In the heart of the Diamantina Shire, the town of Birdsville boasts many amazing attractions, natural landmarks and exciting festivals.
Read on to discover the best things to do in Birdsville, whether you’re staying for a while or just passing through.
Big Red
Big Red is the tallest sand dune in the Simpson Desert, standing at an impressive 40 metres tall. Surrounded by another 1,140 sand dunes stretching as far as the eye can see, Big Red is a popular spot for 4WD enthusiasts looking to adventure across the uneven terrain.
For those wanting a more relaxed experience, we suggest packing a drink or two and enjoying a sunset from the top of the red sand peak. The horizon views are unparalleled, and make for some great photos.
Birdsville Billabong
The Birdsville Billabong is a great spot for a quick, refreshing dip and is also popular with yabby hunters and birdwatchers.
Many locals will bring their kayaks down for a paddle on the water, or walk around the banks in the evenings. On the other side of the water, Pelican Point is a small peninsula known for its vibrant birdlife.
Birdsville Bakery
For many visitors, the most exciting thing about visiting this fantastic town is a trip to the Birdsville Bakery. This local institution was first opened by Robert ‘Dusty’ Miller, who invented the wildly popular curried camel pie. It’s this pie which continues to draw crowds each week.
The Birdsville Bakery is also the best place to grab a morning coffee, sweet treat or a loaf of fresh bread. Along with unusual offerings such as the kangaroo sausage roll, they also sell all the classic bakery favourites such as vanilla slice, meat pies and custard tarts.
Scenic flights
Birdsville Aviation operate a number of small aircraft, which they use for a variety of scenic flights over the Diamantina region. There are four different flight paths to choose from, with some travelling over Eyre Creek, Simpson Desert and Bilpa Morea, Australia’s biggest claypan.
Jumping on board these planes is a great way to see everything that outback Queensland has to offer. With breathtaking views across this unique landscape, a scenic flight is sure to be a lasting memory. To book, visitors can simply chat to the friendly staff at the Birdsville Hotel.
View the Waddi trees
A short drive to the edge of the Simpson Desert, visitors will encounter one of Australia’s rarest plants, the Waddie Tree (Acacia puece).
This unique tree is identifiable due to its spiky, needle-like leaves and thick bark. It was once used by local Indigenous people, who found the dense wood useful for transporting fire between sites. Now, visitors can find these protected trees in only three locations across all of Australia. The Waddie Trees have a lifespan of around 500 years, and are well worth a visit.
Birdsville Hotel
No trip to Birdsville is complete without stopping at the Birdsville Hotel. Here, it’s all about country charm and great food, with a menu featuring all the pub classics. The bar is infamous for the hats which hang from the ceiling and walls, giving it a unique and charming atmosphere. Upstairs, you will find plenty of comfortable and modern rooms when staying a bit longer.
The Birdsville Hotel is also responsible for operating ground tours and scenic flights over the surrounding regions. The 4WD tour vehicles can take you into the heart of the Simpson Desert, or past the local sights.
Festivals and events
Of course, the most popular event on the Birdsville calendar has to be the Big Red Bash. Each year, this remote music festival draws tourists from around the world for three days of music, performance, food and events. Families love the air guitar championships, camel rides and sand dune surfing, while grown ups can take a scenic helicopter flight and listen to impressive performances from some of Australia’s best artists.
The Birdsville Races are a highly anticipated two-day event, drawing a crowd of more than 6000 people each year. The races take place on a 2000m track, with jockeys competing for more than $300,000 in prizes. Aside from watching the horses compete, attendants can enjoy the Birdsville Races Fun Run, boxing troupe, best-dressed competition and more.
Inspired by all these great things to do in Birdsville? To check out the best hotels and restaurants in town, click here.
