Birdsville Tourist Park: Your Basecamp at the Edge of the Simpson Desert
The park’s location is simply unbeatable. It’s just a short stroll from another Australian icon—the Birdsville Hotel—where a cold beer and a hearty meal have been rewarding weary travellers for over a century. A stay here is incomplete without a pilgrimage to ‘Big Red,’ the tallest sand dune in the Simpson Desert, located just 35 kilometres away. Watching the sunset from its crest is a truly unforgettable experience. The park is also a stone’s throw from the tranquil Birdsville Billabong, perfect for a peaceful walk or a spot of kayaking. During the first weekend of September, the park and the entire town transform into the epicentre of the outback for the world-renowned Birdsville Races. For the rest of the year, it’s a friendly, well-equipped sanctuary offering a true taste of life on the frontier.
51 Florence St, Birdsville QLD 4482
- Website: birdsvilletouristpark.com
- Phone: (07) 4656 3214
- GPS Coordinates: -25.89963, 139.35443
Location Map
Site Details and Facilities
- Location: In the heart of Birdsville, the eastern gateway to the Simpson Desert.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, off-road caravans, and well-prepared motorhomes.
- Road Access: Sealed road from Windorah (east), unsealed (dirt/gravel) on the Birdsville Track from Marree (south).
- Site Surface: Primarily red dirt, sand, and gravel.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, a large number of powered and unpowered sites.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Caters to tourists. Bookings are essential during peak season (April-October) and the races.
- Facilities: Camp kitchen, BBQ areas, amenities blocks, laundry, dump point, basic supplies.
- Picnic Tables: Yes, in communal areas.
- Potable Water: Yes, artesian bore water is available. It is safe but has a distinct taste; some travellers prefer to bring filtered water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Yes, Telstra service is available in the town area.
- TV Reception: Satellite TV (VAST) is required for reliable reception.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Generally not permitted in the park; check with management.
- Generator Use: Permitted in designated areas/times. Check with management.
Activities & Essentials
- Essentials to Bring: Fly net (essential!), extra fuel and water, 4WD recovery gear, a desert parks pass if crossing the Simpson, and a sense of adventure.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, the park is pet-friendly. Conditions apply.
- Fishing: Possible in the Diamantina River / Birdsville Billabong for Yellowbelly.
- Short Walks: Explore the town, walk to the billabong, and visit the historic Burke and Wills Tree.
Local Amenities
Pubs & Restaurants
- The Birdsville Hotel: Approx. 500 m
- The Birdsville Bakery: Approx. 400 m
- The Birdsville Roadhouse (Wirrarri Centre): Approx. 600 m
Local Attractions
- Big Red Sand Dune: Approx. 35 km (4WD required).
- Birdsville Billabong: Approx. 1 km
- Burke and Wills Tree: Approx. 3 km
- Waddi Trees: Approx. 15 km north of town.
Camping & Travel Resources
- Nearest Caravan Parks: This is the only caravan park in Birdsville.
- Next Free Camps: Very remote options available outside of town; must be fully self-sufficient.
- Nearest Dump Points: Onsite for guests.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Birdsville Roadhouse (Fuel is expensive, fill up before arriving if possible).
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite (bore water).
- Public Toilets: Onsite for guests.
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Birdsville (Simpson Desert)
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Extremely hot. Temperatures often exceed 45°C. High risk of flooding and road closures. Travel is not recommended. The Simpson Desert is closed.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Days are hot to warm, with cooler nights. The main tourist season begins. Temperatures average 15°C to 34°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Mild, sunny days with cold nights, often dropping near zero. Ideal and most popular time to visit. Average temperatures from 6°C to 24°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Heats up very rapidly. The Birdsville Races are in early September. Temperatures range from 14°C to 36°C.