Itineraries

Explore the Diamantina: 4 Days in Outback Queensland

Where wide horizons, ancient stories and welcoming towns await.

Journey deep into Queensland’s Channel Country — from Betoota’s legendary outback pub to Bedourie’s artesian springs and Birdsville’s iconic sand dunes. This four-day itinerary captures the essence of the Diamantina: big skies, timeless landscapes and unforgettable characters.

Day 1 – Betoota: Where Legends Live On

Discover art, history and the spirit of a town reborn.

Morning – Follow the Serpent’s Path
Begin your adventure in Betoota, home to the striking Dreamtime Serpent. This large-scale artwork, created from locally sourced gravel and gibbers, represents ancient pathways that connect the river systems of the Channel Country. It’s an inspiring introduction to Country and culture.

Midday – Picnic with a View
Drive to Deon’s Lookout, one of the most breathtaking vantage points in Outback Queensland. Settle in for lunch and admire panoramic views that stretch endlessly to the horizon.

Afternoon – Raise a Glass at the Betoota Hotel
Visit the historic Betoota Hotel, the only remaining building in town. Swap stories with locals, soak in the laid-back charm, and discover how this once-abandoned settlement has been reborn with true outback character.

Evening – Desert Sunset
As daylight fades, find a quiet spot overlooking the gibber plains to watch the desert glow. Stay overnight in Betoota or camp nearby beneath a canopy of stars.

Day 2 – Betoota to Bedourie: Heart of the Channel Country

Drive through timeless landscapes and discover the charm of Bedourie.

Morning – On the Road to Bedourie
Hit the open road and journey north towards Bedourie — the drive offers endless outback views, dotted with desert wildflowers, red dunes and river channels that tell the story of this land.

Midday – Arrive in Bedourie
Welcome to the Town of Sand and Sun! Take time to explore the town’s historic heart, beginning with the Royal Hotel, constructed in the early 1900s, and the nearby Pisé House, both fine examples of early outback architecture.

Afternoon – Step into History
Visit the Bedourie Tracker’s Hut, built circa 1890–1910. This humble structure offers a window into the region’s early policing and the essential role played by Aboriginal trackers in navigating the vast, harsh landscape.

Late Afternoon – Soak and Unwind
Head to the Bedourie Artesian Spa and Aquatic Centre to relax in naturally heated mineral waters (35–40°C) drawn from the town’s original bore. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day on the road.

Evening – Country Hospitality
Enjoy dinner and a drink at the Bedourie Royal Hotel, where you’ll find warm outback hospitality and good company. Stay overnight in Bedourie.

Day 3 – Bedourie to Birdsville: Wetland Wonders & Desert Ruins

A journey through nature, history, and outback serenity.

Morning – Cuttaburra Crossing: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Just 68 kilometres south of Bedourie, stop at Cuttaburra Crossing, a serene oasis between Lake Koolivoo and Lake Machattie. This permanent waterhole on Eyre Creek is alive with birdlife year-round — from pelicans and brolgas to black swans and whistling kites.

Enjoy birdwatching from the dedicated hides, take photographs, or relax by the water. Cuttaburra Crossing also offers free camping with toilet facilities and a dump point — perfect for caravanners and campers seeking a peaceful outback stopover.

Midday – Carcoory Ruins: Echoes of the Past
Continue south to the Carcoory Ruins, once part of pastoralist Sidney Kidman’s empire. The crumbling stone walls and red-earth backdrop evoke the resilience of early settlers who endured life in one of Australia’s most remote regions.

Afternoon – Waddi Trees: Ancient and Resilient
Between Carcoory and Birdsville, stop to admire the Waddi Trees — some of the rarest and oldest trees in Australia. These slow-growing acacias are found only in a few places in the outback and are known for their extremely hard wood and deep roots that reach precious underground water.
Take a quiet moment among these ancient sentinels of the desert — a living link to the natural and cultural heritage of the region.

Late Afternoon – Arrival in Birdsville
Arrive in Birdsville by late afternoon and feel the shift in energy as the desert meets the town’s frontier charm. Wander through town, visit the Birdsville Bakery, or take a stroll by the Birdsville Billabong.

Evening – Pelican Point Peace
Wind down at Pelican Point, where the sunset reflects across the still waters. Overnight in Birdsville.

Day 4 – Birdsville: Where Desert Meets Sky

Adventure, culture and outback icons.

Morning – Tee Off at the Edge of the Desert
Start your day at the Birdsville Dunes Golf Club, one of the world’s most remote 18-hole courses. Even if you’re not a golfer, it’s worth visiting for the incredible desert backdrop.

Late Morning – Stories of Country
Explore the cultural heritage at the Wirrarri Visitor Information Centre, browse the gallery and watch a film about Birdsville in the cinema. Visit the Meeting Place, behind the Wirrarri Centre. It's one of three art installations by members of the Wangkangurru Yarluyandi People, celebrating connection to Country and community. 

Afternoon – Heritage and Horizons
Visit the Birdsville Courthouse for a glimpse into the town’s pioneering past. Don’t miss the Birdsville Racetrack, home to Australia’s most famous outback race event.

Evening – Sunset at Big Red
End your Diamantina journey with an unforgettable experience at Big Red, the first and tallest of the Simpson Desert’s 1,140 dunes. Watch the desert blaze with sunset colour, then stay for a night of Dark Sky magic — where the Milky Way stretches across the heavens in crystal clarity.

Enjoy dinner at the Birdsville Hotel and stay overnight in Birdsville.