Hobart to Birdsville

Approximately 47 hours driving /boat time or leisurely sightseeing over 7 days

With almost 3,000 km to cover from the bottom of Australia right to the middle, we have compiled a list of all the places you can stop along the way.

Load up the car and head off on a leisurely 7-day trip up to Birdsville, showing the kids all the best of what our great country has to offer these school holidays.

Make sure to check that your car is in good condition and that you are well stocked with extra fuel and water. 4WD’s are generally recommended for outback driving. Head to www.bigredbash.com.au for more outback driving tips.

Hobart to Devonport (Driving time approx. 3.5 hours)

Although the trip from Hobart to Devonport isn’t too long, make sure you allow enough time so you don’t miss the boat departing for Melbourne!
If you’ve got the kids in tow, stop at Trowunna Wildlife Park. Most well known as a Tasmanian devil rehabilitation centre, they also have wombats, quolls, a variety of Australian birds and ring tailed possums onsite. There’s also the chance to hand feed a kangaroo.
If the kids aren’t coming along for the ride, then skip the wildlife park and head over to Cataract Gorge. Stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants and cafes beside the natural beauty of the Gorge. There’s also the longest single-span chairlift in the world, the longest stretch being 308 metres, and a funicular railway with a small cottage.
If you happen to arrive in Devonport with some extra time on your hands, then it’s most definitely worth the 25-minute drive to see the Big Penguin Statue in Penguin.

Devonport to Melbourne (Driving time approx. 11 hours)

Next up is travelling across the Bass Strait from Devonport to Melbourne on the ferry.
The Spirit of Tasmania Devonport-Melbourne ferry runs daily at 7:30pm, and offers a number of accommodation options to suit any budget. A one-way adult ferry-only ticket starts at around $99 in July. Accommodation options start at $33 per person. You can take your car across with you, which starts at around $100.

Melbourne to Griffith (Driving time approx. 5 hours 13mins)

After arriving early in Melbourne your first stop is Sugarloaf, nestled in the Christmas Hills, it is a tranquil setting for a morning coffee.
In Koonoomoo make sure to visit the Big Strawberry and taste strawberries straight from the patch to your plate. Try the light meals and strawberry desserts in the family café, browse the large range of jams, condiments and souvenirs and get a picture of The BIG strawberry.
Another picture you must get for your collection is The Big Murray Cod in Tocumwal.
Head to the Murray River, the third-longest navigable river in the world after the Amazon and Nile, for a scenic drive or walk or go canoeing, boating, or water-skiing. There are 103 golden, sandy beaches here as well so make sure to stop off at one for a swim.
The Murray River has some of Australia's best known wine regions, so wine lovers can’t miss out on visiting some of the local vineyards!
In Tocumwal enjoy a trip down memory lane at Chrystie's Museum, with a collection of classic cars, trucks, caravans and tractors- there’s something for everyone!
Head on the Ned Kelly Raid Trail when you arrive in Jerilderie. The walk leads you to the sites that Ned Kelly and his gang visited during the 1879 raid on Jerilderie.
Situated at Luke Park is the magnificent Steel Wings Windmill, which was built in 1909-1910. Take a leisurely stroll from here on the Horgan Walk, this is a 10 minute walk along the banks of the Billabong Creek- you will pass many historical sites which are all marked with the history of the area.
If you fancy doing some watersports then head to Lake Jerilderie.
Stop off at Sticky-Fingers candy shop for all your favorite old-fashioned sweets!
If you didn’t get a chance to visit Melbourne Zoo be sure to visit the Altina Wildlife Park at Darlington Point, you won’t be disappointed with the amount of animals you will see here.
When you reach Griffith don’t leave without an impromptu wine tour of all the winery cellar doors that call the Griffith area home including De Bortoli Wines, Warburn Estate and McWilliam's Wines.

Griffith to Eulo (Driving time approx. 8 hours 55mins)

Head for a stroll at the beautiful Willandra National Park or head further along your journey to Gundabooka National Park
When visiting Bourke head to The Back O’Bourke Exhibition Centre which brings to life the story of the Outback. If you visit on Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday at 11am don’t miss out on Luke Thomas Back O’Bourke Outback Show featuring camels, clydesdales and trick horses.
You can also sit back and relax on a Paddle Vessel as you cruise down the Darling river to learn about the regions rich river boat history
If you have decided to stay overnight in Bourke on a Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday then you must dine out under the stars and attend Poetry on a Plate – listen to Australian poetry, local stories and music around a campfire whilst sharing a delicious meal.
Call in for a thirst quencher at the hundred-plus year old Barringun Pub
There is plenty to do once you reach Cunnamulla, the largest outback town in the Paroo Shire – kayak down the Warrego River, go sand boarding on the Cunnemulla sand dunes and hike the Cunnamulla Heritage Trail to discover the towns unique character and history.
Visit the Stephanie Mills Gallery that displays local photographic artwork that provides a unique perspective on the region's scenery.
Set your camp up for the night at the Warrego Riverside Tourist Park that offers a wide variety of camping options located right next to the Warrego River.
Before you leave town, grab an obligatory ‘selfie’ with the Cunnamulla Fella statue heading down Adventure Way towards Eulo, a small town located next to the Paroo River.
Make sure to stop by Australia’s most remote winery, the Palm Grove Date farm and Winery to treat yourself to a relaxing, outdoor Artesian Mud Bath accompanied with a plate of nibbles and some local wine.
Head to Eulo’s Paroo Race Track which hosts a number of unique events including the annual World Lizard Racing Championships
If you are looking for an outback souvenir then head to Tom and Helen Rosenow’s leather and craft shop, the Paroo Patch, for all your leather and fabric memorabilia.
If you fancy some extra time in Eulo, head to the Eulo Queen Hotel and Caravan Park for a beer and a good night’s sleep.

Thargomindah to Innamincka (Driving time approx. 9 ½ hours)

Thargomindah was the one of the first towns in Australia to run its streetlights using hydro-electricity by using water pressure from the Great Artesian Basin from 1898 to 1951.
Head to Coffee on Dowling café for a bite to eat before the long drive towards Innamincka.
Make sure to stop by the historic sandstone Noccundra Hotel, the only remaining building in the town of Noccundra. If you want to stay longer, you can set up a campsite by the waterhole for only a gold coin donation to the RFDS and wet your whistle before carrying on into the back of beyond.
The Burke and Wills Dig Tree is located at Cooper Creek on the way to Innamincka. This is where supplies were buried for Burke and Wills with the instruction to ‘dig’ on their renowned Australian expedition.
Stop by the Innamincka Hotel for a meal before setting up camp for the night in or around the small town. If camping in the Innamincka Regional Reserve be sure to buy a Desert Parks Pass that will cover entry and camping costs through the Simpson Desert and Witjira National Park.

Innamincka to Birdsville (Driving time approx. 6 hours)