ATTRACTIONS BIRDSVILLE QLD

Located just out of town in a branch of the Diamantina River near Birdsville, is Pelican Point Billabong. It is abundant with birdlife, fish, yabbies and many small marsupials. Pelican Point is especially beautiful at sunset, against the arid backdrop of the desert. Come and enjoy this relaxing spot with family or friends. It's an oasis not to be missed for any keen fishermen.

Spanning 1,012,000 hectares in the arid outback, this is Queensland's largest protected area. Parallel wind-blown sand dunes dominate the striking landscape. Some extend 200 kilometres and reach 90 metres high. Saltpans and gibber-ironstone flats occupy interdunal areas. More than 180 species of birds, including the Eyrean grasswren, and numerous mammals and reptiles live in the park. Wildflowers are prolific after good rains. On your way visit Big Red, the largest sand dune just east of the park boundary. At Poeppels Corner, attempt to stand in two states and a territory at once. Camp and admire the expansive night sky and make sure you take binoculars and a camera! Camping fees apply. Be aware Simpson Desert National Park is closed from 1 December to 15 March due to extreme summer temperatures of 40-50 °C.

The Simpson Desert is undoubtedly Australia's most loved desert with large numbers of visitors each year accepting the challenge of crossing the Simpson. Winter rains carpet the desert in wildflowers and the night skies are a star gazers delight. Visiting the desert is a memorable experience but requires careful preparation and extreme care. Highlights of the French Line - Simpson Desert Four Wheel Drive Track include: Big Red Sand Dune; Eyre Creek; Poeppel's Corner; Queensland, Northern Territory and South Australia Border; Purnie Bore; Balhousie Springs; and Mt Dare Hotel. The track is 430 kilometres long and will take approximately four days to complete. This road is only suitable for four wheel drives.

The Frontier Australia Inland Mission Hospital began as the Australia Inland Mission setting up a hospital in 1923 in the former Royal Hotel. Visit the Mission Hospital and walk back in time to a time where explorers travelled through town and settlers made it their home. Bring the family along and see how the sick and injured were treated in the early 1900s.

The Royal Hotel Ruins building has tremendous historic value in the town of Birdsville. Built in 1883 the Royal Hotel was Birdsville's second hotel. It later became the first hospital in town when it was taken over by A.I.M in 1923. Nowadays it is privately owned and listed with the National Trust. So take the time to explore the history of Birdsville at the Royal Hotel Ruins.

An Australian Outback Adventure, the well maintained, unsealed track links Birdsville in Queensland's south-west to Maree in the mid-north of South Australia. The Birdsville Track covers some of Australia's most beautiful and challenging country, passing through the Simpson Desert and Sturt's Stoney Desert. Lake Eyre catchments, wetlands, sand dunes and vast gibber plains. Features of the Birdsville Track include: soaking in a warm artesian spa bath at Clayton, Kalamurina Station Camping, Mulka Ruins and the Mungerannie Hotel. The Birdsville Track is 515 kilometres long and will take approximately two days to complete. The road is maintained gravel and suitable for all vehicles.

Have your camera ready when you arrive at Deon's Lookout. You will love the spectacular and long-ranging views. With a rest area, public toilets and picnic table, this is a great place to break your journey. It is located east of Betoota and is well sign posted at the Shire boundary.