Route: Brisbane - Chinchilla - Roma - Charleville - Windorah - Birdsville. Will be towing an onroad caravan, so would like to know how much of the Developmental Road is sealed and the condition of any gravel road. Just wondering what te condition of the road, Hi, Just wondering if anyone has recently travelled from Windorah to Birdsville and can provide an update on what the road condition is like and how long it took them? 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. All roads were open around Innamincka, except for the northern end of Cordillo Downs Road. This quaint town swells from 115 to a couple of thousand as everyone is now on the road to Birdsville Races. These have all broken up. Enjoy the outdoor hot tub under the stars with artesian bore water. After a hot day on the dusty Porridge with sultanas for breakfast, which is a staple for these trips. Weve also done some of the alternative routes. as in no trees or water to camp beside. Should we considerleaving the caravan at Boulia if need be and stay at the Birdsville pub for a night. Then it becomes a wide, well maintained dirt road all the way to Warri Gate. While exploring, listen for famous names such as Tully, Durack and Costello, who were among the regions first settlers. And dont worry, the road is hard-packed. 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. Back on the Warrego and you pass the little towns of Brigalow and Boonarga before entering Chinchilla. By all accounts, it crosses many creeks and black soil flood plains. February 27, 2023 alexandra bonefas scott No Comments . Ipswich was once a thriving river port and the wealth generated by its pioneers is clearly reflected in the grand early nineteenth century architecture. The above ruins are a good example of the kind of homesteads built by early settlers in Australia's remote regions. Youre driving through remote sand dune country and the landscape is simply beautiful. That afternoon, the sun put on a classic desert sunset for us. Current and upcoming forecast for Birdsville, courtesy of WillyWeather. If But you can use these as a guide, no matter which direction you choose. Stretching over 1,700,000 square kilometres, the Great Artesian Basin provides the only reliable source of freshwater through much of arid inland Australia. Take a Birdsville area Scenic Flight 8. The Corroboree Tree, behind the Boulia State School, is the last recognised Corroboree Tree of the Pitta Pitta tribe. REMEMBER TO ALWAYS CHECK ROAD CONDITIONS BEFORE TRAVELLING, AND TAKE ENOUGH . Lets just say we were glad to reach the Innamincka turnoff. Derek Barry Given what we saw, there was no way we were going to take on the Coongie Lakes track. One which the van and car will last the journey. in western Queensland, around Alice Springs and in South Africa.Listen to the eerie noise of the wind howling through these ancient trees. mick, your van will do it without a prob. It leads you into jump-up country and pretty soon youre heading straight for the hills. We will be in a 1989 Hino Rainbow bus (motorhome) which is not 4x4. Each one is a brilliant drive. Next, the ruins of the abandoned Carcory Homestead are worth a stop. Its definitely remote. Think porridge, soup . Roll up and pay when council staff appear. DH.sept 2020, If your looking for something different , 50km after Marree heading north is Clayton River Station. Bedourie's artesian water supply is of good quality, it even feeds the Windorah is an Aboriginal word meaning big fish, which is fitting given that there are huge yellowbelly cruising the depths of the Cooper Creek near Windorah. You can rarely over-prepare for an outback trip and sounds like you have it well covered. You gaze down into the valley you just drove through and its laid out before you like a map. Low jump-ups, shimmering mirages and stony plains as far as you can see. They have 2 luxurious cottages . The amazing Mesa country in the south, then the vast Sturts Stony Desert give you a taste of the Outback at its best. 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. Aimed at Baby Boomers & mature age travellers, there is a wealth of information, reviews, articles and other resources to educate and assist people. If youve heard the saying Beyond the Black Stump and ever wondered where it is look on the median strip between the Australian Hotel and the Waddi Tree store onHerbert Street,and youll find Boulias answer to the Black Stump. Do not attempt it if the road is covered in places; there's many a motorist that's been bogged up to the door handles in innocent-looking puddles. I was more wanting to know if anyone had actually travelled along the road to provide some indication of the degree of difficulty. It really doesnt matter which way you go, theyre all good! Western 2 flight path to Boulia is highlighted in Orange. so now i dont move over till they are almost on top of me and they brake, then i move over and give a friendly wave as they go past at a more windscreen friendly speed. If youd like to learn more about Sturts inland expedition, I highly recommend Sturts Desert Drama by Ivan Rudolph. Can anyone tell me what the road conditions are like at the moment. Then with no moon, the stars blanketed the sky from horizon to horizon. Around 50km before the turnoff, youll see the road into Haddon Corner which is about 15km each way. Historic Ipswich, Queenslands oldest provincial city, oozes with charm in its sprawling gardens and magnificent private and public buildings. Will be doing it again in 2020. Once you say goodbye to Morven, its only another 90 kilometres to Charleville. But they shouldnt have been. Bedourie, meaning 'dust storm' has . You can see Waddi trees here The hills themselves are full of colour, similar to [the Painted Desert in South Australia] just on a smaller scale. Youll need decent tyres. One Today, travel west and your journey will still be filled with adventure but luckily, you don't have to take the rutted bush tracks of the past. The Corner Country is a special place. Windorah CP, Barcoo council operated, is well worth a short stay. The Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre offers a historical display and the bank of the Diamantina River is a fantastic spot for fishing or enjoying a picnic. There are a few corrugations. For an appreciation of life in the outback, visit the Charleville School of Distance Education and the visitor centre of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Picnic at beautiful Lake Houdraman, catch a yellow belly or some yabbies in the river or swim a few lazy laps of the Aquatic Centre. The road is well-formed all the way to and beyond Omicron Station. Its a must !!!! It is been a while since I drove the route that is also known as the Bilby Way. Wed never given this border corner much thought before. 088356 1874. 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. Contact Winton Shire Council on (07) 4657 2666 or the Visitor Information Centre on (07) 4657 1466 for further information. Just before Mungallala is a protected area where you can walk amongst the rare Ooline (Cadelia Pentastylis), a remnant pocket of rain forest trees dating back 1.6 million years. Things to see include the Mud Hut, one of the first buildings, and the Royal Hotel that opened in 1886. There are plenty of accommodation choices and fabulous bakeries and butchers in Charleville. However, I imagine it would be horrendous after the Birdsville races or Big Red Bash. 4 trips to Birdsville Races in my Commodore , not a worry about puntures if carefull and watch the road . The entire road surface consists of large corrugations from one side to the other. Hi, Can anybody suggest camping spots along the road from Windorah to Birdsville, Can't seem to see any on the map, Cheers David. Duration: 5-7 days Route: Brisbane - Chinchilla - Roma - Charleville - Windorah - Birdsville 'Travel west young man' was an adage used in the past to entice folks into the outback - a world full of . birds. Population: 115. This is a remote drive, with fuel being few and far between. A program including 3 separate projects has been completed, sealing around 35km of dirt road between Bedourie and Birdsville. Sealed until Diamantina Developmental Road and Birdsville Developmental Road turn off then mostly unsealed to Bedourie, sealed north of Bedourie. Accommodation is at the "Windorah Hilton". Youll then pass through Jackson, Yuleba and Wallumbilla where a stop at the Calico Cottage is a must. its a rough gravel road with small bits of bitumen and can be a little rocky but just take it easy. Listen to UHF 40 for instructions. But remember this: you dont go looking for the Min Min, the Min Min goes looking for you! Warri Gate Road is generally a good surface, just watch out for the sharp rocks waiting to damage your sidewalls. We drive a Toyota Commuter minibus. https://www.oka4wd.com/forum/members-vehicles-public/569-oka196-xt-motorhome. 4 Southern Avenue, West Beach, Adelaide, South Australia, 5024. Domestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply. Hey, I rode an old ex-army dispatch rider's bike from Alice Springs to Port Augusta on what is now called the "Oodnadatta Track" back in 1959. Cuttaburra crossing further north is a permanent waterhole and 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. two smashed windows like that. Back on the road again. It is a welcome change in the scenery, I really liked it here. You wont miss it as its under the huge shed. There are many towns Wherever you came from, whatever direction you go from Birdsville, I Depends very much on the state of the road. With the tourist season about to take off, authorities are monitoring the road situation in Far Western Queensland after the big wet. I have been able to find information on the conditions of the road up to Windorah all bitumen. Great stop over. Page Menu. We had no idea the Cooper Creek basin and northwards is actually an ancient valley. 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. At least, I think it was spectacular I was too busy avoiding getting bogged. Theres a picnic table and toilet available for your morning cuppa. For more information on Flood Recovery Permits (FRPs) and freight route information, contact the Flood Recovery Road Access Group: 1300 105 Enjoy these tips and articles in the Outback Guide. Windorah is the Aboriginal word meaning "Big Fish" and is located 35km south of where the Thomson and Barcoo Rivers join to form the multi-channelled Cooper's Creek. Rex Airlines flies to Boulia on their Western 2 Route from Brisbane to Toowoomba (Wellcamp) to Charleville to Quilpie to Windorah to Birdsville to Bedourie to Boulia to Mount Isa and return. The road into Birdsville was also good . The term channel country refers to the intricate network of braided channels and waterholes that spread up to 80 kilometres across the landscape during flooding. by Tony B if you need fuel fill up when you get there, the que at the end of the week-end is crazy. Get the app: You can also call 13 19 40 for updates and alerts. The channel country at its best. To think Charles Sturt traversed this country then decided to walk back through it because he was fascinated by the landscape, defies belief. This takes you past Moomba, a strange sight in the desert. (Info from a sign at the homestead). The Min Min is a mysterious light that dances on the horizon as pictured above. Secondly the road becomes Warri Gate Road. Windmills have become iconic with Australias outback and Boulia has a grand dame standing right in the main street. More than a hundred million years ago Boulia lay below a vast inland sea called the Eromanga Sea. This is a special part of the journey and would be a fantastic sight at sunset. 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 . Then we started along the track to Cullyamurra Waterhole, only to be faced with a long stretch of black soil covered in water. There is another service station around the corner and if you only want fuel, head around there as the line-ups are much shorter. About the Author | New Pages | Site Index | Contact. This road links Birdsville and Windorah with markets in major centres across Australia. Visit the extremely rare Waddi trees, which only grow in three places in the world and, if youre lucky enough to time your visit with one of the many annual events, witness incredible displays of horsemanship at the gymkhanas, rodeos, bronco branding and race meets in the Diamantina shire. After pushing north for about 250km, you meet the Birdsville/Windorah Road. It was a couple of kilometres, but worth the exertion! The Red Stump Tourism and Events Queensland. The trip is well worth it and if you take care very doable..fuel cost March 2014 $1.84.9 cents per litre P.S. The Windorah Red Sandhills are located 12km to the West of town on the Birdsville Road. With a cold beer, they are in no . Climb on top of a dune and enjoy an unique sunset. The wide red desert has patches of green and yellow springing up from the recent floods in the region. For most of the time the water is confined to deep, permanent waterholes that are perfect spots for camping, fishing and relaxation. However, each time weve been stopped due to wet weather. The town of 4,000 is getting restless. The road distance is 379.1 km. Visit Website. My wife and I are looking to travel to outback pubs, tracks and sites and are after a comfortable holiday caravanning experience off the black top. You just have to slow down and be curtious to all other road users. The Shire's only industry is Beef Cattle Grazing, the area is renowned for the quality of stock produced. Thanks :). The Diamantina Development Road between Boulia and Bedourie is now fully sealed. kind. Road Conditions Report & other Travel Information, Birdsville and Strzelecki Tracks Road Report. We would like to travel to Birdsville in our 1988 Coaster Motorhome next year - an oldie but a goody. It must have been a hot and isolated place to live when it was a working station. It doesnt really matter which road you take between these towns, each one is special in its own way. by Jo Stewart | Feb 11, 2020 | Destinations: QLD. Schedule a couple of days in Charleville and enjoy the diverse attractions. The Diamantina Shire Council is open Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5.00pm (excluding Public Holidays) This is a remote drive, with fuel being few and far between. This track takes you through sand dune country. (Melbourne, Victoria Australia). So when youre not smashing over corrugations, youre crashing over rocks embedded in the surface . With the tourist season about to take off, authorities are monitoring the road situation in Far Western Queensland after the big wet. hey guys: A group of us girls are doing the trek from Brisbane in an SUV - Captiva Maxx ----- Do you think this would be ok? but this should give you an idea of the fuel consumption differences between the desert and other road conditions. Boulia Shire is situated in Western Queensland and encompasses an area of 61,635 square kilometres. very remote track. So whats the road like? From $4185. Birdsville sits on the edge of the Simpson Desert, in the corner of Queensland, South Australia and The Northern Territory. I imagine it would be spectacular. Theres two ways you can travel from Innamincka, SA to Birdsville or Windorah in Western Queensland. Can anyone tell me if the Birdsville Development Road is sealed please. If you take the main Tibooburra Cameron Corner Road past Waka and Fort Grey, be aware it varies from good to downright horrible! Unsure of current conditions. 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. . Its the main link from the Strezlecki Track into the Cooper/Eromanga Basin oil and gas fields. Go to the Comments below or join us on Pinterest, Facebook or YouTube.Any errors or omissions are mine alone. Private and public buildings as pictured above million years ago Boulia lay below a vast inland sea the... 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Remember this: you dont go looking for you the time the birdsville to windorah road conditions is confined to deep, waterholes.

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