Diamantina Shire Council

Despite it's size, Birdsville is a well-known destination for many Australian and International visitors. The town hosts a one-horse race meeting a year when over 6,000 people swell the town population. It is the start of the famous Birdsville Track, which originally was used as a stock route for moving cattle from Queensland to Southern markets.

Bedourie is the Shire's administration centre. The last ten years has seen its population more than double to 140 people. The town boasts many new amenities including an aquatic centre, hot artesian spa and a community hall. Visitor numbers have increased to over 120,000 per year.

The Shire's wealth lies within its cattle industry, tourism and natural environment. Located within Queensland's Channel Country, bordering South Australia and the Northern Territory, this area is renown for producing prime quality beef. The natural irrigation from the Diamantina and Georgina River Systems is also assisting with developing an organic cattle industry.

We are fortunate that National Parks comprise 25% of our shire's area. The Simpson Desert, Diamantina National Park, (just been named in the top ten National Parks in Australia) and Astrebla National Park all offer unique scenery and wildlife for visitors to experience.