Birdsville Track
About this track
The Birdsville Track is a 517 km formed outback road running from Marree in South Australia across the Sturt Stony Desert to Birdsville in Queensland. A classic desert crossing on gibber plains, it's drivable in a competent 2WD during the dry season but demands proper preparation and respect for its remoteness. The track is iconic for vast, emptiness, red dust and big skies—a genuine outback experience without extreme technical difficulty.
Highlights
- Sturt Stony Desert gibber plains and endless horizons
- Fuel stops at Marree, Mungerannie and Birdsville
- Dusty, washboard surface in dry conditions
- High remoteness: nearest help is hours away
- Impassable when wet—seasonal closure risk
- Birdsville finish: legendary pub and race track
What to expect
A graded but rough outback road across flat, stony desert country. Surface is hard-packed gibber with corrugations and dust; in the dry it's straightforward but monotonous. No sealed sections or major creek crossings, though shallow water crossings may occur after rain. Driving is steady and predictable but relentless; visibility is excellent but wind-buffeting and dust clouds are common. Remoteness is the real hazard—vehicle breakdown or injury means radio callout and a long wait for recovery.
Permits, prep & good to know
- Permits: No — confirm current details before you go.
- Surface / hazards: Moderate.
- Remoteness: High — travel self-sufficient, ideally in convoy.
- Carry an EPIRB or satellite communicator, recovery gear, extra fuel and water.
No permits required. Closed during wet season (typically Nov–Mar) when impassable. Travel Apr–Oct. Carry extra water (2–3 L per person), full fuel tank, and confirm fuel availability before leaving. Fit a dual battery, UHF radio and ideally an EPIRB for genuine emergencies. Convoy travel is strongly advised. Check road conditions with Marree or local authorities before departure. Tyre pressures should be adjusted for gibber (firmer than sand). Leave no rubbish; carry all waste out.