Home to the famous Birdsville Hotel and the famous Birdsville Races, this is a town full of surprises. Often referred to as Australia’s most isolated town, Birdsville and its attendant billabong are an oasis standing between the endless sands of the Simpson Desert and the gibber plains of Sturts Stony Desert.

European settlers moved into the area in the 1870’s, looking for minerals and grazing land for cattle. Birdsville was established as a centre for stock routes for the cattle country and as a Customs collection point. In the days before federation in 1901, a toll was payable on all stock and supplies entering South Australia from Queensland. This helped Birdsville develop into a thriving little community with 3 hotels, 3 stores, 2 blacksmiths, a butcher, a police station,  a printing press and a cordial factory!

Birdsville’s pastoral tradition continues today, as the Channel Country is now renowned as some of the best cattle fattening land in the country. More recently Birdsville has become somewhat of a ‘cultural mecca’ for those interested in experiencing the real Australia. Voted as Queensland’s Friendliest Town 2005, you’ll find Birdsville is brimming with hospitality and personality.

To find out more check out the list of attractions in the navigation bar on the left.

If you have any more questions you can contact the Wirrarri Information Centre on

1300 794 257 or via email at info@diamantina.qld.gov.au

For Birdsville Races Information Contact:

1300 794 257 or via email at birdsvilleraces@bipond.com.au