Gulf/NW Qld trip

Submitted: Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 at 21:11
ThreadID: 35950 Views:2313 Replies:3 FollowUps:3
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Just got back from my first trip up there. The usual haunts; Charlie, L'reach, Winton, Curry, Lawn Hill etc. Astounded at the amount of 70/75 series/Troopies. Also astounded at the amount of available water compared to Sydney/Newcastle.
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Reply By: Trevor R (QLD) - Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 at 21:53

Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 at 21:53
Why were you astounded at the amount of 70/75 series? isn't that the country you would expect to see that sort of vehicle???? (no sarcasim just curiousity)

On another note, Lawn Hill....magical spot or what??? one of my favourites of all places I've been.

Regards, Trevor.
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Follow Up By: Steve - Wednesday, Jul 19, 2006 at 08:13

Wednesday, Jul 19, 2006 at 08:13
Trev, although I expected to see plenty of 70/75s, I just didn't expect that just about every vehicle I saw would be one of these. I know a few blokes on this forum work out in the bush and drive them. I suppose that is all the evidence you need regarding their suitability.

Lawn Hill is a magical spot. Has a special feel about it that it hasn't changed for aeons.
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Reply By: Steve - Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 at 21:54

Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 at 21:54
Why are you so 'astounded'.. ??? after all Toyota Landcruisers, and Troopies in particular are the backbone of Outback travelling in Australia...and you were in the Outback !!...As for ...Water...well they have a 'wet season'...this means a dump of water over the area that is too much for the terrain to consume..hence water no problems !!..Sydney, and your town Newcastle...get a serious downpour of water every 10-12 years or so..in between ...its a 'drought'
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Follow Up By: Steve - Wednesday, Jul 19, 2006 at 08:50

Wednesday, Jul 19, 2006 at 08:50
Thanks for the lecture but the thrust of my comment was that it's a pity we can't harvest our water better in the Sydney/Newcastle areas. I am aware of climate fluctuations but there is much room for improvement. Our local water supply is now 16% full. That's pretty poor for a coastal area. There are reasons that it has been allowed to get to that state, drought notwithstanding, but that's another story.
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Reply By: Buffer - Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 at 23:06

Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 at 23:06
Steve, am heading up that way via Birdsville from Perth in 4 weeks and am interested in what you though of available camping areas, booking etc. I have a Tuart C/T and am self sufficient.

Buff
AnswerID: 184185

Follow Up By: Steve - Wednesday, Jul 19, 2006 at 08:41

Wednesday, Jul 19, 2006 at 08:41
Hi Buff,

We only stayed at two campsites, Adels Grove because there's little alternative and Cloncurry because we wanted to see a World Cup match and you can only get SBS in town. The site was ok but it's a bit noisy at night with trucks continually rumbling by. There are rest areas on the highway towards Lawn Hill, and despite rumours of camping on the river at Gregory Downs being stopped, there were about 20 vans/CTs there. In fact council came to empty the bins and nothing was said even though there's a sign saying "no camping". Lovely spot. Adels Grove was absolutely chokka when we arrived. We stayed 4 nights and it was less than half full when we left. Don't know if it was something we did or said;-) You've got to be quick if you want a hot shower as they only heat the water early morning and after 4pm and people were queueing. Very dusty although they send a truck around to dampen the dust down with water. If you've got solar go to the top part cos down in the grove is too shady. If you have a gennie, you'll be sent to the top anyway, with all the other gennies and dogs (neither of which were noisy/noticeable whilst we were there) Helpful people. If you're self-sufficient, Long Waterhole is your best bet in Winton. Only a few mins out of town, where the main site is sardines and dusty. They sometimes allow campers to park at the back of the N Gregory hotel and use their showers, but they were having an opal market in that area and weren't encouraging campers. Bit noisy anyway. Isisford was a nice spot to camp by the river with a 5/10 min walk into town for a shower by the council chambers. Immaculately kept. Didn't go to Birdsville but if you want any more info send us an email. stevemac9@bigpond.com

cheers
Steve
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