outback drive

Hi Magpies,

Given that the outback roads that you mention are generally quite reasonable, graded gravel roads you should not have any trouble, provided there is no rain. Best time to go would be during the winter months - May to September, and even then it can be hot. Carry plenty of water and a couple of spare tyres. We did a similar trip in 2011 and you can read it by clicking here. That will give you an idea of conditions and some places and things to see.

Cheers,

Val.

Hi Anton & Mary

Seeing you will be in Mt Isa, you will be so close to Lawn Hill and you would not want to miss this piece of paradise.


Just my thoughts while you are in the area.



Cheers



Stephen

You'll be fine in a Suby if you drive sensibly and look after your tyre pressures etc.
We have changed to more off-road kit these days, but did three major round Aus trips in two Outbacks and then a Forester and had no problems at all. Great vehicles for any reasonable standard gravel tracks.
Enjoy!!

If you do Lawn Hill Gorge and/or Adels Grove, unless you can establish that the road in from the Camooweal end has been recently graded you should go in via Cloncurry, Bourke & Wills and Gregory. The road from Camooweal was awful. It is a shorter distance on gravel and better maintained roads through Bourke & Wills and Gregory. When we were there in July 2014 there was a petition on the counter at Adels Grove to request that the road be graded regularly. It may have achieved results, but probably not.

While in Cloncurry don't miss the Rev John Flynn Memorial Museum. It tells the story of the formation of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Well worth a couple of hours.

Check out my signature picture. It is of the falls and Upper Gorge. By the way, since last year a small tour boat operates on the Gorge. Again time and money well spent.

Cheers, Kevin

Why don't you try some station stays while your cruising about. 3 come to mind looking at your itinerary.Bindara on the Darling and Nelia Gaari - not far from Broken Hill. And Pimpara Lake between Packsaddle and Milparinka. All are members of Outback Beds. Sounds like a fabulous trip your planning. Cheers Toni

Anton & Mary,

If you are going to the Isa, why not go through Boulia, say on trip up there, and return down the Landsborough H'way. Some really good scenery between Winton and Boulia, and the Min Min Centre in Boulia is well worth a visit.

There's a lot to see in Winton and surrounds too!!! Australian Age of Dinosaurs, Lark Quarry dinosaur stampede(should be open if you come after June?), Waltzing Matilda Centre, Corfield & Fitzmaurice store, the Musical Fence, Truck & Machinery Museum and outdoor dining at both Tatt's & the Winton Pubs. Searle's Store is definitely worth a visit and have a yarn to Bernie, Peewee and Fran. They have almost everything there.

Mt Isa has the Riversleigh Centre, where they exhibit fossils from Riversleigh, near Lawn Hill, as well as a mine tour. You can get a good feed at either the Buffs or Irish Clubs too.

John Flynn Centre in the "Curry has a lot of history about RFDS, and the district. Think there's somewhere else in town too, but its name escapes me. :-(

You can get a good feed at McKinlay Roadhouse, and the Crocodile Dundee pub is worth a visit.Kynuna has the Blue Heeler Pub, where you can camp, and get a good feed.......'n a cold beer. Not far out of Kynuna, towards Winton, is the turnoff to Combo Waterhole, which is the waterhole where the shearer drowned in the song "Waltzing Matilda"

If you are going south from Emerald, towards Roma, there's some good scenery near Springsure, and again down near Injune.

Hope that gives you something to work on?

Bob

thanks heaps to all that took the trouble to put down a few words.
VERY MUCH APPRECIATED
I will print out the replies and take them with me after pencilling in the info on my notes,
Anton & Mary