May travel; Savannah Way v Pilbara.

Submitted: Monday, Jan 19, 2015 at 14:05

ThreadID: 110797 Views:2046 Replies:3 FollowUps:3

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Savannah Way

This transcontinental road trip, stretches from the historic pearling town of Broome on the northwest coast of WA; travelling past Katherine in the heart of the NT,

Explore The Pilbara in Your 4WD

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Explore the Pilbara in Your 4WD is an essential companion for any 4wheel driver travelling to the north-west. It covers 20 alternatvie 4WD trips of varying distance and remoteness within the rugged

Nick H

Hi All,

We have 2 months off later this year; May and June. June we will spend in the Kimberley and we're trying to decide between spending a month in and around the Pilbra or traveling the Savannah Way from Cairns to Darwin.

One of our key considerations is the weather; is there likely to be problems travelling the Savannah Way because it's early in the dry?

Also want to know if you've done both which did you prefer?

We are in a 76 Series Cruiser that's fully set up with off road camper trailer in tow.

Thanks in advance!

Nick

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Reply By: Kris and Kev - Monday, Jan 19, 2015 at 15:48

Monday, Jan 19, 2015 at 15:48

Have done both and I would vote for the Pilbara. Both are different and both need to be done, but the Pilbara is just a stunning area and so much to see and do. Kevin

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Follow Up By: Kumunara (NT) - Wednesday, Jan 21, 2015 at 18:08

Wednesday, Jan 21, 2015 at 18:08

I agree. I have done both. I would suggest you leave the Savannah Way for another trip. The Pilbara is an excellent destination. Heaps of great walking tracks and magnificent gorges.

The Savannah way is also good. When you do it make sure you detour to Lawn Hill.

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Reply By: Peter_n_Margaret - Monday, Jan 19, 2015 at 17:07

Monday, Jan 19, 2015 at 17:07

The Savannah Way was closed just north of Borroloola until early May in 2007.

Pilbara would be my choice, if you have to make one.

Cheers,
Peter
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Follow Up By: Member - Wildmax - Monday, Jan 19, 2015 at 21:07

Monday, Jan 19, 2015 at 21:07

We've done both and loved both, but unlike the other comments above I reckon I'd just favour the Savannah Way.
We did the section from Daly Waters via Roper Bar, Borooloola and Burketown to Normanton last year in July (so later than you are planning) and had a great time - Lorella Springs alone makes the trip worthwhile, and justifies a week-long stay.
After Normanton there is a good option off the bitumen up to the Mitchell River at Dunbar and then across through Chillagoe on the way to Cairns.

Wildmax
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Follow Up By: Member Andys Adventures - Monday, Jan 19, 2015 at 22:34

Monday, Jan 19, 2015 at 22:34

Lucky I have the key to that gate Peter.
The last few years it is open 1st week in April.

I would do the Pilbara.

Cheers Andy

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Reply By: Nick H - Tuesday, Jan 20, 2015 at 13:25

Tuesday, Jan 20, 2015 at 13:25

Thanks All, we were at Lorella last year for a week and absolutely loved it. Haven't been to the Pilbra so reckon that's where we're going.

Thanks for the feedback.

Cheers.

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