The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide

Where the Desert meets the The Diamantina Visitors Guide - | Bedourie | Betoota Front Cover Photo: Waddi Trees 10km North of Birdsville by Rowan Bestmann Front Cover Photo: Waddi Trees

1 The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota THE DIAMANTINA

LIKE NO PLACE ON EARTH The Diamantina Shire is true frontier country. Its people, Rich in natural, cultural and pastoral heritage, the heritage, stories, places, landscapes and wildlife blend Diamantina covers 95,000 square kilometres yet is home together to create an authentic old-world Australian to just 11 cattle stations and 300 residents. It captures destination with a modern twist. People come from across the very essence of ’s , and is accessible the globe to visit and those who live as part of the local to most vehicles, caravans and motor homes. Experience community are from culturally diverse backgrounds, a 4WD adventure of epic proportions on a Simpson bringing with them a unique array of experiences Desert crossing, trek through the stunning Diamantina and energies. National Park and gaze in wonder at the Channel Country, a rich tapestry of vast gibber and grass plains The Diamantina is a land of extremes; searing hot days and stretching to the horizon. freezing nights, flood and drought, rare flora and fauna, national parks, channel country, the wide red desert and For the best Diamantina experience, visit us between glorious space as far as the eye can see. Teeming with March and October. wildlife, the area is home to one of the world’s most fragile and unique desert ecosystems. The Diamantina Visitors Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota

Welcome to Country We acknowledge the traditional owners of this land, all of whom have a deep attachment to the Diamantina Shire. We hope that you also are able to experience all of its beauty. We wish you a safe journey and ask that you respect this land and its traditions, past and present, by leaving Country as you find it.

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 632 543 456 246 687 107 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 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

N

E LAKELAND HELL’S GATE P

R TOWNSVILLE

A

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 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 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

n

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

a

R

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 61 n ALPHA 67 NATIONAL LOCHERN s o 168 LAKE 196 GLADSTONE m 89 101 PARK NATIONAL o MARABOON PARK h 151 T 44 106 120 SPRINGSURE ISISFORD 121 101 46 104 71 MIRIAM VALE NORTHERN 112 BLACKALL 204 BILOELA BEDOURIE 99 STONEHENGE 102 47 22 TERRITORY r 12 SALVATOR ROLLESTON BANANA e ROSA 67 v 52 114 KA KA i 42 R 101 NATIONAL MUNDI EMMET IDALIA CARNARVON o PARK NATIONAL BUNDABERG JUNDAH o NATIONAL GORGE MONTO 253 c YARAKA PARK LAKE 92 r MUNGA-THIRRI a PARK 120 TAMBO NATIONAL THEODORE MACHATTIE B GIN GIN () 50 r PARK 94 e MT MOFFATT NATIONAL PARK 164 r 192 CHILDERS v ERIDUNDA 209 e i NATIONAL PARK 109 v WELFORD R i EIDSWOLD

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 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 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 The station had been named after his family’s estate,THARGOMINDAH Annandale,YOWAH CUNNAMULLA MILMERRAN k 13 177 113 SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT! e 191 BOLLON ST GEORGE e 131 68 97 r TWEED

C EULO r LAKE BINDEGOLLY e

in Gladstone. r 88 HEADS r v 215 NATIONAL PARK e NINDIGULLY WARWICK

At the end of the famous is the frontier town of e i p v 203

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

Birdsville. Deep in the heart of wild and isolated country, Birdsville is CURRAWINYA n o Drinan later sold the property to the Collins brothers the following year. i o NATIONAL b r GOONDIWINDI 110 e LISMORE PARK a 66

N TEXAS situated between the eastern edge of the Simpson Desert, the vast P The CollinsMERTY brothers MERTY then sold Annandale to Edward Wienholt inHUNGERFORD 1881. BARRINGUN HEBEL MUNGINDI BALLINA gibber plains of Sturt’s Stony Desert to theCOOBER south PEDY and rich Channel CAMERON 123 The property was purchasedCORNER in 1896 by Sir , significantly TENTERFIELD r e v Country to the north. i r e this was the first property he purchasedTIBOOBURRA in Queensland. The Kidman217 R i v MOREE

a R 137

WANAARING o r g e

company sold the property in 1981. e l i MARREE u r v C r GRAFTON i i Once a notorious place through which cattle drovers moved their B R BREWARRINA GLEN INNES NEW INVERELL

o B

g o stock, Birdsville is now a thriving modern community where you can BOURKE g SOUTH e a r n r R SCALE i WALGETT LYNDHURSTWIRRARRI VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE a v

enjoy a cold drink at the iconic Birdsville Hotel or back a winner at the 0 25 50 75 100 WALES e W COFFS

r NARRABRI DORRIGO Want to know about local road conditions or the weather, get a few HARBOUR world-renowned Birdsville Races. ARMIDALE URUNGA The Diamantina Visitors Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota travelling tips and find out what to see and do? Drop into the Wirrarri Watch the sun set over Big Red, the tallest sand dune in the Visitor Information Centre in the centre of Birdsville. You might also Simpson Desert, catch a fresh fish for dinner at Jardine’s water hole, like to take a look at the work of local artists in the centre’s extensive explore the Australian Inland Mission Hospital Museum, or spend an gallery, or take in an informative documentary about the shire in the unforgettable day with family and friends at the Birdsville billabong, theatrette. The centre offers wireless internet access, a library, maps where birdlife, fish, yabbies and marsupials abound. and souvenirs.

The town of Birdsville is home to a number of local artists working in different mediums, offering their intepretations of our unique land, BIRDSVILLE HOTEL It’s impossible to come to Birdsville without popping into the lifestyle and people of the Diamantina Shire. historic Birdsville Hotel, which was built in 1884. Pull up a stool, Birdsville is also home to a sporting complex, gallery, bakery, air order a coldy and get to know the locals. The hotel also offers services, motel, hotel, caravan park and cabin accommodation, great meals and modern, air-conditioned rooms. coffee shop and restaurant, general store, post office, medical clinic, fuel, auto services and a police station. If you’ve always wanted to, now is the time to tick Birdsville off your bucket list!

Annandale Station is now part of Adria Downs Station – a pastoral lease that operates as a . The homestead ruins are situated 150km west of Birdsville and permission is required to visit the site.

The station was the first established in the area when Patrick Drinan took up the run in July 1876. Other properties were settled soon afterward including Kaliduwarry and Glengyle Stations.

3 The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota The Diamantina Visitors Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota

BIRDSVILLE BAKERY Say hi to Dusty and Teresa at the Birdsville Bakery. Tuck into a Curried Camel or Kangaroo and 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 licensed bakeries, there’s a modest selection of beer and wine. Dinner is served once a week – Birdsville Fried Chicken (our very own nod to the Colonel) is available on Friday nights. The bakery is open from Easter to October. BIRDSVILLE CARAVAN PARK Birdsville Caravan Park offers 52 powered sites, 12 cabins (three with ensuites), an amenities block and plenty of camping sites. You’ll find the park on the banks of the Birdsville billabong and kayaks are available for hire. BIRDSVILLE STAR SHOW The Birdsville Star Show is a great way to view the wonders of the BIRDSVILLE ROADHOUSE universe through an incredibly high-powered telescope, while learning The Birdsville Roadhouse, opposite the caravan park, provides all of the from an informative guide. The shows last for 45 minutes. necessities for the traveller including fuel, mechanical and tyre repairs, groceries and a range of souvenir products. The Birdsville Roadhouse DESERT EDGE TOURS also acts as the local RACQ agent and is the contact for desert and Take a tour around Birdsville or drink in an outback sunset from the remote recoveries. edge of the Simpson Desert. Regular town and sunset tours depart daily or on request. BIRDSVILLE FUEL SERVICES Located opposite the Birdsville Hotel, Birdsville Fuel Services provides CENTRAL EAGLE AVIATION fuel, vehicle and tyre repairs. A small range of grocery and souvenir Central Eagle Aviation offers premier chartered flights and outback items are also available. The Australia Post outlet is located at scenic flights. Flights over , the Simpson Desert, Coongie Birdsville Fuel Service. Lakes, the Bourke and Wills Dig Tree and Big Red can be arranged to *No auto gas services are provided in Birdsville. meet your needs and requirements.

The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota 4 POWER STATION MUNGA-THIRRI NATIONAL PARK Birdsville boasts one of the world’s few low-temperature geothermal power (FORMERLY SIMPSON DESERT NATIONAL PARK) stations. It draws water from the local Artesian Bore and the steam from the Every year, adventurous travellers from Australia and around the water is used to provide around 40% of the town’s electricity. world experience the thrill of crossing the Simpson Desert. Home to WADDI TREES thousands of towering sand dunes, saltpans and rolling grey-green spinifex, it’s a vast red wilderness under a rich blue sky. This is ‘the Reach out and touch the ancient past. Located 12 kilometres from sun country’, land of the Wangkangurra and Yarluyandi people. Birdsville is a stand of rare Waddi trees, one of only three such stands left in Australia. Some of these trees are almost a thousand Spanning more than a million hectares, the Munga-Thirri National years old. The timber is almost impossible to burn and is so hard it Park is Queensland’s largest protected area. It’s teeming with rare can damage an axe. mammals, strange reptiles and 180 exotic species of bird. It’s a magical place where you can camp under the stars, immerse yourself BIG RED SAND DUNE in the colours of the desert and feel the crunch of red sand and Marvel at Big Red, the 40-metre-high sand dune that marks the ironstone under foot. Breathe in the pungent aroma of the Georgina symbolic eastern edge of the Simpson Desert. Situated approximately gidgee – a glorious yellow wattle that grows in the roughs between 35 kilometres west of Birdsville, it is one of 1,140 parallel dunes that towering dunes – and take a trip to and stand on cross the desert. Big Red is on private property and we ask that you the very spot where Queensland, and the Northern respect the owner’s land. Territory intersect. RACECOURSE Only experienced, self-sufficient visitors should explore this park and The Birdsville Races are world renowned. You’ll find the track three only from March to December. Be ready for hot days and freezing kilometres east of the town. If you’re lucky enough to be in Birdsville nights, make sure your vehicle is well-equipped and take plenty of on the first Saturday of September, you’ll be part of one of the most water – this is, after all, the driest place in Australia. exciting events on the Australian sporting calendar. There are no toilets, no designated camping grounds and no walking THE BIRDSVILLE BILLABONG tracks. It’s just you and the desert and it’s an experience you will The billabong, located on the edge of town, is a beautiful place to never forget. view the outback sunset and you can also enjoy walking, kayaking, All vehicles must have a Desert Parks pass, available in Birdsville. The Diamantinaswimming Visitors orGuide fishing. - Birdsville Across |the Bedourie water is| BetootaPelican Point, a small peninsula with a great view of the billabong and its birdlife.

5 The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota THE FAMOUS BIRDSVILLE RACES Get your glad rags on! The world-famous Birdsville Races are the ‘ Cup of the Outback’. The event has delighted race-goers for more than 125 years and is listed as one of the ‘100 things to do in Australia before you die’. The first race meeting was held in 1882. Today, the 12-race program has a prize pool of more than $110,000. Approximately 8000 people descend on Birdsville for a week long program of events. The Birdsville Races happen on the first Saturday in September. The spectacular event is sandwiched between the Betoota Races, which 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.

The Diamantina Visitors Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota

The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota 6 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

N

E LAKELAND HELL’S GATE P

R TOWNSVILLE

A

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 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

n

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

a

R

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 61 n ALPHA 67 NATIONAL LOCHERN s o 168 LAKE 196 GLADSTONE m 89 101 PARK NATIONAL o MARABOON PARK h 151 T 44 106 120 SPRINGSURE ISISFORD 121 NORTHERN TERRITORY 101 46 104 71 MIRIAM VALE NORTHERN 112 BLACKALL 204 BILOELA BEDOURIE 99 STONEHENGE 102 47 22 TERRITORY r 12 SALVATOR ROLLESTON BANANA e ROSA 67 v 52 114 KA KA i 42 R 101 NATIONAL MUNDI EMMET IDALIA CARNARVON o PARK NATIONAL BUNDABERG JUNDAH o NATIONAL GORGE MONTO 253 c YARAKA PARK LAKE 92 r MUNGA-THIRRI a PARK 120 TAMBO NATIONAL THEODORE MACHATTIE B GIN GIN (SIMPSON DESERT) 50 r PARK 94 e MT MOFFATT NATIONAL PARK 164 r 192 CHILDERS v BIRDSVILLE TO e ERIDUNDA 209 i NATIONAL PARK 109 v WELFORD R i EIDSWOLD

119 52 NATIONAL R 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 BEDOURIE B Corner 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

r 88 HEADS r v

215 NATIONAL PARK e NINDIGULLY WARWICK e i p v 203

o R 164 i o 119 DIRRANBANDI C 122 R e INGLEWOOD JOURNEY ALONG THE BILBY WAY

n 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 HUNGERFORDP BARRINGUN HEBEL MUNGINDI BALLINA COOBER PEDY stretches for 186 kilometres,CAMERON and meanders past some of the world’s 123 CORNER TENTERFIELD r most extraordinary natural wonders. e v i r e TIBOOBURRA 217 R i v MOREE

a R 137

WANAARING o 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 BREWARRINA GLEN INNES 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 r n r R SCALE i WALGETT LYNDHURSTpointed nose, silky blue-grey fur, a black-and-white crested tail and a v

0 25 50 75 100 WALES e W COFFS

r NARRABRI DORRIGO long, almost transparent ears. HARBOUR ARMIDALE URUNGA The Diamantina Visitors Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota These nocturnal marsupials were once a common sight across southern and central Australia and a much-prized delicacy of local Aborigines. Sadly, the bilby’s numbers declined suddenly at the turn of the 20th century, probably due to competition for food from rabbits and livestock, as well as introduced predators like cats and foxes.

7 The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota MOONEY’S GRAVE BULLAGURDIE CREEK William Mooney patrolled part of the dingo fence that skirts the It’s usually dry out here but, when there’s water, this gorgeous Simpson Desert. In 1885, after a night at the Birdsville Hotel, he loaded waterhole is a great place to dip your toes and admire the stunning his packhorse with two cases of whisky and set off along the road to birdlife. Bullagurdie Creek is just 53 kilometres south of Bedourie. Bedourie. The story goes that he made camp about 40 kilometres from Birdsville and, while sleeping, his packhorse wandered off, leaving him /EYRE CREEK stranded with only whisky to quench his thirst. His body was found Sir Sidney Kidman bought Glengyle, a huge property of approximately six weeks later surrounded by empty bottles. Mooney was buried 10,000 square kilometres, in 1903. Located 51 kilometres from where he was found and his grave was marked with upturned whisky Bedourie, Glengyle is home to a large tree listed by the National Trust bottles. Sadly, the bottles have long since disappeared and the exact as the ‘Kidman Tree’. Kidman camped under this tree during his first location of Mooney’s Grave is now lost to us. But, it remains one of the trip through this part of the country and in later years it was the strangest deaths in outback history. rendezvous site for settlers in the area. Several graves on the west side of the road date back to the early days when raging floods drowned CARCOORY RUINS several stockmen trying to cross Eyre Creek. Glengyle Station is private About 81 kilometres from Birdsville are the Carcoory Homestead Ruins. property with no public access. Please, no stopping on the bridge. They’re all that’s left of one of the first properties owned by Sir Sidney Kidman. Purchased in 1899, Carcoory is referred to in Jill Bowen’s book, TOKO CHANNEL ‘Kidman: The Forgotten King’. The remains of this homestead are classified 42 kilometres from Bedourie stretch as the Toko floodplain by the National Trust. channels. These channels cross the road and are renowned kangaroo feeding areas. CUTTABURRA CROSSING Get up close to amazing birdlife at Cuttaburra Crossing. This KING CREEK CROSSING – AFGHAN GRAVE permanent waterhole and renowned wetland on the Eyre Creek, King Creek was named after John King, the sole survivor of the ill-fated between Lake Koolivoo and Lake Machattie, is well worth a visit. It’s Burke and Wills expedition. The waterhole, 21.5 kilometres from 68 kilometres south of Bedourie and the birdlife can be seen from the Bedourie, with its natural stone causeway, was an excellent crossing roadside rest and viewing area, on the right after crossing the creek if point for Afghan cameleers. Tragically one of the cameleers died here you’re heading north. and his body was buried facing Mecca. The Diamantina Visitors Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota MEMORIAL TO WILL HUTCHINSON COOKAWINCHIKA CREEK Recognised as the founder of Coober Pedy, Will Hutchinson discovered 11 kilometres from Bedourie is Cookawinchika Creek. When there’s the first opal in Stuarts Range Opal Field in South Australia. A drover water, this stunning waterhole is a great place to cool off and admire for Sir Sidney Kidman at the time, Hutchinson was droving cattle from the abundant wildlife. in South Australia to Glengyle when, along the way, he went for a swim in Eyre Creek Although he was a confident swimmer, Hutchinson drowned and the reason for his death remains a mystery.Hutchinson’s body was recovered three days later and was buried nearby. This memorial was unveiled on Saturday June 28, 2008.

The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota 8 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

N

E LAKELAND HELL’S GATE P

R TOWNSVILLE

A

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

n

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

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i 146 MIDDLETON l

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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 61 n ALPHA 67 NATIONAL LOCHERN s o 168 LAKE 196 GLADSTONE m 89 101 PARK NATIONAL o MARABOON PARK h 151 T 44 106 120 SPRINGSURE ISISFORD 121 NORTHERN TERRITORY 101 46 104 71 MIRIAM VALE NORTHERN 112 BEDOURIE BEDOURIE BLACKALL 204 BILOELA 99 STONEHENGE 102 47 22 TERRITORY r 12 SALVATOR ROLLESTON BANANA e ROSA 67 v 52 114 KA KA i 42 R 101 NATIONAL MUNDI EMMET IDALIA CARNARVON o PARK NATIONAL BUNDABERG JUNDAH o NATIONAL GORGE MONTO 253 c YARAKA PARK LAKE 92 r MUNGA-THIRRI a PARK 120 TAMBO NATIONAL THEODORE MACHATTIE B GIN GIN (SIMPSON DESERT) 50 r PARK 94 e MT MOFFATT NATIONAL PARK 164 r 192 CHILDERS v ERIDUNDA 209 e i NATIONAL PARK 109 v WELFORD R i EIDSWOLD 119 52 NATIONAL R 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 AN OASIS IN THE DESERT 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 Bedourie, meaning ‘dust storm’, is a small town withOODNADATTA a population of l 113 122 DIG TREE 5 i OAKEY W 55 120 82 98 PITTSWORTH IPSWICH 120 people. Perched on a sand dune and surrounded by Eyre Creek, it is INNAMINCKA 20 MOONIE CADNEY 46 NOCCUNDRA 23 25 7 180 the administrative centre of the huge 95,000 square kilometres of the 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

Diamantina Shire. r 88 HEADS r v

215 NATIONAL PARK e NINDIGULLY WARWICK e i p v 203

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

n CURRAWINYA o i o In the 1880s, Bedourie was a major watering and rest stop for drovers NATIONAL b r GOONDIWINDI 110 e LISMORE PARK a 66

N TEXAS moving cattle from the Northern Territory and north-west Queensland MERTY MERTY HUNGERFORDP BARRINGUN HEBEL MUNGINDI BALLINA COOBER PEDY CAMERON 123 to the customs collection point in Birdsville, 200 kilometres south. CORNER TENTERFIELD r e v i r e TIBOOBURRA 217 R i v MOREE

a R 137

WANAARING o For a small community, the town has excellent facilities including a r g e The Diamantina Visitors Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota e l i MARREE u r v C r GRAFTON i i B R BREWARRINA GLEN INNES hotel/motel, two caravan parks, a restaurant and tavern, general store, NEW INVERELL

o B

g o BOURKE g SOUTH e a wireless internet, fuel services, a police station and a medical clinic. r n r R SCALE i WALGETT LYNDHURST a v

0 25 50 75 100 WALES e W COFFS

r NARRABRI DORRIGO HARBOUR Town attractions include the historic Mud Hut, the cemetery and the ARMIDALE URUNGA new artistic representation of a dust storm that stands in Herbert Street. The structure is on Wangkamardla Country and represents the dust storm and whirly winds, which were a way the spirits travelled.

Recreational facilities include the Artesian Spa and Aquatic Centre, Bedourie Golf Club, Bedourie Gun Club, BMX track, tennis courts, children’s playground and bikes available to hire.

Attractions around Bedourie include the Vaughan Johnson Lookout, the renowned wetland of Cuttaburra Crossing, Carcoory Ruins and the Diamantina National Park – one of Australia’s top ten National Parks.

Bedourie is also home to the Bedourie Camp Oven. Borne of necessity under a tree in Bedourie during the 1920s by a tin smith, the Bedourie Camp Oven was constructed for the drovers and cameleers of the camel trains who were having problems with their outback cookware. The cast iron ovens they were carrying were cracking and breaking under the harsh conditions of the outback. Over time the design for the oven was refined and was manufactured from spun steel with a tight fitting lid. In 1945 R.M. Williams began selling the ovens and in 1966, an R.M. Williams catalogue listed the Bedourie Camp Oven with heavy duty rolled edges for sale at two pounds, fifteen shillings ($5.50).

In 2001, the Australian Government recognised the origins of the Bedourie Camp Oven as ‘Uniquely Australian’ and noted its significance as an improvised oven used by the pioneers of the Queensland outback. In recognition of the iconic oven, a street in the ACT was named Bedourie Street in March 2001.

9 The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota BEDOURIE OUTBACK VISITOR CENTRE THE BEDOURIE RACES Want to know what the weather forecast is, learn about the area, check The Bedourie Race Course comes alive on the second weekend road conditions, access wireless internet services, visit the public library of September for the Bedourie Races, part of the Simpson Desert or take in a documentary about the shire at the on-site theatrette? Racing Carnival. Drop in to the Bedourie Outback Visitor Centre. The centre is located next to the Diamantina Shire Council administration office. You can also BEDOURIE CAMEL RACES AND CAMP OVEN COOK OFF book a spot at the Diamantina Shire Caravan Park and hire a key to the It’s not every day you see camels race! On the second weekend of July, Artesian Spa and Aquatic Centre (refundable deposit required). A public Bedourie hosts the famous Camel Races. Hundreds of people converge on payphone and phone cards are also available at the centre. the town to watch dozens of camels race in six events, worth a total of more than $11,000. MUD HUT This stabilised earth house dates from the 1880s and is believed to BEDOURIE HOTEL be one of the first buildings constructed in Bedourie. The simple two- While you’re in town, say hello to the locals at the Bedourie Hotel, room building has thick, rammed earth walls, earth floors and a bush which was previously known as the Royal Hotel. Constructed from timber roof framing with corrugated iron sheeting. The exact date of sun-dried mud bricks and originally with a thatched roof, the construction is not known. However, the ownership of the building building has been largely untouched since the late 1800s. Meals and closely parallels that of the Royal Hotel. accommodation are available. ARTESIAN SPA AND AQUATIC CENTRE SIMPSON DESERT OASIS ROADHOUSE One of Bedourie’s best attractions is the Artesian Spa and Aquatic At the northern end of Bedourie you’ll find the Simpson Desert Oasis Centre. Ease your tired muscles in the 22-person therapeutic spa Roadhouse. The roadhouse serves as the town’s general store, fuel and cool off in the 25-metre swimming pool. The stop, restaurant and tavern and provides auto services and tyre crystal-clear water comes directly from Bedourie’s repairs. Car hire, motel, cabin and caravan accommodation artesian bore. are also available.

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 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. The Diamantina National Park is a must-visit destination and was named one of Australia’s top 10 National Parks by the Worldwide Fund Visit old station buildings, cemeteries and hotel ruins and pop in to for Nature. Visitors can get up close and personal with unique wildlife the information room at the old homestead to learn about the park’s including the kowari, plains wanderer, freckled duck, peregrine falcon fascinating history. and two rare skinks. In times of exceptionally good rain or floods, the Leave the caravan behind and take a day trip from Bedourie via Boulia. native long-haired rat often has somewhat of a population explosion. Stop in at the Vaughan Johnson Lookout, affectionately known as ‘the When this happens, predators like the inland taipan, letter-winged kite loo with a view’, drink in the scenery of the self-guided Warracoota and eastern grass owl also make a welcome appearance. Circuit (approximately 90 kilometres from start to finish) and visit Vast numbers of waterholes are fed by the . After Janet’s Leap for a bird’s eye view of the Diamantina. cyclonic rains in the north, the passage of water can be an astounding Only self-sufficient travellers should visit the National Park. Camping permits are 50 kilometres wide before passing through the narrows known as required and can be booked online at: http://parks.nprsr.qld.gov.au/permits. Diamantina Gates. This spectacular view over Hunter’s Gorge can be viewed from Janet’s Leap. The area is a fish and bird fancier’s paradise Diamantina National Park is an unforgettable experience – just don’t and is a fabulous camping destination. forget to take a good map and plenty of food and water.

The Diamantina Visitors Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota

RIDE WITH THE GHOSTS OF AUSTRALIA’S OUTBACK BETOOTA Betoota stands lonely on a vast gibber plain, 170 kilometres east of Birdsville. While Betoota is mainly a ghost town, it comes alive twice a year. The annual Horse and Motorbike Gymkhana is held on the first weekend of QLD Easter School holidays and then during the last weekend in August when this tiny ghost town explodes with all the colour and excitement of the Betoota Races, kicking off the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival.

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 travelled through Country to 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 EVENTS THINGS TO DO IN THE There’s always something happening in the outback! Betoota Gymkhana and Motorbike Event – A fantastic weekend for the family, it includes live entertainment, barrel, flag and DIAMANTINA bending races and novelty events. Plenty of camping spots are available. Birdsville Bronco Branding – Wonder at the talents of bushmen and women demonstrating the historic art of bronco branding. BIRDSVILLE Birdsville Gymkhana and Bikekhana – Enjoy a great weekend †† Perch on a stool at the famous Birdsville Hotel of horse and motorbike events. †† Marvel at the rare and ancient Waddi Trees Bedourie Campdraft, Rodeo and Gymkhana – Experience †† Visit the frontier Australian Inland Mission Hospital Museum two days of outback horsemanship. Plenty of things for the family to †† View the ruins of the Royal Hotel see and do! †† Enjoy an outback sunset at Pelican Point †† Swim in the billabong Big Red Run and Music Festival – Race through the Simpson Desert or watch big name artists perform on Big Red. †† See Big Red, one of the highest of the 1,140 dunes in the Simpson Desert Bedourie Camel Races and Camp Oven Cook-Off – On †† Visit Poeppel Corner where the NT, SA and QLD meet the second Saturday in July hundreds of people converge on the town to watch dozens of camels race in six events worth a BEDOURIE total of more than $11,000. †† Experience the excitement of the Bedourie Camel Races Betoota Races – The Betoota Races, held in an outback ghost †† Visit the magnificent hot Artesian Spa and Aquatic Centre town, kick off the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival in the last †† Drop in for a refreshing drink at the Bedourie Hotel Saturday of August. †† Pay your respects at the outback cemetery Birdsville Races – Be part of one of the biggest events on The Diamantina Visitors Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota †† Sink a hole-in-one at the Bedourie outback golf course the Australian racing calendar. What are you doing on the first †† Explore the glorious Diamantina National Park weekend in September? You’ll be here of course! †† Admire the wetlands and birdlife at Cuttaburra Crossing Bedourie Races – The final and ultimate event in the Simpson †† Drop into the Carcoory Ruins on your way to Birdsville Desert Racing Carnival. Don’t miss all the fun! †† Purchase a genuine Bedourie Camp Oven Bedourie Ute & Travellers’ Muster – Watch the red dust go flying in the second week of September. This uniquely Australian BETOOTA event is a must-see! †† Visit a real ghost town †† Join in the fun of the annual Gymkhana Melbourne Cup Luncheon – Have a flutter with the locals on ‘the race that stops the nation’. Sweeps, fashion-on-the-field prizes, †† Take in the spectacular view from Deon’s Lookout fabulous food and drink – it’s glamour with an outback twist! †† Kick up your heels at the Betoota Races †† Camp under the stars at Browns Creek Bedourie Bikekhana – The last event on the Diamantina’s †† View the amazing Dreamtime Serpent sculpture events calendar is one of the most exciting, fast and action-packed motorbike events in the outback. For more information, contact The Diamantina: P: 1300 794 257 E: [email protected] W: thediamantina.com.au

The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota 12 The Diamantina Visitors Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota

Birdsville

Inside Track

13 The Diamantina Visitors Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota ROAD DISTANCES TO (KM) BIRDSVILLE BEDOURIE (Approximate distances will vary with route taken) CARAVAN PARKS/CAMPING (all with powered sites) BIRDSVILLE BEDOURIE Birdsville Caravan Park 07 4656 3214 BRISBANE 1602 1590 Simpson Desert Oasis 07 4746 1291 Sydney 2129 2327 Diamantina Shire Caravan Park 07 4746 1040 Melbourne 2470 2666 1207 1403 POST OFFICE 07 4656 3263 07 4746 1201 Perth 3293 3489 Darwin 2335 2137 COFFEE SHOPS Alice Springs 1186 1010 Simpson Desert Oasis 07 4746 1291 Longreach 692 754 Birdsville Bakery 07 4656 4698 Windorah 385 384 Marree 540 736 RESTAURANTS Mt Isa 717 516 Bedourie Hotel 07 4746 1201 Innamincka Simpson Desert Oasis 07 4746 1291 (Via ) 415 613 Birdsville Hotel 07 4656 3244 (Via Arrabury) 568 766 Birdsville Bakery 07 4656 4698 SIMPSON DESERT CROSSING (KM) GALLERIES (via Mount Dare Homestead) The Bakery (John Murray) 07 4656 4697 BIRDSVILLE BEDOURIE Wirrari Centre Mt Dare (French/QAA Line) 502 698 TOURS Ayers Rock 1074 1270 Desert Edge Tours 0419 364 381 Alice Springs 917 1112 Birdsville Star Show 0488 007 300 Oodnadatta 758 954 Central Eagle Aviation 0417 649 982 William Creek 959 1155 Marree 1163 1359 POLICE STATION 07 4656 5677 07 4746 1220 (via ) The Diamantina Visitors Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota BIRDSVILLE BEDOURIE GENERAL STORES Birdsville Roadhouse 07 4656 3226 Oodnadatta 536 732 Bedourie Simpson Desert Oasis 07 4746 1291 Marree 941 1137 (for travel on the WAA/QAA Line add 36km, for travel on the MEDICAL CLINIC 07 4656 3245 07 4746 1226 Rig Road/QAA Line add 95km) FUEL & AUTO SERVICES (including tyre repairs) From Birdsville to Birdsville Roadhouse (RACQ) Big Red 35 Desert & Remote Recovery 07 4656 3226 Poeppel Corner Birdsville Fuel Service 07 4656 3236 (150 sand dunes) 166 Simpson Desert-Oasis 07 4746 1291 QLD National Parks Office 07 4656 3272 OTHER BUSINESSES Warning: It is recommended that travellers crossing the Simpson Desert Bedourie QGAP 07 4746 1128 do so with at least one other 4WD, allow at least 4 days (Mt Dare to Birdsville QGAP 07 4656 3310 Birdsville), carry at least 5 litres of water per person per day, sufficient fuel, Central Eagle Aviation – Scenic Flights 0427 276 894 carry packaged food, long life milk and other liquids, as well as recovery Don Purser – Refrigeration Technician 0437 779 590 gear, a UHF radio and sat phone, and pack vehicles as lightly as possible. James Humphries Electrical – Electrician 0401 010 105 Ensure you notify a responsible person, such as a family member, of your 4WD Hire from Simpson Desert Oasis 07 4746 1291 plans prior to travelling into remote areas and seek local advice. The use Krakka Fabrication – Sam Barnes – Boilermaker 0447 450 518 of trailers in the Simpson Desert is strongly discouraged and motor homes Peter Barnes – Hardware and station supplies 07 4656 3226 and caravans should never attempt this crossing. Outback Photography – Lorraine Kath – Professional Photographer 07 4656 4949 Sat phones may be hired at Mount Dare or Birdsville – call Birdsville Wirrari Kelly Theobald – Author and Journalist 0487 892 235 Visitor Information Centre for details on 07 4656 3300. Desert Park Passes are also available from the Wirrari Visitor Information Centre. The desert is closed from 1st December to 15th March each year, weather permitting. DIAMANTINA VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES – CALL 1300 794 257 AIR SERVICES Bedourie Outback Visitor Centre Skytrans | Ph: 1300 759 872 | www.skytrans.com.au 13 Herbert Street, Bedourie Q 4829 Ph: 07 4746 1040 ACCOMMODATION Birdsville Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre 29 Burt Street, Birdsville Q 4482 BIRDSVILLE BEDOURIE Ph: 07 4656 3300 Birdsville Hotel/Motel 07 4656 3244 Birdsville Caravan Park (cabins) 07 4656 3214 Bedourie Hotel/Motel 07 4746 1201 Simpson Desert Oasis 07 4746 1291 www.diamantina.qld.gov.au

The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota 14 Contact The Diamantina P 1300 794 257 E [email protected] W thediamantina.com.au

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