QLD to WA in January

Submitted: Friday, Aug 03, 2007 at 22:07
ThreadID: 48379 Views:2153 Replies:4 FollowUps:3
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I am planning to head for WA from North QLD in early January next year. I would like to find my way to WA via the north, since we came via the Nullarbor.
Since it will be the wet season and I'll be driving a 2wd (Hiace van) what is the best road to take??
I was planning to drive to Mount Isa, Tennants Creek, but what next??
Is the great central road an option in a 2wd that time of year? I would love to travel this way, but don't want to be taking stupid risks.
If not, what about the Buchanan HWY and than the Buntine HWY and Duncan Road to Halls creek??
Or finally is the only sensible option to drive to Katherine, Kununarra, Halls creek etc.....
Any advise about the pro and cons for each of these routes would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

happy travelling
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Reply By: Member - Doug T (W.A) - Friday, Aug 03, 2007 at 22:21

Friday, Aug 03, 2007 at 22:21
The Great Central should be ok , be a bit HOT though but the locals are trottin' all over the place still, and you will be less likely to get rain there than the far North of which will be into the wet season, could even be closed by floods in January,
Umm the locals at the start of GCR will more than likely try and rip some dollars of you to enter the National Park that they so frequently throw and deposit rubbish and old cars in,
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AnswerID: 255755

Follow Up By: Richard Kovac - Wednesday, Aug 08, 2007 at 00:44

Wednesday, Aug 08, 2007 at 00:44
"Umm the locals at the start of GCR will more than likely try and rip some dollars of you to enter the National Park that they so frequently throw and deposit rubbish and old cars in,"

gees your unreel > LOL

your just got to stick the knife in (just your make up)
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Reply By: Footloose - Saturday, Aug 04, 2007 at 09:11

Saturday, Aug 04, 2007 at 09:11
As you know, Jan/Feb can be the hottest and sometimes wettest time of the year no matter which way you go. So you won't be setting many distance records. I take it you have air con?:) How's your cooling system ?
Whatever way you go, take it easy and plan for it to be very warmish.
Don't go GCR if there's been much rain around. It turns into a sticky mess in heavy weather.
My personal thoughts. If I were travelling 2wd I'd stick to the tar at that time of year. You might get away with it...and you might not.
AnswerID: 255785

Reply By: ozwasp - Saturday, Aug 04, 2007 at 11:19

Saturday, Aug 04, 2007 at 11:19
Hi Tyne,

While the GCR is a good dirt road, it'd turn to soup with any water.

There won't be anybody on the road that time of year so if you get stranded you may be waiting a few days before anybody comes through. On top of that it'd be pushing 45 most days if it isn't raining, so if you did break down/get stuck you'd be stuck in the heat.

If I were you I'd take the main highway over the top, as although it may be flooded for a day or two at least it has many vehicles on it. Thus you'd at least survive if you broke down/got stuck.

Either way check road conditions regulary, tell somebody where you'll be and use some common sense.

Cheers, Will.
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Follow Up By: ozwasp - Saturday, Aug 04, 2007 at 11:22

Saturday, Aug 04, 2007 at 11:22
Stick to the Tar
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Reply By: Tyne - Tuesday, Aug 07, 2007 at 22:19

Tuesday, Aug 07, 2007 at 22:19
Thanks for the advise.... looks like we'll be sticking to the tar..... You reckon it is still worth the drive at that time a year??? Or just take the Nullarbor and go north during the dry season?
AnswerID: 256327

Follow Up By: disco1942 - Wednesday, Aug 08, 2007 at 01:07

Wednesday, Aug 08, 2007 at 01:07
I think the Nullabor is your best bet. The other option is to go over the top and carry heaps of non perishable food and water so you can survive whilst waiting for the creeks and rivers to become passable.

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