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.
Your official Roadies Route for each state (QLD, NSW, VIC, and SA) is detailed below with recommended camping at overnight stops, key contacts and recommended activities to enjoy en route.
The towns and dates proposed are suggested only. 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.
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!
2023 roadies routes – all roads lead to birdsville
QLD Route
Brisbane to Birdsville
QUEENSLANDER!! Many a sunshine state resident has bellowed this word with pride given their notorious passion for their state. They love nothing more than travelling intrastate supporting fellow Queenslanders and having a great time in the process.
The Roadies route from Brisbane tracks south west to the historic county town of Toowoomba on the edge of the Great Dividing Range. Roadies will then travel directly west to the outback town of Roma, a region that has a rich cattle, oil and gas history. Roadies will then Trek west towards opal county and the outback town of Quilpie where you will converge with Roadies travelling from VIC & NSW. Your convey will then continue north west towards the heart of the channel country to the character outback town of Windorah where, if arriving on Wed 30th August, you could 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 – Toowoomba |
127 |
BIG4 Toowoomba Garden City Holiday Park |
| Toowoomba – Roma |
351 |
Big Rig Tourist Park – Roma |
| Roma – Quilpie |
478 |
Channel Country Tourist Park – Quilpie. At Quilpie you will Cross paths with VIC & NSW Roadies en route from Thargomindah |
| Quilpie – Windorah |
246 |
Windorah Hotel – rooms & camping. Annual “International Yabbie Races at Windorah Hotel on 30th August |
| Windorah – Birdsville |
379 |
Birdsville Caravan Park |
* 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:
- Toowoomba Cobb+Co Museum. You’ll find an outstanding collection of horse-drawn vehicles and the story of the natural and cultural history of Toowoomba and the Darling Downs. You can trace Cobb+Co’s role in the expansion of the Southern Queensland Country region, beginning as a small mail run in 1866 transporting mail and passengers to Brisbane and beyond.
- In Roma, get a feel for the outback by perching on a fence or taking a coveted possie on the viewing platform to watch the action at Roma Saleyards – the largest in the southern hemisphere. If you time your visit for a Tuesday, you may witness the sale of up to 12,000 head of cattle in a single day.
- Don’t miss the Roma Big Rig Oil and Gas Interpretative Centre and Night Show Sunset Experience for an interactive insight into the hardships and heroic stories of oil drilling and exploration.
- Throughout the Roma region there are spectacular ancient landscapes and unique flora and fauna. There are eight established tourist drives, perfect for the 4WD enthusiast looking to get off the beaten track, plus fully guided eco tours available. Carnarvon Gorge National Park offers towering white cliffs, huge rock overhangs adorned with ochre stencils and engravings from an ancient and ongoing culture and an array of well-established walking trails.
- Explore the Quilpie Shire Museum, Military History Museum, Rail Museum and Regional Gallery all attached to the centre.
- Quilpie is home to “The Jewel of the Outback”, the boulder opal. See the opal in all its glory at St. Finbarr’s Church with the spectacular opal altar, font & lectern or try your luck at the free opal fossicking area 2km west of town.
- In Quilpie, don’t miss the literal ‘End of the Line’, Bulloo River Walk
- In Windorah 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.
- If arriving on Wed 30th August, you could enjoy a great evening at the famous annual “International Yabby Races” at the Windorah Hotel.
Key Contacts
Big Rig Tourist Park – Roma, 07 4622 2538, https://www.bigrig.net.au
Channel Country Tourist Park – Quilpie https://channelcountrytouristpark.com.au/
Windorah Hotel – accommodation & camping https://westernstarhotel.com.au/
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 Thargomindah on the Bulloo River. Your convey will then continue 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 |
| Sydney – Nyngan |
560 |
Nyngan Riverside Tourist Park |
| Nyngan – Thargomindah |
640 |
Cross paths with VIC route converging at Bourke Explorers Caravan Park – Thargomindah |
| Thargomindah – Windorah |
440 |
Cross paths with QLD Roadies converging at Quilpie en route to Windorah Annual International Yabby Races at Windorah Hotel on 30th August Windorah Hotel – rooms & camping |
| Windorah – Birdsville |
379 |
Birdsville Caravan Park |
* 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:
- Take time to explore the Nyngan Museum at the old Railway Station, containing a history of the area stretching back to 1836. Features railway displays, history of the huge 1990 floods, station life and other interesting items.
- Discover the incredible history of the region at the Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre and take a cruise on the mighty Darling River.
- Passing through 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.
- Cobb & Co Crossing. On the eastern entrance to Thargomindah, visitors can see the old stone Cobb & Co river crossing. The stone crossing was used up until late 1929 when the current bridge was built.
- Quilpie is home to “The Jewel of the Outback”, the boulder opal. When travelling through, be sure to see the opal in all its glory at St. Finbarr’s Church with the spectacular opal altar, font & lectern or try your luck at the free opal fossicking area 2km west of town.
- In Quilpie, don’t miss the literal ‘End of the Line’, Bulloo River Walk.
- When in Windorah, you’re also in channel country, where waterways are braided through the arid towns of the west. Spend the day 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 White Gate Museum, where an old slab hut built in 1906 stands tall as the museum’s centrepiece. With an 1800s homestead and station equipment, take a peek into outback life in the pioneering days.
Key Contacts
Warrego Riverside Tourist Park – Cunnamulla, Ph: 07 4655 0097, http://www.warregoriversidetouristpark.com.au
Thargomindah Hotel https://www.explorebulloo.com.au/accommodation/hotels-and-motels/bulloo-river-hotel-motel
Explorers Caravan Park – Thargomindah https://www.explorebulloo.com.au/accommodation/caravan-parks/explorers-caravan-park
Channel Country Tourist Park – Quilpie https://channelcountrytouristpark.com.au/
Windorah Hotel https://westernstarhotel.com.au/
Useful Links
Nyngan Visitor Information Centre, Old Railway Station, Nyngan, tel: (02) 6832 1052
https://www.outbackqueensland.com.au/town/cunnamulla
https://www.outbackqueensland.com.au/town/thargomindah
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 |
| Hillston – Thargomindah |
810 |
Cross paths with NSW route from Bourke on this route. |
| Thargomindah – Windorah |
540 |
Cross paths with QLD Roadies converging at Quilpie en route to Windorah Annual International Yabby Races at Windorah Hotel on 30th August Windorah Hotel – rooms & camping |
| Windorah – Birdsville |
379 |
Roadies campground provided at Birdsville |
* The towns and dates proposed are suggested only. Roadies can connect with each other, go off-road, and set their own itinerary with like-minded Roadies as this isn’t a guided tour.
Be sure to check out:
- Hillston’s Museum and heritage walk, then take in the magnificent Willandra National Park.
- Discover the incredible history of the region at the Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre and take a cruise on the mighty Darling River.
- Passing through 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.
- Cobb & Co Crossing. On the eastern entrance to Thargomindah, visitors can see the old stone Cobb & Co river crossing. The stone crossing was used up until late 1929 when the current bridge was built.
- Quilpie is home to “The Jewel of the Outback”, the boulder opal. When travelling through, be sure to see the opal in all its glory at St. Finbarr’s Church with the spectacular opal altar, font & lectern or try your luck at the free opal fossicking area 2km west of town.
- In Quilpie, don’t miss the literal ‘End of the Line’, Bulloo River Walk.
- When in Windorah, you’re also in channel country, where waterways are braided through the arid towns of the west. Spend the day 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 White Gate Museum, where an old slab hut built in 1906 stands tall as the museum’s centrepiece. With an 1800s homestead and station equipment, take a peek into outback life in the pioneering days.
Key Contacts
Warrego Riverside Tourist Park – Cunnamulla, Ph: 07 4655 0097, http://www.warregoriversidetouristpark.com.au
Thargomindah Hotel https://www.explorebulloo.com.au/accommodation/hotels-and-motels/bulloo-river-hotel-motel
Explorers Caravan Park – Thargomindah https://www.explorebulloo.com.au/accommodation/caravan-parks/explorers-caravan-park
Channel Country Tourist Park – Quilpie https://channelcountrytouristpark.com.au/
Windorah Hotel https://westernstarhotel.com.au/
SA Route
Adelaide to Birdsville
The Birdsville and Strzelecki Tracks are rugged, legendary and aspirational treks for South Aussies and all Australians! Fortunately, hardened adventurers from SA are made of tough stuff! Living in the driest state on the driest continent, South Aussies are fond of the challenge and adventure of northern outback travel.
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, then commencing the journey up the epic 475Km Strzelecki Track before arriving at another famous outback pub, the Innamincka Hotel on the mighty Cooper Creek. Refresh yourself with a hearty pub meal and then visit the Burke and Wills Dig Tree, just over the border into Queensland, before heading north to Betoota, and then finally making that 160km trek directly west into Birdsville.
| City / Town |
KM |
Camping & Notes |
| Adelaide – Eden Valley |
85 |
Murray Recreation & Caravan Park – Eden Valley |
| Eden Valley – Parachilna |
450 |
Parachilna Hotel & Campgrounds |
| Parachilna – Innamincka |
595 |
Innamincka Hotel & Campgrounds |
| Innamincka – Birdsville |
505 |
Birdsville Town Common Campgrounds |
* 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:
- Explore the magnificent southern Flinders Ranges, Wilpena Pound, Brachina Gorge, The Heysen Trail, St Mary’s Peak, historic Blinman mining town.
- Try the famous “FMG – Feral Mixed Grill” at Parachilna’s Prairie Hotel, listed as one of the top 100 gourmet experiences in Australia.
- The 475Km epic Stzelecki Track passing through the Stzelecki Desert.
- Innamincka Hotel – the Oasis in the Outback! While there explore the Cooper Creek, Coongie Lakes & Cullyamurra Waterhole.
- Innamincka Bush Sprint Races, Horse & Motorbike Gymkhana takes place on Sat 26th & Sunday 27th August.
- Betoota Race Club Races also take place on Saturday 26th August
- The Heritage listed Buke & Wells Dig Tree near Innamincka is truly an historic experience. In 1898 John Dick carved Burke’s face into another tree (the Face Tree) about 30 metres downstream of the Dig Tree. The site is as Burke and Wills and companions would have viewed it nearly 140 years ago.
- Take the 4WD Challenge over “Big Red” near Birdsville.
Key Contacts
Murray Recreation & Caravan Park, Ph: 08 8568 1934, https://www.murraycaravanpark.com.au/
Prairie Hotel, PH: 1800 331 473, http://www.prairiehotel.com.au
Innamincka Hotel, (08) 8675 9901, https://innaminckahotel.com.au/
