Jim replied:

Don't know the Sandover. Reading indicates it's a bit narrower & the edges a bit softer in wet weather than the Plenty.
Plenty easy, slow & corrugated in small patches. Can be done in day if in hurry - I prefer 2 - 3 days, staying at Tobermorey, near Jervois, Gemtrees. Fuel at above places. Gemtrees definitely worth a visit. Otherwise mostly arid, but, in my view, interesting and scenic country. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!!
Go for it & enjoy it.

Wayne replied:

Nico

See the NRMA website outback tracks section - has details on both so you can read and compare -

http://www.mynrma.com.au/travel/do/thi_cc4_out.shtml

BUT bear in mind the conditions will change depending on a lot of facts. When we crossed the NT side of the Plenty we had no trouble sitting at 90 / 100 kms hour towing a off road camper trailer - The QLD bit is a different story.

Based on my past experience dirt roads in NT are usually well maintained - it is the section in the connecting state that is the problem - so maybe look for the shorter route on QLD roads

Best of luck

Wayne

Greg replied:

Nico I travelled both these roads last year. The sandover is less used than the plenty and there is probably less to see. To go from the Isa to the Alice I would take the plenty via Urandangie. Fuel is available at Jevois. It is possible to do this trip in a day but speed is the greatest tyre destroyer on this road and 80 kph is a good max to drive at. The western end is more scenic and there are camp spots around Harts Range. The cattlewater pass road is a good way to go from Harts Range to Alice.