Desert Track- Photo: Steve Stroke, with thanks to Tourism Northern Territory.
Birdsville Track
Established during the 1880s as a drover’s route, and made famous by Tom Kruse, the legendary Birdsville Track mailman, it is now one of the iconic Aussie outback drives. The gibbers often take their toll on tyres. It’s advisable to run on lower tyre pressures and take the corners at a slow speed to keep traction. The track is heavily trafficked during peak season.
· Best travelled: April to September.
· Start and finish points: Birdsville – Marree.
· Total distance: 521km
· Approx time to cover: Allow 2-3 days.
· Longest distance between fuel supplies: Mungerannie Hotel to Birdsville (315km).
· Availability of other supplies: Birdsville, Mungerannie Hotel and Marree.
· Rating: Inside Track- medium; Outside Track- easy.
· Permits required and contacts: No permits required.
· Road condition:
South Australia- ph 1300 361 033
Queensland- ph 1300 130 595
· Services:
o Birdsville Hotel: ph (07) 4656 3244
o Mungerannie Hotel: ph (08) 8675 8317
o Wirrarri Information Centre: ph (07) 4656 3300
· Other information: UHF Ch 8 and 38 not to be used unless in an emergency- the channels are monitored by clinics, police and station operators and must remain clear.
With thanks to 4x4 Australia Magazine
