Everything You Need To Know About Birdsville, QLD

A town seemingly in the middle of nowhere, the glaring outback sun and the Munga-Thirri National Park (Simpson Desert) surrounding, Birdsville is very different from what you’d expect but it’s absolutely a bucket list destination. Birdsville is probably most well known for the iconic Birdsville Races, and the aptly titled Big Red Bash, one of the most remote festivals in the world! Of course, you don’t need a big event to draw you to this country town, here’s our guide on the best things to see and do around Birdsville QLD.

Where is Birdsville?

Birdsville is right on the borders between Queensland and Northern Territory whilst being a couple of hours north of South Australia. It also is on the eastern edge of the Simpson Desert in Queensland. It’s a tiny little town found at the end of Warrego Way that is a beacon for all travellers wanting to see what the Aussie Outback is all about.

Where To Stay In Birdsville

Birdsville Caravan Park

Camping in the outback is an experience like no other. The big wide open land with minimal light pollution allowing you to see the night sky in all its glory. The Birdsville Caravan Park is more than equipped to handle any travellers wanting to visit and stay, they’ve got 50 powered sites and over 30 acres of unpowered sites. With plenty of amenities such a camp kitchen, coin laundry, information desks and more, Birdsville has everything you may need. The owners are more than happy to help out and answer any questions you may have, they’ll even park your caravan if you need some help!

Things To Do In Birdsville

The Birdsville Hotel

Built-in 1884 by William Blair, the Birdsville Hotel is an iconic Australian Outback pub where you will find great service, great people, and some really great stories. Surviving through every weather imaginable the Birdsville Hotel has been home to many explorers and travellers who go through the Aussie Outback. You can always expect a friendly face with a smile at the Birdsville Hotel and if you need a place to stay, they’ve got you covered. So, kick back and relax at one of Birdsville’s most iconic tourist hotspots.

Big Red

A giant red hill isn’t expected to be that interesting but the Big Red is one of the best things to visit when in Birdsville. Big Red the first and tallest of the sand dunes in the outback, and one of the best to enjoy a bit of 4WD and the place to watch the sunset with a tinny in hand. Be sure to take the Fourbie out this way! It’s also home to the incredible outback music festival The Big Red Bash, an annual music festival with some of the best Aussie stars such as Paul Kelly, Thirsty Merc, Midnight Oil and so many more.

Birdsville Billabong

How Aussie can you get? A billabong in the outback. Perfect for a cool down after being in the outback sun, the Birdsville Billabong is ideal for swimming, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and more. Across the water is Pelican Point, a tiny peninsula that is perfect for observing the local wildlife and enjoying a sunset on the water.

Simpson Desert (Munga-Thirri)

Also now known as the Munga-Thirri national park, the area is filled with incredible views, animals and plants that you won’t see anywhere else in the world. You could find poached-egg daisies, Australia’s biggest lizard, and the rare Eyerean Grasswren. Birdsville’s Big Red is the start of Munga-Thirri and is the first of over one thousand sand dunes stretching across the area. The national park covers over 1 million hectares, making it Queensland’s largest protected area. The area is closed over the December to March period as temperatures rise to over 50 degrees. Yikes!

Dingo Caves + Waddi Trees

Just outside of Birdsville the Dingo Caves are definitely a must-see. Don’t worry, there aren’t actually any dingos in the caves, the local kids named it after thinking they would use the caves to look after their pups. They’re a beautiful lookout that gives you sweeping views across Australia’s outback. They’re also home to Australia’s incredible Waddi Tree. The Dingo Caves are one of only 3 locations where these trees grow across Australia and this one of the largest patches of them in the country. 

Visit Poeppel corner

Ever wanted to be in three places at once? At Poeppels Corner, you can stand in two states and a territory all at the same time! It’s on the must-visit list of many 4WD tourists who go out and explore the great Aussie Outback.

Check out our trip to Poeppel Corner with the ARB Team here.

Check out our full guide to the Simpson Desert here.