Birdsville Track

The Birdsville Track is one of Australia's great outback drives, a 517-kilometre unsealed road that slices through the starkly beautiful deserts of South Australia and Queensland. This historic route, originally a stock route for droving cattle, offers a raw and unforgettable adventure through vast salt pans, red dunes, and remote stations. It's a trip for those who crave solitude, wide horizons, and a genuine sense of the Australian bush.

Highlights & What to See

• Mungerannie Hotel – This iconic outback pub is the only watering hole on the track, famous for its cold beer, friendly locals, and the legendary 'Birdsville Burger'. It's a must-stop for a yarn and a cold drink.
• Cooper Creek crossing – One of the most significant floodplains in Australia, this crossing can be impassable after rain. When dry, it's a fascinating landscape of ancient river red gums and birdlife.
• Birdsville itself – The tiny outpost at the northern end is famous for its annual Birdsville Races and the historic Birdsville Hotel. Don't miss the old police station and the bakery for a pie.
• Lake Eyre views – From the track, side trips lead to the vast salt-crusted expanse of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, Australia's largest salt lake, which occasionally fills with water, attracting thousands of birds.
• Desert landscapes – The track passes through the Sturt Stony Desert, the Tirari Desert, and the Simpson Desert, offering ever-changing scenery of gibber plains, red dunes, and salt pans.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least two to three days to drive the entire track, including stops. Most travellers break the journey at Mungerannie or camp overnight at designated sites. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is essential, and you should carry plenty of water, fuel, and supplies. The best time to travel is during the cooler months from April to September; summer temperatures can be extreme.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Innamincka – A remote settlement on the Cooper Creek, rich in explorer history and a gateway to the Strzelecki Track.
• Coober Pedy – The opal-mining underground town, about 400 km west, offers surreal dugout homes and moonscape scenery.
• Flinders Ranges – About 600 km south, this dramatic mountain range features spectacular gorges, Aboriginal rock art, and the iconic Wilpena Pound.
• Oodnadatta Track – Another iconic outback drive that connects to the Birdsville Track via Marree, passing ancient springs and railway ruins.
• Lake Eyre National Park – Accessible from the track, this park protects the lake and its surrounding desert wildlife.

Please check official sources for current details.