Nhulunbuy or Borroloola or both

Submitted: Sunday, Oct 09, 2005 at 12:07

ThreadID: 27113 Views:3525 Replies:5 FollowUps:5

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Member - Duncan W (WA)

Heading through the Kimberley's and NT in May-July next year. Got the Kimberley's sorted but some advice please. What area would you visit as a preference Nhulunbuy (North East Arnhem Land), or Borroloola, or even both?

Time is not really a problem, cost and availability of ULP is. (The budget can only be streached so far). We have a Terracan with only a 75l tank so travel distances beween drinks for the car is crucial. I'll be carrying jerry's though.

I'm aware of the restrictions of travelling in Arnhem Land and that we must have accomodation in Nhulunbuy before we will be issued with a permit.

The map suggests that travelling from Borroloola down the Tableland Hwy would make an interesting diversion on the way to Tennant Creek.

Thanks in anticipation.

Dunc.

Dunc
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Reply By: Member - Marilyn P (NSW) - Sunday, Oct 09, 2005 at 17:23

Sunday, Oct 09, 2005 at 17:23

Dear Duncan,
Recently (June) travelled from Doomadgee (Q) to Boroloola stayed 2 nights then to Roper Bar (1 night) then to Katherine via Roper Highway. Lots of things to see and do between Roper Bar and Borroloola - lots of fishing and camp spots along the way. Gravel road is in good condition. Would thoroughly recommend it. 380 km along Tablelands Highway is not so exciting but again road is good.
Originally wished to drive to Nhulunbuy but was advised the long return trip along the Central Arnhem Highway was interesting one way but very tedious for the return trip with no where to stop to get off the road nor permission to do so. Ended up by not going there.
Best wishes - it's a wonderful place.
Marilyn

AnswerID: 133773

Follow Up By: Member - Duncan W (WA) - Sunday, Oct 09, 2005 at 18:47

Sunday, Oct 09, 2005 at 18:47

Thanks Marilyn, since posting my question I've done some more research and from what I can tell it's 900K's from last fuel at Mainoru to Nhulunbuy with 2 major river crossings. My Terracan just wouldn't have the range to do it safely even with jerrry cans I think I may come up short. The area around Borroloola looks interesting so I've decided that this is the best option for us. By the way where did you stay? I'm considering either McArthur Rv C/van Pk or Borroloola Holiday Village.

Thanks again

Dunc.

Dunc
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Follow Up By: Voxson (Adelaide) - Monday, Oct 10, 2005 at 07:58

Monday, Oct 10, 2005 at 07:58

Hi Duncan, I had your ideas exactly on this years trip but soon found out that there is nothing to see on the Gove Peninsula unless you are heavily into art and enjoy getting stuffed around for permits...
I wouldnt stay in or near Borroloola unless you can shackle every item you have to the ground and weld your doors shut on your 4x4....
*just my opinion*.... because of this years experience....
On the road between Roper Bar and Borroloola there is a place called Lorella Springs...... Now that is a paradise...

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Follow Up By: Member - Marilyn P (NSW) - Monday, Oct 10, 2005 at 13:14

Monday, Oct 10, 2005 at 13:14

Dear Duncan,
Stayed at the McArthur River Caravan Park - didn't have any problems there with security although the noise from the pub of a night was loud especially after it closed and the locals wandered home. I was warned about leaving my car in places but had no troubles at exposed turist places like Police Museum etc. If you wish to fish/launch boat the best place in town is the first boat ramp to the right before well before you reach the pub. It is sufficiently far enough out of town to be safer and there is a group of grey nomads who camp there for the season each year. Had a great conversation with them - there's always someone around to look after one another's gear. The other boat ramp - well NO. King Ash Bay was different again - minimasl security issues but if you are not a fisher person there is little to do or see during a stay. If you don't have a boat but still want to fish go to Bing Bong and the rocks near the McArthur Mine loading facility - take your food, water and bait because there certainly no shops. If you are into walking a great place towards Cape Crawford is Caranbirini Conservation Reserve.
Have fun,
Marilyn

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