Buntine and Buchanan Highways

Gday Peter

I've only done the section from Nicholson station to Hells Crack, but Marella gorge was a great place to camp (get permission from Nickolson Stn). I have heard great things about the other section in the Vic river excarpment area, but thats on the list for this year...

Cheers Andrew

Hi Peter,
We went through that way last year. We certainly went through Top Spring. We were in a bit of a hurry as we were meeting someone at Kunnunara. Road was in good nick. There were some nice looking camp spots not far from the old crossing of Victoria River. We had lunch there and would have stayed the night. I think it was Jasper Gorge or something similar. Could not really tell you how long it took exactly but I think we did 600km or so that day.

Steve

G'day Peter. We did the Buchanan Highway (read Road/Track) Dunmarra to Timber Creek via Top Springs and VRD in May 2005 with our previous 4WD & camper trailer. We stayed at Dunmarra camp grounds which was a mistake as it closes at midnight, after which every truckie pulls in to rest his head but not his truck refridgerator. So we left at 5 a.m. and got to Timber Creek easily in the one day. Even after a 100km diversion to the Gregory "National" Park and back to the Buchanan Hwy. No problems with the Dunmarra - Top Springs, including crossing the new A/Springs to Darwin Rail Line. Top Springs was interestin in that the locals all hang around watchin for everything, and the pumps are locked in between every vehicle filling. Our idea was to avoid the rain but still have a bit of water left in the creeks. The Victoria River was just passable. The humidity was terrific. I'd suggest June may be better, drier but not as humid.
Can't help re Buntine Hwy.

Hello meandet,

We last did that trip in 2001 and found it quite good going. We camped at Top Springs which was an ok caravan park then and had a meal at the pub. We enjoyed that. Kalkarindji closes during lunch hour so make sure if you need fuel you time it right. We had to wait.

To camp at Marella Gorge you get permission from Nicholson Station. We didn't camp there but went on to camp at Sawpit Gorge nearer to Halls Creek. I can recommend this spot..very nice.

As far as time you take. The first time we used the road we went from Top Springs to Sawpit Gorge in the day, with a break at Nicholson Station and Marella Gorge. The second time was in the other direction and even with a stop at Kalkarindji for fuel we made it through to the Stuart Highway in one day. We were heading for the Daly Waters Campdraft and Rodeo so pushed it a bit that time.
You should have no problems at all. The road was in good condition both times and pretty easy going.

Hope you enjoy your trip

Viv

Thanks everyone, looks like a good trip coming up

Cheers
Peter