Bee-line or Meander
GO YOUR OWN WAY…
It’s the journey itself that is the true essence of what being a Roadie is all about! This is where you will create your memories, make lifelong friends, experience the amazing vastness of the great Australian outback – and you do it all at your own pace with like-minded Roadies.
Your official Roadies Route for each state (QLD, NSW, VIC, and SA) are detailed below with recommended camping at overnight stops, key contacts and recommended activities to enjoy en route with your fellow Roadies.
The towns and dates proposed are suggested only. Roadies can connect with each other, go off-road set your own itinerary with likeminded Roadies as this isn’t a guided tour.
Over the coming months, we will continue to release Roadies benefits and suggested leisure and hospitality options for Roadies to share together.
…WITH EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO ROADIES RESOURCES
camping & accommodation options
Preferential access to overnight stay.
Hospitality options
For selected Roadie pubs and hopitality outlets en route.
Route & sightseeing options
Route suggestions to ensure you see some of the best bits of the great Ausatralian outback
roadies routes – all roads lead to birdsville
QLD Route
Brisbane to Birdsville
Queenslanders are notoriously passionate about their state and love nothing better than travelling intrastate supporting their fellow Queenslander, often with a ice cold beer in hand. They also know how to have a great time.
The Roadies route from Brisbane tracks south west to the historic county town of Goondiwindi on the Macintyre River. Roadies will then travel directly west to the outback town of Cunnamulla on the Warrego River where you will meet up with Roadies converging from NSW and VIC. Your convey will then continue north west towards the heart of the channel country to the character outback town of Windorah where you will enjoy a great evening at the famous annual “International Yabby Races” at the Windorah Hotel. The next day you will make the final part of the trek to Birdsville to experience the magic of the races and the many attractions the town and surrounds have to offer.
| Date | City / Town |
KM |
Camping & Notes |
| Mon 2nd | Brisbane – Goondiwindi |
360 |
Goondiwini Holiday Park – sites & cabins |
| Tues 3rd | Goondiwindi – Cunnamulla |
495 |
Warrego Riverside Tourist Park – Cunnamulla Meet VIC & NSW route at Cunnamulla overnight |
| Wed 4th | Cunnamulla – Windorah |
540 |
Annual International Yabby Races at Windorah Hotel Windorah Caravan Park |
| Thurs 5th | Windorah – Birdsville |
379 |
Roadies campground provided at Birdsville |
* The towns and dates proposed are suggested only. Roadies can connect with each other, go off-road set your own itinerary with likeminded Roadies as this isn’t a guided tour.
Be sure to check out:
- The great Macintyre River at Goondiwindi, which creates a scenic backdrop to the many historic heritage buildings at this friendly and prosperous country town
- Sandboarding at Cunnamulla!? No way! That’s right, you will find sand dunes 850kms from the beach in Cunnamulla. The climb to the top of the town’s natural sand dunes may be tough but the thrilling rush sliding down will make you want to go again, again and again.
- Visit the striking Cunnamulla Fella statue in town before watching the sunset over the Warrego River from your campsite
- When in Windorah, you’re also in channel country, where waterways are braided through the arid towns of the west. Spend some time exploring Cooper’s Creek, formed by the meeting of Longreach’s Thomson River and Tambo’s Barcoo River. The 12km drive to the creek is its own adventure, with over 45 plant species identified and described on interpretive signage. Once on the banks of the creek, feel free to cast a line to hook yellowbelly
- Step back in time at Windorah Whitula Gate Museum, where an old slab hut built in 1906 stands tall as the museum’s centrepiece. With an 1800’s homestead and station equipment, take a peek into outback life in the pioneering days.
Key Contacts
Goondiwindi Holiday Park 07 4671 2900, https://www.goondiwindiholidaypark.com.au
Warrego Riverside Toursit Park – Cunnamulla, Ph: 07 4655 0097, http://www.warregoriversidetouristpark.com.au
Windorah Caravan Park, Ph: 07 4656 3063
NSW Route
Sydney to Birdsville
The Rugby State of Origin will be over and it will once again be safe for the New South Welshmen (and women) to venture north over the border and experience a road trip of a lifetime.
Departing the beautiful harbour city, Roadies will journey North West towards the centre of NSW and the picturesque town of Nyngan on the Bogan River. Day 2 Roadies venture north towards the historic outback town of Bourke where you will cross paths with fellow Roadies from Victoria. Roadies will then travel directly north, crossing the border en route to the outback town of Cunnamulla on the Warrego River where you will also meet up with Roadies converging from Brisbane. Your convey will then continue north west towards the heart of the channel country to the character outback town of Windorah where you can enjoy the evening at the famous annual “International Yabby Races” at the Windorah Hotel. The next day you will make the final part of the trek to Birdsville to experience the magic of the races and the many attractions the town and surrounds have to offer.
| Date | City / Town |
KM |
Camping & Notes |
| Mon 2nd | Sydney – Nyngan |
560 |
Nyngan Riverside Tourist Park |
| Tues 3rd | Nyngan – Cunnamulla |
460 |
Cross paths with VIC route from Bourke on this day, meet overnight at Cunnamulla Warrego Riverside Tourist Park – Cunnamulla |
| Wed 4th | Cunnamulla – Windorah |
540 |
Annual International Yabby Races at Windorah Hotel Windorah Caravan Park |
| Thurs 5th | Windorah – Birdsville |
379 |
Roadies campground provided at Birdsville |
* The towns and dates proposed are suggested only. Roadies can connect with each other, go off-road set your own itinerary with likeminded Roadies as this isn’t a guided tour.
Be sure to check out:
- Take time to explore the Nyngan Museum at the old Railway Station, containing history of the area stretching back to 1836. Features railway displays, history of the huge 1990 floods, station life and other interesting items
- Discover the incredible history of the region at the Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre and take a cruise on the mighty Darling River
- Sandboarding at Cunnamulla!? No way! You will find sand dunes 850kms from the beach in Cunnamulla. The climb to the top of the town’s natural sand dunes may be tough but the thrilling rush sliding down will make you want to go again, again and again.
- Visit the striking Cunnamulla Fella statue in town before watching the sunset over the Warrego River from your campsite
- When in Windorah, you’re also in channel country, where waterways are braided through the arid towns of the west. Spend the day exploring Cooper’s Creek, formed by the meeting of Longreach’s Thomson River and Tambo‘s Barcoo River. The 12km drive to the creek is its own adventure, with over 45 plant species identified and described on interpretive signage. Once on the banks of the creek, feel free to cast a line to hook yellowbelly
- Step back in time at Windorah Whitula Gate Museum, where an old slab hut built in 1906 stands tall as the museum’s centrepiece. With an 1800’s homestead and station equipment, take a peek into outback life in the pioneering days.
Key Contacts
Nyngan Riverside Tourist Park, Ph: 02 6832 1729, http://www.nynganriverside.com.au/tourist-park
Nyngan Visitor Information Centre, Ph: (02) 6832 1052, Old Railway Station, Nyngan, Ph: (02) 6832 1052
Warrego Riverside Toursit Park – Cunnamulla, Ph: 07 4655 0097, http://www.warregoriversidetouristpark.com.au
Windorah Caravan Park, Ph: 07 4656 3063
VIC Route
Melbourne to Birdsville
Victoria’s winter is unforgiving, and the Vics love chasing the sun after the long cold season! Their own spring carnival is something special, but nothing matches this journey and original outback racing in the nation’s heart!
The Roadies route departs Melbourne with an epic journey north crossing the NSW border, destination Hillston on the picturesque Lachlan River. Roadies will then venture north towards the historic outback town of Bourke where you will cross paths with NSW Roadies, en route from Sydney.
Your journey will then travel directly north, crossing the QLD border en route to the outback town of Cunnamulla on the Warrego River where you will also meet up with Roadies converging from Brisbane. The convoy will then continue north-west towards the heart of the channel country to the character outback town of Windorah where you can enjoy the evening at the famous annual “International Yabby Races” at the Windorah Hotel. The next day you will make the final part of the trek to Birdsville to experience the magic of the races and the many attractions the town and surrounds have to offer.
| Date | City / Town |
KM |
Camping & Notes |
| Mon 2nd | Melbourne – Hillston |
570 |
Hillston on the Lachlan River |
| Tues 3rd | Hillston – Cunnamulla |
670 |
Cross paths with NSW route from Bourke on this day, meet overnight at Cunnamulla Hillston Caravan Park |
| Wed 4th | Cunnamulla – Windorah |
540 |
Annual International Yabby Races at Windorah Hotel Windorah Caravan Park |
| Thurs 5th | Windorah – Birdsville |
379 |
Roadies campground provided at Birdsville |
* The towns and dates proposed are suggested only. Roadies can connect with each other, go off-road set your own itinerary with likeminded Roadies as this isn’t a guided tour.
Be sure to check out:
- Hillston’s Museum and heritage walk, then take in the magnificent Willandra National Park
- Discover the incredible history of the region at the Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre and take a cruise on the mighty Darling River
- Sandboarding at Cunnamulla!? No way! You will find sand dunes 850kms from the beach in Cunnamulla. The climb to the top of the town’s natural sand dunes may be tough but the thrilling rush sliding down will make you want to go again, again and again.
- Visit the striking Cunnamulla Fella statue in town before watching the sunset over the Warrego River from your campsite
- When in Windorah, you’re also in channel country, where waterways are braided through the arid towns of the west. Spend the day exploring Cooper’s Creek, formed by the meeting of Longreach’s Thomson River and Tambo‘s Barcoo River. The 12km drive to the creek is its own adventure, with over 45 plant species identified and described on interpretive signage. Once on the banks of the creek, feel free to cast a line to hook yellowbelly.
- Step back in time at Windorah Whitula Gate Museum, where an old slab hut built in 1906 stands tall as the museum’s With an 1800’s homestead and station equipment, take a peek into outback life in the pioneering days.
Key Contacts
Hillston Caravan Park, Ph (02) 6967 257
Warrego Riverside Toursit Park – Cunnamulla, Ph: 07 4655 0097, http://www.warregoriversidetouristpark.com.au
Windorah Caravan Park, Ph: 07 4656 3063
SA Route
Adelaide to Birdsville
Living in the driest state in the driest continent, South Aussies are fond of the challenge and adventure of northern outback travel. The Birdsville and Strzelecki Tracks are legendary aspirational treks for South Aussies and all Australians!
Roadies depart Adelaide making the journey north in the shadows of the spectacular Flinders Ranges, en route to Parachilna on the edge of the Flinders. After exploring the Southern Flinders and filling up on the “Feral Mixed Grill’ at the Parachilna Prairie Hotel, Roadies will continue their journey north past the Northern Flinders and famous mining towns of Copley & Leigh Creek before arriving at Marree and the start of the famous rugged Birdsville Track. After stopping for a beer at the Marree Hotel and perhaps a scenic flight around Lake Eyre, Roadies begin the 517 Km long Birdsville Track with the Mugeranie Hotel their destination for the evening. After refreshing yourself with a hearty pub meal and swim in the Mungeranie thermal pool, Roadies will continue their epic journey up the Birdsville Track from Mugeranie to Birdsville to experience the magic of the races and the many attractions the town and surrounds have to offer.
| Date | City / Town |
KM |
Camping & Notes |
| Tues 3rd | Adelaide – Parachilna |
470 |
Parachilna “Prairie Hotel” Parachilna Campgrounds |
| Wed 4th | Parachilna – Mungeranie |
388 |
Mungeranie Hotel & Campgrounds |
| Thurs 5th | Mungeranie – Birdsville |
277 |
Roadies campground provided at Birdsville |
* The towns and dates proposed are suggested only. Roadies can connect with each other, go off-road set your own itinerary with likeminded Roadies as this isn’t a guided tour.
Be sure to check out:
- Explore the magnificent southern Flinders Ranges, Wilpena Pound, Brachina Gorge, The Heysen Trail, St Mary’s Peak, historic Blinman mining town
- Try the famous “FMG – Feral Mixed Grill” at Parachilna’s Prairie Hotel”, listed as one of the top 100 gourmet experiences in Australia.
- Nilpena Station Fossil Tours
- From Marree Take a scenic flight over magnificent Lake Eyre and take in the mysterious “Marree man”
- Mungeranie Wetlands & Thermal pool
- Take the 4WD Challenge over “Big Red” near Birdsville
Key Contacts
Prairie Hotel, PH: 1800 331 473, http://www.prairiehotel.com.au
Mungeranie Hotel, (08) 8675 8317, https://www.mungeranniehotel.com.au
Registrations Closed
Registrations are now closed for 2019. To be notified when registrations are open for the 2020 Birdsville Races, please sign up here and we'll let you know.
