Road condition Bourke to Wilcannia

Hi Twigiee

We did a similar trip couple of weeks ago, part of our Brisbane to Perth jaunt.
We were frustrated there was no apparent more direct black-top route. Decided to stick to bitumen hoping to make better time that way. (not having to worry about ruts or mud).

We went Bris to Goondi, Gilgandra, Willcannia, Broken Hill - 1500 k's took 17 hours. (no trailer). Easy drive on reasonably good roads -some works just outta Gilgandra on west side.

If you do find a more direct route which is faster, please let us know.

Thanks.

Good question. Bourke-Wanaaring-Wilcannia appears open (along with most of the roads in the region). Sunday previous it was closed when we passed by. 3500km+ detour to get home to Birdsville from Windorah.....via Charleville-Cunnamulla-Bourke-Cober-Wilcannia-etc.

I'd bet it's open and won't be a problem....but I've lost a lot of bets lately.....

Good Luck.

Karsten

Twigiee,
I travel from Adelaide to Bourke every year.
The roads on both sides of the Darling can be bad at any time, with plenty of washouts on the eastern side, south of Louth. If you want to do dirt, then as previously suggested, go through Wanaaring and Fords Bridge onto Bourke. If you want to stigk to the black stuff, then keep going onto Cobar and then head north from there, as that is the easiest way and the quickest.
Have a good trip.
Chaz

Thanks for the responses. I think i was thinking on the wrong track (no pun intended).

I was thinking that via broken hill, and possibly bourke would be the most direct and therefore quickest, despite the unsealed roads. Looking on the travelmate website (thanks for the link) shows that via tailem bend and dubbo would be similar distance (approx 2000k's) with no dirt. It seems this would be the quickest and most 'hasstle free' route....

Thanks again, twigiee

The most direct route is to go via Broken Hill Wilcannia, Bourke, then there are a couple of options from there. Either north then east through southern Queensland or east to Moree and up into Brisie from there. Under normal conditions it takes about 6 hours from Broken Hill to Bourke either via the dirt beside the river or on the blacktop from Cobar north.

As for the road conditions. The Paroo has minor flooding at the moment and as the water moves south and east towards White Cliffs various roads in the area will close and open. The best way to check is to contact the Visitor Info in Broken Hill 1800 630 008 or the Broken Hill Police 08 8087 0299. The Visitor centre is Council run and they seem to get the info first.

According to the ABC Radio broadcast this morning the Tib to Wanaaring Rd is currently closed as are a few others in the same area, loike Wnaaring to White Cliffs.
Although I have never travelled it the road up the eastern side of the Darling from Wilcannia to Bourke may be a good option. But check first with BH Visitor Info Centre.

Duncs

Hey Twigiee.... Call me when you get a moment... I destroyed my phone which in turn destroyed all my numbers....
I have just returned home...
Awesome trip but i think i gave a 5metre salty a NOKIA bellyache...
We have to have a coupla Scotches b4 you leave...

Thanks for the information. I'm going to drive via broken hill, but on the blacktop - I'll save the direct, unsealed roads for a non-trailer trip.

Voxson - Long time no hear....If the croc calls me I'll ask for my sunglasses back too! I'll give you a call.

Twigiee