Home
Up

Travel Planner

 

 

 

Alice Springs to Birdsville, Sydney via Eastern MacDonnell Ranges, Ross River Homestead, Plenty Highway, Boulia, Birdsville Races, Diamantina River & Cooper Creek, Strzlecki Track,  Innamincka,  Bourke & Wills "Dig Tree", Bourke, Brewarrina, Lightning Ridge,  Warrumbungles to Sydney. 10 Days/9 Nights – Alice Springs, Birdsville  to Sydney 2-11 September 2008 - Tour Code ABS13

Day 3  - We leave the MacDonnell to cross Harts Range and head east on the Plenty Highway, skirting the Simpson Desert to the south. This is remote little travelled country. A stop by Julia and see a couple of Australian remotest cattle stations as we head toward the Queensland / Northern Territory border. Awe at the vast emptiness of this great land, and  early settlers life before motor vehicles and flying doctors. Overnight Tobermorey

Day 4 - Now in far far western Queensland, the remotest areas of the state, passing through gibber plains that are part of the northern reaches of the Simpson Desert. Crossing the Georgina River we check out this haven for masses of birds. We take a look around historic Boulia, and turn south to follow Eyre Creek (after recent revitalising floods), to Bedourie. The country here consists of  many often dry salt and lake beds that have been in drought for many years and transforms dramatically after rains. Arrive Birdsville for 2 nights.

Days 5 - Check out the town and the amazing scene of Birdsville transformed by the annual Birdsville picnic races - and Australian icon event. Lots to see and do, and some real ozzie characters to meet and share travellers tales with. People have travelled from all corners of  Australia to be here this weekend, and by all means. Last years event was postponed by horse flu, so people have some catching up to do. Dances, dinners and 2 days of horse racing ( and a few other critters too) 

Day 6 - With new found friends, some we leave behind, and some take the road with us today heading south on the Birdsville Track through the Strzelecki Desert. Depending on water and road conditions our route skirts the Innamincka Regional Reserve and we pass oil and gas fields of the region. These fields are major suppliers via pipelines to Australia capital cities. This region is a major energy sources, where ex Australian of the Year Tim Flannery supports establishment of  "Geothermia", an electricity generating power plant  running on steam produced by hot rocks deep below the  surface and big enough to supply the nation. Overnight Innamincka.

Day 7 - After a good look at Innamincka we first stop at the Bourke and Wills "Dig Tree" that marks the end of the ill-fated desert crossing by the Bourke & Wills expedition. Then further down the Strzelecki Track to Cameron's Corner, for a few photos at the meeting place of the 3 states of Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia. We leave the Dog Fence behind us and head via Thargomindah to our camp at Lake Bindegolly National Park. (alternative Paroo River - depending on road and water conditions at the time.) 

Day 8 - This large lake is home to abundant wildlife when the rains come, so we spend some time here at this important regional "creation centre". Nearby are the Yowah Opal mines that produce special and unique opal patterns. Good bargains available in nearby opal sellers.  Back on the Bitumen we make good time to Bourke (check out the Darling River and paddle boat history), Brewarrina (Aboriginal museum if open), Walgett and Lightning Ridge with welcome relaxing hot bore baths and overnight stop.

Day 9 - Check out some more opal bargains and the unique Lightening Ridge lifestyle before we travel via Coonamble to our overnight with the wild koalas at the Warrumbungles. These splendid mountains are part of an ancient volcanic range, and "songline" that sweeps up the western plains.

Day 10 - After a walk on the wild side, our journey take us through farming country of Coolah, Merriwa to the Hunter Valley (and a toast to the intrepid travellers and pioneers of outback Australia - us) to arrive in Sydney where our journey ends late afternoon.