Covering a vast area , a region that includes the southwest corner of Queensland and almost all of far north South Australia , it ’ s a place where the traveller can experience some of the most unique desert environs , a landscape that includes mountains and wetlands . It ’ s a huge region that has something for most , this is The Outback Loop .
The Outback Loop is not just a roadtrip , it ’ s an experience that will touch the traveller for a lifetime , yet ironically , it ’ s not one single loop , it ’ s at least three that take in some of Australia ’ s most iconic tracks and landscapes .
As a rider there is something for everyone , all terrains are covered , the ‘ slow ’ rider will enjoy landscapes seen in very few places , quirky outback towns and communities , a history many millennia in the making , the riding looking for a challenge will find that too . Both will want to come back time and time again .
The Outback Loop has no starting or ending place , and in fact a combination of tracks can be traversed , the ‘ official ’ loops include the full loop takes in Parachilna to Arkaroola , Innamincka , Birdsville , Simpson Desert , Dalhousie Springs , Mt Dare , Oodnadatta , William Creek , and Marree . Then there ’ s the Birdsville / Innamincka loop that combines the towns of Parachilna , Arkaroola , Innamincka , Birdsville , Mungerannie , and Marree .
The Oodnadatta / Birdsville loop sees the rider passing through Marree , Mungerannie , Birdsville , Simpson Desert , Dalhousie Springs , Mt Dare , Oodnadatta , and William Creek .
Each loop deserves as much time as possible , a rich history , both Indigenous and European , that tells of vast highways denoted by waterholes , the lifeblood of the desert , or mailmen cutting their own path in Mad Maxesque vehicles , or a railway named for the cameleers of the past . Time is needed to appreciate the diverse landscapes found only in the driest region of the driest continent on the whole of Earth .
The whole region has space enough for any style of traveller , if you like to throw a tent at the landscape and where it lands is where you stay , then you ’ ll agree there is nothing better than finding a secluded swale between the dunes of the Simpson Desert , or an abandoned rail siding on the Oodnadatta Track . There are even natural springs on the Birdsville Track where a hot bath welcomes the weary traveller .
Who wouldn ’ t want to stay at a Pink Roadhouse , or an isolated pub retreating to a luxury room after a few beers on the front veranda ? Accommodation options are covered from outback caravan parks to top end pub rooms , each and all have an experience found in very few places .
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