The Channel Country is the outback at its most elemental — a vast region of braided river channels in far south-western Queensland that, after rare big rains, floods into a temporary inland sea before drying back to red dunes and gibber plains. It is the country of the Birdsville Track, Big Red, Cooper Creek and the Diamantina, and it is one of the great frontiers of Australian touring. Cooee Tours can include the Channel Country and Birdsville on tailored outback journeys for travellers ready to reach the genuine far west.
A Landscape Like No Other
The Channel Country takes its name from the maze of interconnected river channels that thread across the floodplains of the Diamantina, Georgina and Cooper systems. In dry times it is red dunes, gibber and spinifex; after big rains it becomes one of the most spectacular wetland systems on Earth, drawing waterbirds in their tens of thousands.
This is the country at the edge of the Simpson Desert, near where the Queensland, South Australian and Northern Territory borders converge. Big Red — the first and tallest dune of the Simpson — rises near Birdsville, and the historic Birdsville Hotel has welcomed travellers since 1884.
Birdsville & the Tracks
Birdsville is the iconic outpost of the Channel Country — a tiny town with an enormous reputation, famous for its pub, its September races and its position at the head of the legendary Birdsville Track. The surrounding country, including the Diamantina and Munga-Thirri–Simpson Desert national parks, is some of the most remote and beautiful in Australia.
Reaching it is a genuine adventure, and the conditions demand respect — distances are immense, services are sparse and the weather can change the country overnight.
Touring the Channel Country with Cooee Tours
The far west is not country to take lightly, which is exactly why guided touring makes sense. Cooee Tours can build Birdsville and the Channel Country into tailored outback journeys, with the logistics, timing and local knowledge handled so you can simply experience this extraordinary landscape.
Talk to us about how the Channel Country can feature in an extended outback Queensland itinerary, including the famous Birdsville Races in September.
Channel Country Highlights
Big Red & the Simpson Edge
Stand at the foot of Big Red, the first great dune of the Simpson Desert, near the iconic outpost of Birdsville.
Braided Rivers
Witness the maze of channels that, after big rains, transform the desert into a vast temporary wetland alive with birdlife.
Birdsville & the Track
Experience the legendary Birdsville Hotel, the September races and the head of the historic Birdsville Track.
Explore the Channel Country with Cooee Tours
Birdsville and the Channel Country can be built into tailored extended outback journeys — including the famous September races. Talk to us about reaching the genuine far west, with logistics, timing and local knowledge handled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Channel Country?
The Channel Country is a vast region of braided river channels in far south-western Queensland that floods into a temporary inland sea after big rains, then dries back to red dunes and gibber plains.
Where is Big Red?
Big Red is the first and tallest sand dune of the Simpson Desert, located near Birdsville in the Channel Country.
Can Cooee Tours take me to Birdsville?
Yes. We can build Birdsville and the Channel Country into tailored extended outback journeys, including around the famous Birdsville Races in September.
Is the Channel Country hard to reach?
It is genuinely remote, with immense distances and sparse services — which is why guided touring, with the logistics and local knowledge handled, makes good sense.
When is the best time to visit the Channel Country?
The cooler dry season from April to October is the only sensible touring window; summer is dangerously hot and rains can close roads.
Travel Agents & Group Organisers
This destination suits coach groups, clubs and social groups touring Outback Queensland. Cooee Tours offers net rates, custom routing and guaranteed departures — get in touch to discuss your group's needs.