Palmer Goldfields
Submitted: Wednesday, Jul 09, 2003 at 21:18
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Topcat (WA)
Can anyone tell me what the condition of the track from
Laura to
Maytown via Jowalbinna which accesses the Palmer Goldfields & also the road out from
Maytown to the Peninsula Developement road via Maitland Downs? Have Wheels Will Travel
Reply By: Nick G - Wednesday, Jul 09, 2003 at 22:36
Wednesday, Jul 09, 2003 at 22:36
Topcat This is not very recent information but I did this track in Oct 2000.From
Laura to
Maytown takes about 7hours. I did it from
Maytown. The first 8ks took us 3hrs. It's a long slow steep first gear low range slog up the range. I would recomnend you read Hector Holthouse's book "River of Gold". Theres heaps of mining relicks to see and after you do the rd you'll marvel at how they got it there. I don't know about the rd to the Developement rd. Hope this helps. Have a great time.
AnswerID:
24575
Follow Up By: Topcat (WA) - Wednesday, Jul 09, 2003 at 22:43
Wednesday, Jul 09, 2003 at 22:43
Thanks for the reply. I knew it was rough so I'll take it extra easy. Cheers.Have Wheels Will Travel
FollowupID:
16530
Reply By: Peter H - Thursday, Jul 10, 2003 at 08:59
Thursday, Jul 10, 2003 at 08:59
Topcat
I was through there a month ago (in troopie)
Was probably best part of Cape trip from 4wd point of view. You will need a full day from
Laura through to
Maytown. From Jowalbinna low range all the way.
Some advice in
Laura that we may need a winch but not the case.
Maytown back to Dev Road (road West to Palmerville is closed) is slow but we came right through in 2wd. Kept hubs locked in though.
When are you going?
Peter
AnswerID:
24583
Follow Up By: Topcat (WA) - Thursday, Jul 10, 2003 at 09:40
Thursday, Jul 10, 2003 at 09:40
All going
well I will be in that area late August early September. Coming into the Cape via Mt Isa/
Normanton then up to the top. Doing that part of the trip on the way back via Lakefield N.P. Cheers.Have Wheels Will Travel
FollowupID:
16535
Follow Up By: Rob from Cairns Offroad Training & Tours - Saturday, Jul 12, 2003 at 22:36
Saturday, Jul 12, 2003 at 22:36
I have been through there twice so far this year the last ime about 3 weeks ago. On the last trip we found a bloke and his wife in an old 45 series ute with a broken diff about 1\3 of the way in north of
maytown. He had been there for 3 days. I have done this trip many times usually on trail bikes and I would certainly recomend at least a hand winch be part of your recovery gear. Allow at least 8 hours for
Laura to
Maytown and 3 hours
Maytown back to the development road. Peter, why would you drive a road like Whites Creek road in 2wd? Cheers RobCairns Offroad Training & Tours
FollowupID:
16680
Reply By: Peter H - Thursday, Jul 10, 2003 at 10:13
Thursday, Jul 10, 2003 at 10:13
Have a good time
AnswerID:
24585
Follow Up By: Peter H - Wednesday, Jul 16, 2003 at 08:59
Wednesday, Jul 16, 2003 at 08:59
Rob
I dont want to re-ignite the great "locker" debate but I have lock rights in the front of my troopie. I find them very good but can make the steering a bit heavy and tend to "centre" so I prefer to operate in 2wd when I can. Also found the track slow but not loosing traction.
Peter
FollowupID:
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