And while theyve tried to build a decent base, its full of rocks embedded in the road. I'd strongly advise contacting Queensland Roads to get the latest. Weve tried to take Cordillo Downs Road many times. Mitsubishi challenger. This is a wide, well used gravel road. As an aside, we were travelling to Innamincka to see Cooper Creek in flood. At the turn of the century the Kenniff brothers ruled the ranges around here. A program including 3 separate projects has been completed, sealing around 35km of dirt road between Bedourie and Birdsville. Think porridge, soup . Visit Website. Suitable For: A 4WD is recommended for driving . Once out of Toowoomba the paddocks open up and you are now well and truly in the Darling Downs. By the time we reached the Dig Tree, the sun was low in the sky. You can rarely over-prepare for an outback trip and sounds like you have it well covered. Road conditions are generally rough, slow going, and will depend on the time of year if there have been any significant rains. The top (Queensland) section was closed. if you need fuel fill up when you get there, the que at the end of the week-end is crazy. It is home to the mysterious Min Min Light, an unexplained ball of light that . View all. Its roughy 380km from Windorah to Birdsville. The Diamantina Shire Council is open Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5.00pm (excluding Public Holidays) Restrictions apply due to the Covid-19 pandemic.Please click here for the latest travel advice from the Australian Government. Just stick to the main routes, like Cameron Corner out to the Strzelecki Track, then up to Innamincka. 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. This is a roadtrain route. Mungallala, population around 130, originated as a railway town. Once Australia's most hazardous stock route, the Birdsville Track is still an unsealed road but maintained so that you can travel in either a 4WD or SUV with a caravan or camper trailer. Do you plan to travel to, or within Australia? Rather than risk getting bogged up to our axles, we decided to camp on the western side of the first dune and walk to Haddon Corner. The road is well-formed all the way to and beyond Omicron Station. 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). If you plan your trip make a phone calls in relation to road conditions you could do this trip on a mobility scooter. As the sky turns black, take in the panorama of the thick blanket of stars that is a typical outback sky. The hills themselves are full of colour, similar to [the Painted Desert in South Australia] just on a smaller scale. Top up wherever you can. least it was much lonelier. I took my time to explore the odd place along . All roads were open around Innamincka, except for the northern end of Cordillo Downs Road. One which the van and car will last the journey. A few kilometres out of Birdsville is a very rare stand of ancient trees. After trudging through the ankle-deep mud and water, we took the obligatory photos, turned around and headed back to camp. They are one of Australias rarest plants, have spiky, needle-like leaves and can live for 200 years. Page Menu. Twitter feed. We are off to the races so we will be travelling late August. Im travelling to Birdsville races from Whitsundays in September for my 50th. What Are The Specs to Run Hema Maps on iPad. The Waddi tree aroused explorer William John Wills interest, with seeds from the tree found in his diary after his death. Its simply amazing to see. Our original plan was to spend some time exploring around Innamincka. Get your passport ready youre about to enter Queensland! only prob ive had is idiots coming the other way that dont slow down. On the afternoon of February 23, 2023, emergency services in Maryland responded to a serious crash involving multiple vehicles on Solomons Island Road at Birdsville Road. Lake Constance and Hunters Gorge are important wetlands and supporting breeding populations of numerous resident and migratory birds. So our plan was to go there. BaSC x Drive to road conditions Please drive to the road conditions and take care when passing trucks. The scenery was worth the trip alone. moment you traverse a barren spot that makes you think it is the end of 27 febrero, 2023 . In thick sand, off road, lots of low range driving and towing we average anywhere from 17 to 20 litres per 100 kms. We loved the drive to Boulia, amazing countryside and history. Youll need decent tyres. Once at the top, youre in Toowoomba, Queenslands Garden City. you'll be fine. In 2010 I was overtaken by a holden astra towing a camper trailer on these roads. I was more wanting to know if anyone had actually travelled along the road to provide some indication of the degree of difficulty. its a rough gravel road with small bits of bitumen and can be a little rocky but just take it easy. Well, I hope you like corrugations! Isa to Birdsville then onto Windorah - Quilpie - Cunnamulla- Goondiwindi. A call to Diamantina Council is good advice. Derek Barry Editor, the North West Star Schedule a couple of days in Charleville and enjoy the diverse attractions. bit challenging. Call into the unstaffed information centre in the old store building and learn from displays how the property once managed over 12.000 head of cattle requiring up to 20 stockmen. Great stop over. information. 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 . 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. Windorah CP, Barcoo council operated, is well worth a short stay. RACQ Road Conditions. 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. However, I imagine it would be horrendous after the Birdsville races or Big Red Bash. If you take the main Tibooburra Cameron Corner Road past Waka and Fort Grey, be aware it varies from good to downright horrible! Youll see stacks of oil and gas wells, with pipes running everywhere. Take these roads slowly, dont be in a hurry. But wait, theres more! 4 trips to Birdsville Races in my Commodore , not a worry about puntures if carefull and watch the road . me, the black stump is rather in people's mind than a signpost of any West of Cameron Corner, you drive over hundreds of sand dunes. 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. This leg . The first @130km is bitumen then the fun kicks in. After cresting the first dune, the swale between the dunes (over half a kilometre long) was covered in pools of water. Learn more. And last but not least, if you continue past the Old Strzelecki Track turnoff youll reach the Strzelecki Track. The eastern option from Birdsville is along the, If you are into a very challenging adventure, you can go west and cross the famous, The third choice is to head north along the. After all it wouldnt be right to call it Silver City Highway, thats a name those New South Welshmen use! There is live entertainment, camp oven cooking,food, fireworks, childrens amusements and a hostof novelty races and events. That afternoon, the sun put on a classic desert sunset for us. The Min Min is a mysterious light that is said to dance just above the horizon and follow you. ps have a look at big red, only about 30 km out the other side of town but worth a look. Hi Interested in driving to Birdsville Races in April 2022. If Has anyone travelled from Windorah to Birdsville in the last week? There are plenty of accommodation choices and fabulous bakeries and butchers in Charleville. Restrictions apply due to the Covid-19 pandemic.Please click here for the latest travel advice from the Australian Government. Are you able to get from Tibooburra to Innaminka and the Dig Tree in a two wheel drive? Mungallala is the only town you pass through on your trip west from Mitchell to Morven. in Australia that claim to have the original black stump. In all, 416 kilometers of dirt road make up the Cordillo Downs track from Innamincka to Birdsville, which took us over 10 hours to complete. The gravel road was generally in good condition. How good/bad are the Diamantina Development and the Birdsville Development Roads, (Windorah to Birdsville)? 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. What advice can you give. The Diamantina Development Road between Boulia and Bedourie is now fully sealed. I wouldnt normally recommend it in a 2WD. Road Reports are Issued for the Safety of All Members of the Travelling Public and We ask for Your Co-operation. Along the way, you can see ancient trees from the dinosaur age, endangered mammals, unwind in the soothing waters from the sub artesian basin, delight in yarns told over country bars, or just relax and enjoy the brilliant sunsets and starry nights. But believe Be mindful of the soft edges when trying to get off the road. By the way, if you are staying overnight, ask whoever or wherever you will be staying. So you ask me "What is beyond Birdsville?" Total Distance: 1578 Kilometres. and a whole lot more at our FREE RESOURCES Page! And dont worry, the road is hard-packed. For over a century, windmills have generated the means to bring the water of the Great Artesian Basin, the largest and deepest artesian basin in the world, above ground. Morven, which the locals say is small in size but big in character, is an easy 44 kilometres from Mungallala. Sealed until Diamantina Developmental Road and Birdsville Developmental Road turn off then mostly unsealed to Bedourie, sealed north of Bedourie. Back on the Warrego and you pass the little towns of Brigalow and Boonarga before entering Chinchilla. Address: 17 Herbert Street, BEDOURIE QLD 4829. We are travelling from Walgett to Birdsville. And the bonus is Haddon Corner. Lapidary enthusiasts just love the specimens from this district, called Chinchilla Red, due to their unique beauty and intricate patterns. Any advice would be appreciated. Note: This article contains an affiliate link to Camera House. This time, we struck it at its worst after a long dry spell. From up here, youll see how the water flows vaguely south towards Tibooburra. . Youll then pass through Jackson, Yuleba and Wallumbilla where a stop at the Calico Cottage is a must. We took the Dig Tree Loop Road, which is a spectacular drive through ancient Mesa country on the northern side of Cooper Creek. Then on to Dalby, the hub of Australias richest grain and cotton growing area. The first stretch is narrow, ducking and weaving up and around sand dunes. There have been some bad collisions along here, with over-enthusiastic travellers forgetting about on-coming traffic at the crests of the dunes. Only in rare events, when is the road from boulia to mt isa sealed. Should we considerleaving the caravan at Boulia if need be and stay at the Birdsville pub for a night. Planning a trip to Birdsville this year. We were planning to go to Birdsville from Brisbane starting Sunday but noticed there are reports of flooding on the Birdsville development road. https://www.oka4wd.com/forum/members-vehicles-public/569-oka196-xt-motorhome. Conditions change depending on weather and the time since it was last graded. Youll be sharing with slow travelling trucks on the steep grade so be prepared to travel slowly up the range; theyll appreciate your courtesy too. Having warned you about the poor state of the roads, it does depend entirely on when the graders been through. Others may disagree but from my experiences these are my recommendations. Join Trish McGreil and her husband Ian as they relax on the porch of their station homestead and hear their tales about the lights and many of the possible explanations as to what causes them. don't worry about the distance from town as a bus run back and forth all day about every 30 mins. 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. The Shire's only industry is Beef Cattle Grazing, the area is renowned for the quality of stock produced. Those ready for action can spend the day fossicking for opals, climb and explore Baldy Top and Table Top Lookouts or go for a drive through the endless landscape that is Australias outback. This is a remote drive, with fuel being few and far between. Looking at a long drive. February 27, 2023 alexandra bonefas scott No Comments . Some by-pass tracks are actually turn-offs, headed for various station features, or even exploratory boreholes etc. Please noteThe Itinerary may change because of weather, road conditions, or other factors over which Karrabee has no control. But the second dune can be a bit wild on the western side. The first southern section was a real surprise. This drive is just under 40km and takes you into country youd never imagine existed out here. in Alice to Alice. You can research more about outback Queensland with our other story on Bedourie. 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. The road is arrow straight and you feel like youre on a giant rollercoaster. and a whole lot more at our FREE RESOURCES Page! Has anyone travelled from Windorah to Birdsville in the last week? Grab a drink at the Birdsville Hotel 3. Generally this road is in pretty good condition, although it can deteriorate quickly. With the tourist season about to take off, authorities are monitoring the road situation in Far Western Queensland after the big wet. As I said earlier, we didnt see another vehicle the whole trip. 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. Located in far North-Western Queensland, a mere stone throw from the Queensland/Northern Territory border, this town may only have a population of around 440 but it packs its weight in things to see and do. Mind you, you need your wits about you on this road too. The Haddon Corner track continued the theme of black soil and mud. The above ruins are a good example of the kind of homesteads built by early settlers in Australia's remote regions. Weve also done some of the alternative routes. It was a couple of kilometres, but worth the exertion! The surrounding flat-topped mesas hinted where the original tableland had been millions of years ago. Theyd had a heavy fall of rain a few weeks before we drove through and water was lying around everywhere. The entire road surface consists of large corrugations from one side to the other. The Loop Road crosses gibber plains then meanders along a series of watercourses for ages. Apparently it is a fine of $1,000 per wheel if you are caught on a closed road. The hamlet of Warra may not look much at first, but turn down the street and visit the Warra Hotel; a fantastic, rambling old timber pub. Road conditions from Birdsville to Longreach Road conditions from Birdsville to Longreach Barcoo 34C Scattered Clouds Feels like 90.75 Wind speed 9.3 mph Pressure 1006 hPa Windorah 35C Scattered Clouds Feels like 92.86 Wind speed 10.8 mph Pressure 1006 hPa Jundah 34C Broken Clouds Feels like 91 Wind speed 6.9 mph Pressure 1006 hPa Longreach 31C 2015 Land Rover Discovery Nova Vita 216- 9R, OKA196, 4x4 'C' Class, DIY, self contained motorhome. Make sure you stop into the Betoota Hotel for a coldie.. Its a fascinating read. Dulacca rose to notoriety as the first site for the extensive push to eradicate the prickly pear. Learn about and the Birdsville Beetle Car 4. Duration: 5-7 days At Depends very much on the state of the road. With abnormally hardwood and they say they are impossible to burn. The road distance is 379.1 km. 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! No 4wd towing a camper too, I was up in that area in 2014 and passed many 2wds including small hatch backs with low ground clearance and huge overloaded motorhomes full of grey nomads. 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. 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 I was more wanting to know if anyone had actually travelled along the road to provide some indication of the degree of difficulty. Or you can go West from Tibooburra towards Cameron Corner, dont turn off to Cameron Corner, but continue to the NSW/QLD border. The famous Birdsville Racesand Big Red Bash bothattract thousands of people to town each year. At the Marine Reptile Fossil Display, youll see a wonderful collection of world-class fossils. In between these crests the road twists and weaves, so you have no chance of getting up some speed to get on top of the endless corrugations. Next day, we drove to Burkes Grave on Cooper Creek. I plan on going to Birdsville on my Trike towing a teardrop camper. When we went out I wouldn't tow my van due to corrigations but it may be ok now as the big bash and races are not far away. . It's a long drive from any direction, but it attracts caravans, 4WD enthusiast and adventure seekers from all over the country. Keep following the Jump Up Loop Road north until you reach Middle Road at Olive Downs. Via the very good Donohoe Hwy from Mt Isa, Bedourie, Boulia or even Windorah; Via the Birdsville Development Road from Betoota and Windorah . We use cookies to understand website usage, improve visitor experience, and to show you relevant updates via other digital channels. Visit the Chinchilla White Gums, a beautifully tall and straight eucalypt native to this area. 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. I assume you have an EPIRB or Spot Tracker? Have a fun trip. Youre on them before you realise and some of them are pretty deep. With the road being predominantly gibber rock this makes for an extremely uncomfortable and bumpy ride. Given what we saw, there was no way we were going to take on the Coongie Lakes track. 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. 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. Secondly the road becomes Warri Gate Road. Seven kilometres south of Mitchell, a steel monument marks the site of their last bold but futile stand. 960W of solar, 400Ah of AGMs, 310L water, 280L fuel. With one eye on a huge rain system bearing down on inland Australia from the north-west, we decided to get out of there. 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. We had a vague idea of the type of country around Coongie Lakes, after travelling Walkers Crossing Track to the west of the Lakes a little while back. The bike was a BSA 250cc, four-stroke. as in no trees or water to camp beside. 12 hours on the bike, 8 hours on gravel to Birdsville. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. When a wide loadis coming towards you, slow down and where possible, find a safe spot to pull off the road. Hi, Can anybody suggest camping spots along the road from Windorah to Birdsville, Can't seem to see any on the map, Cheers David. Alternatively, catch your own feed of fish. Water from previous rains was still lying around and made the trip a little nerve-racking. QLDTraffic provides state-wide information on road conditions, including incidents and hazards, closures and restrictions, roadworks, special events and rest areas. Let the high mineral content of the water from the Great Artesian Basin relax and revitalise you. when you cross the bridge you can go left or right for camping which is about half way between town and the track. At the Quilpie Museum and Visitor Centre, hear from the horses mouth about the struggles of droughts, floods and isolation of outback life, particularly during the days of early settlers. These Waddi Trees 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. We have a Land Rover Disco and travelling with another party of 2. You just have to slow down and be curtious to all other road users. Plus any idea on the road conditions the week before the races, Cheers. Follow this road through the sand dunes until it hits Moomba Road, turn left, follow until the turnoff to Innamincka on your right. This one is fun! Write by: . The channel country at its best. From Birdsville there are a few Theres two ways you can travel from Innamincka, SA to Birdsville or Windorah in Western Queensland. We saw a crew laying a gas pipe across the road and one road train out of Innamincka. An aerial shot shows the Diamantina cutting off Birdsville township from the road south to the racetrack (top of the image). What is the average time it takes travel from Windorah to Birdsville. Historic Ipswich, Queenslands oldest provincial city, oozes with charm in its sprawling gardens and magnificent private and public buildings. This being on a good track. Now only about 70 km of road remain unsealed, and the dirt The Tibooburra to Innamincka road via Orientos Road is an adventure. It must have been a hot and isolated place to live when it was a working station. I was not sure about the road condition, but as it turned out, the road was quite do-able. Environment, Water & Natural Resources, Port Augusta office, Simpson Desert (Munga-Thirri National Park). The above ruins are a good example of the kind of homesteads built by early settlers in Australia's remote regions. 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. Although if youre the driver, you wont have much of a chance to sightsee! We've done many of the Channel country roads in a Forester towing a camper trailer no problems, even when the 'tracks' are classed as 4WD only, after rain. The ruins are protected by federal and state heritage legislation, so please, leave them as you find them. This is a remote drive, with fuel being few and far between. Its a long journey along this road. The Min Min is a mysterious light that dances on the horizon as pictured above. Though I have missgivings about corrugations. Anyone been that way recently? Turn right then go through Fortville Gate. Listen to UHF 40 for instructions. 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. It is been a while since I drove the route that is also known as the Bilby Way.

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