The Diamantina Visitors' Guide

The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide

Contact The Diamantina P 1300 794 257 E [email protected] W diamantina.qld.gov.au

facebook/thediamantina Where the Desert meets the Channel Country and where we meet you THE DIAMANTINA

LIKE NO PLACE ON EARTH

The Diamantina Shire is true frontier country. Its Rich in natural, cultural and pastoral heritage, people, heritage, stories, places, landscapes and the Diamantina covers 95,000 square wildlife blend together to create an authentic kilometres, yet is home to just 11 stations and old-world Australian destination – with a 300 residents. It captures the very essence modern twist. People come from across the of Australia’s Outback, and is accessible globe to visit, and those who live as part of the to most vehicles, caravans and motor local community are from culturally diverse homes. Experience a 4WD adventure of epic backgrounds, bringing with them a unique array proportions on the Simpson Desert Crossing. of experiences and energies. Trek through the stunning Diamantina National Park. Gaze in wonder at the Channel Country, The Diamantina is a land of extremes; searing hot a rich tapestry of vast gibber and grass plains days and freezing nights, flood and drought, rare stretching to the distant horizon. The Diamantina Visitors Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota flora and fauna, national parks, channel country, the wide red desert, and glorious space as far as Always wanted to go? This year, live the dream the eye can see. Teeming with wildlife, the area – for the best weather, visit us between March is home to one of the world’s most fragile and and October. unique desert ecosystems.

1 The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota 2 TRAVEL PLANNER

BRISBANE LEGEND 561 MITCHELL 650 89 MORVEN Distances in 71 Kilometres 737 176 87 CHARLEVILLE ROCKHAMPTON 947 386 297 210 QUILPIE 580 BARCALDINE Bitumen Roads 1193 632 543 456 246 WINDORAH 687 107 LONGREACH Unsealed Roads 1419 858 769 682 472 226 BETOOTA 866 286 179 WINTON Capricorn Highway WEIPA 1587 1026 937 850 640 394 168 BIRDSVILLE 1211 641 534 355 BOULIA Matilda Highway Adventure Way BARRINGUN Great Inland Way 119 CUNNAMULLA Kidman Way ARCHER RIVER 316 197 CHARLEVILLE Overlander’s Way 400 281 84 AUGATHELLA Savannah Way 519 400 203 119 TAMBO COEN 620 501 304 220 101 BLACKALL Warrego Highway 726 607 410 326 207 106 BARCALDINE Natural Sciences Loop YARRADEN 833 714 517 433 314 213 107 LONGREACH QR Traveltrain 1012 893 696 612 493 392 286 179 WINTON Traveltrain Coach 1170 1051 854 770 651 550 444 337 158 KYNUNA Connection 1353 1234 1037 953 834 733 627 520 341 183 CLONCURRY 1536 1417 1220 1136 1017 916 810 703 524 366 183 BURKE & WILLS JUNCTION

Outback Regions A I COOKTOWN 1728 1609 1412 1328 1209 1108 1002 895 716 558 375 192 NORMANTON Gateways to the Outback R A 1799 1680 1483 1399 1280 1179 1073 966 787 629 446 263 71 KARUMBA

LARRIMAH WOLLOGORANG T

E LAKELAND HELL’S GATE P

R TOWNSVILLE

C 134 CHARTERS TOWERS

F MOSSMAN MORNINGTON 292 158 TORRENS CREEK DALY WATERS O M i PORT DOUGLAS t ISLAND c h 381 247 89 HUGHENDEN F e r l e l v L d n y L R i CAPE CRAWFORD U 493 359 201 112 RICHMOND DUNMARRA G 83 116km to Borroloola MAREEBA CAIRNS 642 508 350 261 149 JULIA CREEK ‘LOST CITY’ IN SWEERS S m i t h b r e v i R AMBER RANGES u r ISLAND n e 108 GORDONVALE 780 646 488 399 287 138 CLONCURRY vRe ri SOUTH WELLESLEY CHILLAGOE ATHERTON 899 765 607 518 406 257 119 MOUNT ISA ISLANDS 83 NEWCASTLE 71 1087 953 795 706 594 445 307 188 CAMOOWEAL KARUMBA e i 88 INNISFAIL WATERS E i n a s l g h 45 NORTHERN R vi e r MOUNT GARNET 1102 968 810 721 609 460 322 203 15 NT BORDER ELLIOTT RAVENSHOE BURKETOWN NORMANTON TERRITORY 68 All distances shown are in kilometres DOOMADGEE 77 MOUNT TULLY 93 153 148 79 o n R i v e r TIRRANNA 148 SURPRISE N l s H i c h o e r To check road conditions call RACQ on 1300 130 595 or

L UNDARA b CARDWELL CROYDON e r e t BOODJAMULLA 118 89 VOLCANIC

i GEORGETOWN R RENNER SPRINGS c

i Queensland Government Tra c & Travel Information on 13 19 40. (LAWN HILL) h 192 t r e b l i G NATIONAL

v h 108 NATIONAL PARK PARK e

105 a r r 225

ADELS GROVE 87 d INGHAM t

LAWN HILL GORGE N THE LYND JUNCTION R o l l k GREGORY i r e v i R H i C r e e v r This map is indicative only. n m GREENVALE w 90 e a 52 B L DOWNS r 58 a Please obtain detailed road maps RIVERSLEIGH n u r BLACKBRAES r e BURKE & WILLS v R i d of the areas you plan to visit i v e NATIONAL e o r R JUNCTION r 380 r e g y 129 PARK k TOWNSVILLE before you leave. G i

QUEENSLAND 200 THREE WAYS WAGGABUNDI R

90 i P 471km to r

246 v A e e

Tennant r C

TENNANT CREEK GUNPOWDER v I i F BARKLY HOMESTEAD Creek 57 I 200 R s r edn i l F BOWEN C WAYSIDE INN 70 134 KAJABBI r y BALFE’S O u r PORCUPINE WHITE C c CREEK E CAMOOWEAL n GORGE MOUNTAINS 74 26 235 CHARTERS A o evrR i NATIONAL NATIONAL CAMOOWEAL CAVES l 158 TOWERS N C PARK PARK EPENARRA NATIONAL PARK 44 90 JULIA r HOMESTEAD e QUAMBY CREEK 50 PENTLAND DEVILS MARBLES v 43 134 MAXWELTON PROSERPINE i 44 RICHMOND DAVENPORT RANGE R CLONCURRY 46 WAUCHOPE NATIONAL PARK w HUGHENDEN LAKE DALRYMPLE e NELIA 50 TORRENS CREEK WYCLIFFE WELL (proposed) F r MOUNT 43 PRAIRIE ISA 119 80 112 106 115 150 64 MACKAY 110 STAMFORD 149 144 MOORRINYA McKINLAY NATIONAL DUCHESS 76 67 PARK 112 60 S BARROW CREEK 84 360 u KYNUNA CORFIELD t e r URANDANGIE 205 248 t e r R i v COMBO r WATERHOLE e G DAJARRA 209 v e CONSERVATION i MORANBAH 281 o 115 R r 83 FOREST g PARK i 229 DEN o TI TREE n 164 74 d a NATIONAL n

WINTON PARK y

i 146 MIDDLETON l

v e

e r MUTTABURRA B r e 118 v 114 63 LAKE 85 i 89 R DUNN CLERMONT

BIRDSVILLE 52 119 R NATIONAL d o WINDORAH PARK r e g 106 MARYBOROUGH a r GAYNDAH 51 r

r W TAROOM a BETOOTA 109 e MUNDUBBERA W v

k i e AUGATHELLA KULGERA 168 e R ADAVALE 40 40 r 158 C o 187 BIRDSVILLE 12 r o INJUNE Haddon e l 109 p l o 84 91 Corner o u GYMPIE Poeppel C 85 Corner B 85 87 MORVEN 91 QUEENSLAND CHARLEVILLE 44 MITCHELL 22 TREGOLE KINGAROY 69 QUILPIE 74 CHEEPIE 88 141 MILES NATIONAL MUNGALLALA 45 AMBY NAMBOUR 37 PARK 65 ROMA CHINCHILLA INDULKANA EROMANGA 48 COOLADDI 99 74 127 161 167 r 209 e MARLA v 129 DALBY SOUTH i WYANDRA 210 R TOOMPINE 210 195 SURAT 84 n 36 AUSTRALIA 180 o s TOOWOOMBA BRISBANE OODNADATTA l 113 122 DIG TREE 5 i OAKEY W 55 120 82 98 PITTSWORTH IPSWICH INNAMINCKA 20 MOONIE CADNEY 46 NOCCUNDRA 23 25 7 180 THARGOMINDAH YOWAH CUNNAMULLA MILMERRAN k 13 177 113 e 191 BOLLON ST GEORGE e 131 68 97 r TWEED

C EULO r LAKE BINDEGOLLY e

See it to believe it! Big Red Sand Dune r 88 HEADS r v

215 NATIONAL PARK e NINDIGULLY WARWICK e i p v 203

o R 164 i o 119 DIRRANBANDI At the very end of the famous Birdsville Track is the frontier town of MarvelC at the Big Red Sand Dune as it rises up out of the Simpson122 R e INGLEWOOD

n CURRAWINYA o i o NATIONAL b r GOONDIWINDI Birdsville. Deep in the heart of wild and isolated country, Birdsville is Desert to a height of nearly 40 metres,110 and bask in its silhouetted e LISMORE PARK a 66

N TEXAS situated between the eastern edge of the Simpson Desert, the vast sunset glory.MERTY Situated MERTY approximately 35 kilometres west of Birdsville,HUNGERFORDP it BARRINGUN HEBEL MUNGINDI BALLINA COOBER PEDY CAMERON 123 CORNER TENTERFIELD gibber plains of Sturt’s Stony Desert to the south, and rich Channel is one of 1,140 dunes that populate the desert. r e v i r e TIBOOBURRA 217 R i v MOREE

Country to the north. a R 137

WANAARING o r g e e l i MARREE u r v C r GRAFTON Birdsville hotel i i B R BREWARRINA GLEN INNES

NEW INVERELL Once a notorious and dangerous place through which cattle drovers o B

It’s impossible to come to Birdsville without popping into the g o BOURKE g SOUTH e a r n moved their stock, Birdsville is now a thriving modern community r R WALGETT SCALE i LYNDHURSTfamous Birdsville Hotel. Built in 1884, the Birdsville Hotel is right a v

0 25 50 75 100 WALES e W COFFS

r NARRABRI DORRIGO where you can enjoy a cold drink at the iconic Birdsville Hotel, or back in the heart of the town. Pull up a stool, order a coldy and get to HARBOUR ARMIDALE URUNGA The Diamantinaa winner Visitors at Guidethe world-renowned - Birdsville | Bedourie Birdsville | Betoota Races. know the locals. The hotel also offers great meals and charming, Watch the sun set over Big Red, the tallest sand dune in the Simpson air-conditioned rooms. Desert, catch a fresh fish for dinner at Jardine’s Water Hole, explore the Australian Inland Mission Hospital Museum, or spend an unforgettable Birdsville Bakery day with family and friends at the Birdsville Billabong, where birdlife, Say hi to Dusty and Terese at the Birdsville Bakery. Tuck into a Curried fish, yabbies and marsupials abound. Camel or Kangaroo & Claret pie, grab a sausage roll on the run, or sit down and enjoy a cuppa and a great breakfast. One of Australia’s few Birdsville is also home to a great sporting complex, a gallery, licensed bakeries, there’s even a modest selection of beer and wine. the Bakery, air services, motel, hotel, caravan park and cabin Dinner is served once a week. Birdsville Fried Chicken (our very own Birdsville Caravan Park accommodation, coffee shop and restaurant, general store, post office, nod to the Colonel) is available on Friday nights. Birdsville Caravan Park is right in the centre of town, and offers 52 medical clinic, fuel, auto services and police station. powered sites, 12 cabins (three with ensuites), an amenities block The bakery is open during the season, from Easter to October. and plenty of camping sites. You’ll find the park on the banks of the What are you waiting for? It’s time you ticked Birdsville off your bucket list! Birdsville Billabong.

Waddi Trees Reach out and touch the ancient past. Located 12 kilometres from Birdsville is a stand of rare Waddi Trees, one of only three such stands left in the whole of Australia. Some of these trees are almost a thousand years old. The timber is almost impossible to burn, and is so hard it can damage an axe. Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre Want to know about local road conditions or the weather, get a few travelling tips, find out what to see and do? Drop into the Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre in the centre of Birdsville. You might also Birdsville Star Show like to take a look at the work of local artists in the centre’s extensive The star-crowded night sky above Birdsville is a sight to see! The gallery, or take in a DVD about the shire at the on-site theatrette. The Birdsville Star Show is a great way to view the wonders of the universe centre offers wireless internet access, a library and maps. through an incredibly high-powered telescope, while learning from an informative guide. The shows last for 45 minutes. Power Station Birdsville boasts one of the few low-temperature geothermal power stations Desert Edge Tours in the world. It draws water from the local Artesian Bore, and the steam Take a tour in and around Birdsville, or drink in an outback sunset from from the water is used to provide around 40% of the town’s electricity. No the edge of the Simpson Desert. Regular town and sunset tours depart visitors are allowed inside but it’s definitely worth a wander past. between 4.30pm and 5pm, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

3 The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota 4 Blue Poles Art Gallery mammals, strange reptiles and 180 exotic species of bird. It’s a Birdsville Roadhouse* Wolfgang John is a renowned local artist whose beautiful watercolours magical place where you can camp under the stars, immerse your The Birdsville Roadhouse provides all of the necessities for of Birdsville are exhibited at Blue Poles Art Gallery. Most of these works senses in the colours of the desert, feel the crunch of red sand and the traveller, including fuel, mechanical and tyre repairs, are available to purchase. ironstone under foot, breathe in the pungent aroma of the Georgina groceries and a range of souvenir products. The Birdsville gidgee – a glorious yellow wattle that grows in the hollows between Roadhouse also acts as the local RACQ agent. Racecourse towering dunes – or take a trip to Poeppel Corner and stand on The Birdsville Races is known the world over. You’ll find the track the very spot where Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Birdsville FUEL SERVICES* around three kilometres from the town. If you’re lucky enough to visit Territory intersect. Located opposite the Birdsville Hotel, Birdsville Fuel Services on the first Friday or Saturday in September, you’ll be part of one of provides fuel, vehicle and tyre repairs. A small range of grocery Only experienced, self-sufficient visitors should explore this park, and the most exciting events on the Australian sporting calendar. and souvenir items are also available. The Australia Post outlet only from April to October. Be ready for hot days and freezing nights, is located at Birdsville Fuel Service. The Birdsville Billabong so make sure your vehicle is well-equipped and take plenty of water – this is, after all, the driest place in Australia. The Billabong, located on the edge of town, is a beautiful place to view THE FAMOUS BIRDSVILLE RACES the outback sunset. A mere hop, skip and jump from the caravan park, There are no toilets, no designated camping grounds and no walking Get your glad rags on! you can also enjoy walking, kayaking, swimming or fishing. Just across tracks. It’s just you against the desert, and it’s an experience you will Ranked in the Top 40 World Party events, the world-famous Birds- the water is Pelican Point, a small peninsula with a great view of the never forget. billabong and its birdlife. ville Races are the ‘Melbourne Cup of the Outback’. The event has All vehicles must have a Desert Park pass. These are available from the delighted race-goers for more than 125 years and is listed as one of MUNGA-THIRRI NATIONAL PARK Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre. the ‘100 things to do in Australia before you die’. (FORMERLY SIMPSON DESERT NATIONAL PARK) The first race meeting was held in 1882. Today, the carnival includes a Experience the sun country 12-race program and a huge prize pool of more than $110,000. The two- Every year, adventurous travellers from Australia and around the day event sees the local population swell from 100 to more than 5,500. world experience the thrill of crossing the Simpson Desert. Home to In between kicking up your heels and having a flutter, you can also thousands of towering sand dunes, saltpans and rolling grey-green drop into Birdsville’s fabulous Market Square in the heart of town and spinifex, it’s a vast red wilderness under a rich blue sky. This is ‘the sample some true Outback produce. sun country’; land of the Wangkangurru and Yarluyandi nations. The Birdsville Races happen on the first Saturday in September. The spectacular event is sandwiched between the Betoota Races, which The DiamantinaSpanning Visitors more Guide than - Birdsville a million | Bedourie hectares, | theBetoota Munga-Thirri National Park is Queensland’s largest protected area, teeming with rare kick off the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival in the last weekend of August, and the Bedourie Races and Ute & Travellers’ Muster on the following Saturday.

*No auto gas services are provided in Birdsville.

5 The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota 6 TRAVEL PLANNER

Outback Regions A I COOKTOWN 1728 1609 1412 1328 1209 1108 1002 895 716 558 375 192 NORMANTON Gateways to the Outback R A 1799 1680 1483 1399 1280 1179 1073 966 787 629 446 263 71 KARUMBA

LARRIMAH WOLLOGORANG T

E LAKELAND HELL’S GATE P

R TOWNSVILLE

C 134 CHARTERS TOWERS

L UNDARA b CARDWELL CROYDON e r e t BOODJAMULLA 118 89 VOLCANIC

i GEORGETOWN R RENNER SPRINGS c

i Queensland Government Tra c & Travel Information on 13 19 40. (LAWN HILL) h 192 t r e b l i G NATIONAL

v h 108 NATIONAL PARK PARK e

105 a r r 225

ADELS GROVE 87 d INGHAM t

QUEENSLAND 200 THREE WAYS WAGGABUNDI R

90 i P 471km to r

246 v A e e

Tennant r C

WINTON PARK y

i 146 MIDDLETON l

v e

e r MUTTABURRA B r e 118 v 114 63 LAKE 85 i 89 R DUNN CLERMONT

a BLADENSBURG 22 67 n 110 BOULIA 73 i NATIONAL i v e r t LARK 179 116 R 54 n 125 PARK ARAMAC e 244 53 QUARRY c CAPELLA a i l 39 m CONSERVATION A a 100 52 i PARK RUBYVALE D OPALTON 67 113 131 ROCKHAMPTON 58 LONGREACH 27 ILFRACOMBE BARCALDINE SAPPHIRE EMERALD BLACKWATER ALICE SPRINGS r JERICHO 168 e v i 80 R 87 76 191 48 DIAMANTINA 53 Mooney’s Grave Bullagurdie Creek 61 n ALPHA 67 NATIONAL LOCHERN s o 168 LAKE 196 GLADSTONE m 89 101 MARABOON PARK NATIONAL o William Mooney patrolled part of the dingo fence that skirts the It’s dry out here but, when there’s water, this gorgeous waterhole PARK h 151 T 44 106 120 SPRINGSURE ISISFORD 121 NORTHERN TERRITORY 101 46 104 Simpson Desert.71 In 1885, after a night at the BirdsvilleMIRIAM Hotel, VALE he loaded is a great place to dip your toes and admire the stunning birdlife. NORTHERN 112 BLACKALL 204 BILOELA BEDOURIE 99 STONEHENGE 102 47 22 SALVATORhis packhorseROLLESTON with two cases of whisky and set off along the road to TERRITORY r 12 BANANA Bullagurdie Creek is just 53 kilometres from Bedourie. e 114 ROSA KA KA 67 v 52 42 i 101 NATIONAL R Bedourie.MUNDI The story goes that he made camp about 40 kilometres from EMMET IDALIA CARNARVON o PARK NATIONAL BUNDABERG JUNDAH o NATIONAL GORGE MONTO 253 c YARAKA PARK LAKE 92 r 120 THEODORE MUNGA-THIRRI a PARK TAMBO Birdsville and,NATIONAL while sleeping, his packhorse wandered off, leaving him MACHATTIE B GIN GIN (SIMPSON DESERT) 50 r PARK Glengyle Station/Eyre Creek* 94 e MT MOFFATT NATIONAL PARK 164 r 192 CHILDERS v BIRDSVILLE TO e ERIDUNDA 209 i strandedNATIONAL PARK with only whisky to slake his thirst. His body was found six 109 v WELFORD R i EIDSWOLD Sidney Kidman bought Glengyle in 1903, a huge property of

119 52 NATIONAL R d o WINDORAH PARK r e g weeks later,106 surrounded by empty bottles. Mooney was buried whereMARYBOROUGH a r GAYNDAH 51 r approximately 10,000 square kilometres. Located 51 kilometres from

r W TAROOM a BETOOTA 109 e MUNDUBBERA W v

k i he was found, and his grave marked by upturned whisky bottles. Sadly, e AUGATHELLA R Bedourie, Glengyle is home to a large tree, listed by the National Trust KULGERA 168 e ADAVALE 40 40 r 158 C o 187 BIRDSVILLE 12 r o INJUNE Haddon e l the bottles109 have long since disappeared, and the exact location of p l o 84 91 as the ‘Kidman Tree’. Kidman camped under this tree during his first Corner o u GYMPIE Poeppel C 85 BEDOURIE B Corner 85 87 MORVEN Mooney’s Grave 91is now lost to us – but it remains one of the strangest trip through this part of the country, and in later years it was the QUEENSLAND CHARLEVILLE 44 MITCHELL 22 TREGOLE KINGAROY 69 QUILPIE 74 CHEEPIE 88 deaths in outback history.141 MILES NATIONAL MUNGALLALA 45 AMBY NAMBOUR rendezvous site for settlers in the area. Several graves on the west side 37 PARK 65 ROMA CHINCHILLA INDULKANA EROMANGA 48 COOLADDI 99 74 127 of the road date back to the early days when raging floods drowned 161 167 r 209 Carcoory Ruins e several stockmen trying to cross Eyre Creek. MARLA v 129 DALBY SOUTH i WYANDRA 210 R TOOMPINE 210 195 About 81 kilometresSURAT from Birdsville, you’ll find the 84Carcoory Ruins. n 36 AUSTRALIA 180 o s TOOWOOMBA BRISBANE OODNADATTA l 113 122 DIG TREE 5 i They’re all that’s left of one of the first propertiesOAKEY owned by Sidney *Private property, no access. Please, no stopping on the bridge. W 55 120 82 98 PITTSWORTH IPSWICH INNAMINCKA 20 MOONIE CADNEY 46 NOCCUNDRA 23 25 Kidman. Purchased in 1899, Carcoory is referred to in Jill Bowen’s 7 180 THARGOMINDAH YOWAH CUNNAMULLA MILMERRAN k 13 177 113 e 191 book,BOLLON ‘Kidman: TheST GEORGE Forgotten King’. The remains of this homestead are Toko Channel e 131 68 97 r TWEED

C EULO r LAKE BINDEGOLLY e

r 88 HEADS r v

215 NATIONAL PARK e classified by the NationalNINDIGULLY Trust. WARWICK 42 kilometres from Bedourie stretch the Toko floodplain channels. e i p v 203

o R 164 i o 119 DIRRANBANDI C 122 R e INGLEWOOD Journey along The Bilby Way n These channels cross the road and are a renowned kangaroo- CURRAWINYA o i o NATIONAL b r GOONDIWINDI 110 e LISMORE The road from Birdsville to Bedourie is known as The Bilby Way.PARK Ita 66 N TEXAS feeding area. P Lake Machattie* MERTY MERTY HUNGERFORD BARRINGUN HEBEL MUNGINDI BALLINA COOBER PEDY stretches for 187 kilometres,CAMERON and meanders past some of the world’s Amazing things happen when you123 leave the beaten track. Just 112 CORNER TENTERFIELD r most extraordinary natural wonders. e v kilometres from Birdsville is a 60 kilometre detour which returns to i Kings Creek Crossing – Afghan Grave r e TIBOOBURRA 217 R i v MOREE

a R 137

WANAARING o The Bilby Way at Kings Creek Crossing. This detour will take you past Named after John King, sole survivor of the ill-fated Burke and Wills r g e e l i MARREE u r Its namesake, the rare and endangered bilby (otherwise known as v C r GRAFTON i i B R BREWARRINALake Machattie, an arid floodplain lake that, when full,GLEN INNESis the largest expedition, this waterhole on Kings Creek was a favourite overnight NEW INVERELL the rabbit-eared bandicoot), is about the size of a rabbit, with a long o B

g o BOURKE g SOUTH e a pelican breeding area in Australia. This large, flat and usually dry lake stop for Afghan cameleers. Only 21.5 kilometres from Bedourie, the r n r R SCALE i WALGETT LYNDHURSTpointed nose, silky blue-grey fur, black-and-white crested tail, and long,a v

0 25 50 75 100 WALES e W COFFS

r is 99 metres above sea level.NARRABRI Although the Channel Country DORRIGOis dotted natural stone causeway was an excellent crossing point. Tragically, one almost transparent ears. HARBOUR with many lakes, Lake Machattie is one of only a fewARMIDALE that can be URUNGA of the cameleers died here. His body was buried facing Mecca. The Diamantina Visitors Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota These cute little critters were once a common sight across southern easily glimpsed from the road. Cookawinchika Creek and central Australia, and a much-prized delicacy by local Aboriginals. *Private property, no access. Sadly, the bilby’s numbers declined suddenly at the turn of the 20th 11 kilometres from Bedourie is Cookawinchika Creek. When there’s water, this stunning waterhole is a great place to cool off and admire century, probably due to competition for food from rabbits and Cuttaburra Crossing livestock, as well as introduced predators like cats and foxes. the abundant wildlife. Get up close to amazing birdlife at Cuttaburra Crossing. This permanent waterhole and renowned wetland on the Eyre Creek, between Lake Koolivoo and Lake Machattie, is well worth a visit. Just 68 kilometres from Bedourie, the birdlife can be seen from the roadside rest and viewing area, on the right after crossing the creek.

7 The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota 8 TRAVEL PLANNER

Outback Regions A I COOKTOWN 1728 1609 1412 1328 1209 1108 1002 895 716 558 375 192 NORMANTON Gateways to the Outback R A 1799 1680 1483 1399 1280 1179 1073 966 787 629 446 263 71 KARUMBA

LARRIMAH WOLLOGORANG T

E LAKELAND HELL’S GATE P

R TOWNSVILLE

C 134 CHARTERS TOWERS

L UNDARA b CARDWELL CROYDON e r e t BOODJAMULLA 118 89 VOLCANIC

i GEORGETOWN R RENNER SPRINGS c

i Queensland Government Tra c & Travel Information on 13 19 40. (LAWN HILL) h 192 t r e b l i G NATIONAL

v h 108 NATIONAL PARK PARK e

105 a r r 225

ADELS GROVE 87 d INGHAM t

QUEENSLAND 200 THREE WAYS WAGGABUNDI R

90 i P 471km to r

246 v A e e

Tennant r C

WINTON PARK y

i 146 MIDDLETON l

v e

e r MUTTABURRA B r Town attractions include the magnificent Artesian Spa & Aquatic e LAKE Bedourie Hotel 118 v 114 63 85 i 89 R DUNN CLERMONT

a 110 BLADENSBURG 22 67 Centre, the heritage-listed Mud Hut, the Cemetery, great street art n While you’re visiting, say hello to the locals at the Bedourie Hotel BOULIA 73 i NATIONAL i v e r t LARK 179 116 R 54 n 125 PARK ARAMAC e 244 53 QUARRY c CAPELLA a i sculpture, and an outback golf course. l (previously known as the Royal Hotel). Constructed of sun-dried mud 39 m CONSERVATION A a 100 52 i PARK RUBYVALE D OPALTON 67 ROCKHAMPTON 113 58 131 bricks and a thatched roof, the building has been largely untouched LONGREACH 27 ILFRACOMBE BARCALDINE SAPPHIRE EMERALD BLACKWATER ALICE SPRINGS r JERICHO Bedourie is also just a stone’s throw from the renowned wetlands of 168 e v i 80 since the late 1800s. Meals and accommodation are available. R 87 76 191 48 DIAMANTINA 53 61 n ALPHA 67 NATIONAL LOCHERN s o Cuttaburra168 LAKE Crossing, Carcoory Ruins,196 and DiamantinaGLADSTONE National Park – m 89 101 PARK NATIONAL o MARABOON PARK h 151 T 44 106 120 one of Australia’sSPRINGSURE top ten National Parks. ISISFORD 121 NORTHERN TERRITORY 101 46 Simpson Desert Oasis Roadhouse 104 71 MIRIAM VALE NORTHERN 112 BEDOURIE BEDOURIE BLACKALL 204 BILOELA 99 STONEHENGE 102 47 At the northern end of Bedourie, you’ll find the Simpson Desert Oasis 22 The famous Bedourie Camp Oven was invented by drovers passing TERRITORY r 12 SALVATOR ROLLESTON BANANA e 114 ROSA KA KA 67 v 52 42 i 101 NATIONAL MUNDI Roadhouse. The roadhouse serves as the town’s general store, fuel R through the region. Originally a simple half-petrol tin over a large EMMET IDALIA CARNARVON o PARK NATIONAL BUNDABERG JUNDAH o NATIONAL GORGE MONTO 253 c YARAKA PARK LAKE 92 r 120 TAMBO THEODORE stop, auto services/tyre repairs, restaurant and tavern. Car hire, and MUNGA-THIRRI a PARK billycan, it wasn’tNATIONAL until 1921 that a Bedourie blacksmith began MACHATTIE B GIN GIN (SIMPSON DESERT) 50 r PARK 94 e MT MOFFATT NATIONAL PARK 164 r 192 CHILDERS v ERIDUNDA 209 e motel, cabin and caravan accommodation are also available. i NATIONAL PARK 109 turningv out hundreds of professionally made ovens. They can still be WELFORD R i EIDSWOLD 119 52 NATIONAL R d o

WINDORAH PARK r e g 106 MARYBOROUGH a purchased from the Bedourie Outback Visitor Centre today.GAYNDAH r 51 r

r W TAROOM a BETOOTA 109 e MUNDUBBERA W v Bedourie Outback Visitor Centre

k i e AUGATHELLA KULGERA 168 e R ADAVALE 40 40 r 158 C o 187 BIRDSVILLE 12 r o INJUNE Want to know what the weather’s doing, learn about the area, check road Haddon e l Artesian109 Spa & Aquatic Centre p l o 84 91 Corner o u GYMPIE Poeppel C 85 B conditions, access wireless internet services, visit the public library or take Corner 85 87 OneMORVEN of Bedourie’s favourite91 attractions is the Artesian Spa & Aquatic QUEENSLAND CHARLEVILLE 44 MITCHELL 22 TREGOLE KINGAROY in a DVD about the shire at the on-site theatrette? Drop into the Bedourie 69 QUILPIE 74 CHEEPIE 88 Centre. Ease your tired muscles141 in the 22-personMILES therapeutic spa, and NATIONAL MUNGALLALA 45 AMBY NAMBOUR 37 PARK 65 ROMA CHINCHILLA INDULKANA EROMANGA 48 COOLADDI Outback Visitor Centre. The centre is located next to the Diamantina Shire 99 cool off afterwards in the 25-metre swimming pool. The crystal-clear 74 127 161 Council administration office. You can also book a spot at the Diamantina 167 r 209 water comes directly from Bedourie’s artesian bore. e MARLA An oasis in the desert v 129 DALBY SOUTH i WYANDRA 210 R TOOMPINE 210 195 Shire Caravan Park, and get a key to the Artesian Spa & Aquatic Centre SURAT 84 Bedourie is a small town (population: 120) perched onn a sand dune, 36 AUSTRALIA 180 o s TOOWOOMBA BRISBANE OODNADATTA l 113 122 (refundable deposit required). A public payphone and phone cards are i OAKEY DIG TREE 5 55 The Bedourie Races surrounded by Eyre Creek. It is 1,600 kilometres fromW Brisbane and 120 82 98 PITTSWORTH IPSWICH INNAMINCKA 20 MOONIE available at the centre. CADNEY 46 NOCCUNDRA 23 25 The local race club comes alive on the second weekend of 200 kilometres north of Birdsville. 7 180 THARGOMINDAH YOWAH CUNNAMULLA MILMERRAN k 13 177 113 e 191 SeptemberBOLLON with the BSTedourie GEORGE Races, part of the e 131 68 97 r TWEED

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Bedourie is the administration centre of the Diamantina215 Shire,NATIONAL an PARK e Simpson Desert Racing NINDIGULLYCarnival. WARWICK e i p v 203

o R 164 i o 119 DIRRANBANDI C 122 R e INGLEWOOD

area that covers an incredible 95,000 square kilometres and is twice n CURRAWINYA o i o NATIONAL b r GOONDIWINDI 110 e LISMORE PARK a 66 the size of Denmark. N TEXAS P Bedourie Camel Races MERTY MERTY HUNGERFORD BARRINGUN HEBEL MUNGINDI BALLINA COOBER PEDY CAMERON You don’t see this every day! Every year123 in CORNER TENTERFIELD In the 1880s, Bedourie was a major watering and rest stop for drovers r e v July, Bedourie hosts the famous Camel i r e TIBOOBURRA 217 R i v MOREE

moving cattle from the Northern Territory and north-west Queensland a R 137

WANAARING o Races. Hundreds of people converge r g e The Diamantina Visitors Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota e l i MARREE u r to the customs collection point at Birdsville. v C r GRAFTON i i B R BREWARRINAon the town to watch dozens of GLEN INNES NEW INVERELL

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g o BOURKE g SOUTH e a camels in six events worth more r n For a small community, the town has excellent facilities, including a r R WALGETT SCALE i LYNDHURST a v

0 25 50 75 100 WALES e W COFFS

r than $11,000. NARRABRI DORRIGO hotel/motel, caravan parks, a restaurant and tavern, general store, HARBOUR ARMIDALE wireless internet, fuel services, police station and a medical clinic. URUNGA Please note: there is no mobile signal.

9 The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota 10 DIAMANTINA NATIONAL PARK Formerly a pastoral property known as Diamantina Lakes, the Park was EVENTS purchased by the Queensland Government in the 1950s. The traditional One of the most glorious sights in nature owners of the area are the Maiawali people. THINGS TO DO IN THE There’s always something happening in the Outback! The Diamantina National Park is a must-see destination and was – Be part of one of the biggest events on the Visit old station buildings, cemeteries and hotel ruins, and pop in to the Birdsville Races named one of Australia’s top 10 National Parks by the Worldwide Fund racing calendar. What are you doing on the first weekend in information room at the old homestead to learn about the park’s history. for Nature. Visitors can get up close and personal with unique wildlife, September? including the kowari, plains wanderer, freckled duck, peregrine falcon DIAMANTINA Leave the caravan behind and take a day trip from Bedourie via Boulia. and two rare skinks. In times of exceptionally good rain or floods, the Bedourie Races – The ultimate event in the Simpson Desert Stop in at Vaughan Johnson Lookout – affectionately known as ‘the loo native long-haired rat often has somewhat of a population explosion. Racing Carnival. Don’t miss all the fun! with a view’, drink in the scenery of the self-guided Warracoota Circuit When this happens, predators like the inland taipan, letter-winged kite (approximately 90 kilometres from start to finish), visit Janet’s Leap for a Bedourie and eastern grass owl also make a welcome appearance. Betoota Races – The Betoota Races, held in an outback ghost bird’s eye view of the Diamantina, or roll out your sleeping bag and gaze at Experience the excitement of the Bedourie Camel Races town, kick off the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival in the last Vast numbers of waterholes are fed by the Diamantina River. After the night sky. Visit the magnificent hot Artesian Spa & Aquatic Centre week of August. cyclonic rains, water flowing from the north can be an astounding Only self-sufficient travellers should travel here. Camping permits are Drop in for a refreshing drink at the Bedourie Hotel 50 kilometres wide before passing through the narrows known as Bedourie Ute & Travellers’ Muster – Watch the red dust go required, and can be obtained through self-registration booths at the park. Pay your respects at the outback cemetery Diamantina Gates. These can be viewed from Janet’s Leap across to flying in the second week of September. This uniquely Australian Sink a hole-in-one at the Bedourie outback golf course event is a must-see! Hunters Gorge. The area is a fish and bird fanciers’ paradise, and a Diamantina National Park is an unforgettable experience – just don’t Explore the glorious Diamantina National Park fabulous camping destination. forget to take a good map, and plenty of food and water. Betoota Gymkhana and Motorbike Events – A fantastic Admire the wetlands and birdlife at Cuttaburra Crossing weekend for all the family, including live entertainment, barrel, flag and Drop into the Carcoory Ruins on your way to Birdsville bending races, and novelty events. Plenty of camping spots available. Catch a glimpse of beautiful Lake Machattie Purchase a genuine Bedourie Camp Oven Birdsville Gymkhana & Bikekhana – Enjoy a great weekend of horse and motorbike events. Betoota Bedourie Campdraft, Rodeo and Gymkhana – Experience Visit a real ghost town two days of outback horsemanship. Plenty of things for the family to Wander around the deserted Betoota Hotel see and do! Take in the spectacular view from Deon’s Lookout Birdsville Bronco Branding – Wonder at the talents of bushmen The Diamantina Visitors Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota Kick up your heels at the Betoota Races and women demonstrating the historic art of bronco branding. Camp under the stars at Browns Creek Bedourie Camel Races – Every year in July, hundreds of people Visit the amazing Dreamtime Serpent sculpture converge on the town to watch dozens of camels in six events worth more than $11,000. Birdsville – Have a flutter with the locals on Perch on a stool at the famous Birdsville Hotel Melbourne Cup Luncheon ‘the race that stops the nation’. Sweeps, fashion-on-the-field prizes, Marvel at the rare and ancient Waddi Trees fabulous food and drink – it’s glamour with an outback twist! Ride with the ghosts of Australia’s Outback Visit the frontier Australian Inland Mission Hospital Museum BETOOTA For more information, contact The Diamantina: Betoota stands lonely on a vast gibber plain, 170 kilometres east of View the ruins of the Royal Hotel P: 1300 794 257 Birdsville. No one lives here, and there are no facilities or fuel. But Enjoy an outback sunset at Pelican Point E: [email protected] during the last weekend in August, this tiny ghost town explodes Swim in the billabong W: thediamantina.com.au with all the colour and excitement of the Betoota Races, part of the See Big Red, the highest of the 1,100 dunes in the Simpson Desert Simpson Desert Racing Carnival. Visit Poeppel Corner, where the three States of NT, SA and QLD meet Betoota is 70 metres above sea level and has an annual rainfall of just 300 millimetres. In 1885, the Queensland Government set up a customs post here to collect tolls for stock as they travelled to South Australia. The toll station operated up until Federation in 1901. Betoota was also once a Cobb & Co change station.

Photo courtesy of Mark Trinham and Glenn Romanis In the 1880s, three hotels were established here, along with a police station, store and post office. The last-standing hotel was a favourite spot for tourists until it closed in October 1997. In fact, the publican, Simon Remienko, was the sole resident of Betoota for many years and was once stranded on the Birdsville Track for 18 weeks with his truckload of eight tonnes of beer.

Points of interest include Browns Creek – a popular camping area near the Betoota Hotel – and Deon’s Lookout, the perfect place for travellers to take a break and drink in the spectacular view. You can also visit The Dreamtime Serpent – a work of art representing a series of pathways which travel the Mithika Country and connect the river systems in the Channel Country of the Diamantina Shire. The Serpent has been created using gravel and gibbers found throughout the shire.

11 The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota 12 Road Distances to (KM) ACCOMMODATION (Approximate distances will vary with route taken) Birdsville Bedourie Birdsville Bedourie Birdsville Hotel/Motel 07 4656 3244 BRISBANE 1602 1590 Birdsville Caravan Park Sydney 2129 2327 (cabins) 07 4656 3214 Melbourne 2470 2666 Bedourie Hotel/Motel 07 4746 1201 Adelaide 1207 1403 Simpson Desert–Oasis 07 4746 1291 Perth 3293 3489 Darwin 2335 2137 Caravan Parks/Camping (all with powered sites) Alice Springs 1186 1010 Birdsville Caravan Park 07 4656 3214 Longreach 692 754 Simpson Desert-Oasis 07 4746 1291 Windorah 385 384 Diamantina Shire Caravan Park 07 4746 1040 Marree 540 736 Mt Isa 717 516 Post Office 07 4656 3263 07 4746 1201 Innamincka (Via Cordillo Downs) 415 613 Coffee Shops Simpson Desert Crossing (KM) Simpson Desert-Oasis 07 4746 1291 (to Birdsville via Mount Dare Homestead) Birdsville Bakery 07 4656 4698 Birdsville Bedourie Restaurants Mt Dare Bedourie Hotel 07 4746 1201 (French/QAA Line) 502 698 Simpson Desert-Oasis 07 4746 1291 Ayers Rock 1074 1270 Birdsville Hotel 07 4656 3244 Alice Springs 917 1112 Oodnadatta 758 954 Galleries Williams Creek 959 1155 Blue Poles (Wolfgang John) 07 4656 3099 Marree 1163 1359 The Diamantina Visitors Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota The Bakery (John Murray) 07 4656 4697 (to Birdsville via Dalhousie Springs) Tours Birdsville Bedourie Desert Edge Tours Oodnadatta 536 732 (Town Tours) 0419 364 381 Marree 941 1137 Birdsville Starshow 0488 007 300 (for travel on the WAA/QAA Line add 36km, for travel on the Rig Road/QAA Line add 95km) Police Station 07 4656 5677 07 4746 1220 (from Birdsville to) General Stores Big Red 35 Poeppel Corner Birdsville Roadhouse 07 4656 3226 (150 sand dunes) 166 Bedourie Simpson Desert-Oasis 07 4746 1291 QLD National Parks Office 07 4656 3272 Medical Clinic 07 4656 3245 07 4746 1226 Warning: It is recommended travellers crossing the Simpson Desert do so with at least one other 4WD, allow at least 4 days (Mt Dare Fuel & Auto Services (including tyre repairs) to Birdsville), carry at least 5 litres of water per person per day, Birdsville Roadhouse (RACQ) 07 4656 3226 sufficient fuel, carry packaged fruit, long life milk and other liquids, Birdsville Fuel Service 07 4656 3236 whilst packing vehicles as light as possible. All necessary recovery Simpson Desert-Oasis 07 4746 1291 equipment including HF radio or Satphone. Satphones may be hired for the crossing at Mount Dare or Birdsville – call Birdsville Wirrari Visitor Information Centre for details 07 4656 3300. Diamantina Visitor Information Centres – Recommended travel months are between April and October. call 1300 794 257 Air Services Bedourie Outback Visitor Centre 13 Herbert Street, Bedourie Q 4829 Skytrans Ph: 07 4746 1040 1300 759 872 www.skytrans.com.au Birdsville Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre 29 Burt Street, Birdsville Q 4482 West Wing Ph: 07 4656 3300 (Channel mail run Port Augusta to Birdsville) 1300 937 894 www.diamantina.qld.gov.au

13 The Diamantina Visitors Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota 14