About Diamantina
Discover Diamantina: Where Birdsville, Bedourie and Betoota Shine!
Welcome to the Diamantina Shire, famed for its endless horizons and big skies. Diamantina Shire consists of three towns: Birdsville, Bedourie, and Betoota. Birdsville and Bedourie are serviced by REX (Regional Express) with flights to Brisbane and Mount Isa.
Despite its size, Birdsville - located 1600km west of Brisbane - is a well-known destination for many Australian and international visitors. The town hosts the iconic Birdsville Races annually on the first weekend in September when thousands of people swell the town’s population. It is the gateway to Munga-Thirri Simpson Desert National Park and the start of the famous Birdsville Track that was historically used as a stock route for moving cattle from Queensland to the southern markets.
Bedourie is the Shire’s administration centre. The town boasts many amenities including an aquatic centre, hot artesian spa, and community hall. A little-known fact about Bedourie is that it is likely the first town in Queensland to be established by a woman.
And then there’s Betoota, once a ghost town but now a place reborn. Just 170 kilometres east of Birdsville, it bursts to life twice a year for the Horse and Motorbike Gymkhana and the iconic Betoota Races, the opening act of the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival. Its revival echoes the spirit of a town that once bustled with hotels, a Cobb & Co change station, and a post office.
The Shire’s economy lies within its cattle industry, tourism, and natural environment. Located within Queensland’s Channel Country, bordering South Australia and the Northern Territory, this area is renowned for producing prime quality beef. The natural irrigation from the Diamantina and Georgina River systems supports an organic cattle industry.
We are fortunate that national parks comprise twenty-five percent of the Shire. The Munga-Thirri Simpson Desert, Diamantina National Park, and Astrebela Downs National Park all offer exceptional scenery and wildlife for visitors to experience.
Visit the Diamantina Shire for a unique outback experience.
Mayor Francis Murray
Services
In the Diamantina, locals and visitors have access to a wide range of essential services across Birdsville and Bedourie. Both towns host Queensland Government Agent Program (QGAP) offices at the Police Stations, offering everything from licensing and registrations to Centrelink, Medicare, Veterans Affairs, and Justice of the Peace services.
Post services are available through the Bedourie Postal Agency at the Royal Hotel and the Birdsville Post Office at the Fuel Service. Internet and office facilities can be accessed at the Visitor Information Centres in both towns. Everyday needs are supported too, with EFTPOS available at local hotels, fuel outlets, and stores, ensuring community and visitors are well connected and supported.
Betoota's Hotel (closed during Summer), offers food and drink, accommodation, camping, bathrooms, and fuel.