Birdsville
Town
Population 115
Birdsville is a tiny town at the northern end of the Birdsville Track, a major cattle route developed in the 1880s. In the 1870s the first European settlers arrived in the area. By 1900 the town was flourishing, boasting three hotels, several stores, a customs office and a cordial factory. When, after Federation in 1901, the toll on cattle crossing the border was abolished, the town's prosperity slowly declined. John Flynn, the famous 'Flynn of the Inland', opened an Australian Inland Mission at Birdsville in 1923. Cattle remains a major trade, as well as the tourism accompanying four-wheel-drive enthusiasts keen to take on the Birdsville Track and Simpson Desert National Park.
Visitor Information
Wirrari Centre, Billabong Blvd;
(07) 4656 3300
Nearby national parks
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Simpson Desert National Park
The largest national park in Queensland, Simpson Desert National Park is a remote and unforgiving landscape, a destination for experienced...more
Nearby towns
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Innamincka
This tiny settlement is built around a hotel and trading post on Cooper Creek. The first European explorer to visit the area was Charles...more
In Town
Working Museum: housed in 6 buildings, the museum showcases an array of old relics from tools to pottery and farming equipment. Join proprietor John Menzies for a tour and demonstration in harness making and coach building; tours daily at 9am, 11am and 3pm; Waddie Dr. Blue Poles Gallery: art by local painter Wolfgang John. Cafe on-site; Graham St. Artesian bore: water comes out at near boiling point from this 1219 m deep bore; behind the bore is a geothermal power plant; Graham St. Adelaide Street: ruins of Royal Hotel (1883), a reminder of Birdsville's boom days; Birdsville Hotel (1884), still an important overnight stop for travellers; cemetery, housing the grave sites of early pioneers.
Nearby
Simpson Desert National Park West of Birdsville, this arid national park is the largest in Queensland. The parallel windblown sand dunes are enormous – up to 90 m high, about 1 km apart, and can extend up to 200 km. A self-guide drive includes 10 sites, starting at the eastern park boundary and following the track to Poeppel's Corner. Walking any distance is not recommended and a 4WD is essential. Visit only between Apr and Oct, see note below; (07) 4656 3249; 65 km W.
Waddi Trees and Dingo Cave Lookout: 14 km N. Big Red: huge sand dune; 35 km W. Bedourie: Eyre Creek runs through town providing waterholes that are home to the endangered bilby and peregrine falcons; 191 km N.
Travellers note: Travel in this area can be hazardous, especially in the hotter months (approximately Oct–Mar). Motorists are advised to check the RACQ Road Conditions Report on 1300 130 595 (or www.racq.com.au) for information before departing down the Birdsville Track and to advise police if heading west to Simpson Desert National Park. There is no hotel or fuel at Betoota, 164 km E, but fuel is available at Windorah, 375 km E.
Campsites around town
Tippipila Creek camping area 126 km
Camp on the Birdsville side of this tree-lined creek, 336 km north of Marree and 180 km south of Birdsville. Come equipped for self-sufficient camping.... Find out moreSimpson Desert camping area (bush camping) 147 km
Self-sufficient bush camping (permit required) is permitted anywhere within 100 m of public access tracks. Given the desert impact of wind and sun, low-lying areas with the shade of gidgee woodlands are recommended. Be... Find out moreSimpson Desert camping area (bush camping) 152 km
Camping is permitted in the national park only within 500 m either side of the QAA Line. The desert is extremely remote: visitors must take a two-way radio and plenty of food, water, fuel and vehicle spare parts. Only... Find out moreCoongie Lake camping area 163 km
This wonderfully remote wetland is birdwatching heaven, with a stunning array of waterbirds and raptors. There’s a choice of idyllic lake-front campsites and unlimited scope for canoeing, photography and nature... Find out moreKudriemitchie Outstation camping area 183 km
This historic pastoral out-station en route to Coongie Lakes National Park is 85 km north-west of Innamincka along the 4WD Coongie Track. You need a permit to camp here.... Find out moreScrubby Camp camping area 219 km
Peaceful sites beside the north-west branch of Cooper Creek on its run to Coongie Lakes are found along Coongie Track, 45 km north-west of Innamincka. Access is 4WD only and a permit is required.... Find out moreWills Memorial camping area 240 km
N/A... Find out moreMinkie Waterhole camping area 244 km
This expansive waterhole, 9 km south-west of Innamincka, is a more secluded alternative to the ever-popular Cullyamurra sites; a permit is required. Birdlife is abundant and a quiet camp under the mature river red gums... Find out moreMungerannie Hotel camping area 245 km
At this popular watering hole almost halfway along the Birdsville Track, as well as the pub you’ll find motel-style rooms and good no-frills camping beside the Derwent River. Permanent water means there are shade... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
The legendary pub is not the only place to stay in town but it is certainly the best known and easiest to find. Hop off your aircraft and cross the road, and you are in the bar. Motel-style rooms are all air-conditioned... Find out more
What's on around town
Rodeo and Bronco Branding: May.
Birdsville Gift: footrace; June.
Birdsville Cup Racing Carnival: the 1st meeting of this annual event was held in 1882 and the tradition continues on the claypan track south—east of town. Held 1st Fri and Sat in Sept, when the population swells to over 6000.
