Windorah to Boulia
Submitted: Friday, Dec 03, 2004 at 11:25
ThreadID:
18297
Views:
3777
Replies:
5
FollowUps:
0
This Thread has been Archived
prefect1944
Hi
I am contemplating travelling from
Windorah to
Boulia in May 05 via
Birdsville and
Bedourie in a Subaru Outback (my04). Presuming there is no rain I would be grateful for any comments/advice re suitability of vehicle, tyres (Geolander G900) and need for additional spare tyre.
many thanks
Peter
Reply By: Noosa Bushtrackers - Friday, Dec 03, 2004 at 13:11
Friday, Dec 03, 2004 at 13:11
We travelled in that area in Mid May this year, and the roads were in reasonably good condition. We couldn't go across the Plenty Hwy because it was closed by rain so had to head north.
Not sure about your tyres. We had Geolanders A/T's on an 80 series back in 2000, and while travelling on Oodnadata track got 2 punctures, and then a blow out on the
Mereenie Loop Road.
When we through the Geolanders with only 25 to 30,000ks on them away, in
Alice Springs, the Bridgestone dealer showed us how flexable and weak a side wall they had compared to the Deulers, and stated that they really weren't suitable for gibber rock plains.
As far as vehicle is concerned, the roads are all gravel, and you will not require high ground clearance or the use of 4WD to travel them. We towed our caravan in 2WD all around that area without any problems.
AnswerID:
87145
Reply By: AndrewX - Friday, Dec 03, 2004 at 16:04
Friday, Dec 03, 2004 at 16:04
No harm in carrying an extra spare Peter - I always do in the outback and have never even used the first. Vehicle will be fine. If it rains any vehicle will be stuck (by law ... road closure or by nature ... mud). If dry you can do it in a Commodore LOL
AnswerID:
87167
Reply By: Bundy - Friday, Dec 03, 2004 at 17:31
Friday, Dec 03, 2004 at 17:31
We traveled that way June this year. Hilux + CT, LC + CT and Nissan XTrail. No problems. We camped by the Cooper at
Windorah for three nights and then travelled to
Birdsville for 2 nights in the care of Ruth at the
Birdsville CP. Then headed up to
Boulia via
Bedourie. There is an excellent playground/bbq area just finished in
Bedourie...an ideal lunchtime stop over. Includes covered tables,
water etc. Clearance may be your only prob if there has been some traffic but care and a bit of nous should be able to take care of that! (ie reduce speed)
Between
Windorah and
Birdsville we stopped at Dion's
Lookout, a
picnic area at the top of a '
hill' a little way of the road. A great lunch stop and a great view.
We found the parts of the
Birdsville -
Boulia Road that were gravel were in good nick (80km/h) and there is plenty of blacktop on the route as
well.
Enjoy your trip.
Bundy
AnswerID:
87183
Reply By: Karsten from Birdsville Studio - Saturday, Dec 04, 2004 at 06:01
Saturday, Dec 04, 2004 at 06:01
Gidday Peter,
Be sure to drop in and see us at the Caravanserai Cafe when you're in
Birdsville.
Keep an eye on this site as if there is any flooding you'll find out as soon as it's on. As far as rain is concerned it is very unusual for May, though it can happen. We always let Dave & Michelle (Exploroz) know when things are happening out this way. When it does rain however it would be rare to hold you up for more than a couple of days....(though with a Sub. maybe a day or two longer!)
Definitely carry an extra spare. Two days ago I watched a Landrover come into town driving on a left rear rim! Not a pretty sight. The sound was even worse. God knows how long he'd been driving on it for. (I think he actually had two spares with him.)
Beginning of May we have a cattle drive starting from here. Great time of year to be out here as the tourists aren't swarming like July-Sept.
Good Luck and look forward to seeing you in the future.
Karsten
AnswerID:
87238
Reply By: Richard - Sunday, Dec 05, 2004 at 08:07
Sunday, Dec 05, 2004 at 08:07
Travelled through in October on the
Bourke Outback Treck. A Subaru Outback was also in the group on standard road tyres and didn't have any problems. Provided its dry should not be any problems. If it is wet and the roads are open it might be a bit of a struggle.
AnswerID:
87312