Avon Downs and Lorella Springs

Hmm..Winton to Camoweel in one hit ? I'd be staying at the Isa. Couple of years ago the road between Isa and Camoweel was full of roadworks and pretty disgusting for the traffic it carried. Probably much better now, but it's still a long day.

Hello Keith,

I have stayed at Avon downs a couple of times, first time I had stayed I said to my self that I would not stay again, just because of the noise of the trucks at the stop, however the last time I was there and stayed in July 2006 I was told that it is now only for campers. It is a tarred spot to the main high way and relatively close, as an overnighter it is fine and safe as the police station is across the road nothing really too look at though. We have used the stop as in terms of distance were we were travelling in was geographically well placed. There are good toilets on the northern end and from memory a phone booth also across the road if required. Hope this may be of some assistance.

I came through the area in Dec 2005. Road works between Isa and Camoweal where almost complete with only about 30Km to do. my brother has just driven this area and advises me that the road is finished. About time too.

Rest area opposite police station was a nice overnight stop. Seal road around area, concrete fire places for cooking etc, but supply your own wood. Toilets are dry type enviroment jobs. No smell. Water tank on site, but not sure of quality. Phone box across road outside police station. No fuel available.

I was travelling with a caravan, and postmarked it as a good rest area when travelling from Darwin to Queensland, for overnight stops. Same as one at Attack Creek on the Stuart Highway, also 24Km north of Elliott, and one 1/2 way between Mataranka and Katherine.

Nick

Keith,

Depending on where you're headed, you can take the Ranken Rd up to Lorne Ck. This was quite corrugated when I was there in '05.

You'll pass a turn off to Soudan and soon after cross Lorne Ck. You can turn right here and head across a paddock of sorts and you'll find a camping spot there. It over looks a lagoon.

Or, you can travel a little bit further up the Ranken Rd where you'll find a more defined track that takes you a bit further up the creek and closer to the water. Here we found a side track that took us right to the water; it was quite rocky and really only suited if you can sleep off the ground.

Keep in mind that there's cattle, ergo there's lots of flies.

On your way out, if you are heading back to the Barkly take the turn off thru Soudan which is a nice station track.

If you are heading north, take the Ranken Rd; I did this in '03 and at that time it was a good run up to the Tablelands Hwy.

Lorella Springs....What can i say....
I will compare it to some places i have been to...
I thought it was better than,,,, Lawn Hill, Adels Grove, Litchfield, Lakefield, Kingfisher Camp..............
It depends on what you like....
My most favorite trek is Overland Telegraph Track Cape York....
This place comes a very close second...
There is a hot spring right at the campground... 38c....
There is a track which is 70kms long,,, it takes you from the camp site all the way down to the mouth of the ocean and Rosie Creek almost....
Fishing in Rosie was pretty good and also pretty average...Same as fishing most places...
The track down is quite challenging,,, or was in 2005,,, with its creek crossings and washed out exits.....
You can camp down there also,,, with no ammenities...
I would pay my money again and probably will this year if we go back even if it was $100,,, it is worth it..
Hell,, you pay $99 to cross the Jardine this year...

Thanks for all the input - greatly appreciated.....................Keith

My mate @i stayed lorella springs about two seasons ago. top spot coldbeer.Ayoung couple ran the place at that time. Maybe they have moved on.have their email somewhere but have not had any messages .Recond mend a look to see .Cost was not factor when we were there.