road conditions Longreach - Isa - Katherine

Submitted: Saturday, Apr 30, 2005 at 10:10

ThreadID: 22503 Views:3604 Replies:4 FollowUps:7

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emmetguy

Hi can anyone tell me what to expect in regards to road conditions this time of year
from Rockhampton to Longreach to Isa to Katherine? Sealed or dirt/corrugations etc. Cheers, Emmet

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Reply By: Bob Y. - Qld - Saturday, Apr 30, 2005 at 10:29

Saturday, Apr 30, 2005 at 10:29

Emmet,

Bitumen all the way via the route you mention. You will strike some dirt/gravel, if you fall asleep, and run off the road. A lot of straight, often "boring" stretches, that can lull you into drowsiness. Drink plenty of water, and take a break regularly.

Good time of year, as temps are down into low 30's, but still check tyre pressures everyday. Lots of road trains around at present, due to dry conditions, and tourist numbers are on the increase. Don't assume you have the road to yourself!

Take plenty of film, or digi-camera batteries, for the stretch across to Kununurra, from Katherine.

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AnswerID: 108910

Reply By: Footloose - Saturday, Apr 30, 2005 at 11:02

Saturday, Apr 30, 2005 at 11:02

Also be careful on the stretch from Mt Isa to the Camonweal. Unless there have been major roadworks it can be narrow, windy and very busy.

AnswerID: 108912

Follow Up By: emmetguy - Saturday, Apr 30, 2005 at 11:20

Saturday, Apr 30, 2005 at 11:20

thanks guys, and ill be sure to fill my jerry cans before i go too as i hear the price of diesel's a bit extravagant out there. Got my spare batteries, tripod, and lenses ready to go. And as for fatigue I got the best remedy for that. 800watts of MP3 player. Cant wait....Cheers, Emmet

FollowupID: 365661

Follow Up By: Footloose - Saturday, Apr 30, 2005 at 11:26

Saturday, Apr 30, 2005 at 11:26

Dry conditions also bring wildlife closer to roads and towns. Watch for not only roos but suicidal emus also.

FollowupID: 365663

Follow Up By: flashnick - Saturday, Apr 30, 2005 at 18:10

Saturday, Apr 30, 2005 at 18:10

Emmet - dont take too much spare fuel - LOL - I mean spend "some" money out there - Its good to let the people who live and have businesses out there share in our prosperity too - it'll only save you a few dollars but to them its an income for giving us remote services. but its great to have people out there who provide us travellers with the essentials when we need them - they are not rip offs - they are just providing a very convienent service in a remote area. I used to carry everything - but now I do my shopping out there as I go (much less clutter in the vehicle and still enough emergency supplies) - there is not much they cant supply - they need our business.
Just a plug for the outback convienence store.
Nick

FollowupID: 365690

Follow Up By: emmetguy - Saturday, Apr 30, 2005 at 21:51

Saturday, Apr 30, 2005 at 21:51

Yeah wise words nick - ill leave the jerrys where i found em - out back of a fish and chip shop :-) Emmet

FollowupID: 365721

Reply By: Member - Poppy (QLD) - Saturday, Apr 30, 2005 at 14:38

Saturday, Apr 30, 2005 at 14:38

Road from Mt Isa to Cammoweal has been upgraded all but about 40 ks, and the rest can be a shocker
Cheers Poppy

AnswerID: 108931

Follow Up By: Footloose - Saturday, Apr 30, 2005 at 18:15

Saturday, Apr 30, 2005 at 18:15

Thanks for that info, last time I went that way it was a shocker until Camonweal. Then a beautiful road to 3 ways as soon as you hit the NT border.

FollowupID: 365692

Reply By: Lyds - Saturday, Apr 30, 2005 at 18:03

Saturday, Apr 30, 2005 at 18:03

the alternative is after Camooweal to take a right up the Ranken Rd, past the Alexandria station, then up to Cape Crawford. You can also turn off somewhere near the Barkly Homestead.

Its a good road (in 2003 anyway), mostly unsealed, very little traffic, a bit of cattle, and at times there's lots of grassy nothing.

AnswerID: 108956