19 Fun Things to do in Birdsville for a First-timer!

When you think of attractions in Australian Outback towns, you could be searching for the best things to do in Birdsville. Tucked away on the edge of the Simpson Desert, this tiny town punches well above its weight with history, character, and one-of-a-kind experiences that first-time visitors won’t soon forget.

The challenge for travellers is knowing what to do once they get here. Birdsville is REMOTE, and many people only know it for the legendary Races or its famous pub. But there’s so much more, from desert adventures to heritage attractions and it can be hard to know where to start if you’ve never been.

After exploring Birdsville myself, I’ve put together a guide to the very best things to do in this remarkable Outback destination. Whether you’re here for the races, passing through on a 4WD adventure, or simply chasing a slice of true Outback life, this list will help you make the most of your first visit to Birdsville.

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Best Things to do in Birdsville, Queensland

Birdsville is worth visiting if you’re chasing an authentic outback experience. From the iconic Birdsville Hotel, and famous bakery serving Camel Pies, to the vast Simpson Desert and the annual Birdsville Races.

I like it for being a remote town with big character and unforgettable landscapes like the sand dunes. I really couldn’t get enough photography moments to capture in my time there.

If you need help locating all the things to do in Birdsville mentioned below, please click here for my specially pinned map, to apply directions from where you are.

1. Conquer the Big Red Sand Dune

No outback adventure is complete without tackling the legendary Big Red Sand Dune. Rising 40 metres high, it’s the tallest dune in the parallel chain of more than 1,100 that stretch deep into the Simpson Desert.

The challenge? Driving your 4WD up its steep, sandy face. So, the big question is, will you take on the Big Red Challenge?

I’m not an experienced four-wheel driver myself, but with the right gear and a grasp of the basics, I thought it was surprisingly manageable. And even if you’d rather not get behind the wheel, Big Red is worth the visit (even if you walk up), especially at sunset, when the shifting colours of the sand and sky create a gorgeous view.

It’s located just 35 kilometres from Birdsville, it’s one of those Aussie bucket-list stops that captures the raw beauty and spirit of the outback.

As an added bonus, once you’ve conquered the climb up Big Red, you don’t have to stop there. Keep driving and you’ll enter the Munga-Thirri National Park (Simpson Desert), where a vast playground of dunes stretches as far as the eye can see.

It’s a paradise for 4WD enthusiasts, with endless opportunities to test your skills while discovering bursts of wildflowers, spotting desert wildlife, and setting up for truly off-grid camping.

2. Grab a drink at the Hotel

The Birdsville Hotel is more than just a place to stay, it’s an outback icon with everything you could want under one roof, including a lively bar, relaxed lounge, hearty restaurant, welcoming beer garden, and comfortable accommodation.

Stopping here at least once during your trip is a must, but we chose to make it our base, and you can read our full review of the Birdsville hotel here.

Take a moment to admire the historic stone architecture, enjoy a few cold drinks in the bar, or sit down to a classic country meal after a day of exploring.

The building itself is steeped in history and proudly listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, alongside the Birdsville Courthouse, making it a landmark that blends heritage, hospitality, and true outback character.

3. Learn about the Beetle Car

Meet Onslo, the little blue Volkswagen Beetle with a big story to tell!

This plucky car was the very first Beetle to conquer the Simpson Desert, successfully tackling all 1,100 sand dunes along the way, including the mighty Big Red. An incredible feat for such a small vehicle!

Today, you can see Onslo proudly displayed at the Birdsville Roadhouse, where it continues to impress travellers with its remarkable outback achievement.

4. Find a Sturt Desert Pea wildflower

One flower I’d always hoped to see in person was the iconic Sturt Desert Pea. With its deep crimson petals and striking black centre, it’s one of Australia’s most recognisable wildflowers.

To my delight, I didn’t have to trek far and spotted it growing proudly in a small garden right outside the Birdsville Bakery. Ordinarily, I’m not someone who gets overly excited about flowers, but I knew Outback Queensland had a reputation for wild blooms, and I happened to be travelling at just the right time of year to see them.

Some of the most striking displays I saw of Australian wildflowers appeared just outside of Eromanga, dotting the landscape in bursts of colour. I also came across even more vibrant patches after crossing over Big Red and venturing closer to the Simpson Desert.

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5. Find the Waddi Trees

The Waddi Tree (or Acacia Peuce) is a rare and remarkable tree species found only in a few pockets of central Australia. Just 12 kilometres north of Birdsville, on the road to Bedourie, you’ll come across one of the most concentrated stands of these ancient trees, easily spotted on the left-hand side of the road.

Reaching heights of up to 15–18 metres, the Waddi Tree is perfectly adapted to the harsh, arid conditions of the Outback. Its long, needle-like leaves minimise water loss, and its incredibly dense, slow-growing wood makes it one of the hardest timbers in the world

So tough, in fact, that even axes and saws struggle to cut through it. These trees are living testaments to resilience, with lifespans stretching well over 200 years.

6. Visit the Burke and Wills Tree

The Burke and Wills Tree is a historic landmark located just outside of Birdsville, across the Diamantina River. You can reach it easily from the main road or by taking the Diamantina Crossing road.

The tree is said to mark one of the final campsites of the ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition before they pushed further south towards Innamincka, where their journey came to a tragic end.

It’s important to note that the tree you’ll see here is actually a replica, as the original stands on private property and is not accessible to the public.

7. Take a Scenic Flight

Are you keen to see Birdsville and the surrounding Outback from above? Scenic flights are a fantastic way to appreciate the vast landscapes, leaving right from the small airport next to the iconic Birdsville Hotel.

One of the most popular options is a short flight over the Big Red Sand Dune, especially at sunset, when the shifting colours of the desert are truly spectacular. Flights can start as short as 25 minutes, taking in the Diamantina River and surrounding Channel Country, but there are also longer options if you’re after something more adventurous.

Some tours extend further afield, giving you the chance to soar over Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda), or follow the routes of legendary outback explorers from the air.

8. Admire the Royal Hotel Ruins

The Royal Hotel was originally built in 1883 and was one of three hotels operating in Birdsville at the time. For its first 40 years, it served as a popular watering hole and meeting point for locals and travellers.

From 1923 to 1937, the Australian Inland Mission leased the building, converting it into the Inland Mission Hospital to provide vital medical care for remote outback communities.

By the late 1970s, the hotel had fallen into disrepair, but in 1978 it was officially listed for restoration and preservation. Today, the Royal Hotel still stands as an important heritage site, a weathered but fascinating reminder of Birdsville’s pioneering past.

While you can’t stop in for a drink anymore, the building remains a significant piece of local history and a popular stop for visitors interested in the stories of Australia’s outback.

9. Take Local Tours

Maybe you don’t own a four-wheel drive or your vehicle just isn’t cut out for tackling the steep slopes of Big Red, the tallest sand dune in the Simpson Desert. Don’t worry, they’ve got you covered with this incredible sunset tour that takes you right to the top, complete with snacks and drinks to enjoy as the sun dips below the horizon.

Even though we managed to drive up Big Red ourselves, the guided experience offered something entirely different. There’s something special about hearing the stories, history, and local insights directly from those who know the land best.

Our guide, Alex, was fantastic, friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about sharing the magic of the region. The tour felt personal and relaxed, making it one of the most memorable activities we’ve done in Outback Queensland.

If you’re short on time, unsure about driving in the dunes, or just want to sit back and take it all in with a cold drink in hand, this tour is the perfect way to experience Big Red at its very best.

10. Visit the local Billabong

The Birdsville Billabong runs parallel to town and is one of the most scenic and relaxing spots to visit. It’s a fantastic place to watch the sunset reflecting across the water, with the wide open skies of Outback Queensland putting on a show of colour each evening.

During the day, the billabong is perfect for walking, paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, or fishing. The calm waters make it accessible and a refreshing change from the dusty outback landscape.

It’s also a true oasis for local birdlife like pelicans, cormorants, and various waterfowl often gathering here. This makes it a dream location for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

11. Wirrarri Tourist Information Centre

The Wirrarri Tourist Information Centre is your one-stop hub for everything you need during your time in Birdsville. It’s not just a place to grab a map, it’s a welcoming community space that gives visitors a deeper connection to the region.

Inside, you’ll find a large display area showcasing local history, Aboriginal culture, fascinating outback stories, and handcrafted goods from local artisans. There are also maps, guidebooks, and pamphlets covering all the must-see attractions and hidden gems in Birdsville and beyond.

It’s also the best spot to book tours, meet your guides before heading out on an adventure, or simply stop in to plan the next leg of your journey. With the bonus of free Wi-Fi, comfy seating, and friendly staff who are full of local knowledge, it’s worth dropping by more than once during your stay.

12. Artesian Bore Head & Cooling Ponds

Did you know that Birdsville’s town water supply is one of its most fascinating features?

It runs on a combination of artesian bore water and a river water reticulated system, with an ingenious design to make it usable in such an extreme environment. The artesian bore was drilled back in 1961, tapping into the Great Artesian Basin, one of the world’s largest underground water reservoirs.

The water that comes up is naturally heated to an incredible 97–99°C, almost boiling straight from the ground! To make it drinkable, the water is passed through a series of above-ground cooling towers (known locally as “cooling tubes”) before it’s piped into homes and businesses.

With a closed head pressure of 1200 kPa and an unrestricted flow of around 40 litres per second, this bore is a true engineering marvel and a lifeline for Birdsville. It’s a reminder of just how resourceful outback towns must be to thrive in such harsh conditions.

13. Eat a Camel Pie at the bakery

No visit to Birdsville is complete without stopping at the local bakery to try their famous camel pies, a true culinary icon of the area. Beyond that, it’s the perfect spot for freshly brewed coffee, buttery pastries, artisan bread, indulgent slices, and decadent cakes.

Open for breakfast and lunch six days a week (closed on Mondays), the bakery is more than just a place to eat, it’s a treasure of local stories and memorabilia, with walls that tell the history and character of the town.

14. Add to the Tree of Shoes collection

About 30 kilometres from town on the road to Bedourie, you’ll find the quirky “Shoe Tree”, a true testament to Australian humour and creativity.

Over the years, travellers have added their own footwear to the branches, turning it into a colourful, ever-evolving roadside attraction.

It’s one of those offbeat stops that makes the outback feel fun, surprising, and uniquely memorable.

15. Visit the Carcory Ruins

The Carcory Homestead, built from sturdy limestone in 1877, stands as a haunting reminder of Australia’s early pastoral days. After years of relentless drought and the devastating loss of 4,000 bullocks, the owners were forced to abandon the property.

Today, the weathered ruins tell a story of perseverance, hardship, and the harsh realities faced by early settlers. Walking among its remnants, you can almost sense the lives that once thrived here and gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges of outback life.

16. Birdsville Races

The Birdsville Races started in September 1882 where stockmen came together from both Queensland and South Australia. Today, the Races has around $200,000 in prize money and attracts over 6000 tourists each year.

The event runs over 13 days. However, the main draw cards will be on Friday and Saturday. This is the longest race at 1600metres, starting in a chute, and runs in a circumference of the 2000 metre track.

17. Big Red Bash

Every July, Birdsville comes alive with one of Australia’s most iconic music festivals, the Big Red Bash. Set against the isolated backdrop of the Simpson Desert and the towering Big Red Sand Dune, this three-night festival showcases legendary Australian artists performing under the outback stars.

In 2023, a world record was set with 5,838 participants dancing to Tina Turners “Nutbush”, right here, in this very spot!

The event has grown so popular that it now draws more than 10,000 visitors from across Australia and around the world, making it even bigger than the famous Birdsville Races.

18. Serpent Rock

Something to add to your list when driving into town is the striking Dreamtime Serpent Rock! This impressive Indigenous art installation sits atop a hill just outside Betoota, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s cultural heritage.

Look for the sign marking the rest area with toilets, the giant sculpture is located directly across the road. If you’re coming from Windorah or Betoota, it’s a little harder to spot from the road, so keep your eyes peeled. It’s a fantastic photo opportunity and a meaningful reminder of the stories and traditions that have shaped this part of the outback.

19. Betoota Pub

Grab a pie, a sausage roll, or stop in for a cold drink, the Betoota Pub is a quintessential outback stopover, especially when driving in from Windorah. Inside, you’ll find a mix of rustic charm, memorabilia, and quirky décor that tells the story of this tiny town.

Outside, a vintage car adds to the pub’s iconic character, making it a favourite spot for photos and a true taste of outback life. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a refreshing drink, or just a memorable experience, the Betoota Pub is a must-visit on your road trip.

How to Get there?

Driving

Since Birdsville is located about 1500 kilometres from the Queensland capital, Brisbane, you will need a couple of overnight stops to get out there. This took us about 2 weeks to complete and where we used Windorah, Quilpie, Charleville, and Cunnamulla, to make the most of our outback experience

Let me tell you that I was expecting the roads to be challenging and rough. The truth is that up until the Development road, everything is now sealed.

Don’t get me wrong, some of the roads are still a little run down and you need to take care. Therefore, please read up on the risks and safety tips of outback Queensland Driving, especially if your planning night driving.

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A few kilometres into the development road will be dirt or gravel for the next 3 hours. Some of this can be corrugated, and conditions depend on the traffic and weather prior.

TIP – Ensure you slow down for any traffic to stop stones breaking the glass windows on your car. 

Flights

Flights are aboard Regional Express Airways or “REX” for short. They only depart from Brisbane and take about 6 hours with 4 stopovers along the way ( Toowoomba, Charleville, Quilpie & Windorah). Yep, sorry you get the milk run!

This journey will not run every day and is currently scheduled at:

• Monday & Thursday, Departing Brisbane to Birdsville
• Tuesdays and Fridays, Departing Birdsville to Brisbane

In the end, best to check on the Regional Express website for current times and prices available.

Where to Stay?

Birdsville Hotel

We were lucky this trip with no camping gear in tow, so we opted for accommodation at the Birdsville Hotel. Realistically, if you don’t have your own caravan, camper, or tent, there are only two main options in town: the historic Hotel or the cabin-style accommodation at the Caravan Park.

My biggest tip is to book well in advance (at least a month or two ahead), no matter what time of year you plan to visit. With limited availability, rooms sell out quickly, especially around major events like the Birdsville Races or the Big Red Bash.

Hotel rooms are simple yet comfortable, typically set up to sleep three, either with single beds or a convenient double-and-single combination. While options are limited, both the Hotel and Caravan Park provide a welcome retreat after long days of exploring the outback.

Caravan Park

The Birdsville Caravan Park is a great alternative if you’re travelling with your own setup. Conveniently located within walking distance of the Birdsville Hotel, you can easily stroll over for a drink, a hearty pub meal, or to soak up the lively atmosphere before heading back to your site.

The park offers both powered and non-powered sites, catering to caravans, campers, and tents.

Facilities include clean bathrooms, a fully equipped camp kitchen, laundry services, and a dedicated campfire area where travellers often gather to share stories under the stars.

For those who prefer something more comfortable, the Birdsville Caravan Park also offers a range of motel-style units and self-contained cabins. These are ideal if you’re after extra convenience, with facilities that make longer stays easier.

In addition, there’s a lodging section located beside the Hotel, which includes simple rooms paired with access to a shared camp kitchen, a practical option for budget-conscious travellers who still want to be close to the action.

Free Camping

Right on the banks of the Diamantina River you’ll find Birdsville’s free camping area, a popular spot for those travelling with a fully self-sufficient setup.

It’s an open “free-for-all” space, meaning there are no powered sites or facilities provided, so you’ll need to bring everything with you, including water and waste management.

When I visited, this section was fairly quiet as it was outside peak season, but during major events like the Big Red Bash or the Birdsville Races, it quickly becomes packed with campers.

Because it operates on a first-come, first-served basis, arriving early is essential if you’re relying on this type of accommodation. Despite the simplicity, camping here offers a classic outback experience, falling asleep under the stars and waking up to sunrise over the river is hard to beat.

Where to Eat?

Choice for eating out are limited in town, but you will have everything you need from the spots below:

• Bakery
• Hotel
• Humpty Café
• Road house

The bakery is open for breakfast and lunch, as well as plenty of snacks throughout the day. While the Hotel caters to lunch and dinner. The Roadhouse is your one-stop-shop for groceries, fuel, souvenirs, hot snacks, and your mechanic.

Best Time to Visit?

The best time to visit Birdsville is during the cooler, drier months between May and September. Summer in outback Queensland can be brutally hot, with daytime temperatures regularly soaring above 40°C, making it uncomfortable (and at times unsafe).

In contrast, winter brings mild, pleasant days averaging in the low to mid-20s, with crisp, cool nights perfect for camping under the stars.

Of course, many travellers time their visit to coincide with Birdsville’s iconic events. This includes the world-famous Birdsville Races in September or the Big Red Bash in July. Both draw thousands of visitors and transform the usually quiet town into a buzzing hub of energy, music, and celebration.

Personally, I chose to visit when neither of these events were happening. While the town wasn’t buzzing with crowds, I actually preferred the quieter atmosphere. It meant I could wander the streets at my own pace, chat to locals without the rush, and fully appreciate Birdsville’s charm without battling the queues.

Wrap up!

Thanks for joining me on this journey through the best things to do in Birdsville, Queensland. I think it’s so much more than just a dot on the map, it’s a destination that captures the raw beauty, resilience, and spirit of the Australian outback.

And if you’re still in the research phase, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Be sure to check out more of my Outback Queensland insider tips here for extra ideas, travel hacks, and hidden gems to help you make the most of your trip.

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• Things to do in Winton that are worth visiting!