Birdsville Races

G/Day Chris & Don

Welcome to the forum, we also live on the Gold Coast, we have plans to head out there next year, i'll sit back and take in the advice others will certainly give you.

Cheers

Welcome Chris & Don. My wife & I are planning a trip hopefully out that way for early next year, and like Daza, I will be watching with interest to what comments are made from those with first hand knowledge of road conditions a bit of the beaten track in that area.

Enjoy your retirement and your travelling, it's a great stage of life!!

Welcome Chris and Don,
There has been a bit of negative on this site in the last 2 days (maybe right or maybe wrong)

I can't answer as roads change week to week, especially with weather and cattle movement. You will have to ask closer to yor departure date. Out to Windorah it will be fine, blacktop, after that the gods hold the answers for next year.

Have a good look at the site and make your own mind up, there is a wealth of information here.

Enjoy your retirement and have a good one.

Chris & Don
Welcome
We have been out every year for a few years now..even when there weren't any horses! Heading west to Windorah will be ok as suggested, in fact I think there is another 50k or so of black top past the turnoff to Birdsville now. After that, dirt & dust. Last year was the best I have ever seen the dirt. Graded well. If you take it easy, watch your tyre pressures & be courteous - ie pull over if you are holding up traffic - it's easy trip & a great time. Be aware though that you will have to set up out of town (like the rest of us) unless you get to the caravan park early...VERY early..

Stef

Image Could Not Be FoundImage Could Not Be Found[this is a recent photo of the road between Windorah and Birdsville, you should have no trouble with your van if you drive accordingly. I also live close to the Gold Coast, hope too catch up someday.Cheers Mick.

Hi Chris & Don,

We are heading out there this year for the races. We live Just west of Ipswich and you're more then welcome to tag along with us.

Thanks

Glen

Windorah to Birdsville via Roma & Charleville - bitumen all the way to 110 klms west of Windorah then very good wide dirt recently graded by both Barcoo and Diamantina Shires and usually re-graded just before the races. Take 2 spare tyres for the vehicle and 2 spare tyres for the van - drive according to the conditions of the road and do not attempt to break speed records - look around and enjoy the drive. Also take some spare parts for the undervan water tank - as in fittings! When passing oncoming vehicles move to the extreme left hand side, slow down and reduce windscreen damage - cover back window of vehicle with carton or something to stop your van throwing stones back onto rear window and breaking it.
As former owner of the caravan park I offer this advice - there are two levels to the park and from the road you cannot see whether the park is full or not - the only way to know is to go in and ask. There has only been one year in my 14 years that there was ever 6000 people in Birdsville for the races - a more realistic figure is 4000 in the whole town. The amenities block has been built purposely to cope and there are other shower blocks in town and portaloos everywhere.
Have a good time - see you out there.
Ruth