how hard a drive is the savvanah way?

(I'm talking Cairns to Darwin - I haven't done the western half)

It's not a hard 4WD as such - in the dry you could probably do it in 2WD. It can be a bit corrugated in patches and have some soft patches but nothing too bad. There are a few river crossings which _should_ be low at that time of year - but go carefully. I think there is only one fuel stop now between Normanton and Borroloola which may be an issue?

It is remote country out there and when I did it a few years ago I didn't see many other vehicles at all so if you need assistance you may be in trouble - HF radio, sat phone, EPIRB recommended.

On a 15 year old car ensure suspension, steering gear etc are all in _excellent_ condition - lots cheaper to replace at home than out there :)

It's a good drive, I recommend it.

This is a useful website:
Site Link

Mike Harding

Ben,

Its been 3yrs since I was last that way. From Derby along the Gibb we just took our time and had no probs. About 59k out from Borroloola we experienced what I suspected was going to be an electrical problem so turned back and went along the bitumen. If in doubt at any time it is quite a pleasant drive from Cairns to Broome via the black top. Plenty of road side camps and travellers to yarn to.
Enjoy your trip.
Jim Di

Whenever I've travelled, I've only seen travellers in late model vehicles in remote areas - unless they are backpackers and thus have no idea.

The roads are pretty easy and as mentioned you don't need a 4wd, however where a late model vehicle comes into its own is in reliability. Sure an old car will get you to work and back day in day out, but when your doing 300 - 500km a day, it brings in a whole new ball game.

Basically your taking a risk and crossing your fingers with an older car. The question is what would you do if you have major mechanically problems in a remote area??

Ben, we did the Western End of your proposed trip last year. From Broome across as far as near Doomadgee.
As said before, the only issues on that road are corrugations. Just drive to the conditions and you will be fine. If the corrugations are bad, drop your tyre pressure by 10PSI for a smoother ride.
Hell's Gate was open last year, but I understand it has since closed. This link is to an ABC story on the closure.
Site Link
Might be worth doing a Google and calling them to be sure.

If Hell's Gate is closed, you have a 480 (odd) KM run from Burketown to Borroloola with no fuel.

If you have the time, it is well worth doing a side trip down to Lawn Hill National Park. Turn South West of Doomadgee. Canoeing (hire) on the Gorge is just fantastic.

Depending on the route you take, you will probably come out at Daly Waters or Mataranka. If Daly Waters, make sure you stay at the camp ground at the Pub. Great stop. Barra and / or steak dinner. Great entertainment.

Have a great trip.
Norm C

When we went through there was fuel at Doomadgee. It is a km or two off the road and the fuel was at a shop around the back of town. All locked up so we had to get someone from the shop to unlock and fill us. Much cheaper than Hells Gate at the time.
We were going W>E and had planned Burketown but the road was just too bad (still probably worse than anywhere we have travelled except the 30 km into Well 33 on the Canning) so we turned off at Doomadgee and went down to Lawn Hill that way. Great diversion through the station.
Rusty

thanks for all the info,i will bare it all in mind and definately try to gather some more 4wd and mechanical skills before our trip.
thanks
Ben.