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Queensland



Birdsville

Between the Simpson Desert, the plains of Sturt's Stony Desert and Channel Country, is the true blue Aussie town of Birdsville. Different theories have been established as to the origin of the name Birdsville. Some say the name derives from the abundant birdlife in the area. Another theory is that locals wanted to name it Burtsville after a popular settler named J. Burt, but Burt declined the offer and the name Birdsville was used instead. During the 1880s, cattle drovers moved their stock through Birdsville and also operated as a 'tariff wall' between Queensland and South Australia for some time. Birdsville has now become a modern town with facilities including a sporting complex, gallery, bakery, air services, motel, hotel, caravan park and cabin accommodation, coffee shop and restaurant, general store, post office, medical clinic, fuel, auto services and a police station. The town is used by many travellers as a starting point into South Australia along the Birdsville Track. The historic Birdsville Track was first developed in the 1880s as one of Australia's first major cattle routes. Stockmen who passed through Birdsville on the track are now part of town legend. Visitors can view the spectacular sunset over Big Red, the tallest sand dune in the Simpson Desert, discover the Australian Inland Mission Hospital Museum, go fishing at Jardine's water hole, and explore the Birdsville billabong with rich birdlife, fish, yabbies and marsupials. The Birdsville Races or the Melbourne Cup of the Outback is another must for Birdsville. For over 125 years, on the first Saturday in September, the event has attracted race-goers and is now praised as one of the ‘100 things to do in Australia before you die'. Other major events for Birdsville include the Betoota Races, kicking off the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival and the Bedourie Races and Ute & Travellers' Muster.
Routes to Birdsville are operated in conjunction with Queensland Government.