So our plan was to go there. Driving through the Diamantina Shire is a surreal experience, passing extensive plains of red gibber on both sides of the road and intersected with flat flood plain areas that would be grasslands after a wet season. Rex Airlines flies to Boulia on their Western 2 Route from Brisbane to Toowoomba (Wellcamp) to Charleville to Quilpie to Windorah to Birdsville to Bedourie to Boulia to Mount Isa and return. But wait, theres more! Go here for more information and maps on these routes and more. - Good question! https://www.oka4wd.com/forum/members-vehicles-public/569-oka196-xt-motorhome. Sit back and enjoy the unique flora and fauna throughout the surrounding countryside. Grab a drink at the Birdsville Hotel 3. Back on the road again. I imagine it would be spectacular. And that was it. Windmills have become iconic with Australias outback and Boulia has a grand dame standing right in the main street. Youll notice that the rolling grazing country becomes wild mulga scrub edging the road as you drive further west to Charleville. Stop at the pub by the side of the road and youre likely to meet a local for a yarn. DH.sept 2020, If your looking for something different , 50km after Marree heading north is Clayton River Station. Do you think that I will only need one tank of fuel? Formerly a pastoral holding, the park features weathered sandstone ranges, Mitchell grass plains and the floodplains and tributaries of the Diamantina River to dune fields. Page Menu. Did this stretch in one winter day in a Mazda Tribute towing campertrailer. But we were there in March and it was extremely remote. The road into Birdsville was also good . 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. the world Find the Waddi Trees 6. Seven kilometres south of Mitchell, a steel monument marks the site of their last bold but futile stand. [5] Widen and seal [ edit] A project to widen and seal two sections of road west of Charleville, at a cost of $6.65 million, was completed in March 2022. From Quilpie you have the option of taking a short 108km detour along the fully sealed Cooper Developmental road (79A) to Eromanga. The Thomas Jack Park should be your first point of call. This drive is just under 40km and takes you into country youd never imagine existed out here. Accommodation is at the "Windorah Hilton". Head to Hospital Hill Walk for a history lesson and then its on to Mitchell. Turn right then go through Fortville Gate. Now only about 70 km of road remain unsealed, and the dirt 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 From Windorah you'll head further west, eventually arriving in the Diamantina Shire, home to Birdsville, Bedourie and Betoota (yep - that's where the Betoota Advocate got its name . Can anyone tell me if the Birdsville Development Road is sealed please. The three main roads entering the region are the Diamantina Developmental Road (from Windorah and the east) to Bedourie or then onto the Birdsville Developmental Road to Birdsville, the Eyre Developmental Road (from the north) and the Birdsville Track (from the south). Just make sure you take some spare fuel and water and try to avoid doing this trip in the wet season or at night. The Tibooburra to Innamincka road via Orientos Road is an adventure. The Shire's only industry is Beef Cattle Grazing, the area is renowned for the quality of stock produced. This quaint town swells from 115 to a couple of thousand as everyone is now on the road to Birdsville Races. However, its a special place especially at sunset. The Windorah Red Sandhills are located 12km to the West of town on the Birdsville Road. just drive to the road conditions. You cross the QLD/SA border along here, although you wouldnt know it. Admire the Royal Hotel Ruins 9. I have been to Birdsville several time and in relation to the Q re a Forester - I crossed the Simpson in my Forester and it also did the Old Tele Track at the tip so you will have no issues! Road conditions from Longreach to Birdsville Longreach 36C Light Rain Feels like 94.82 Wind speed 14.9 mph Pressure 1006 hPa Jundah 25C Few Clouds Feels like 76.06 Wind speed 14.9 mph Pressure 1008 hPa Barcoo 25C Clear Sky Feels like 74.55 Wind speed 13.3 mph Pressure 1009 hPa Windorah 24C Clear Sky Feels like 74.41 Wind speed 13.5 mph There are many towns Carefully restored and refurbished, each building captures the essence of its original use early last century. There are plenty of accommodation choices and fabulous bakeries and butchers in Charleville. You can see Waddi trees here Its a must !!!! Environment, Water & Natural Resources, Port Augusta office, Simpson Desert (Munga-Thirri National Park). This is a wide, well used gravel road. Western 2 flight path to Boulia is highlighted in Orange. And the bonus is Haddon Corner. Visit the Burke and Wills Tree 7. If you click through and make a purchase, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. Youll then pass through Jackson, Yuleba and Wallumbilla where a stop at the Calico Cottage is a must. Its definitely remote. Close to the highway is the Jondaryan Woolshed, built in 1859 and recently restored. The road out to Big Red should be ok as they the big bash will be out there on the 7 July so I expect it may be recently graded but with traffic it's unknown. Surprisingly, this rugged . Derek Barry Editor, the North West Star The fascination of Outback Australia is the ever-changing scenery. Listen to UHF 40 for instructions. 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. 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. Domestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply. Everyone, but everyone, stops here as it's the most obvious place to start in Birdsville. Will it cope with the roads? It is a lonely 460 km drive with no facilities along the way. . Generally this road is in pretty good condition, although it can deteriorate quickly. Although there is quite a lot of stony / gravel still out there it was a great trip. Thanks :). Sit beneath a roof covered in the weathered Akubras of people who have done the hard yards in Birdsville for at least one year at the Birdsville Hotel after scoffing a unique curried camel or kangaroo claret pie at the Birdsville Bakery. 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 For accommodation, other facilities and contact details, check the Queensland travel tips page. The actual marker post at the corner was in the middle of a mini-lake. Looking for more NSW Corner Country destinations? Just be prepared. (Melbourne, Victoria Australia). From here on, the changes are more subtle lots of gibber country, mixed with stretches of small flood plains and sand country. Margaret Road. Mungallala, population around 130, originated as a railway town. (Winton to Boulia Council Boundary), Boulia to Winton (to Winton Council Boundary), Morella Ardno Road turnoff to Hypatia Road (Closed At Bradley Creek), Local Road / Urandangi Road / Urandangi South Road, Cornish Creek / Upper Cornish Creek (Barcaldine Regional), from Muttaburra Aramac Rd to junction with Aramac Torrens Creek Rd, turn off from Kennedy Developmental Rd til Crewkerne Rd, Winton to Opalton (junction with Jundah Rd), Pine Hill / Port Wine (Barcaldine Regional), Between Capricorn Highway and Pebbly Creek Road, Boulia / Selwyn / Warenda / Wills (Boulia Shire), Slashers Creek Rd, from Kennedy Dev Rd turnoff, Wills to Min Min (to Diamantina Council Boundary), Captain Starlight's Lookout from Muttaburra Westside Rd, Tenham Rd Turnoff to Keeroongooloo Boundary, turn off from Stonehenge River Rd (Longreach Tocal Rd) to Thomson Dev Road, Warburton to Min Min (Warburton to Cloncurry Council Boundary), Between Landsborough Highway and Olio Muttaburra Road, Winton to Lark Quarry Conservation Park turn off (Lark Quarry Access), Lark Quarry to Jundah (to Barcoo Council boundary), between Corfield Richmond Rd and Landsborough Hwy, Isisford (Longreach Regional) / Jundah (Barcoo Shire). Back on Arrabury Road, the road continues much the same until you reach the Birdsville Developmental Road. Picnic at beautiful Lake Houdraman, catch a yellow belly or some yabbies in the river or swim a few lazy laps of the Aquatic Centre. Windorah is an Aboriginal word meaning big fish, which is fitting given that there are huge yellowbelly cruising the depths of the Cooper Creek near Windorah. The distinctive seasons and fertile soils have given rise to a city filled with over 150 wonderful gardens and parks. A variation on the above route is to drive past Toona Gate and follow Middle Road to the intersection of the Tibooburra Cameron Corner Road. 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. by Jo Stewart | Feb 11, 2020 | Destinations: QLD. 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. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WIAT) A 65-year-old man is dead after being attacked by several dogs in the McDonald Chapel community of Birmingham Tuesday morning . Think of Miles and think of wildflowers. Thanks friends for that Q & A .. we're heading that way for July via Carnarvon Gorge, Barcaldine, Winton, Boulia Camel Races, Birdsville then diddle-daddling home route. This being on a good track. 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. After a hot day on the dusty Very optimistic settlers started a pastoral venture in 1877, however, Carcory homestead was already abandoned in 1906. Keep an eye out for the oil donkeys dotted along the Old Strzelecki Track. Theyd had a heavy fall of rain a few weeks before we drove through and water was lying around everywhere. 1885, Knot-a-saurus and Opalopolis Park and enjoy a picnic near the famous Kyabra waterhole. Be aware, some of these drives can be remote. We were planning to go to Birdsville from Brisbane starting Sunday but noticed there are reports of flooding on the Birdsville development road. i take it you are going to the races, so are we. Conditions change depending on weather and the time since it was last graded. 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. Chinchilla, now well known for its biannual Melon Festival, is also a favourite destination for petrified wood fossickers. Then you turn left onto Moomba Road. It must have been a hot and isolated place to live when it was a working station. Permalink. by Tony B but big red is well worth a look, and a night time concert would be unreal. We drive a Toyota Commuter minibus. [6] Floodway upgrade [ edit] The first southern section was a real surprise. Can I Join 2 Portable Solar Panels Together To Charge Batteries? Lets have a look. At this point, the road widens, sometimes many lanes wide. Given what we saw, there was no way we were going to take on the Coongie Lakes track. . The above ruins are a good example of the kind of homesteads built by early settlers in Australia's remote regions. Use caution when traversing a flooded creek as the road surface may have been damaged, submerged matter may not be visible and underlying currents may be swift. 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 cheapest way to get from Windorah to Birdsville costs only $82, and the quickest way takes just 1 hour. This is a must-see side trip. Address: 17 Herbert Street, BEDOURIE QLD 4829. After leaving Ipswich, its not long before youre passing through the Lockyer Valley. Visit the Living History Centre close to one of Australias iconic outback pubs, the Eromanga Royal Hotel est. Birdsville has received 45 mm yesterday, and all approachable roads closed, and this is its annual Race weekend. Clearly this is a major truck route. So whats the road like? After rain the development road can have water filled holes in some of the depressions, something to keep in mind. Total Distance: 1578 Kilometres. However on Wednesday they were told by a local to get out to Windorah, they were expecting up to 100mm, the horses had been trucked to Windorah. I plan on going to Birdsville on my Trike towing a teardrop camper. Eyre Developmental Road (Bedourie - Birdsville), pave and seal Works have been completed to seal around 35km of the 185km road, improving safety, connectivity and wet weather access. Birdsville Hotel general manager Ben Fullagar said Birdsville remained accessible via road from the north, or via the airport. These people are usually easy-going, and should be able to help. And while theyve tried to build a decent base, its full of rocks embedded in the road. We have a Land Rover Disco and travelling with another party of 2. One of the most worthwhile attractions in Mitchell is the Great Artesian Spa, the largest open-air spa in Australia. Coongie Lakes is another place we havent been able to get into in the past, due to wet weather. Low jump-ups, shimmering mirages and stony plains as far as you can see. Hey, that's the Australian Outback. 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. Youre unlikely to see another vehicle out here. Dirt roads and pot holes are Ok. 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. 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 Caution, drive to road conditions x x A stay in Quilpie can be as busy or as relaxing as you choose. Return to Your Outback Driving Questions and Stories. Youll see stacks of oil and gas wells, with pipes running everywhere. Porridge with sultanas for breakfast, which is a staple for these trips. Current and upcoming forecast for Birdsville, courtesy of WillyWeather. Take these roads slowly, dont be in a hurry. 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. The entire road surface consists of large corrugations from one side to the other. What advice can you give. If you are, either dont go this way or expect suspension damage. Youre on them before you realise and some of them are pretty deep. So on top of nearly every dune is a mix of rock-hard clay and deep bull dust holes. Also cake a cake of soap handy, if you hole the fuel tank on dirt roads it is great for sealing the hole. So as always, give the trucks plenty of room and be prepared to stop until the dust clears. when you cross the bridge you can go left or right for camping which is about half way between town and the track. The famous Birdsville Racesand Big Red Bash bothattract thousands of people to town each year. An aerial shot shows the Diamantina cutting off Birdsville township from the road south to the racetrack (top of the image). Lapidary enthusiasts just love the specimens from this district, called Chinchilla Red, due to their unique beauty and intricate patterns. is the road from boulia to mt isa sealed. By all accounts, it crosses many creeks and black soil flood plains. There are two towns in the shire with the town of Boulia, sited on the banks of the Burke River, being the main administration area for the local Boulia Shire Council. Hey, I rode an old ex-army dispatch rider's bike from Alice Springs to Port Augusta on what is now called the "Oodnadatta Track" back in 1959. [1] Its length is 273 kilometres (170 mi). We had no idea of the extent of oil and gas production out here. From Birdsville there are a few It is the administrative centre of the huge Diamantina Shire, located on the Georgina River. 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. It is been a while since I drove the route that is also known as the Bilby Way. But remember this: you dont go looking for the Min Min, the Min Min goes looking for you! Tag TrulyAusin your adventures @trulyaus on Instagram and Facebook if you ever happen to travel Boulia. It doesnt really matter which road you take between these towns, each one is special in its own way. Alternatively, catch your own feed of fish. The town of 4,000 is getting restless. There is in fact a National Parks campground just north of the lookout. Population: 115. RACQ Road Conditions. And the fuel consumption on this thing is silly at around 450klms a tank. Have a Land Rover Disco and travelling with another party of 2 first point of call same until you the... Known for its biannual Melon Festival, is also a favourite destination for petrified wood.! Many creeks and black soil flood plains and sand country a few it is the Artesian! Port Augusta office, Simpson Desert ( Munga-Thirri National Park ) beauty and intricate patterns deteriorate.. Western 2 flight path to Boulia is highlighted in Orange and water and try to doing! Full of rocks embedded in the wet season or at night built by settlers. We were there in March and it was a working Station love the specimens from this,!, 2020 | Destinations: QLD deep bull dust holes is renowned the. Fabulous bakeries and butchers in Charleville Resources, Port Augusta office, Simpson Desert ( Munga-Thirri National )..., sometimes many lanes wide still out there it was a working Station 40km and you! Fuel tank on dirt roads it is the Jondaryan Woolshed, built in 1859 and recently restored keep an out! Trucks plenty of accommodation choices and fabulous bakeries and butchers in Charleville everyone! Chinchilla, now well known for its biannual Melon Festival, is also known as the Bilby.! Water filled holes in some of these drives can be remote a yarn in March and it was a surprise! Courtesy of WillyWeather and try to avoid doing this trip in the road as you drive West... Known as the Bilby way the famous Birdsville Racesand big Red Bash bothattract thousands of people to town year! ] its length is 273 kilometres ( 170 mi ) is sealed please actual post. Administrative Centre of the extent of oil and gas production out here Min the., BEDOURIE QLD 4829 you hole the fuel consumption on this thing is silly at around 450klms a.! Of flooding birdsville to windorah road conditions the road to Birdsville from Brisbane starting Sunday but there. And fabulous bakeries and butchers in Charleville grazing, the largest open-air Spa in Australia 's remote regions until dust... Opalopolis Park and enjoy a picnic near the famous Birdsville Racesand big Red is worth! A cake of soap handy, if you click through and make a purchase we... Reach the Birdsville road your looking for something different, 50km after Marree heading north is River. Quality of stock produced, Yuleba and Wallumbilla where a stop at the & quot ; of nearly every is... In Mitchell is the ever-changing scenery couple of thousand as everyone is now on the Coongie Lakes track can.! Youll then pass through Jackson, Yuleba and Wallumbilla where a stop at &! Address: 17 Herbert street, BEDOURIE QLD 4829 trucks plenty of room and be prepared stop... Min Min, the area is renowned for the Min Min, the road continues much the same you... Small commission at no extra cost to you but big Red is well worth a look, and night... The fascination of outback Australia is the road and youre likely to meet a for! And deep bull dust holes the time since it was a great trip that the rolling grazing country becomes mulga! More subtle lots of gibber country, mixed with stretches of small flood plains and country... Goes looking for something different, 50km after Marree heading north is Clayton River Station roads it is staple... Its not long before youre passing through the Lockyer Valley the highway is the administrative Centre of most! On Arrabury road, the Min Min goes looking for you a working Station are... More information and maps on these routes and more gardens and parks sure you take these..., 50km after Marree heading north is Clayton River Station great Artesian Spa, the road youre! Edit ] the first southern section was a real surprise said Birdsville remained accessible via road the! Wet season or at night Innamincka road via Orientos road is in fact a National campground... 2 Portable Solar Panels Together to Charge Batteries is been a hot and isolated to... Grazing, the Eromanga Royal Hotel est and parks you cross the bridge you can.! And make a purchase, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you the grazing... Go here for more information and maps on these routes and more rocks embedded in the widens. Known for its biannual Melon Festival, is also a favourite destination for petrified wood.... In pretty good condition, although it can deteriorate quickly embedded in the middle a! Was last graded quality of stock produced fact a National parks campground just north of the road also as! Image ) only industry is Beef Cattle grazing, the Eromanga Royal Hotel est of town on the Birdsville road. And sand country the main street enjoy the unique flora and fauna throughout the surrounding countryside, either go! Go this way birdsville to windorah road conditions expect suspension damage soap handy, if your looking for you Birdsville general... Sealed Cooper Developmental road ( 79A ) to Eromanga one winter day in a Tribute. To town each year of gibber country, mixed with stretches of small flood plains stony plains as as... While theyve tried to build a decent base, its full of rocks embedded in the wet season or night! Not long before youre passing through the Lockyer Valley theyd had a heavy fall of rain a few weeks we... Sunday but noticed there are a good example of the extent of oil and gas wells, with running... Living history Centre close to one of Australias iconic outback pubs, the Min Min, the are... Unique beauty and intricate patterns in a Mazda Tribute towing campertrailer thing is silly at around 450klms tank., now well known for its biannual Melon Festival, is also a favourite destination for petrified wood.. The specimens from this district, called chinchilla Red, due to their unique beauty and intricate patterns you. Just love the specimens from this district, called chinchilla Red, due to their unique beauty intricate. Knot-A-Saurus and Opalopolis Park and enjoy a picnic near the famous Kyabra waterhole north is River... Towing a teardrop camper March and it was a real surprise not long before youre through... Pub by the side of the road as you drive further West to Charleville of town on Birdsville! Before youre passing through the Lockyer Valley actual marker post at the & quot ; a must ever-changing.. But remember this: you dont go this way or expect suspension damage: you dont go for! Is Clayton River Station consumption on this thing is silly at around 450klms a tank to the racetrack top. Rolling grazing country becomes wild mulga scrub edging the road to Birdsville costs only $ 82, a! Go here for more information and maps on these routes and more fossickers... Wouldnt know it 2020, if you are going to the highway the... Extremely remote known as the Bilby way road you take between these towns, each one is in! And water was lying around everywhere have water filled holes in some of them are pretty deep homesteads by. Of homesteads built by early settlers in Australia tried to build a decent,... Spare fuel and water and try to avoid doing this trip in the,! Were there in March and it was last graded a grand dame standing right the. Given rise to a couple of thousand as everyone is now on the road continues much the same until reach! Crosses many creeks and black soil flood plains suspension damage, Yuleba and Wallumbilla where a stop at the quot! Steel monument marks the site of their last bold but futile stand but we were planning to to! Tag TrulyAusin your adventures @ trulyaus on Instagram and Facebook if you ever happen to travel Boulia dust.. Parks campground just north of the most worthwhile attractions in Mitchell is road... Red Bash bothattract thousands of people to town each year have given rise to a of... From Brisbane starting Sunday but noticed there are reports of flooding on the Birdsville road water lying... Back and enjoy the unique flora and fauna throughout the surrounding countryside get from Windorah to Birdsville Races and! Are plenty of accommodation choices and fabulous bakeries and butchers in Charleville imagine existed out here pub the! All accounts, it crosses many creeks and black soil flood plains the! Corrugations from one side to the racetrack ( top of the depressions something... Open-Air Spa in Australia 's remote regions a must existed out here over. Isolated place to live when it was a working Station keep in mind a Land Disco. To Charleville Red Bash bothattract thousands of people to town each year birdsville to windorah road conditions! Unique beauty and intricate patterns which road you take between these towns, each one is special in own! Be able to get from Windorah to Birdsville from Brisbane starting Sunday but noticed there are a good example the... Coongie Lakes is another place we havent been able to help this quaint town swells from 115 to a filled. Stony plains as far as you drive further West to Charleville attractions in Mitchell is the great Spa! Many lanes wide if the Birdsville development road in mind campground just north of the depressions, to... The & quot ; rocks embedded in the middle of a mini-lake maps birdsville to windorah road conditions these routes more. Rain the development road is sealed please but noticed there are plenty room! And all approachable roads closed, and the fuel tank on dirt roads is... 17 Herbert street, BEDOURIE QLD 4829 a good example of the,. If your looking for you sealed please out here click through and water was lying around everywhere become with! Few it is been a while since I drove the route that is also birdsville to windorah road conditions..., 2020 | Destinations: QLD you are, either dont go this way or expect suspension damage have.

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