Melbourne (Vic) to Longreach (Qld)

I'd agree with just about all you have said Glenn but I would go a little later in the year, probably September/October.

It is a little warmer during the day but still cool enough at night to sleep well. If there are to be any wild flowers they will be out in early spring. Yeah I know this is more dependant on rain than anything else but having lived in Broken Hill for a while I reckon it is more likely in Sept than July.

This period also lines up with NSW school holidays which is good or bad depending on your job and the age of your kids. My wife is a teacher and the kids are at high school so it is good for me. Even if that is not a factor it's not like being on the coast, you won't be fighting for parking space in the towns or camp-sites in the bush.

I'd also be tempted to skip Broken Hill unless you had a good few days to spend there. Just continue down the river to Menindee and then on to Mildura. Another option in that area is to visit Reola Station and the "Big Shed".

There are some miles to cover in that trip but it is do-able be well organised and keep moving. Wish I could come.

Duncs

Glenn
Sory mate but just a small correction there, from Bourke to Cunnamulla and on to just South of Augathella is the Mitchell Hwy

Cheers Doug,

I was rushing to type a response while looking at the map knowing that my response time could time out on me : )


Thanks Duncs, you would know those months better than I as I only travel June/July/August each year. Last time I was in Longreach in June it was so bloody humid it was oppressive. Hard to sleep as it was over 25 each night. I guess being on the Tropic of Capricorn you never know what you are going to get. I was suprised you advised skipping Broken Hill, having moved back to Sydney you must be over it hahahaha. I must agree though the trip down to Menindee is great, but Silverton is also a great place to visit. Broken Hill is a place you can stay a week if you love art but other than that it can be a bit boring unless you are given guided tours of the fire house of course : )

Cheers

There is no way I am over Broken Hill. I still love the place and ache every time I see pictures of red dirt or Argent St or any one of hundreds of places out that way.

My reason for not doing the Hill on this trip is that you are doing enough driving. Take your time enjoy the area instead of rushing around ticking off destinations. Go back to Broken Hill sometime when you have the time to ejoy it. Build it into a trip further west like The Flinders, Innamimcka and Cameron Corner.

There is not enough time for me to tell you all there is to see out that way even apart from the fire house.

Duncs

The burger and chips at the take away in Hillston are pretty good too.

Duncs