The Birdsville Track

Want to see what it looks like to explore this Outback South Australia travel highlight? Don't miss the Photo gallery I and the Photo gallery II. I am happy to show you some stunning Outback photos and tell you more about the track.

A blow-out on the track - the hole in the tyre held the car key.

The track was established in the 1860s. It once was the main stock route to bring cattle from central Queensland to the railway in Marree. In these days the track had a grim reputation, many people and mobs of cattle lost their lives.

Due to the lack of surface water the Australian government sank artesian bores along the track. This made it possible for men and beasts to survive the distances in this remote country.

For the first motorists the track was an adventure that could take a couple of days or weeks. Tom Kruse, the most famous of the mailmen on the track, had to fight many battles with the harsh conditions in these days.

The Birdsville Track is rich in history and tragedy. Unlike the Oodnadatta Track you need to know what to look for to notice the relics of the track's history.

The modern track is a wide stony, gravel road that can be easily travelled in dry weather. Nonetheless, the route crosses desolate country, and you should avoid to go out there in summer. Nah, I don't want to scare you, however common sense should rule. Follow the basics of Outback safety, and it will be a great adventure.

As always, road conditions vary depending on the weather, amount of recent traffic, and when the grader went through for the last time.

• Lake Harry ruins - 100 years ago a date palm plantation was established here, it is not a joke! The Outback has reclaimed its land and only the ruins remind of these days.
• The dingo fence - meanders 5400 kilometres from the cliffs of the Great Australian Bight throughout Outback South Australia and NSW to the coast north of Brisbane.
• Cannuwaukaninna Bore - this is the most accessible bore, only a few metres off the track. Be careful, the artesian water pours out at near-boiling point. It's a good picnic spot, and the small wetland attracts many birds. Take your time to do some bird-watching while you're here.
• In 1926, Betty Broadbent, an English nurse, fell in love with the country, and decided to live by the bore running a little store on her own. What a tough woman!
• Cooper creek - crossing the 5 km wide sandy creek bed is no problem if it's dry. Scrubs and low trees indicate the Cooper's channels, and make a difference to the surrounding country. There is a detour to a ferry on Etadunna property, check if the Cooper is in flood before you start your journey.
• Mulka ruins - not much is left of the former station and store.
• Mungerannie Gap and roadhouse - the gap is the highest point on the track (150m) and a scenic highlight. The roadhouse is a highlight for all who long for a cold beer and a dip in the nearby wetlands. Find more information and tips for accommodation along the track.
• Koonchera sandhill - the largest dune on the Diamantina floodplain

About 200 km before you enter Birdsville, the newer 'outside track' begins. The turnoff is near Clifton Hills station. This part of the road was built in the 1960 to detour Goyder Lagoon and the flood plains of the Diamantina river. It is highly recommended to use the outside track as the old route is not maintained anymore.

When you finally arrive in Birdsville, the tiny town at the end of the track, you are still in the middle of nowhere, but there is so much to explore!

Want to know where to go beyond Birdsville? Now you are in the south-western most part of Queensland, a great chance to travel Queensland and explore this part of Outback Australia. See the driving Distances Outback and check the distances to other places in Queensland. I am sure you'll enjoy to travel this remote area as much as the Birdsville Track.