Nhulunbuy or Borroloola or both
Submitted: Sunday, Oct 09, 2005 at 12:07
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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.
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:
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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.
FollowupID:
387939
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...
FollowupID:
388005
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
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Member - Duncan W (WA) - Tuesday, Oct 11, 2005 at 20:11
Tuesday, Oct 11, 2005 at 20:11
I read Lorella Springs Website looks like a nice place. Will look into that one more closely.
Thanks
Dunc.
FollowupID:
388272
Reply By: res.q.guy - Monday, Oct 10, 2005 at 07:33
Monday, Oct 10, 2005 at 07:33
Hi Duncan
If you are going to
Borroloola, and you are into fishing, think about "King Ash Bay", it's about 35 klm NE of
Borroloola (the last 21 k is dirt road). The area is run by the fishing club. It has powered and non powered caravan/
camping sites and
water along with a fuel station, mini mart and bar, or you can
free camp at Batten Point (no facilities), a little further on, and purchase
water from the KAB fishing club.
There is a brochure on the area called:
"Northern Territory Discovery
Trails -
Borroloola & The Gulf Country" which should be available from either
Borroloola Community Government Council (08) 89758799 or
Katherine Region Tourist Association (08) 89722650
Regards
Neil
AnswerID:
133856
Reply By: Bob of KAOS - Monday, Oct 10, 2005 at 13:16
Monday, Oct 10, 2005 at 13:16
I've been to
Borroloola by plane, and I certainly wouldn't make the effort to drive there. There must be some attractions out of 'town'. Dunc, its the
Kimberley. Some people mistakenly call it the Kimberleys or the Kimberlies. Very few come up with the possessive form as you have.
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Follow Up By: Member - Duncan W (WA) - Tuesday, Oct 11, 2005 at 20:09
Tuesday, Oct 11, 2005 at 20:09
Thanks for the lesson in Grammar Bob.
Dunc
FollowupID:
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Reply By: Member - Duncan W (WA) - Tuesday, Oct 11, 2005 at 20:12
Tuesday, Oct 11, 2005 at 20:12
To all of you who replied to my post thanks for your input much appreciated.
Dunc.
AnswerID:
134180
Reply By: Billv - Friday, Oct 14, 2005 at 10:12
Friday, Oct 14, 2005 at 10:12
We went to
Borroloola from
Katherine during a lengthy caravan trip during the winter. Stayed at
Cape Crawford (only a roadhouse) and travelled to
Borroloola and Bing Bong. Unless you are a keen fisherman my advice is don't waste your time and fuel. The road from
Cape Crawford to
Barkly Homestead is single-lane bitumen with about 40/50 kms pretty awful with dips and rises which threw the van around. But the great thing about that road is passing though some of the most magnificent cattle country imaginable including the iconic Brunette Downs Station.
AnswerID:
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