The Diamantina Visitors` Guide
Transcription
The Diamantina Visitors` Guide
The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide Where the Desert meets the Channel Country Front Cover Photo: Waddi Trees 10km North of Birdsville by Rowan Bestmann he Diamantina Visitors Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota 1 The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota THE DIAMANTINA LIKE NO PLACE ON EARTH The Diamantina Shire is true frontier country. Its people, heritage, stories, places, landscapes and wildlife blend together to create an authentic old-world Australian destination with a modern twist. People come from across the globe to visit and those who live as part of the local community are from culturally diverse backgrounds, bringing with them a unique array of experiences and energies. The Diamantina is a land of extremes; searing hot days and freezing nights, flood and drought, rare flora and fauna, national parks, channel country, the wide red desert and glorious space as far as the eye can see. Teeming with wildlife, the area is home to one of the world’s most fragile and unique desert ecosystems. Rich in natural, cultural and pastoral heritage, the Diamantina covers 95,000 square kilometres yet is home to just 11 cattle stations and 300 residents. It captures the very essence of Australia’s outback, and is accessible to most vehicles, caravans and motor homes. Experience a 4WD adventure of epic proportions on a Simpson Desert crossing, trek through the stunning Diamantina National Park and gaze in wonder at the Channel Country, a rich tapestry of vast gibber and grass plains stretching to the horizon. For the best Diamantina experience, visit us between March and October. 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 LONGREACH DIAMANTINA NATIONAL PARK 61 LOCHERN NATIONAL PARK 151 44 109 109 94 51 e 40 209 Poeppel Corner 158 re Haddon Corner 12 er op Co C Q U E E N S L A N D 69 187 84 85 QUILPIE CHARLEVILLE 74 CHEEPIE 37 EROMANGA 48 88 COOLADDI 74 46 Ri ve r il son W 5 NOCCUNDRA 55 120 98 82 20 23 THARGOMINDAH The station had been named after his family’s estate, Annandale, YOWAH 191 131 in Gladstone. LAKE BINDEGOLLY 215 NATIONAL PARK 7 25 13 Co o 164 122 CUNNAMULLA EULO R i v e r p WYANDRA TOOMPINE Birdsville is also home to a sporting complex, gallery, bakery, air services, motel, hotel, caravan park and cabin accommodation, 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 cattle station. 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 BIRDSVILLE HOTEL It’s impossible to come to Birdsville without popping into the historic Birdsville Hotel, which was built in 1884. Pull up a stool, order a coldy and get to know the locals. The hotel also offers great meals and modern, air-conditioned rooms. BARRINGUN a 137 lg War rego R ive r Once a notorious place through which cattle drovers moved their MARREE N E W stock, Birdsville is now a thriving modern community where you can S O U T H SCALE WIRRARRI0 VISITOR INFORMATIONW CENTRE A L E S enjoy a cold drink at the iconic Birdsville Hotel or back a winner at the LYNDHURST 50 25 75 100 Want to know about local road conditions or the weather, get a few world-renowned Birdsville Races. travelling tips and find out what to see and do? Drop into the Wirrarri he Diamantina Visitors Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota 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 theatrette. The centre offers wireless internet access, a library, maps unforgettable day with family and friends at the Birdsville billabong, and souvenirs. where birdlife, fish, yabbies and marsupials abound. The town of Birdsville is home to a number of local artists working in different mediums, offering their intepretations of our unique land, lifestyle and people of the Diamantina Shire. 119 o CURRAWINYA Drinan later sold the property to the Collins brothers the following year. NATIONAL 110 PARK MERTY The CollinsMERTY brothers then sold Annandale to Edward Wienholt inHUNGERFORD 1881. CAMERON The property was purchased in 1896 by Sir Sidney Kidman, significantly CORNER this was the first property he purchased in Queensland. The Kidman TIBOOBURRA 217 WANAARING company sold the property in 1981. 68 a r o At the end of the famous Birdsville Track is the frontier town of Birdsville. Deep in the heart of wild and isolated country, Birdsville is situated between the eastern edge of the Simpson Desert, the vast gibber plains of Sturt’s Stony Desert to theCOOBER south PEDY and rich Channel Country to the north. DIG TREE INNAMINCKA 99 36 P CADNEY 180 Cr ee k SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT! S O U T H A U S T R A L I A r OODNADATTA 161 167 e MARLA 119 AUGATHELLA ADAVALE o 85 INDULKANA TAMBO 120 PARK a 42 101 o 168 BIRDSVILLE 12 114 EMMET IDALIA NATIONAL YARAKA k BETOOTA 47 52 12 BLACKALL WELFORD NATIONAL PARK 52 WINDORAH KULGERA B 50 102 R ive r 92 164 o JUNDAH 120 112 Bu ll MUNGA-THIRRI (SIMPSON DESERT) NATIONAL PARK ERIDUNDA 253 o LAKE MACHATTIE 53 106 ISISFORD STONEHENGE 67 JERICHO 87 101 89 104 99 22 67 ILFRACOMBE BARCALDINE 80 Ri ve r BEDOURIE 27 R n 46 101 N O R T H E R N T E R R I T O R Y o ms Th o 48 River ARAMAC 100 OPALTON 168 191 116 iv er m i a D 58 67 22 e t LARK QUARRY CONSERVATION PARK 131 LAKE DUNN 63 89 BLADENSBURG NATIONAL 179 125 PARK 110 Alic R a n 53 39 113 a Ward R iv er in 244 114 iv 85 rc BIRDSVILLE N O R T H E R N ALICE SPRINGS 118 73 BOULIA Cu BOURKE 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 ROADHOUSE The Birdsville Roadhouse, opposite the caravan park, provides all of the necessities for the traveller including fuel, mechanical and tyre repairs, groceries and a range of souvenir products. The Birdsville Roadhouse also acts as the local RACQ agent and is the contact for desert and remote recoveries. BIRDSVILLE FUEL SERVICES Located opposite the Birdsville Hotel, Birdsville Fuel Services provides fuel, vehicle and tyre repairs. A small range of grocery and souvenir items are also available. The Australia Post outlet is located at Birdsville Fuel Service. *No auto gas services are provided in Birdsville. BIRDSVILLE STAR SHOW The Birdsville Star Show is a great way to view the wonders of the universe through an incredibly high-powered telescope, while learning from an informative guide. The shows last for 45 minutes. DESERT EDGE TOURS Take a tour around Birdsville or drink in an outback sunset from the edge of the Simpson Desert. Regular town and sunset tours depart daily or on request. CENTRAL EAGLE AVIATION Central Eagle Aviation offers premier chartered flights and outback scenic flights. Flights over Lake Eyre, the Simpson Desert, Coongie Lakes, the Bourke and Wills Dig Tree and Big Red can be arranged to meet your needs and requirements. The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota 4 POWER STATION Birdsville boasts one of the world’s few low-temperature geothermal power stations. It draws water from the local Artesian Bore and the steam from the water is used to provide around 40% of the town’s electricity. 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 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. BIG RED SAND DUNE Marvel at Big Red, the 40-metre-high sand dune that marks the symbolic eastern edge of the Simpson Desert. Situated approximately 35 kilometres west of Birdsville, it is one of 1,140 parallel dunes that cross the desert. Big Red is on private property and we ask that you respect the owner’s land. RACECOURSE The Birdsville Races are world renowned. You’ll find the track three kilometres east of the town. If you’re lucky enough to be in Birdsville on the first Saturday of September, you’ll be part of one of the most exciting events on the Australian sporting calendar. THE BIRDSVILLE BILLABONG The billabong, located on the edge of town, is a beautiful place to view the outback sunset and you can also enjoy walking, kayaking, he Diamantina Visitors or Guide - Birdsville Bedourie swimming fishing. Across |the water is| Betoota Pelican Point, a small peninsula with a great view of the billabong and its birdlife. 5 The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota MUNGA-THIRRI NATIONAL PARK (FORMERLY SIMPSON DESERT NATIONAL PARK) Every year, adventurous travellers from Australia and around the world experience the thrill of crossing the Simpson Desert. Home to 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 sun country’, land of the Wangkangurra and Yarluyandi people. Spanning more than a million hectares, the Munga-Thirri National Park is Queensland’s largest protected area. It’s teeming with rare mammals, strange reptiles and 180 exotic species of bird. It’s a magical place where you can camp under the stars, immerse yourself in the colours of the desert and feel the crunch of red sand and ironstone under foot. Breathe in the pungent aroma of the Georgina gidgee – a glorious yellow wattle that grows in the roughs between towering dunes – and take a trip to Poeppel Corner and stand on the very spot where Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory intersect. Only experienced, self-sufficient visitors should explore this park and only from March to December. Be ready for hot days and freezing nights, make sure your vehicle is well-equipped and take plenty of water – this is, after all, the driest place in Australia. There are no toilets, no designated camping grounds and no walking tracks. It’s just you and the desert and it’s an experience you will never forget. All vehicles must have a Desert Parks pass, available in Birdsville. THE FAMOUS BIRDSVILLE RACES Get your glad rags on! The world-famous Birdsville Races are the ‘Melbourne 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 6 58 DIAMANTINA NATIONAL PARK 61 LOCHERN NATIONAL PARK 109 Ri ve r o 51 e 40 Haddon Corner 12 Poeppel Corner er op Co 158 C Q U E E N S L A N D 69 187 84 85 QUILPIE CHARLEVILLE 74 CHEEPIE 37 EROMANGA 48 88 COOLADDI 74 DIG TREE INNAMINCKA Cr ee k CADNEY 46 5 NOCCUNDRA r o 98 82 191 e Co 55 120 THARGOMINDAH JOURNEY ALONG THE BILBY WAY WYANDRA TOOMPINE 20 p 215 164 25 23 7 YOWAH 131 LAKE BINDEGOLLY NATIONAL PARK CURRAWINYA NATIONAL PARK 122 13 CUNNAMULLA EULO o a r o BARRINGUN P TIBOOBURRA 217 he Diamantina Visitors Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota 7 The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota 137 War rego R ive r WANAARING Its namesake, the rare and endangered bilby (otherwise known as N aE rabbit, W the rabbit-eared bandicoot), is about the size of with a long S O U T H SCALE pointed nose,0silky blue-grey fur, a black-and-white crested tail and W A L E S LYNDHURST 50 25 75 100 long, almost transparent ears. MARREE 68 119 110 The road from Birdsville to Bedourie is known as The Bilby Way. It MERTY MERTY HUNGERFORD stretches for 186 kilometres, CAMERON and meanders past some of the world’s CORNER most extraordinary natural wonders. COOBER PEDY 99 36 R i v e r 180 Ri ve r S O U T H A U S T R A L I A il son OODNADATTA 161 167 W MARLA 1 AUGATHELL ADAVALE o 85 INDULKANA e 209 o 168 BIRDSVILLE 94 TAMBO 120 PARK a 42 101 EMMET IDALIA NATIONAL YARAKA k BETOOTA 12 114 WELFORD NATIONAL PARK 52 WINDORAH BLACKALL 47 52 R ive r 109 KULGERA B 50 o 92 164 120 106 112 102 Bu ll BEDOURIE JUNDAH 5 101 ISISFORD STONEHENGE JERICHO 87 151 44 rc MUNGA-THIRRI (SIMPSON DESERT) NATIONAL PARK ERIDUNDA 80 89 67 253 67 ILFRACOMBE BARCALDINE 104 99 22 LAKE MACHATTIE 27 R n 46 101 BEDOURIE o ms Th o 48 River ARAMAC LONGREACH 168 191 116 100 OPALTON 67 22 Alic LARK QUARRY CONSERVATION PARK 131 LAKE DUNN 63 89 BLADENSBURG NATIONAL 179 125 PARK 110 Ward R iv er iv 114 R iv er D i a m 39 113 a t 53 244 N O R T H E R N T E R R I T O R Y BIRDSVILLE TO in re ALICE SPRINGS 85 a n N O R T H E R N 118 73 BOULIA 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. Cu BOURKE MOONEY’S GRAVE William Mooney patrolled part of the dingo fence that skirts the Simpson Desert. In 1885, after a night at the Birdsville Hotel, he loaded his packhorse with two cases of whisky and set off along the road to Bedourie. The story goes that he made camp about 40 kilometres from Birdsville and, while sleeping, his packhorse wandered off, leaving him stranded with only whisky to quench his thirst. His body was found six weeks later surrounded by empty bottles. Mooney was buried where he was found and his grave was marked with upturned whisky bottles. Sadly, the bottles have long since disappeared and the exact location of Mooney’s Grave is now lost to us. But, it remains one of the strangest deaths in outback history. CARCOORY RUINS About 81 kilometres from Birdsville are the Carcoory Homestead Ruins. 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, ‘Kidman: The Forgotten King’. The remains of this homestead are classified by the National Trust. CUTTABURRA CROSSING BULLAGURDIE CREEK It’s usually dry out here but, when there’s water, this gorgeous waterhole is a great place to dip your toes and admire the stunning birdlife. Bullagurdie Creek is just 53 kilometres south of Bedourie. GLENGYLE STATION/EYRE CREEK Sir Sidney Kidman bought Glengyle, a huge property of approximately 10,000 square kilometres, in 1903. Located 51 kilometres from Bedourie, Glengyle is home to a large tree listed by the National Trust as the ‘Kidman Tree’. Kidman camped under this tree during his first trip through this part of the country and in later years it was the 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 several stockmen trying to cross Eyre Creek. Glengyle Station is private property with no public access. Please, no stopping on the bridge. TOKO CHANNEL 42 kilometres from Bedourie stretch as the Toko floodplain channels. These channels cross the road and are renowned kangaroo feeding areas. 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. It’s 68 kilometres south of Bedourie and the birdlife can be seen from the roadside rest and viewing area, on the right after crossing the creek if you’re heading north. KING CREEK CROSSING – AFGHAN GRAVE MEMORIAL TO WILL HUTCHINSON COOKAWINCHIKA CREEK Recognised as the founder of Coober Pedy, Will Hutchinson discovered the first opal in Stuarts Range Opal Field in South Australia. A drover for Sir Sidney Kidman at the time, Hutchinson was droving cattle from Clifton Hills Station 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. King Creek was named after John King, the sole survivor of the ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition. The waterhole, 21.5 kilometres from Bedourie, with its natural stone causeway, was an excellent crossing point for Afghan cameleers. Tragically one of the cameleers died here and his body was buried facing Mecca. 11 kilometres from Bedourie is Cookawinchika Creek. When there’s water, this stunning waterhole is a great place to cool off and admire the abundant wildlife. The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota 8 84 FOREST DEN NATIONAL PARK 83 74 164 WINTON MIDDLETON MUTTABURRA r 146 iv 85 in 110 LARK QUARRY CONSERVATION PARK 131 DIAMANTINA NATIONAL PARK 61 LOCHERN NATIONAL PARK n 44 109 51 e Poeppel Corner er op Co o 94 209 85 69 85 QUILPIE CHARLEVILL 74 CHEEPIE 48 88 COOLADDI 74 215 164 YOWAH 131 LAKE BINDEGOLLY NATIONAL PARK 122 EULO 68 11 BA HUNGERFORD CAMERON CORNER TIBOOBURRA 217 WANAARING MARREE LYNDHURST 0 SCALE 50 25 75 100 N E W S O U T H W A L E S Town attractions include the historic Mud Hut, the cemetery and the 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. The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota 13 CUNNAMULLA P MERTY MERTY 7 CURRAWINYA NATIONAL PARK 110 25 23 1 War rego R ive r ForVisitors a small Guide community, the town has excellent facilities including a he Diamantina - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota hotel/motel, two caravan parks, a restaurant and tavern, general store, wireless internet, fuel services, a police station and a medical clinic. Ri ve r THARGOMINDAH 191 p 98 82 R i v e r Co In the 1880s, Bedourie was a major watering and rest stop for drovers moving cattle from the Northern Territory and north-west Queensland PEDY to the customs collection point in Birdsville, 200 COOBER kilometres south. o 55 120 20 o 5 NOCCUNDRA 46 a r o DIG TREE INNAMINCKA WYANDRA TOOMPINE 36 il son 180 W S O U T H U S T R A L I A e Bedourie, meaning ‘dust storm’, is a small town withOODNADATTA a population of A 120 people. Perched on a sand dune and surrounded by Eyre Creek, it is CADNEY the administrative centre of the huge 95,000 square kilometres of the Diamantina Shire. 161 167 Cr ee k MARLA 9 187 37 EROMANGA r AN OASIS IN THE DESERT A ADAVALE o Q U E E N S L A N D INDULKANA T 120 PARK a 158 C 101 EMMET IDALIA NATIONAL YARAKA o Haddon Corner 12 re BIRDSVILLE 40 12 114 Bu ll 168 BLACK 47 52 k BETOOTA 102 WELFORD NATIONAL PARK 52 WINDORAH 112 R ive r 109 KULGERA B 50 164 o JUNDAH 92 1 106 ISISFORD STONEHENGE rc MUNGA-THIRRI (SIMPSON DESERT) NATIONAL PARK ERIDUNDA 253 87 101 151 67 LAKE MACHATTIE 80 104 99 22 67 ILFRACOMBE BARCALDIN 89 Ri ve r BEDOURIE 27 R 46 101 N O R T H E R N T E R R I T O R Y o ms Th o 48 ARAMAC LONGREACH 168 191 116 iv er m i a D 58 67 22 100 OPALTON L D 63 89 BLADENSBURG NATIONAL 179 125 PARK a n 53 39 113 a R t 73 BOULIA 114 e 118 244 248 e 229 205 Alic 209 67 CORFIELD COMBO WATERHOLE CONSERVATION PARK 115 ver a R i in T E R R I 76 KYNUNA rg BEDOURIE ALICE SPRINGS DUCHESS 60 DAJARRA o Ge TI TREE 112 URANDANGIE N O R T H E R N BARROW CREEK BOURKE BEDOURIE OUTBACK VISITOR CENTRE Want to know what the weather forecast is, learn about the area, check road conditions, access wireless internet services, visit the public library or take in a documentary about the shire at the on-site theatrette? Drop in to the Bedourie Outback Visitor Centre. The centre is located next to the Diamantina Shire Council administration office. You can also book a spot at the Diamantina Shire Caravan Park and hire a key to the Artesian Spa and Aquatic Centre (refundable deposit required). A public payphone and phone cards are also available at the centre. MUD HUT THE BEDOURIE RACES The Bedourie Race Course comes alive on the second weekend of September for the Bedourie Races, part of the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival. BEDOURIE CAMEL RACES AND CAMP OVEN COOK OFF It’s not every day you see camels race! On the second weekend of July, Bedourie hosts the famous Camel Races. Hundreds of people converge on the town to watch dozens of camels race in six events, worth a total of more than $11,000. This stabilised earth house dates from the 1880s and is believed to be one of the first buildings constructed in Bedourie. The simple tworoom building has thick, rammed earth walls, earth floors and a bush timber roof framing with corrugated iron sheeting. The exact date of construction is not known. However, the ownership of the building closely parallels that of the Royal Hotel. BEDOURIE HOTEL ARTESIAN SPA AND AQUATIC CENTRE SIMPSON DESERT OASIS ROADHOUSE One of Bedourie’s best attractions is the Artesian Spa and Aquatic Centre. Ease your tired muscles in the 22-person therapeutic spa and cool off in the 25-metre swimming pool. The crystal-clear water comes directly from Bedourie’s artesian bore. While you’re in town, say hello to the locals at the Bedourie Hotel, which was previously known as the Royal Hotel. Constructed from sun-dried mud bricks and originally with a thatched roof, the building has been largely untouched since the late 1800s. Meals and accommodation are available. At the northern end of Bedourie you’ll find the Simpson Desert Oasis Roadhouse. The roadhouse serves as the town’s general store, fuel stop, restaurant and tavern and provides auto services and tyre repairs. Car hire, motel, cabin and caravan accommodation are also available. The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota 10 DIAMANTINA NATIONAL PARK One of the most glorious sights in nature The Diamantina National Park is a must-visit destination and was named one of Australia’s top 10 National Parks by the Worldwide Fund for Nature. Visitors can get up close and personal with unique wildlife including the kowari, plains wanderer, freckled duck, peregrine falcon and two rare skinks. In times of exceptionally good rain or floods, the native long-haired rat often has somewhat of a population explosion. When this happens, predators like the inland taipan, letter-winged kite and eastern grass owl also make a welcome appearance. Vast numbers of waterholes are fed by the Diamantina River. After cyclonic rains in the north, the passage of water can be an astounding 50 kilometres wide before passing through the narrows known as 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 and is a fabulous camping destination. Formerly a pastoral property known as Diamantina Lakes, the Park was purchased by the Queensland Government in the 1950s. The traditional owners of the area are the Maiawali people. Visit old station buildings, cemeteries and hotel ruins and pop in to the information room at the old homestead to learn about the park’s fascinating history. Leave the caravan behind and take a day trip from Bedourie via Boulia. Stop in at the Vaughan Johnson Lookout, affectionately known as ‘the loo with a view’, drink in the scenery of the self-guided Warracoota Circuit (approximately 90 kilometres from start to finish) and visit Janet’s Leap for a bird’s eye view of the Diamantina. Only self-sufficient travellers should visit the National Park. Camping permits are required and can be booked online at: http://parks.nprsr.qld.gov.au/permits. Diamantina National Park is an unforgettable experience – just don’t forget to take a good map and plenty of food and water. he Diamantina Visitors Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota BETOOTA RIDE WITH THE GHOSTS OF AUSTRALIA’S OUTBACK 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 11 The Diamantina Visitors’ Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota 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. THINGS TO DO IN THE DIAMANTINA BIRDSVILLE Perch on a stool at the famous Birdsville Hotel Marvel at the rare and ancient Waddi Trees Visit the frontier Australian Inland Mission Hospital Museum View the ruins of the Royal Hotel Enjoy an outback sunset at Pelican Point Swim in the billabong See Big Red, one of the highest of the 1,140 dunes in the Simpson Desert Visit Poeppel Corner where the NT, SA and QLD meet BEDOURIE Experience the excitement of the Bedourie Camel Races Visit the magnificent hot Artesian Spa and Aquatic Centre Drop in for a refreshing drink at the Bedourie Hotel Pay your respects at the outback cemetery Sink a hole-in-one at the Bedourie outback golf course Explore the glorious Diamantina National Park Admire the wetlands and birdlife at Cuttaburra Crossing Drop into the Carcoory Ruins on your way to Birdsville Purchase a genuine Bedourie Camp Oven BETOOTA Visit a real ghost town Join in the fun of the annual Gymkhana Take in the spectacular view from Deon’s Lookout Kick up your heels at the Betoota Races Camp under the stars at Browns Creek View the amazing Dreamtime Serpent sculpture EVENTS 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 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 Gymkhana and Bikekhana – Enjoy a great weekend of horse and motorbike events. Bedourie Campdraft, Rodeo and Gymkhana – Experience two days of outback horsemanship. Plenty of things for the family to see and do! Big Red Run and Music Festival – Race through the Simpson Desert or watch big name artists perform on Big Red. Bedourie Camel Races and Camp Oven Cook-Off – On the second Saturday in July hundreds of people converge on the town to watch dozens of camels race in six events worth a total of more than $11,000. Betoota Races – The Betoota Races, held in an outback ghost town, kick off the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival in the last Saturday of August. Birdsville Races – Be part of one of the biggest events on the Australian racing calendar. What are you doing on the first weekend in September? You’ll be here of course! Bedourie Races – The final and ultimate event in the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival. Don’t miss all the fun! Bedourie Ute & Travellers’ Muster – Watch the red dust go flying in the second week of September. This uniquely Australian event is a must-see! Melbourne Cup Luncheon – Have a flutter with the locals on ‘the race that stops the nation’. Sweeps, fashion-on-the-field prizes, fabulous food and drink – it’s glamour with an outback twist! Bedourie Bikekhana – The last event on the Diamantina’s 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 Bir Insiddsville e Tra ck he Diamantina Visitors Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota 13 The Diamantina Visitors Guide - Birdsville | Bedourie | Betoota ROAD DISTANCES TO (KM) BIRDSVILLEBEDOURIE (Approximate distances will vary with route taken) BIRDSVILLEBEDOURIE CARAVAN PARKS/CAMPING (all with powered sites) BRISBANE16021590 Sydney21292327 Melbourne24702666 Adelaide12071403 Perth32933489 Darwin23352137 Alice Springs 1186 1010 Longreach692754 Windorah385384 Marree540736 Mt Isa717516 Innamincka (Via Cordillo Downs) 415 613 (Via Arrabury) 568 766 SIMPSON DESERT CROSSING (KM) (via Mount Dare Homestead) BIRDSVILLEBEDOURIE Mt Dare (French/QAA Line) 502 698 Ayers Rock10741270 Alice Springs 917 1112 Oodnadatta 758 954 William Creek 959 1155 Marree11631359 (via Dalhousie Springs) BIRDSVILLEBEDOURIE Oodnadatta 536 732 Marree9411137 (for travel on the WAA/QAA Line add 36km, for travel on the Rig Road/QAA Line add 95km) From Birdsville to Big Red 35 Poeppel Corner (150 sand dunes) 166 QLD National Parks Office 07 4656 3272 Warning: It is recommended that travellers crossing the Simpson Desert do so with at least one other 4WD, allow at least 4 days (Mt Dare to Birdsville), carry at least 5 litres of water per person per day, sufficient fuel, carry packaged food, long life milk and other liquids, as well as recovery gear, a UHF radio and sat phone, and pack vehicles as lightly as possible. Ensure you notify a responsible person, such as a family member, of your plans prior to travelling into remote areas and seek local advice. The use of trailers in the Simpson Desert is strongly discouraged and motor homes and caravans should never attempt this crossing. Sat phones may be hired at Mount Dare or Birdsville – call Birdsville Wirrari 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. AIR SERVICES Skytrans | Ph: 1300 759 872 | www.skytrans.com.au ACCOMMODATION BIRDSVILLEBEDOURIE 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 Birdsville Caravan Park 07 4656 3214 Simpson Desert Oasis07 4746 1291 Diamantina Shire Caravan Park 07 4746 1040 POST OFFICE 07 4656 3263 07 4746 1201 Simpson Desert Oasis Birdsville Bakery 07 4656 4698 07 4746 1291 COFFEE SHOPS RESTAURANTS Bedourie Hotel Simpson Desert Oasis Birdsville Hotel 07 4656 3244 Birdsville Bakery 07 4656 4698 GALLERIES 07 4746 1201 07 4746 1291 The Bakery (John Murray) Wirrari Centre TOURS 07 4656 4697 Desert Edge Tours Birdsville Star Show Central Eagle Aviation 0419 364 381 0488 007 300 0417 649 982 POLICE STATION 07 4656 5677 07 4746 1220 Birdsville Roadhouse 07 4656 3226 Bedourie Simpson Desert Oasis 07 4746 1291 MEDICAL CLINIC 07 4746 1226 GENERAL STORES 07 4656 3245 FUEL & AUTO SERVICES (including tyre repairs) Birdsville Roadhouse (RACQ) Desert & Remote Recovery 07 4656 3226 Birdsville Fuel Service 07 4656 3236 Simpson Desert-Oasis OTHER BUSINESSES Bedourie QGAP Birdsville QGAP Central Eagle Aviation – Scenic Flights Don Purser – Refrigeration Technician James Humphries Electrical – Electrician 4WD Hire from Simpson Desert Oasis Krakka Fabrication – Sam Barnes – Boilermaker Peter Barnes – Hardware and station supplies Outback Photography – Lorraine Kath – Professional Photographer Kelly Theobald – Author and Journalist 07 4746 1291 07 4746 1128 07 4656 3310 0427 276 894 0437 779 590 0401 010 105 07 4746 1291 0447 450 518 07 4656 3226 07 4656 4949 0487 892 235 DIAMANTINA VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES – CALL 1300 794 257 Bedourie Outback Visitor Centre 13 Herbert Street, Bedourie Q 4829 Ph: 07 4746 1040 Birdsville Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre 29 Burt Street, Birdsville Q 4482 Ph: 07 4656 3300 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 facebook/thediamantina
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