Whether it’s your first time travelling to Birdsville or your hundredth time, it’s important to consider the conditions when en route to the Outback.
Our landscape and surroundings here in the Diamantina Region support a wide range of unique plants and animals. Every step off the path and every wheel off the track will have an impact.
Here are our top 10 tips to help you enjoy your travels and stay in Birdsville
- CHECK ROAD CONDITIONS
Outback road conditions can change quickly depending on the weather. Plan your trip and check road conditions, including access roads to Birdsville, at qld.gov.au/transport or call 13 74 68.
If you’re planning to head to a National Park book ahead online or visit local Visitor Information Centres, which can also help with road information and bookings.
- KEEP ON THE TRACK
For the safety of this fragile landscape and your vehicle, please keep to designated tracks. It is an offence to drive off established tracks without proper authority. Soils are fragile and prone to erosion, and plants can be very slow growing. Driving off track can also damage cultural sites.
- CAMP IN DESIGNATED AREAS
Camp only in designated areas or where you have obtained permission by the land manager. Please respect all signs and directions and remember that pastoral properties and buildings are people’s homes and businesses. Please respect their backyard and camp more than a kilometre away from any buildings.
- CAMP AWAY FROM WATER POINTS
Camping close to stock watering points disturbs grazing stock and could result in a few dozen nosy neighbours joining you at your campsite. Camp more than 500 metres away from these areas. Always seek permission from the land manager before camping on their property.
- BRING YOUR OWN FIREWOOD
Do not collect wood in outback areas – it is in limited supply and used by wildlife for shelter. Always check fire restrictions and be aware that some National Parks do not allow wood fires. Check current fire restrictions with local authorities before lighting any fires.
- BE MINDFUL OF WASTE DISPOSAL
Use designated dump points for RV and caravan waste and take your rubbish to the nearest town facilities for disposal in bins.
- USE PUBLIC TOILETS
When possible, plan your toilet stops by checking the distance to the next available amenities. If toilets are unavailable, dig a deep hole at least 15cm deep and 100 metres from water sources, burn any toilet paper and fill in the hole completely.
- KEEP OUR WATER CLEAN
Water is scarce and our unique plants and animals depend on it. Please do not use soap or detergents in or near waterholes, bore water points, the Diamantina River or artesian springs. Carry your own water for washing.
- WATCH FOR ANIMALS ON THE ROAD
Kangaroos come out after dark. Avoid a repair bill or getting stranded by not driving after dusk and before dawn. Sheep and cattle also graze on unfenced pastoral properties – keep this in mind and stay alert. And for the safety of other road users, please remove any deceased animals off the road.
- STAY IN CONTACT
Longreach, Mount Isa, Charleville and Birdsville have coverage from Telstra and Optus networks. Outside of these towns only the Telstra Next G network is available, usually within a 20km radius of towns. There is limited mobile phone coverage in the far South West corner of the region, west of Quilpie to Bedourie. Public phones are available in all towns, and satellite phones are recommended for extended travel in this area.
For more information on outback communication, click here.
