Birdsville, Queensland 作者： 来源： 发布时间：2021-03-24
I. Population and Area
Total area: 24 km²
Population in 2016: 140
https://quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2016/quickstat/SSC30261
II. Natural Geography
-Climate
Weather in January
January, like December, in Birdsville, Australia, is another sweltering summer month, with average temperature ranging between min 24.2°C (75.6°F) and max 38.8°C (101.8°F). The warmest month is January, with an average high-temperature of 38.8°C (101.8°F) and an average low-temperature of 24.2°C (75.6°F). In Birdsville, it is raining for 2.5 days, with typically 24.7mm (1") of accumulated precipitation.
Weather in February
The last month of the summer, February, is another very hot month in Birdsville, Australia, with average temperature varying between 24.1°C (75.4°F) and 37.8°C (100°F). In February, the average high-temperature is relatively the same as in January - a still sweltering 37.8°C (100°F).
Weather in March
March, the first month of the autumn, in Birdsville, is still a very hot month, with temperature in the range of an average low of 21.1°C (70°F) and an average high of 35.1°C (95.2°F). In Birdsville, the average high-temperature is relatively the same as in February - a still sweltering 35.1°C (95.2°F).
Weather in April
April, the same as March, in Birdsville, Australia, is a hot autumn month, with average temperature ranging between max 30.3°C (86.5°F) and min 16.2°C (61.2°F). In April, the average high-temperature slightly decreases, from a torrid 35.1°C (95.2°F) in March, to a tropical 30.3°C (86.5°F).
Weather in May
May, the last month of the autumn, in Birdsville, is another warm month, with temperature in the range of an average low of 11.3°C (52.3°F) and an average high of 24.8°C (76.6°F). In Birdsville, the average high-temperature in May decreases, from a tropical 30.3°C (86.5°F) in April, to a warm 24.8°C (76.6°F).
Weather in June
The first month of the winter, June, is also an agreeable month in Birdsville, Australia, with average temperature varying between 21.6°C (70.9°F) and 7.9°C (46.2°F). In June, the average high-temperature slightly decreases, from a moderately hot 24.8°C (76.6°F) in May, to an agreeable 21.6°C (70.9°F).
Weather in July
July, like June, is an agreeable winter month in Birdsville, Australia, with average temperature ranging between max 20.8°C (69.4°F) and min 6.6°C (43.9°F). July is the coldest month, with an average high-temperature of 20.8°C (69.4°F) and an average low-temperature of 6.6°C (43.9°F). Weather in August
August, the last month of the winter, in Birdsville, is a moderately hot month, with average temperature ranging between max 23.5°C (74.3°F) and min 8.3°C (46.9°F). In Birdsville, the average high-temperature in August is practically the same as in July - a warm 23.5°C (74.3°F). Weather in September
The first month of the spring, September, is also a moderately hot month in Birdsville, Australia, with temperature in the range of an average low of 12.2°C (54°F) and an average high of 28.1°C (82.6°F). In September, the average high-temperature slightly increases, from a moderately hot 23.5°C (74.3°F) in August, to a still warm 28.1°C (82.6°F).
Weather in October
October in Birdsville, Australia, is a hot spring month, with average temperature fluctuating between 32.1°C (89.8°F) and 16.1°C (61°F). In Birdsville, the average high-temperature slightly increases, from a moderately hot 28.1°C (82.6°F) in September, to a hot 32.1°C (89.8°F).
Weather in November
November, the last month of the spring, in Birdsville, is a sweltering month, with average temperature varying between 19.7°C (67.5°F) and 35.5°C (95.9°F). In Birdsville, the average high-temperature marginally rises, from a tropical 32.1°C (89.8°F) in October, to a very hot 35.5°C (95.9°F).
Weather in December
The first month of the summer, December, is still a very hot month in Birdsville, Australia, with average temperature fluctuating between 37.7°C (99.9°F) and 22.5°C (72.5°F). In December, the average high-temperature is essentially the same as in November - a still sweltering 37.7°C (99.9°F).
https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/australia/birdsville-climate
-Geography
Birdsville and Windorah are the most prominent towns in the area. Other settlements include Betoota and Bedourie. Haddon Corner is also located in the Channel Country. The Channel Country is the location for a majority of Min Min light sightings. It is also home to at least two important bird areas, Lake Yamma Yamma and the Lake Machattie Area.
The Channel Country features an arid landscape with a series of ancient flood plains from rivers which only flow intermittently. The principal rivers are Georgina River, Cooper Creek and the Diamantina River. When there is sufficient rainfall in their catchment area these rivers flow into Lake Eyre, South Australia. In most years the flood waters are absorbed into the earth or evaporate, however. One of the most significant rainfall events occurred in 2010 when a monsoonal low from ex-Cyclone Olga created a period of exceptional rainfall.
Land use Edit
The primary land use is cattle grazing which has replaced sheep grazing. It is estimated that in the Queensland section alone there are between half to one million head of cattle. The area's towns and cattle stations are serviced by a mail run that is operated by West Wing Aviation which delivers goods and passengers as well as mail.
In 2013, the Queensland Government placed caps on water extraction from the region's river to prevent the introduction of cotton growing. At the same time open-cut mining was banned but coal seam and underground mining have been permitted after changes were made to the Wild Rivers legislation.
Bioregion Edit
The Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia Channel Country Bioregion covers a larger area, extending into South Australia, the Northern Territory and New South Wales and includes the town of Innamincka.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Channel_Country
The town is situated at the edge of the Simpson desert in the far south-west of Queensland. In the early days, it was a toll point for stock crossing, as it is not far from the South Australian border.
Birdsville is surrounded by sandy plains, that's were the regular dust storms come from. The region doesn't receive much rain, but when it rains, it pours, and the town can be cut off for a couple of days, even weeks.
Despite the dusty surroundings, the Diamantina River provides the town with a lovely permanent waterhole. The billabong, right behind the caravan park, truly is a paradise for bird-watching. The rich bird life gave the little settlement, that was once known as Diamantina Crossing, its final name.
Unfortunately, the billabong is a heaven for mozzies, as well.
Like many rural settlements, this bush town had its ups and downs. Today Birdsville serves as a "major" centre in the huge Diamantina Shire. Well, it is easy to get the "major" status out here when in fact the entire shire has only two towns of any size, and a population of less than 300!
https://www.ritas-outback-guide.com/Birdsville.html
-Transportation
The Birdsville Airport is 48m above sea level and is located adjacent to the iconic Birdsville Hotel. During the Birdsville Races weekend in September as many as 100 light aircraft visit the airport, with aviators permitted to camp under the wings of their planes.
In September 2011, a $1.5 million upgrade was completed which included construction of a new terminal building, resurfacing and the installation of edge lights on 14/32 runway. Extensions to the apron area to provide more aircraft parking and manoeuvring space. The upgrade was funded by the Diamantina Shire Council and Queensland Government's Regional Airport Development Scheme, in response to growth in aviation-related tourism leading to increased movements at the airport.
Currently Avgas and Jet A1 Fuel is available upon request through Birdsville Aviation Fuel Ph: 07 4656 3244. Hours 0700 - 1900 Local. Call-out fee applies outside of these hours. Cash and credit card only.
Landing and Parking Requests
Apart from during the Birdsville Races, Diamantina Shire Council does not have any landing or parking fees.
Details on parking and landing fees during the week of the Birdsville Races are found in July’s version of the En Route Supplement Australia (ERSA).
Airport Parking During Birdsville Races
Details regarding parking at the Birdsville Airport during the races can be found at:
http://www.thediamantina.com.au/birdsville-races-airport-management
https://www.diamantina.qld.gov.au/birdsville-airport-1/birdsville-airport
Birdsville Airport( IATA : BVI, ICAO : YBDV) is an airport serving Birdsville, Queensland, Australia. During the Birdsville Races weekend each September, as many as 200 light aircraft visit the airport, with aviators permitted to camp under the wings of their planes. [2] The Channel Mail Run, the world's longest mail run operates between Port Augusta, South Australia and Birdsville, stopping in the town to collect mail for the remote Queensland cattle stations of Glengyle and Durrie.
In September 2011, a $1.5 million upgrade was completed which included construction of a new terminal building, resurfacing and the installation of edge lights on runway 14/32 and extensions to the apron area to provide more aircraft parking and manoeuvring space. The upgrade was funded by the Diamantina Shire Council and Queensland Government's Regional Airport Development Scheme, in response to growth in aviation-related tourism leading to increased movements at the airport.
Airlines and destinations
Airlines Destinations
Regional Express Airlines Bedourie, Boulia, Brisbane, Charleville, Mount Isa, Quilpie, Toowoomba, Windorah
Regular services that were operated by Skytrans are under contract to the Government of Queensland and were taken over by Regional Express Airlines from 1 January 2015.
Central Eagle Aviation operates scenic flights round Lake Eyre. West Wing Aviation operates mail flights to Port Augusta, Glengyle Station and Durrie Station as part of the Channel Mail Run.
https://wikimili.com/en/Birdsville_Airport
How to get to Birdsville?
You can fly in with your own small air-plane, or with Rex Airlines from Brisbane or Mount Isa.
From the south there is the Birdsville Track from Marree (520 km).
From the east you travel from Windorah along the Birdsville Developmental Road (380 km). This Road is sealed for about 110 km on the Windorah end.
From the north you will get to Birdsville along the Eyre Developmental Road from Bedourie and Boulia (380 km). The route has sealed and unsealed sections.
https://www.ritas-outback-guide.com/Birdsville.html
III. GDP
https://quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2006/quickstat/SSC35265
IV. Industrial Characteristics
Birdsville: An Outback Cultural Icon
Depending on which way you approach it, Birdsville lies at either the start or the end of the Birdsville Track in the corner of South West Queensland, and only 14 kms over the South Australian border.
Situated in Queensland’s beautiful channel country on the eastern fringe of the Simpson Desert, the Birdsville area’s traditional custodians are the Wangkangurru-Yarluyandi people. European visitors to the area can be traced back to 1844 when SA Survey-General and explorer Charles Sturt led expeditions to the area. Burke and Wills also set up ‘Camp 76’ in the region on their return from their disastrous transcontinental trek in 1860.
Soon after, pastoral occupation and development began in the area, and a depot of sorts was set up by merchant Mathew Flynn to service the area and which also became a customs point for stock and supplies entering South Australia. In fact, Birdsville (originally called Diamantina Crossing until officially surveyed in 1885) became a vital part of a 90-year droving era and an important part of Australia’s pastoral history.
The advent of Australian Federation in 1901, saw the abolition of stock and supply tolls at colony borders. From then on, Birdsville, having boasted a community of more than 300 people, saw its numbers dwindle over the years to less than 50 by the middle of the twentieth century.
Iconic Outback Tourism Destination
Although cattle remains a major industry in the area, today’s Birdsville is firmly entrenched as an outback tourism destination.
The town and surrounding area boast many attractions from historical and important landmarks, desert wonders including the extremely rare Waddi tree and red sand dunes as high as 30 metres. There are also significant annual events including the Birdsville Races where the town swells from around 110 to more than 7,000.
https://birdsvillehotel.com.au/about/birdsville-a-short-history/
Key Projects:
2. Birdsville
Birdsville airport receives a runway upgrade
Published Saturday, 24 May, 2014 at 08:00 AM
Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Jeff Seeney
The Birdsville Airport runway will be resealed through the Queensland Government’s $495 million Royalties for the Regions program, ensuring access to critical services.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the government had committed $432,500 in a 50:50 funding partnership with Diamantina Shire Council to upgrade the runway, delivering on key election promises.
“The Birdsville Airport is a critical piece of transport infrastructure in far Western Queensland and provides access for medical services and an increasing number of fly-in fly-out resource exploration teams,” Mr Seeney said.
“These activities, coupled with weekly commercial flights, private visitor flights and use of the airport by the Royal Flying Doctor Service, require the runway to be in good condition.
“This funding demonstrates that only the LNP Government has a strong plan to support growth in regional Queensland. Labor only cared about the south-east corner of the State.
“In contrast Labor ignored the regions and still has no plan to improve funding and provide necessary infrastructure.
“Through Royalties for the Regions, the Birdsville Airport runway will be resurfaced to fill water pooling areas and upgrade the tarmac to ensure the airport remains open into the future.”
Diamantina Shire Council Mayor Geoffrey Moreton said he was pleased council’s Round 3 Royalties for the Regions application had been successful.
“Upgrading of the Birdsville runway ensures that the community, visitors and industry will continue to enjoy access to regular commercial flights and emergency medical support,” Mr Moreton said.
“Council appreciates that the Queensland Government recognises the vital importance of airport infrastructure in our remote area of the State which is pivotal to the continued sustainable development of our shire.”
Mr Seeney said this funding also delivered on the Queensland Government’s election promise to deliver better infrastructure.
“This project is an example of how Royalties for the Regions is directing the royalties earned by our resource sector back into critical infrastructure for Queensland’s regions,” he said.
“To date more than 39 councils across Queensland have received more than $250 million funding through the program, delivering more than 235 kilometres of road upgrades, community infrastructure and flood mitigation projects.”
[ENDS] 24 May 2014
Media Contact: Jane Paterson 0417 281 754 or Elizabeth Spry 0418 928 744
https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/74804
Birdsville geothermal plant to finally get major upgrade
The long-awaited awaited upgrade of Australia’s only operating geothermal plant – at the iconic outback town of Birdsville, looks like it will finally occur after the Queensland government allocated $15 million to the project in the latest budget.
According to local grid operator, Ergon Energy, the Birdsville Geothermal Power Station is the only utility operated geothermal power station in Australia. It uses fairly shallow geothermal heat, rather than the super-heated hot rocks lying 4-5kms underground proposed a few years ago.
The Birdsville plant is an 85kW net screw expander system, with the new plant expect to double the capacity to between 150kW and 200kW.
The biggest challenge for Ergon will be to integrate the new geothermal power station with the existing diesel power station. Tye aims to lift the share of renewable energy generation to 70 per cent on the outback, off grid town, and displace 80 per cent of the 500,000 litres of diesel currently consumed each year.
Ergon says the project will provide it with the knowledge and understanding of key issues associated with geothermal technical solutions for further possible application in isolated communities. Other towns have also expressed an interest in using geothermal energy.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/birdsville-geothermal-plant-finally-get-major-upgrade-30440/
V. Attractions
One of Queensland’s most remote towns is also its most renowned.
Birdsville is just as hot on travel bucket lists as its bitumen is in summer (read: over 40 degrees).
Perched on the eastern edge of the Simpson Desert, Birdsville is surrounded by vast gibber plains and braided Channel Country.
What it lacks in local count (with a population of 115 to be exact), it makes up for in things to do.
If you’ve made it all the way from Australia’s coast, here’s 10 things to help you kick-start your Birdsville itinerary.
1. HAVE A BEER AT THE BIRDSVILLE HOTEL
You can’t stay you’ve been to Birdsville without taking a photo of the weathered sandstone walls of one of Australia’s most photogenic pubs, the Birdsville Hotel, which has welcomed travellers since 1884.
Whether you’ve made the journey during the height of summer or in its cooler months, be sure to step inside and perch yourself at the bar for an ice cold bevvie.
Stay in one of their 27 motel rooms to get the full experience or tuck in to a pub meal, After all Birdsville is the only place you can find food and accommodation for a few hundred clicks.
2. CLIMB SAND DUNES AT MUNGA-THIRRI NATIONAL PARK
You may be 900km from the coastline, but Birdsville’s got more sand dunes than you can count.
Its most famous dune is Big Red. or by 4WD, this 40m tall sand dune is worth the climb, after all it’s the first and tallest of sand dunes in the Simpson Desert (Munga-Thirri National Park).
Surf down its red waves on a boogie board or catch sunset with your mates from the top the iconic sand dune.
Four-wheel drive enthusiasts can explore the National Park further, with tracks that span more than one million hectares.
Camp under the stars, get red sand in your socks and feel the crunch of the ironstone pebbles under foot in Queensland’s largest protected area which also plays home to hardy mammals, strange reptiles and 180 species of birds.
Note: Big Red is on private land, so please show respect accordingly.
Munga-Thirri National Park is closed from 1 December to 15 March every year due to extreme summer temperatures which can exceed 50 °C.
3. GET A TASTE OF THE OUTBACK AT THE BIRDSVILLE BAKERY
Gastronomes can get their culinary fix at the old-time favourite, Birdsville Bakery.
Suitably, it’s got one helluva menu to fill your pie hole. From its top-seller curried camel pie to kangaroo and claret and lamb shank pie, you won’t be alone if you decide to make the trip back to Birdsville for round two with these pastry parcels.
What makes this bakery even better? It’s one of the few licenced bakeries in Australia. Cue clinking of glass bottles.
If you’re salivating for a further foodie fix, check out these best places to experience an outback menu.
4. TRY YOUR LUCK AT THE BIRDSVILLE RACES
Join thousands of pilgrims as they swarm on the town to get trackside the first weekend of September and try your luck at the Melbourne Cup of the outback.
Since 1882, bets have been placed on horses and onlookers have been dust covered at this iconic race meet.
Warm up for the event at the Windorah International Yabby Races the Wednesday before the races. Did you say yabby racing? Get some tips on how to claw a win with these crustaceans here.
Like your trackside events? Check out these other outback races to try your luck.
5. CATCH THE SUNSET FROM BIG RED
From the top of Big Red or from town, sunsets are an essential part to any Outback Queensland road trip, with no sky scrapers to block the changing hues from oranges and pastel pinks to deep blues and greens.
Find some of our other favourite sunset spots in Outback Queensland here.
6. SING YOUR HEART OUT AT THE BIG RED BASH
Once a year, Australian music lovers descend from across the country to attend the world’s most remote music festival.
Don your Akubra and polish up your boots, it’s time to kick up some dust while you boot-scoot on the desert floor of Birdsville to Australian rock royalty at the Big Red Bash.
The Big Red Bash is staged at the base of its namesake dune creating a huge desert amphitheatre.
Guess what? Everyone’s invited to this party, including your dog.
Heading to the event for the first time? Check out our first timer’s guide to the Big Red Bash.
7. GO FOR A PADDLE AT THE BIRDSVILLE BILLABONG
You may be on the edge of the desert, but this town has its own watercourse, the Birdsville Billabong.
Go for a swim, cast out a line or take out your kayak or SUP and explore Birdsville on water.
Head down to Pelican Point to get a great view of the billabong and to observe the local birdlife.
8. VISIT ONE-OF-A-KIND OUTBACK TREES
Head 12 km north of Birdsville towards Bedourie to find the largest patch in the world (and one of only three in the world) of rare Waddi Trees, standing boldly on a gibber flat. If you’re looking for firewood then you won’t be in luck; these trees have abnormally hard wood, so hard it can damage an axe and is impossible to burn.
9. SEE BIRDSVILLE FROM THE AIR
The outback is not only dazzling from land with its vastness stretching to the far horizons; but the transforming landscape is also just as impressive from the air.
So whether you’re too time-short for a road trip or looking for the best views, Rex Airlines will take you to new heights along the milk run flight to Birdsville from Brisbane, touching down in the outback towns of Charleville, Quilpie and Windorah before reaching your destination.
You may be missing out on the experience of an iconic road trip,
The smaller aircrafts and short-haul flights mean that you’ll be flying at a lower attitude, so you can get a birds-eye view of the changing coloured landscape from dark deep reds to bright oranges and interwoven channels of the Channel Country.
Need more convincing on taking the skies? Here’s 5 reasons why you should fly to Outback Queensland.
10. ADVENTURE OUT
History buffs can explore 81 km from Birdsville to find the Carcory Homestead Ruins, built out of local limestone in 1877. The only remains of the homestead is the small stone cottage, which was abandoned due to drought.
Nature lovers can venture out to Diamantina National Park to experience sweeping sandstone ranges and stunning desert-like vistas.
Make sure your camera is ready when you arrive at Deon’s Lookout, located near ghost town Betoota, where you’ll find spectacular stretching views of the Channel Country.
https://www.outbackqueensland.com.au/news/10-things-to-do-in-birdsville/
VI. History and Culture
Way back in the Spring of 1882, a group of 150 owners, managers and stockmen came together on the South Australian and Queensland border for the first – and unofficial – Birdsville Races event. They managed to raise nearly 200 pounds by public subscription, enough to draw a significant crowd at the time – but a far cry from the $200,000 in prize money on offer today. Instead of bookies standing trackside, bets were settled at ‘Tucker’s Hotel’ – a dignified affair after the last race was called.
What happened next reads like a movie script, and the first iteration of the Birdsville Race Club was born.
The community gathered at Burt and Co.’s large iron store and the ‘Border Jockey Club’ was formed, being 42 members strong. Stewards were appointed, a working committee elected, and the next race meeting was fixed for July, 1883. Now, well over a century later, the race continues to grow as an iconic Australian event – and something that is high on many people’s ‘bucket list’.
What’s in a name?
For almost 30 years, the central body responsible for the races has been called the Birdsville Race Club Incorporated. Over its 135 years, however, the club has had more name changes than historians can count, usually with a clue pointing to the town’s interests of the time. For example, it was once known as the ‘Diamantina Amateur Race Club’ (name after the Diamantina region in which Birdsville is situated). Then, in 1990, the Birdsville Race Club took its present name – a name they hope to continue long into the future.
On the right track
The race track that you see today isn’t exactly how things began in Birdsville. Turn back the clock 135 years, and the track was a straight line marked out with posts 200m apart – more of a fenceline than anything else. Forget barriers and a starting gun too, these races started with a flag or cable raise to the applause of a crowd 150 people strong. An exciting time, no doubt, but hardly the thunderous sound of clapping from nearly 6000 racegoers that you hear today.
In the 1930s, the track was moved to its current location. However, it wasn’t until the early 1960s that it really took its present shape. Extra rails were added to the inside, and the humble track became the Outback’s answer to Flemington.
The track is 2000m in circumference, with the longest race – the 1600m Birdsville Cup – starting in the back straight. Birdsville is still one of only four tracks in Queensland that runs anti-clockwise.
Yes, Prime Minister!
In the 1950s and 60s, the Birdsville Races pulled an estimated crowd of around 1000 people – not bad considering the roadtrip to Birdsville took a lot longer with road conditions back then.
In the late 1970s, a Birdsville-boost came from the most unlikely of sources: in 1978, the then sitting Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser made the pilgrimage to Birdsville and thrust the carnival into the national psyche.
The crowd grew exponentially over the next 15 years, cementing its reputation as a right of passage for Australians wanting to experience a true outback event. These days, more than 6000 people attend the race and the event has achieved an unparalleled level of acclaim by remaining true to its roots. Since the day of the original race back in 1882, guests have guaranteed an unforgettable Outback experience in the western corner of Queensland.
Legends are made
In the early days, you wouldn’t have seen horses with country codes from Hong Kong, USA or New Zealand in the form guide. In fact, interstate entrants seemed unfathomable – most horses were born and bred in Outback Queensland, and were ridden by station jackaroos. Former owner of the neighbouring property to Birdsville, Pandie Pandie Station, the late George Morton, trained five cup winners. Other local names – such as Brunkhurst, Tully, Prow and Monaghan – appear regularly in the record books. The most successful trainer of all time undoubtedly is the late George Dawson, who took out seven titles between 1982 and 2000.
As the profile of the races has grown, the trainers and jockeys have come from further afield. In 2013, all records were broken with over 249 nominations for the 13-race program (243 in 2010 was the previous record).
Birdsville today and tomorrow
Since the first race meet, this iconic day at the track has grown more than 4000 percent to what you see today. The carnival now includes a 13-race program and boasts prize money of $200,000. The focus for the future is improving the facilities both trackside and in town, while still keeping the quintessential Birdsville Races atmosphere alive. The race continues to be a major event for the local community and raises funds for much-needed club facilities and proudly supports the Royal Flying Doctor Service Queensland section.
https://www.birdsvilleraces.com/about-the-races/birdsville-races-history/
Birdsville, in the middle of nowhere with a population of about one hundred people, is the service centre for outlying pastoral properties. It is the most isolated town in Australia where the temperature can be over 45 degrees Celsius for days on end. Its main tourist attraction, apart from the fact that it is in the middle of nowhere, is the annual race meeting attended by many thousands who come by car, bus or plane. Many will have travelled the Birdsville Track or some of the other lonely roads from the Gulf or Channel Country.
Map of Birdsville Track
Its history goes back to 1878 when a store was opened for drovers on the Diamantina. Three years later, in 1881, it had its very first race meeting. More than hundred years later they are still being run with the crowds only getting bigger! In 1883 it was reported that the town had three stores, two hotels, a chemist, blacksmith and butcher's shop, and as it was the direction of the proposed Queensland railway there was little doubt that it would become a very busy place. Two years later the town was officially surveyed and had its first policeman, Mounted Constable Arthur McDonald appointed.
In 1887 the town had three hotels, two stores, billiard room, police station, customs house, blacksmith, baker, butcher, saddler, shoemaker, cordialmaker, Jockey Club, a bank and a billion flies. By the end of the 1880s there was even talk of a railway to Birdsville and during the early part of 1891 a Royal Commission travelled from Hawker via Innamincka, Haddon Downs, Birdsville, Marree, Farina and Leigh's Creek to investigate the railway to Queensland.
They were back in Hawker just in time to be saved from the deluge which came down on 6 March causing the creeks between Birdsville and Clayton to be flooded, Birdsville and Innamincka tracks blocked by flood waters and the Cooper running a banker. A month later the Birdsville police station was under water and the Strzelecki creek three metres higher than in the 1887 flood. In a place where normally people died of thirst they now ran the risk of drowning.
After the floods came the usual heat and lack of surface water and in December 1892, thirty-five year old A.R. Engman died at Ten Mile Creek on his way from Birdsville. Many others have suffered the same fate since. Today, with only one hotel, where the beer only comes in stubbies or cans, but also a hospital and a population of about a hundred, it is still regarded as something of a feat of 'having done the Birdsville Track' or camped at Goyder's Lagoon or along the Diamantina. Unfortunately few of the modern day travellers know anything about the people who have lived along the track or in Birdsville and made that country prosper.
http://www.southaustralianhistory.com.au/bird.htm
BIRDSVILLE - HOME OF THE BIRDSVILLE RACES!
Deep in the far west and heart of wild and isolated country, the amazing frontier town of Birdsville sits at the end of the famous Birdsville Track. Situated on the eastern edge of the Simpson Desert, Birdsville is surrounded by the vast gibber plains of Sturt's Stony Desert to the south and rich Channel Country to the north.
With a colourful past, Birdsville started as a rest stop and watering hole for cattle drovers moving their stock. Today, it’s a thriving modern community where visitors to outback Queensland can enjoy a cold drink at the iconic Birdsville Hotel, back a winner at the world-renowned Birdsville Races as part of the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival, or enjoy the amazing music of international artists at the Big Red Bash music festival.
Watch the sun set over Big Red, the tallest sand dune in the Simpson Desert, the options to experience amazing outback adventures are endless. History buffs and tourists alike will enjoy exploring the Australian Inland Mission Hospital Museum, or spending an unforgettable day with family and friends at the Birdsville Billabong, where birdlife, fish, yabbies, and marsupials abound.
The town of Birdsville is home to several local artists offering their interpretations of the unique land, lifestyle, and people of the Diamantina Shire.
All travelers are welcome in Birdsville with many services available to make your stay memorable. An RV Friendly town, Birdsville is home to a modern sporting complex, gallery, airport, motel, hotel, caravan park, cabin accommodation, coffee shop, restaurant, general store, post office, medical clinic, fuel, and car repair services. Pet-friendly accommodation options are available, as well as facilities for your RV or caravan.
Check out some of the facilities Birdsville has to offer. Birdsville and Outback Queensland
Now is the time to tick Birdsville and the Diamantina Shire off your bucket list, and whether you’re a grey nomad, backpacker, 4WD enthusiast, or looking for a family holiday, you won’t be disappointed!
Get your glad rags on!
See what the world-famous Birdsville Races is all about!
The world-famous Birdsville Races are the ‘Melbourne Cup of the Outback'. The event has delighted race-goers for more than 125 years and is listed as one of the ‘100 things to do in Australia before you die'.
The first race meeting was held in 1882. Today, the 12-race program has a prize pool of more than $110,000. Approximately 8000 people descend on Birdsville for a week long program of events.
The Birdsville Races happen on the first Saturday in September. The spectacular event is sandwiched between the Betoota Races, which kick off the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival in the last weekend of August, and the Bedourie Races on the following Saturday.
http://www.thediamantina.com.au/birdsville/
The Melbourne Cup might be the race that stops the nation, but the Birdsville Races is the race that sees the nation flock to one of Australia’s most remote towns.
Well, maybe not the whole nation, but over 6,000 eager racegoers transform the 100–person town of Birdsville into a pumping metropolis the first weekend of September.
It’s not just punters who travel hundreds of kilometres for the event – with $200,000 dollars in prize money up for grabs – horses and jockeys have been known to venture from interstate and overseas to gallop in the 13-race program.
Never heard of Birdsville or the Birdsville Races? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know below.
HOW TO GET THERE
With 1,590km of tarmac separating Birdsville and Brisbane, you’ll need more than one Spotify playlist to get to the south-west corner of Queensland.
Before you hit the highways, remember you’re heading to outback territory (read: 4WD country), so leave your VW Golf at home.
Regional Express Airlines operates flights from Brisbane to Birdsville, but with limited seats they sell out faster than the favourite runs in the Birdsville Cup – get in early.
Alternatively, find a mate with a light plane and for a small fee, park it right next to the Birdsville Hotel. Did someone say #rockstar arrival?
Side note: if you’re hitting the red dirt early on Sunday following a late night at the Variety Show in the Community Hall, Queensland Police are offering a free “blow before you go” service. Because, safety first.
WHAT TO EAT
Did you even go to Birdsville if you didn’t visit the Birdsville Hotel? Not only is it the only establishment in town to sit down to a meal, it’s also Australia’s most iconic pub.
For a no-frills option, head to one of the food vendors set up during race week outside the Visitor Centre – pumping out burgers, fried-rice, pizzas and the all-important barista-made coffee.
You won’t find a Coles or Woolies in Birdsville, but the Roadhouse or Fuel Service can sort you out for any last-minute supplies.
Take your dining experience up a few notches and book a seat in the OBE Pavilion to dine on the likes of 12–hour smoked OBE Organic beef short ribs, served by Simon Burr from award-winning South Australian restaurant, Olfactory Inn.
WHERE TO SLEEP
DIY your digs, and either bring a hotel on wheels, book a cabin at one of the camping grounds and tourist parks or stake your claim at the free campsites on the Birdsville side of the Diamantina River.
If you prefer your accommodation to come with solid foundations, book to stay at the Birdsville Tourist Park, who offer cabins (with or without an ensuite), as well as caravan and camping sites.
Camping doesn’t mean you need all the gear, either. Turn up and roll into your pre-pitched tent at Tent City, which include a stretcher bed with mattress, hot shower facilities and bathrooms, just a short walk to the centre of town.
Sadly, no matter how early you organise your pilgrimage to the event, the Birdsville Hotel closes its accommodation doors during race week.
HOW TO PLACE A BET
Win, place, each way, exacta, quinella or trifecta, punters will be happy to know there’s no hidden tricks to placing a bet at the Birdsville Races.
Not familiar with how to place a bet or the different types of bets? Head to one of the 14 on-course bookmakers (bookies) to get in the know with the difference between placing a bet ‘on the nose’ or a ‘boxed trifecta’.
WHAT TO WEAR
Don’t think because you’re in the outback you can leave your fascinator or collared shirt at home – it’s the races, after all.
However, with a Best Dressed Novelty category as part of the Fashions on the Field competition, expect to see groups arrive in outfits normally reserved for Halloween.
Held during the first weekend in September, expect warm days and cool nights ranging from 10 degrees to mid-20s, so pack your sunscreen, hat and a warm jacket.
Oh, and take it from us, don’t wear any shoes you intend to keep pristine. This is red dirt country and you’ll be tipping sand out of your stilettos all day.
Have you been to the Birdsville Races? What did you think of the iconic event?
https://www.outbackqueensland.com.au/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-birdsville-races/
VII. Contact Information
Cr Robbie Dare (Mayor)
Get In Touch
Address: 17 Herbert Street, BEDOURIE QLD 4829
Phone: 07 4746 1600
Email: admin@diamantina.qld.gov.au
https://www.diamantina.qld.gov.au/about-council/elected-representatives/cr-rob-dare