterhole, only to be faced with a long stretch of black soil covered in water. Depends very much on the state of the road. Travelled to the Birdsville races 2018 . Please noteThe Itinerary may change because of weather, road conditions, or other factors over which Karrabee has no control. At the Marine Reptile Fossil Display, youll see a wonderful collection of world-class fossils. However, its a special place especially at sunset. Freight and Heavy Vehicles: Our Long Search For The Best Mosquito Repellant Is Over. to all the lucky people heading to Birdsville here's a couple of tips, ive been a few times and never had a prob finding a camp spot until last time (2012) you'll first notice the race track is way out of town. About This Drive. so now i dont move over till they are almost on top of me and they brake, then i move over and give a friendly wave as they go past at a more windscreen friendly speed. Into bushranger territory, the Warrego now takes you on your journey to Mitchell through the villages of Muckadilla and Amby. Each one is a brilliant drive. Aimed at Baby Boomers & mature age travellers, there is a wealth of information, reviews, articles and other resources to educate and assist people. View all. That afternoon, the sun put on a classic desert sunset for us. Could you please tell me if your caravan is an Off-Road caravan? February 27, 2023 alexandra bonefas scott No Comments . The first is to head West from Tibooburra to Cameron Corner, then across to the Strezlecki Track, turn right, follow for ages, chuck a left and youre there. It's bumpy in sections and I'd make sure to have the basics incase of a flat tyre which will be your biggest issue. There is another service station around the corner and if you only want fuel, head around there as the line-ups are much shorter.