History
A Land Woven with Ancient Stories
Long before explorers and settlers arrived, the vast landscapes of the Diamantina Shire were home to Wangkamahdla, Pitta Pitta, Mithaka, Wangkangurru/Yarluyandi, Karuwali and Maiawali Peoples, who have lived on and cared for this land for tens of thousands of years. Their deep connection to Country continues today — expressed through stories, songlines, and knowledge passed across generations.
Visitors are invited to respect and learn from this living culture, which remains the heart and spirit of the Channel Country.
From Pioneers to Pastoralists
European settlement began in the late 1800s, when hardy pastoralists pushed into the Channel Country, drawn by the promise of cattle and sheep grazing along the Diamantina River and its floodplains.
The challenges were immense — isolation, floods, and searing heat — but the resilience of these early settlers helped shape the outback spirit still felt today.
Birdsville: The Edge of the Desert
Established in 1881, Birdsville was once a customs post on the Queensland–South Australia border, collecting tolls from drovers moving cattle south. The famous Birdsville Hotel (built in 1884) became a welcome sight for travellers crossing the Simpson Desert — and still stands proudly today as one of Australia’s most iconic pubs.
Each year, the Birdsville Races bring thousands to this tiny town, transforming the desert into a bustling outback carnival.
Bedourie: Born from the Claypans
The town of Bedourie began as a major watering and rest stop for drovers and camel trains moving stock through the desert country. Its heritage buildings, including the Royal Hotel (1880s), reflect its rich pastoral past.
The floodplains of Eyre Creek made it a vital link between Birdsville, Boulia, and Mount Isa — and today, Bedourie continues to thrive as a welcoming community known for its annual camel races and genuine outback hospitality.
Betoota: Australia’s Smallest Town
Though officially uninhabited, Betoota holds a special place in Australian folklore. Once a Cobb & Co. staging post and later a pub stop, the Betoota Hotel (built 1880s) was recently restored, drawing travellers keen to experience this tiny town’s quirky charm — and maybe share a yarn with the “locals” over a cold drink.
The Spirit of the Channel Country
The story of Diamantina is one of endurance, connection, and wonder — from ancient Aboriginal trade routes to drovers, explorers, and modern-day adventurers following in their tracks.
Whether you’re camping under the stars, visiting a century-old pub, or tracing the paths of pioneers, you’re walking through living history — a story still being written beneath the vast Outback sky.
“The Diamantina isn’t just a place you visit — it’s a place that stays with you.”