Noosa Bushtrackers replied:

We travelled in that area in Mid May this year, and the roads were in reasonably good condition. We couldn't go across the Plenty Hwy because it was closed by rain so had to head north.
Not sure about your tyres. We had Geolanders A/T's on an 80 series back in 2000, and while travelling on Oodnadata track got 2 punctures, and then a blow out on the Mereenie Loop Road.

When we through the Geolanders with only 25 to 30,000ks on them away, in Alice Springs, the Bridgestone dealer showed us how flexable and weak a side wall they had compared to the Deulers, and stated that they really weren't suitable for gibber rock plains.

As far as vehicle is concerned, the roads are all gravel, and you will not require high ground clearance or the use of 4WD to travel them. We towed our caravan in 2WD all around that area without any problems.

AndrewX replied:

No harm in carrying an extra spare Peter - I always do in the outback and have never even used the first. Vehicle will be fine. If it rains any vehicle will be stuck (by law ... road closure or by nature ... mud). If dry you can do it in a Commodore LOL

Bundy replied:

We traveled that way June this year. Hilux + CT, LC + CT and Nissan XTrail. No problems. We camped by the Cooper at Windorah for three nights and then travelled to Birdsville for 2 nights in the care of Ruth at the Birdsville CP. Then headed up to Boulia via Bedourie. There is an excellent playground/bbq area just finished in Bedourie...an ideal lunchtime stop over. Includes covered tables, water etc. Clearance may be your only prob if there has been some traffic but care and a bit of nous should be able to take care of that! (ie reduce speed)

Between Windorah and Birdsville we stopped at Dion's Lookout, a picnic area at the top of a 'hill' a little way of the road. A great lunch stop and a great view.

We found the parts of the Birdsville - Boulia Road that were gravel were in good nick (80km/h) and there is plenty of blacktop on the route as well.

Enjoy your trip.

Bundy

Karsten from Birdsville Studio replied:

Gidday Peter,

Be sure to drop in and see us at the Caravanserai Cafe when you're in Birdsville.
Keep an eye on this site as if there is any flooding you'll find out as soon as it's on. As far as rain is concerned it is very unusual for May, though it can happen. We always let Dave & Michelle (Exploroz) know when things are happening out this way. When it does rain however it would be rare to hold you up for more than a couple of days....(though with a Sub. maybe a day or two longer!)

Definitely carry an extra spare. Two days ago I watched a Landrover come into town driving on a left rear rim! Not a pretty sight. The sound was even worse. God knows how long he'd been driving on it for. (I think he actually had two spares with him.)

Beginning of May we have a cattle drive starting from here. Great time of year to be out here as the tourists aren't swarming like July-Sept.

Good Luck and look forward to seeing you in the future.

Karsten

Richard replied:

Travelled through in October on the Bourke Outback Treck. A Subaru Outback was also in the group on standard road tyres and didn't have any problems. Provided its dry should not be any problems. If it is wet and the roads are open it might be a bit of a struggle.