Muddy 'doe (SA) replied:

I think they are called Developmental Roads because they are ALWAYS under development! Mainly as a result of being washed away during the wet season.

Think they are all gravel roads that are being constantly graded and subject to very variable conditions.

The locals will fill in the picture!

Cheers
Muddy

Tripp'n Around replied:

Hi Craig

Like Muddy says, these roads are always being developed and upgraded.
If you are after a certain road maybe a search here or on the homepage in EO may find the info you require.
Take for instance the Burke Developmental Road that runs from Normanton through Dunbar Station and onto Mareeba/Cairns via Chillageo is mostly rough gravel dirt.
In June 2002 it was good with rough patches but was much better in June 2004.
They even drive cars on it.
Now that all the station gates are gone and replaced by grids it makes for a "quicker" drive (road conditions pending of course due to weather conditions).
The only gates we had to open and close were the ones between Mt Mulgrave H.S. and after the Palmerville H.S. which we too to get to Laura.
We took the Palmerville Track (went left and camped on the Mitchel R. about 20k's up the track, nice camp spot) just before Wrotham Park H.S. heading towards Chillageo.
This is a rather good road too which has it's rough patches and you can get to Laura in 2 days if going this way.

As for the Gulflander tours, they have different tours.
We choose to do a 3 hour tour back in 2002 due to our time restrictions and quite enjoyed it.
The billy tea, damper and sunset tour would be my pick for next time.
We were told that the ride is not as rickety as it used to be due to speed restrictions.
We have been told the overnight trip to Croydon and back is quite good too.
Hope this helps http://www.traveltrain.com.au/traveltrain_services/Tropical_Services/the_gulflander/Overview.asp

Cya
Tripp'n
:)

Member -Dodger replied:

Developmental roads were originally built to facilitate the transport of stock in the far reaches of Qld.
However I agree with the others they are always under repair.
Qld has the worst roads in OZ just behind NSW, there ive started something!

Member - Davoe (WA) replied:

from owning a Nissan camper dont be concerned about a bit of rough road. They are not just a 2wd they are a comercial vehicle and built accordingly it wont fall apart on corragations. Dont skimp on front shockers however as they take a hammering.

trolute replied:

Craig,

As someone living in NQ, my opinion differs a little on these roads. They are all STILL very important to the cattle industry and are good roads once graded. Naturally, after the wet, they can be damaged. I came in from Mt Isa last week, and even the flinders hwy has damage around Julia ck, due to the recent rain.

But they grade the road quite often, and the best thing to do is just call a police station near the road, and ask them. Most cops in the bush are friendly, and they know the roads.

Overall, they are well worth using

TrolUte

duncs replied:

I'd agree with TrolUte.

We travelled up the Kennedy Development Rd in 99 from Longreach to Undarra. It was not a highway and we joke about the development the road still would benefit from but we did do nearly 600km in the day and that included having a look around Porcupine Ck area. We also had three kids in the car 11, 7 & 6 so the road can't have been too bad.

Just one more point. We drove all day and saw no other vehicles, so when it was time to make camp we just stopped in a road works stockpile area, not very far off the road. Made camp, cooked tea then sat and talked for a while. Still no traffic at all. must have been about 13 hours without seeing any other vehicles. Just after my head hit hte pillow we heard this rattleing raw then our camp was lit up like we were being invaded by ET. Three cattle trucks, road trains, came roaring past. The dust settled and quiet returned and that was it. We drove for another couple of hours in the morning before we saw anopther vehicle. Point is keep your eyes open for other vehicles even if you haven't seen any for a while and cmap well back from the rooad.

Happy travelling
Duncs.

Member - Craig M (NSW) replied:

Hi everyone,
Thanks a lot for all the useful info. Sounds like the roads should be fun.
We are hoping to try and stay off the main hwys so that we can just bush camp thus saving a bit of money for better things.
Thanks again.