Voxson (Adelaide) replied:

yes for 5days......
no for 2days.....more like 4....

Muddies Doe(Trippn) replied:

Hi Greendog

Yes, 5 dyas that sounds ok Adel's to Karumba.
Be aware that you could be travelling all day because of the tracks, they change from year to year so that would be my only concern.
Try here, they may help you ( http://www.burkeshirecouncil.com/) or either email, write or ring Michelle at Adel's ( www.adelsgrove.com.au/ ) they will help you with current road info closer to time.

As for going along the Burke Development Rd and you are intending to go from Karumba to Cairns??? (been along it in 2002 it was rough & in 2004 was good, so if recently graded, it's quite good) my overnight stop suggestion, if looking for free camp would be to take the side road on the left (x amount klms before Chillagoe, please consult local knowledge or reliable book for this turnoff) and go up about 20-30 klms to the Mitchell R. You won't be disappointed and you can have a fish too, good luck. Mt Mulgrave station is very close by, just north of the river so you will know if you are in the right area.
Back in '88 we did Normanton to Chillagoe, stayed overnight in Chillagoe with intentions to do a tour but they weren't doing one the day we were there so we looked around before heading to Mareeba. All done in 2 days easy driving.

Cya
:)

The Rambler( W.A.) replied:

Karumba to Cairnes can be done easily in 2 days on the road through Chillagoe, but you would not enjoy the country as you should .The road itself is not too bad but can be hard on tyres as is very stony and beware of hidden bulldust holes--some quite deep.There are nice camp spots along the way and two good sites are either side of the Walsh river crossing .Also a bit to see in Chiillago and aneasy run to Cairnes from there.If diverting North to Mitchel river you should allow more time again.It is a nice part of the country with a good outback feel but also be very aware of cattle on the road so NO night driving.