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
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
The Roadies route from Brisbane tracks south west to the historic county town of Toowoomba on the edge of the Great Dividing Range. Roadies will then travel directly west to the outback town of Roma, home to the largest cattle yards in the southern hemisphere, the region also has a rich oil and gas history. Trek west towards opal county and the outback town of Quipie. Your convey will then continue north west towards the heart of the channel country to the character outback town of Windorah where, if arriving on Wed 1st Sept, you could 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.
| City / Town |
KM |
Camping & Notes |
| Brisbane – Toowoomba |
127 |
BIG4 Toowoomba Garden City Holiday Park |
| Toowoomba – Roma |
351 |
Big Rig Tourist Park – Roma |
| Quilpie |
478 |
Channel Country Tourist Park – Quilpie. Meet QLD route at Quilpie |
| Quilpie – Windorah |
246 |
Windorah Camping Grounds. Annual “International Yabbie Races” at Windorah Hotel on Wed 1st Sept |
| Windorah – Birdsville |
379 |
* 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:
- Make your first stop on the history trail the Toowoomba Cobb+Co Museum. You’ll find an outstanding collection of horse-drawn vehicles and the story of the natural and cultural history of Toowoomba and the Darling Downs. You can trace Cobb+Co’s role in the expansion of the Southern Queensland Country region, beginning as a small mail run in 1866 transporting mail and passengers to Brisbane and beyond.
- In Roma, get a feel for the outback by perching on a fence or taking a coveted possie on the viewing platform to watch the action at Roma Saleyards – the largest in the southern hemisphere. If you time your visit for a Tuesday, you may witness the sale of up to 12,000 head of cattle in a single day.
- Don’t miss the Roma Big Rig Oil and Gas Interpretative Centre and Night Show Sunset Experience for an interactive insight into the hardships and heroic stories of oil drilling and exploration.
- Throughout the Roma region there is spectacular ancient landscapes and unique flora and fauna. There are eight established tourist drives, perfect for the 4WD enthusiast looking to get off the beaten track, plus fully guided eco tours available. Carnarvon Gorge National Park offers towering white cliffs, huge rock overhangs adorned with ochre stencils and engravings from an ancient and ongoing culture and an array of well-established walking trails
- Explore the Quilpie Shire Museum, Military History Museum, Rail Museum and Regional Gallery all attached to the centre.
- Quilpie is home to “The Jewel of the Outback”, the boulder opal. See the opal in all its glory at St. Finbarr’s Church with the spectacular Opal Altar, Font & Lectern or try your luck at the free opal fossicking area 2km west of town.
- Don’t miss the literal ‘End of the Line’, Bulloo River Walk
- When in Windorah, you’re 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.
- If arriving on Wed 1st Sept, you could enjoy a great evening at the famous annual “International Yabby Races” at the Windorah Hotel
Key Contacts
Big Rig Tourist Park – Roma, 07 4622 2538, bigrig.net.au
Channel Country Tourist Park – Quilpie, 07 4656 2087
Windorah: Email windorahinfo@barcoo.qld.gov.au
NSW Route
Sydney to Birdsville
Departing the beautiful harbour city, Roadies will journey North West towards the centre of NSW and the picturesque town of Dubbo. Roadies then venture further North West towards the historic outback town of Bourke on the mighty Darling River where you will cross paths with fellow Roadies from Victoria. Crossing into QLD Roadies will travel further north west, en route to the outback town of Quilpie, via Cunnamulla on the Warrego River. At Quilpie you 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. 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.
| City / Town |
KM |
Camping & Notes |
| Sydney – Dubbo |
382 |
Discovery Parks – Dubbo |
| Dubbo – Bourke |
380 |
Kidman’s Camp – Bourke. Join up with VIC route at Bourke |
| Bourke – Quilpie |
541 |
Channel Country Tourist Park – Quilpie. Meet QLD route at Quilpie |
| Quilpie – Windorah |
246 |
Windorah Camping Grounds. Annual “International Yabbie Races” at Windorah Hotel on Wed 1st Sept |
| Windorah – Birdsville |
379 |
* The towns and dates proposed are suggested only. Roadies can connect with each other, go off-road set your own itinerary with like-minded Roadies as this isn’t a guided tour.
Be sure to check out:
- When in Dubbo take in the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, The Royal Flying Doctor Visitor Centre, Dubbo Observatory & the historic Dubbo Jail tours.
- 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
- Explore the Quilpie Shire Museum, Military History Museum, Rail Museum and Regional Gallery all attached to the centre.
- Quilpie is home to “The Jewel of the Outback”, the boulder opal. See the opal in all its glory at St. Finbarr’s Church with the spectacular Opal Altar, Font & Lectern or try your luck at the free opal fossicking area 2km west of town.
- Don’t miss the literal ‘End of the Line’, Bulloo River Walk
- 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.
- If arriving on Wed 1st Sept, you could enjoy a great evening at the famous annual “International Yabby Races” at the Windorah Hotel
Key Contacts
Nyngan Riverside Tourist Park, 02 6832 1729,
http://www.nynganriverside.com.au/tourist-park
Nyngan Visitor Information Centre, (02) 6832 1052
Old Railway Station, Nyngan, (02) 6832 1052
Warrego Riverside Tourist Park – Cunnamulla, 07 4655 0097,
http://www.warregoriversidetouristpark.com.au
Windorah Caravan Park, Ph: 07 4656 3063
VIC Route
Melbourne to Birdsville
The Vics love chasing the sun after their long cold winter! 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, first stop Deniliquin just over the VIC/NSW border on the picturesque Edward River. Roadies then continue the journey directly north, destination the historic outback town of Bourke where they will join Roadies en route from Sydney.
Crossing into QLD Roadies will travel North West to the outback town of Quilpie, via Cunnamulla on the Warrego River. At Quilpie you 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. 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.
| City / Town |
KM |
Camping & Notes |
| Melbourne – Deniliquin |
300 |
Big4 Deniliquin on the Edward River |
| Deniliquin – Bourke |
693 |
Kidman’s Camp – Bourke . Join up with NSW Roadies at Bourke |
| Bourke – Quilpie |
541 |
Channel Country Tourist Park – Quilpie. Meet VIC & NSW route at Quilpie |
| Quilpie – Windorah |
246 |
Windorah Camping Grounds. Annual “International Yabbie Races” at Windorah Hotel on Wed 1st Sept |
| Windorah – Birdsville |
379 |
* 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:
- When in Deniliquin Cruise the magnificent Edward River or hire a Kayak.
- 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
- Explore the Quilpie Shire Museum, Military History Museum, Rail Museum and Regional Gallery all attached to the centre.
- Quilpie is home to “The Jewel of the Outback”, the boulder opal. See the opal in all its glory at St. Finbarr’s Church with the spectacular Opal Altar, Font & Lectern or try your luck at the free opal fossicking area 2km west of town.
- Don’t miss the literal ‘End of the Line’, Bulloo River Walk
- 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.
- If arriving on Wed 1st Sept, you could enjoy a great evening at the famous annual “International Yabby Races” at the Windorah Hotel
Key Contacts
https://big4deniliquin.com.au
Kidman’s Camp – Bourke (02) 6872 1612, http://www.kidmanscamp.com.au/bourke
Channel Country Tourist Park – Quilpie, 07 4656 2087
Windorah; Email windorahinfo@barcoo.qld.gov.au
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.
| City / Town |
KM |
Camping & Notes |
| Adelaide – Parachilna |
470 |
Parachilna “Prairie Hotel” Parachilna Campgrounds |
| Parachilna – Mungeranie |
388 |
Mungeranie Hotel & Campgrounds |
| 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
