Please visit https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au or call 13 19 40 to plan your trip with the most updated road About 200km north of the Innamincka/Thargomindah Road, youll see the turnoff to Haddon Corner. However, I imagine it would be horrendous after the Birdsville races or Big Red Bash. Driving from the South via the Birdsville Track: We are 520km North of Marree; this route is all unsealed and is a track (not a highway, road or even a street). So on top of nearly every dune is a mix of rock-hard clay and deep bull dust holes. been there a few times in past years and seen lot of buses. How would I take spare fuel? Forlorn places, shimmering mirages, exactly what we expect the Australian Outback looks like. These low dunes arent any anything to worry about though. its not the wild west that it once was. So our plan was to go there. 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. Birdsville-Bedourie road sealing work moves ahead Published: March 6, 2021. Twitter feed. For history and rail enthusiasts, the Workshops Rail Museum in the former north Ipswich rail yards will find you amongst living rail history. This time, we struck it at its worst after a long dry spell. However, roads in the Outback improve 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! Birdsville has received 45 mm yesterday, and all approachable roads closed, and this is its annual Race weekend. All roads were open around Innamincka, except for the northern end of Cordillo Downs Road. If you click through and make a purchase, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. sections are usually in good condition. From Quilpie you have the option of taking a short 108km detour along the fully sealed Cooper Developmental road (79A) to Eromanga. Well, I hope you like corrugations! And some crests can have nasty bulldust holes over them which you cant see until youre in them. 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. Then we started along the track to Cullyamurra Waterhole, only to be faced with a long stretch of black soil covered in water. Freight and Heavy Vehicles: At 4 trips to Birdsville Races in my Commodore , not a worry about puntures if carefull and watch the road . Here at the village you can see some interesting displays like the amazing shell collection, considered the largest privately owned collection in Australia, the world-class lapidary display, along with an extensive collection of war uniforms and memorabilia. To think Charles Sturt traversed this country then decided to walk back through it because he was fascinated by the landscape, defies belief. Ipswich was once a thriving river port and the wealth generated by its pioneers is clearly reflected in the grand early nineteenth century architecture. See the map below for details on how to travel to Boulia and book your flight here. From $4185. For what it's worth I'd carry 20 liters of water and 20 liters of fuel plus a second spare tyre if you have room. This drive is just under 40km and takes you into country youd never imagine existed out here. Nearby to Warra visit a coloured cotton farm and insectary where predatory and beneficial insects are bred for use in agriculture. Note: This article contains an affiliate link to Camera House. The Birdsville Developmental Road (State Route 14) is a mostly unsealed road in south-west Queensland that branches off the Diamantina Developmental Road at a point 103 kilometres (64 mi) west of Windorah and runs to Birdsville. Im thinking this might be bureaucracy gone mad. Should we considerleaving the caravan at Boulia if need be and stay at the Birdsville pub for a night. Theres a picnic table and toilet available for your morning cuppa. Youre driving through remote sand dune country and the landscape is simply beautiful. Youll notice that the rolling grazing country becomes wild mulga scrub edging the road as you drive further west to Charleville. View all. 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 . Aimed at Baby Boomers & mature age travellers, there is a wealth of information, reviews, articles and other resources to educate and assist people. Can anyone advise the road conditions Windorah to Birdsville please. Fantastic! 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. . This road links Birdsville and Windorah with markets in major centres across Australia. Licenses are required to fossick but theyre relatively cheap and readily available at the Information Centre, where you can also get a map to show you the best places for a days exploring and fossicking. Restrictions apply due to the Covid-19 pandemic.Please click here for the latest travel advice from the Australian Government. 2015 Land Rover Discovery Nova Vita 216- 9R, OKA196, 4x4 'C' Class, DIY, self contained motorhome. 1300 361 033 Northern SA Road Conditions (Automated Service) 1300 794 257 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. In fact, we were lucky to see the corner like this. kind. DH.sept 2020, If your looking for something different , 50km after Marree heading north is Clayton River Station. Mungallala, population around 130, originated as a railway town. If you come across a puddle and there are fresh tracks around it, follow those by-pass tracks, (as long as you can see the re-entry back onto the road). Roll up and pay when council staff appear. The journey begins along the Birdsville Developmental Road heading East towards Betoota and Windorah. when you cross the bridge you can go left or right for camping which is about half way between town and the track. Boulias windmill allows all visitors to town an opportunity to capture one of those iconic outback images! The town's name means dust storm, and there are quite a few sand dunes around that can produce dust. Danielle Lancaster. From Birdsville there are a few Hi Interested in driving to Birdsville Races in April 2022. However, each time weve been stopped due to wet weather. We chose the three states in one day option, a loop up and into Queensland then across to Innamincka. information. 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 We have a Land Rover Disco and travelling with another party of 2. See the map below for details on how to travel to Boulia and book your flight here. Looking for more NSW Corner Country destinations? https://www.oka4wd.com/forum/members-vehicles-public/569-oka196-xt-motorhome. Derek Barry Editor, the North West Star Depending on the season, you might see some water in the ephemeral lakes along the way. Return to Your Outback Driving Questions and Stories. From up here, youll see how the water flows vaguely south towards Tibooburra. 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. 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. 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. The distance between Windorah and Birdsville is 335 km. Eromanga is home to the internationally recognised Eromanga Natural History Museum where you can meet Australias largest dinosaurs including Cooper and George, who are in the top 10 largest dinosaurs in the world. Are you able to get from Tibooburra to Innaminka and the Dig Tree in a two wheel drive? Fuel, food, and accommodation are available at Mungallala. But wait, theres more! Windorah CP, Barcoo council operated, is well worth a short stay. The wide red desert has patches of green and yellow springing up from the recent floods in the region. Western 2 flight path to Boulia is highlighted in Orange. https://www.service.transport.qld.gov.au/ExcessMassExternal/PublicConditionReport.jsp, Garfield / Pelican Creek (Barcaldine Regional), Restricted to four wheel drive vehicles only, Flooding: Long-term flooding due to heavy rain, Arraburry (Birdsville Dev Rd turnoff) to SA Border, Barcaldine / Barcaldine Downs (Barcaldine Regional), Barcaldine (via Barcaldine Downs) to Isisford (to Longreach Council Boundary), Mooraberree Station to Diamantina Dev Road (Mooraberree Station to Diamantina council boundary), Bimerah to Yaraka (to Longreach Council Boundary), Birdsville to Windorah (to Barcoo Shire Council), "Route of the River Gum" Access to Bladensburg National Park, from Eyre Developmental Rd to junction with Birdsville Developmental Road, Boulia to Bedourie (Boulia to Diamantina Council Boundary), Bedourie to Boulia (to Boulia Council Boundary), Birdsville Dev Rd turnoff to South Australia Border (via Cordillo Downs), Corfield to Richmond (Kennedy Dev Rd turn off to Richmond Council Boundary), From Kennedy Developmental Road to Old Cork Waterhole, (turn off from Kennedy Developmental Rd through to junction with Diamantina River Rd), Crossmoor Road (Longreach Muttaburra Road), Cornish Creek / Sardine (Barcaldine Regional), Muttaburra to Longreach (Muttaburra to Longreach Council Boundary), Crossmore Road (Longreach Muttaburra Road) / Longreach Muttaburra Road, Longreach to Muttaburra (Longreach to Barcaldine Council Boundary), Hobartville / Surbiton (Barcaldine Regional), 93C, 213.58 to 366.98 / 93C, 366.98 to 388.42, Bedourie to Barcoo (to Barcoo Council Boundary, Bedourie (Diamantina Shire) / Farrars Creek (Barcoo Shire), Birdsville Developmental Road Turnoff to Barcoo Shire Boundary, Bedourie to Boulia (to Boulia Shire Council), Boulia to Dajarra (Boulia to Cloncurry Council Boundary), Boulia to Bedourie (to Diamantina Council boundary), Turn off to Collingwood: Conn Waterhole to Old Cork Waterhole, From Old Cork Waterhole to Diamantina National Park (to Diamantina council boundary), Between Kennedy Developmental Road and Old Landsborough Highway, Bedourie - Birdsville via Cuttaburra Crossing, Eyre Developmental Road (Birdsville Track), Home Creek / Moombria (Barcaldine Regional), Barcaldine to Isisford (Landsborough Hwy turn off to junction with Isisford Blackall Rd), Inside Track Road (Birdsville Inside Track), Bimerah to Isisford (Longreach Council Boundary), Between Winton Jundah Road and Cork Mail Road, Jundah to Warbreccan (Southern end of the Jundah-Winton Road), Warbreccan - Winton (Northern end of the Jundah-Winton Rd), Winton to Boulia via Landsborough Hwy turn off 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 Windorah Red Sandhills are located 12km to the West of town on the Birdsville Road. 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. The scenery was worth the trip alone. Hear the sound of the didgeridoo and watch Aboriginal artists at work at the C.D.E.P. 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. A stay in Quilpie can be as busy or as relaxing as you choose. The town is a hub for intrepid travellers heading across the Simpson Desert, the largest area of parallel sand dunes in the world. However, its a special place especially at sunset. Drove 2004 Holden Rodeo . Has anyone travelled from Windorah to Birdsville in the last week? There is another service station around the corner and if you only want fuel, head around there as the line-ups are much shorter. 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. Has anyone travelled from Windorah to Birdsville in the last week? 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. bit challenging. Environment, Water & Natural Resources, Port Augusta office, Simpson Desert (Munga-Thirri National Park). Please click ok to continue. After pushing north for about 250km, you meet the Birdsville/Windorah Road. The other is Arrabury Road via Haddon Corner. Although if youre the driver, you wont have much of a chance to sightsee! Once you say goodbye to Morven, its only another 90 kilometres to Charleville. The entire road surface consists of large corrugations from one side to the other. If you take the main Tibooburra Cameron Corner Road past Waka and Fort Grey, be aware it varies from good to downright horrible! Mungallala is the only town you pass through on your trip west from Mitchell to Morven. Enjoy the outdoor hot tub under the stars with artesian bore water. Arrabury Road and Haddon Corner are on Karuwali, Birria and Yawarawarka Country. Our original plan was to spend some time exploring around Innamincka. 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 . And thirdly, theyve erected a giant sign warning that the speed limit is 50km/h in built-up areas. Watch the city skyline of Brisbane disappear behind you as you enter the city that almost stole Brisbanes capital status Ipswich. After trudging through the ankle-deep mud and water, we took the obligatory photos, turned around and headed back to camp. Via the very good Donohoe Hwy from Mt Isa, Bedourie, Boulia or even Windorah; Via the Birdsville Development Road from Betoota and Windorah . Of that distance reckon about 60% is still corrugated dirt road. 4 Southern Avenue, West Beach, Adelaide, South Australia, 5024. We saw a crew laying a gas pipe across the road and one road train out of Innamincka. We couldnt quite figure out why. There have been some bad collisions along here, with over-enthusiastic travellers forgetting about on-coming traffic at the crests of the dunes. Boulia Min Min centre Danielle Lancaster. Things to see include the Mud Hut, one of the first buildings, and the Royal Hotel that opened in 1886. Eyre Creek is in flood and the Cuttaburra crossing is closed, you need Travelled to the Birdsville races 2018 . Theres no signage at all, quite strange really. After 19km, turn onto the Jump Up Loop Road. Go to the Comments below or join us on Pinterest, Facebook or YouTube.Any errors or omissions are mine alone. https://www.oka4wd.com/forum/members-vehicles-public/569-oka196-xt-motorhome. You can refuel at Innamincka, Birdsville or Windorah. diamantina road conditions. 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. We would like to travel to Birdsville in our 1988 Coaster Motorhome next year - an oldie but a goody. Hey, that's the Australian Outback. in western Queensland, around Alice Springs and in South Africa.Listen to the eerie noise of the wind howling through these ancient trees. Youre on them before you realise and some of them are pretty deep. But the second dune can be a bit wild on the western side. Imagine what life was like before the invention of the modern cons of today. Driving from the East: We are 382km west of Windorah, roughly 250km is an unsealed road. . 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. But they shouldnt have been. 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. very remote track. The museum is 3 kilometres outside of Eromanga off the sealed Mt. Its a seemingly never-ending vista of gibbers covering the landscape. But first, lets have a look at some of the ways you can travel from Tibooburra to Innamincka. This property is now part of Sturt National Park. It is the administrative centre of the huge Diamantina Shire, located on the Georgina River. We drive a Toyota Commuter minibus. as in no trees or water to camp beside. 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