Bee-line or Meander
GO YOUR OWN WAY…
It’s the journey itself that is the true essence of what being a Roadie is all about! This is where you will create your memories, make NEW lifelong friends, and experience the amazing vastness of the great Australian outback – and you do it all at your own pace with other like-minded Roadies.
COMING SOON! Your official Roadies Route for each state (QLD, NSW, VIC, SA & NT) with recommended camping at overnight stops, key contacts and recommended activities to enjoy en route.
Roadies can connect with each other, go off-road set their own itinerary with like-minded Roadies as this isn’t a guided tour.
Over the coming months, we will continue to release Roadies benefits and suggested leisure and hospitality options for Roadies to share together.
2026 roadies routes – all roads lead to birdsville
QLD Route 1
Brisbane to Birdsville
Queenslanders are notoriously passionate about their state and love nothing better than travelling intrastate supporting their fellow Queenslander, often with a ice cold beer in hand. They also know how to have a great time. The Roadies route from Brisbane tracks south west, a short 110Km drive to the picturesque town of Moogerah , camping right on Lake Moogerah in the shadows of the mountains. Your batteries will then be fully charged for the epic journey which will take in the historic county town of Goondiwindi on the Macintyre River. Roadies will then travel directly west to the outback town of Cunnamulla on the Warrego River where you will meet up with Roadies converging from NSW and VIC. Your convey will then continue north west towards the heart of the channel country to the character outback town of Windorah where you will enjoy a great evening at the famous annual “International Yabby Races” at the Windorah Hotel. The next day you will make the final part of the trek to Birdsville to experience the magic of the races and the many attractions the town and surrounds have to offer.
| City / Town |
KM |
Camping & Notes |
| Brisbane – Moogerah |
110 |
Lake Moogerah Caravan Park – sites, no cabins |
| Moogerah – Goondiwindi |
270 |
Goondiwindi Holiday Park |
| Goondiwindi – Cunnamulla |
495 |
Warrego Riverside Tourist Park – Cunnamulla Meet VIC & NSW route at Cunnamulla overnight |
| Cunnamulla – Windorah |
540 |
Annual ‘International’ Yabby Races at Windorah Hotel on Wednesday 2nd Sept Windorah Camping |
| Windorah – Birdsville |
379 |
Birdsville Town Common Campgrounds Birdsville Caravan Park Birdsville Hotel |
*The towns and dates proposed are suggested only. Roadies can connect with each other, go off road, set your own itinerary with likeminded Roadies as this isn’t a guided tour.
Be sure to check out:
- Lake Moogerah Camping is situated right on the shores of Lake Moogerah and is surrounded by the Scenic Rim’s spectacular scenery. You’ll enjoy the wide-open spaces, an abundance of wildlife, and everywhere you turn you’ll see mountains.
- The great Macintyre River at Goondiwindi, which creates a scenic backdrop to the many historic heritage buildings at this friendly and prosperous country town
- Sandboarding at Cunnamulla!? No way! That’s right, you will find sand dunes 850kms from the beach in Cunnamulla. The climb to the top of the town’s natural sand dunes may be tough but the thrilling rush sliding down will make you want to go again, again and again.
- Visit the striking Cunnamulla Fella statue in town before watching the sunset over the Warrego River from your campsite
When in Windorah, you’re also in channel country, where waterways are braided through the arid towns of the west. Spend some time exploring Cooper’s Creek, formed by the meeting of Longreach’s Thomson River and Tambo‘s Barcoo River. The 12km drive to the creek is its own adventure, with over 45 plant species identified and described on interpretive signage. Once on the banks of the creek, feel free to cast a line to hook yellowbelly - Step back in time at Windorah Whitula Gate Musuem, where an old slab hut built in 1906 stands tall as the museum’s centrepiece. With an 1800’s homestead and station equipment, take a peek into outback life in the pioneering days.
Key Contacts
Lake Moogerah Caravan Park – Ph: 07 5540 5600
Goondiwindi Holiday Park – Ph: 07 4671 2900
Warrego Riverside Toursit Park – Cunnamulla, Ph: 07 4655 0097
Windorah Western Star Hotel – Windorah, Ph: 0429 277 345
QLD Route 2
Townsville to Birdsville
Far north Queenslanders are notoriously tough. Cyclones, floods, drought – you name it they have seen it! It’s this ingrained toughness that stands them in good stead for an epic outback road trip of a lifetime. There are faster routes to Birdsville, but you are on holidays so there is plenty of time to explore the rugged QLD outback areas such as Hughenden, Julia Creek and Mt Isa have to offer. At the Roadies Hub in Mt Isa you will converge with NT Roadies travelling south from Dawin and can enjoy some R&R in the “Gulf country” taking in the region’s rich mining heritage, a spot of fishing in Lake Moondarra or book guided tours and 4WD adventures. With batteries fully charged, Roadies will then travel directly south to the outback town of Boulia. The next day you will make the final part of the trek to Birdsville to experience the magic of the races and the many attractions the town and surrounds have to offer.
| City / Town |
KM |
Camping & Notes |
| Townsville – Hughenden |
385 |
Visit here |
| Hughenden – Mt. Isa |
520 |
Visit here |
| Mt. Isa – Boulia |
310 |
Visit Boulia Caravan Park here |
| Boulia – Birdsville |
380 |
Birdsville Town Common Campgrounds Birdsville Caravan Park Birdsville Hotel |
*The towns and dates proposed are suggested only. Roadies can connect with each other, go off road set your own itinerary with likeminded Roadies as this isn’t a guided tour.
Be sure to check out:
- In Hughenden, visit ‘Hughie’, the seven-metre Muttaburrasaurus and an impressive fossil collection at the Flinders Discovery Centre. While you are there, relive the glory days of sheep production. Follow the windmill blades through the streets of Hughenden, exploring the Outback history and art features of the town.
- Further afield, Porcupine Gorge National Park is a spectacular gorge often referred to as Australia’s ‘Little Grand Canyon’.
- Outback at Isa – Mount Isa’s major tourism facility- experience the Hard Times Mine Underground Tour, Isa Experience, Regional Art Gallery and Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre
- Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park – The emerald waters and lush vegetation of Lawn Hill Gorge form a beautiful oasis in the Outback, attracting abundant wildlife and offering exceptional views, walks, canoeing and cultural sites. Features red sandstone ranges, creeks, 60-metre high gorges, waterholes rugged escarpments.
- Lake Moondarra – Just 17km north of Mt Isa – the lake’s safe still water encourages swimming, boating, sailing and canoeing. It has also been stocked with barramundi to lure the anglers for an excellent spot of fishing. Permits are not required.
- Hard Times Mine Underground Tour – explore Mt Isa’s rich history of mining. You will see how the tunnels are formed and shaped by the majestic boom drills and mucking units. Get up close with the machinery and try your hand at the air-leg drill, and feel the earth rumble with the firing of the blast face.
- Boulia was part of Australia’s inland sea more than 100 million years ago – check out the extensive marine fossil display and the array of historical artefacts from early settlers, including machinery, saddlery and hospital instruments. This can all be discovered at the Boulia Stonehouse Museum.
- Boulia Marine Reptile Fossil Display – Boulia has an unique collection of fossils from the Cretaceous Era when Boulia was part of the inland Eromanga Sea.
- Boulia’s “Min Min Encounter Centre” – a tribute to the long honoured art of the bush yarn, all based around the famed Min Min Light phenomenon. You will be introduced to the story of the Min Min Light by various characters who claim to have taken on a journey through Min Min country complete with spine tingling effects and an unpredictable ending.
Key Contacts
Hughenden Visitor Information Centre (07) 4741 2970
Mt Isa Visitor Information Centre (Outback at Isa) (07) 4749 1555
Boulia Visitor Information Centre (Min Min Encounter Visitor Centre) (07) 4746 3386
NT Route
Darwin to Birdsville
Territorians are always up for an adventure – it’s in their blood!! Long hauls via road, dust , heat, flies, rain, nothing will deter this lot – bring it on!
We are pleased to announce our inaugural Roadies route from Darwin, NT. After crossing the border into QLD you will reach the Roadies “Hub” in Mt Isa an converge with Roadies travelling the North eastern Qld route.
At the Roadies Hub in Mt Isa you can enjoy some R&R in the “Gulf country” taking in the region’s rich mining heritage, a spot of fishing in Lake Moondarra or book guided tours and 4WD adventures. With batteries fully charged, Roadies will then travel directly south to the outback town of Boulia. The next day you will make the final part of the trek to Birdsville to experience the magic of the races and the many attractions the town and surrounds have to offer.
| City / Town |
KM |
Camping & Notes |
| Darwin – Daly Waters |
590 |
Daly Waters Pub / Caravan Park. Visit here |
| Daly Waters – Ranken |
690 |
Visit here |
| Ranken – Mt. Isa |
310 |
Mt. Isa Business Directory. Visit here |
| Mt. Isa – Boulia |
310 |
Boulia Caravan Park. Visit here |
| Boulia – Birdsville |
380 |
Birdsville Town Common Campgrounds Birdsville Caravan Park Birdsville Hotel |
* The towns and dates proposed are suggested only. Roadies can connect with each other, go off road, set your own itinerary with like-minded Roadies as this isn’t a guided tour.
Be sure to check out:
- Outback at Isa – Mount Isa’s major tourism facility- experience the Hard Times Mine Underground Tour, Isa Experience, Regional Art Gallery and Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre
- Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park – The emerald waters and lush vegetation of Lawn Hill Gorge form a beautiful oasis in the Outback, attracting abundant wildlife and offering exceptional views, walks, canoeing and cultural sites. Features red sandstone ranges, creeks, 60-metre high gorges, waterholes rugged escarpments.
- Lake Moondarra – Just 17km north of Mt Isa – the lake’s safe still water encourages swimming, boating, sailing and canoeing. It has also been stocked with barramundi to lure the anglers for an excellent spot of fishing. Permits are not required.
- Hard Times Mine Underground Tour – explore Mt Isa’s rich history of mining. You will see how the tunnels are formed and shaped by the majestic boom drills and mucking units. Get up close with the machinery and try your hand at the air-leg drill, and feel the earth rumble with the firing of the blast face.
- Boulia was part of Australia’s inland sea more than 100 million years ago – check out the extensive marine fossil display and the array of historical artefacts from early settlers, including machinery, saddlery and hospital instruments. This can all be discovered at the Boulia Stonehouse Museum.
- Boulia Marine Reptile Fossil Display – Boulia has an unique collection of fossils from the Cretaceous Era when Boulia was part of the inland Eromanga Sea.
- Boulia’s “Min Min Encounter Centre” – a tribute to the long-honoured art of the bush yarn, all based around the famed Min Min Light phenomenon. You will be introduced to the story of the Min Min Light by various characters who claim to have taken on a journey through Min Min country complete with spine tingling effects and an unpredictable ending.
Key Contacts
Mt Isa Visitor Information Centre (Outback at Isa) (07) 4749 1555
Boulia Visitor Information Centre (Min Min Encounter Visitor Centre) (07) 4746 3386
NSW Route
Sydney to Birdsville
State rivalries don’t come much stronger than NSW & QLD, but that never stops thousands of NSW adventurers from surging north over the border to experience a road trip of a lifetime.
Departing the beautiful harbour city, Roadies will journey North West towards the centre of NSW and the picturesque town of Nyngan on the Bogan River. Day 2 Roadies venture north towards the historic outback town of Bourke where you will cross paths with fellow Roadies from Victoria. Roadies will then travel directly north, crossing the border en route to the outback town of Cunnamulla on the Warrego River. Your convey will then continue northwest towards the heart of the channel arriving at Quilpie which is renowned for its “Kangarangada Do” festival. This event just so happens to be on the week leading into Birdville Races on Tuesday evening 2nd Sept and is a fun filled family night out with music, bar, stalls, canteen and great activities for kids and adults alike such as bath regatta. Your convoy will then continue north west towards the heart of the channel country to the character outback town of Windorah where you will enjoy a great evening at the famous annual “International Yabby Races” at the Windorah Hotel. The next day you will make the final part of the trek to Birdsville to experience the magic of the races and the many attractions the town and surrounds have to offer.
| City / Town |
KM |
Camping & Notes |
| Sydney – Nyngan |
555 |
Visit here |
| Nyngan – Cunnamulla |
460 |
Visit here |
| Cunnamulla – Quilpie |
300 |
Free camping is available for Roadies on the western side of the Bulloo River. “The Lake” Quilpie – Station stay and camping. Visit here |
| Quilpie – Windorah |
250 |
Annual “International” Yabby Races at Windorah Hotel on the Wednesday 3rd Sept Windorah, Rooms & Camping |
| Windorah – Birdsville |
379 |
Birdsville Town Common Campgrounds Birdsville Caravan Park Birdsville Hotel |
* The towns and dates proposed are suggested only. Roadies can connect with each other, go off road set your own itinerary with likeminded Roadies as this isn’t a guided tour
Be sure to check out:
- When in Cunnamulla, try Sandboarding! You will find sand dunes 850 km from the beach in Cunnamulla. The climb to the top of the town’s natural sand dunes may be tough but the thrilling rush of sliding down will make you want to go again, again and again.
- Visit the striking Cunnamulla Fella statue in town.
- Experience Cunnamulla Hot Springs – the new artesian bathing oasis nestled beside the Warrego River where mineral rich artesian water flows beneath the ground. Explore the geothermal mineral pools, cold plunge pool, sauna and steam room.
- Cunnamulla Railway Station “All-Aboard” 3D Sound & Light Spectacular
- Warrego River Walk & Heritage Trail in Cunnamulla
- Charlotte Plains is a family-owned, operated sheep station and campground, near Cunnamulla and a fantastic camping option for Roadies. The Artesian Hot Springs offer a naturally heated water park for guests wishing to soak in the warm mineral-rich water, while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Quilpie Shire is home to some of the most beautiful national parks in Australia which include, Hell Hole Gorge National Park, Mariala National Park and Idalia National Park.
- The Council’s local fossicking area, located at the Quilpie airport, provides a real opportunity for all ages to have a go at uncovering this pretty gemstone.
- When in Windorah, you’re also in channel country, where waterways are braided through the arid towns of the west. Spend some time exploring Cooper’s Creek, formed by the meeting of Longreach’s Thomson River and Tambo‘s Barcoo River. The 12km drive to the creek is its own adventure, with over 45 plant species identified and described on interpretive signage. Once on the banks of the creek, feel free to cast a line to hook yellowbelly
- Step back in time at Windorah Whitula Gate Museum, where an old slab hut built in 1906 stands tall as the museum’s centrepiece. With an 1800’s homestead and station equipment, take a peek into outback life in the pioneering days.
Key Contacts
Cunnamulla Visitor Information Centre Ph :07 4624 0204
Quilpie Visitor Information Centre Ph :07 4656 0540
Barcoo Shire / Windorah Visitor Information Centre Ph: 07 4658 6930
Windorah Hotel Ph: 0429 277 345
Windorah Hotel https://westernstarhotel.com.au/
VIC Route
Melbourne to Birdsville
Victoria’s own spring racing carnival is something special, but nothing matches this journey and original outback racing in the nation’s heart which attracts thousands of Victorians in search of sun, fun and an epic experience. The Roadies route departs Melbourne with the epic journey north crossing the NSW border, destination Hillston on the picturesque Lachlan River. Roadies will then venture further north towards the historic outback town of Bourke where you will cross paths with NSW Roadies, en route from Sydney. Your journey will then travel directly north, crossing the QLD border en route to the outback town of Thargomindah on the Bulloo River. Your convey will then swing northwest towards the heart of the channel country, travelling through Quilpie where you will converge with Roadies from QLD en route to the character outback town of Windorah. If arriving in Windorah on 30th August you can enjoy the evening at the famous annual “International Yabby Races” at the Windorah Hotel. The next day you will make the final part of the trek to Birdsville to experience the magic of the races and the many attractions the town and surrounds have to offer.
| City / Town |
KM |
Camping & Notes |
| Melbourne – Hillston |
570 |
Hillston on the Lachlan River Hillston Caravan Park (02) 6967 2575 |
| Hillston – Cunnamulla |
670 |
Visit here |
| Cunnamulla – Quilpie |
300 |
Free camping is available for Roadies on the western side of the Bulloo River. “The Lake” Quilpie – Station Stay and Camping Visit here |
| Quilpie – Windorah |
250 |
Annual “International” Yabby Races at Windorah Hotel on the Wednesday 3rd Sept Windorah, Rooms & Camping |
| Windorah – Birdsville |
379 |
Birdsville Town Common Campgrounds Birdsville Caravan Park Birdsville Hotel |
* The towns and dates proposed are suggested only. Roadies can connect with each other, go off road set your own itinerary with likeminded Roadies as this isn’t a guided tour.
Be sure to check out:
- When in Cunnamulla, try Sandboarding! You will find sand dunes 850 km from the beach in Cunnamulla. The climb to the top of the town’s natural sand dunes may be tough but the thrilling rush of sliding down will make you want to go again, again and again.
- Visit the striking Cunnamulla Fella statue in town.
- Experience Cunnamulla Hot Springs – the new artesian bathing oasis nestled beside the Warrego River where mineral rich artesian water flows beneath the ground. Explore the geothermal mineral pools, cold plunge pool, sauna and steam room.
- Cunnamulla Railway Station “All-Aboard” 3D Sound & Light Spectacular
- Warrego River Walk & heritage trail in Cunnamulla
- Charlotte Plains is a family-owned, operated sheep station and campground, near Cunnamulla and a fantastic camping option for Roadies. The Artesian Hot Springs offer a naturally heated water park for guests wishing to soak in the warm mineral-rich water, while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Quilpie Shire is home to some of the most beautiful national parks in Australia which include, Hell Hole Gorge National Park, Mariala National Park and Idalia National Park.
- The Council’s local fossicking area, located at the Quilpie airport, provides a real opportunity for all ages to have a go at uncovering this pretty gemstone.
- When in Windorah, you’re also in channel country, where waterways are braided through the arid towns of the west. Spend some time exploring Cooper’s Creek, formed by the meeting of Longreach’s Thomson River and Tambo‘s Barcoo River. The 12km drive to the creek is its own adventure, with over 45 plant species identified and described on interpretive signage. Once on the banks of the creek, feel free to cast a line to hook yellowbelly
- Step back in time at Windorah Whitula Gate Museum, where an old slab hut built in 1906 stands tall as the museum’s centrepiece. With an 1800’s homestead and station equipment, take a peek into outback life in the pioneering days.
Key Contacts
Cunnamulla Visitor Information Centre Ph :07 4624 0204
Quilpie Visitor Information Centre Ph :07 4656 0540
Barcoo Shire / Windorah Visitor Information Centre Ph: 07 4658 6930
Windorah Hotel Ph: 0429 277 345
Windorah Hotel https://westernstarhotel.com.au/
SA Route
Adelaide to Birdsville
Hardened adventurers from SA are made of tough stuff! Living in the driest state in the driest continent, South Aussies are fond of the challenge and adventure of northern outback travel. The Birdsville Track is a legendary aspirational trek for South Aussies and all Australians! Roadies depart Adelaide starting the journey north to the edge of the Barossa, overnighting at the Murray Recreation & Caravan Park at Eden Valley where you will charge the batteries for the epic Journey to Birdsville! The next morning Roadies will head directly north up HWY 1 to Parachilna in the shadows of the spectacular Flinders Ranges, en route to Parachilna. After exploring the southern flinders and filling up on the “Feral Mixed Grill’ at the famous Parachilna Prairie Hotel, Roadies will continue their journey north past the Northern Flinders and famous mining towns of Copley & Leigh Creek before arriving at Maree, the gateway to the Lake Eyre Basin and the junction of the Birdsville & Oodnadatta Tracks. Visit Lake Eyre refresh yourself with a hearty pub meal and then take on the 517km Birdsville Track, enroute passing through iconic Mungerannie Hotel, before arriving in Birdsville.
| City / Town |
KM |
Camping & Notes |
| Adelaide – Eden Valley |
100 |
Murray Recreation & Caravan Park at Eden Valley |
| Eden Valley – Parachilna |
446 |
Parachilna Hotel – cabins, rooms |
| Parachilna – Maree |
184 |
Maree Hotel – cabins, rooms |
| Maree – Birdsville |
517 |
* The towns and dates proposed are suggested only. Roadies can connect with each other, go off road set, your own itinerary with like-minded Roadies as this isn’t a guided tour.
Be sure to check out:
- Parachilna Hotel
- Maree Hotel
- Lake Eyre Tours and joy flights out of Maree
- Mungerannie Hotel
- Take the 4WD Challenge over “Big Red” near Birdsville.
Key Contacts
Prairie Hotel – Parachilna, Ph: 1800 331 473
Maree Hotel – Ph: 08 8675 8344
The Birdsville Races Roadies are excited to announce a new ‘Destination Partnership’ with Aussie Travel Code (ATC).
The Aussie Travel Code promotes safe, sustainable and respectful travel in Australia’s unique remote and regional locations. These ideals are synonymous with the Birdsville Races Roadies!
Whilst ATC continues to build its online resources by working with regional communities to provide helpful advice for travellers, the Roadies are grateful for ATC expert insider tips which will help Roadies to enjoy the regions and have a positive impact on the people, culture and the natural environment.
We encourage all Roadies to take a moment to familiarise themselves with the following valuable ATC resources:
ATC Top 10 Travel Tips | How to Prepare your Vehicle for an Outback Road Trip
For more information on the Aussie Travel Code visit www.aussietravelcode.com.au and keep an eye out for some ATC giveaways at the Roadies Marquee at the Races!
