Sydney to Alice Springs via Plenty Hwy

Hi, we took the Plenty last August and found the road to be in quite reasonable condition. From Windorah if you have got time, the Diamantina NP is quite good to see, especially if there has been summer rain. 2 nights would see everything there. Are you camping as after Boulia there isn't accommodation. A night in Boulia is great, then head for bush camps at Tobermorey (remembering that there is no fuel there anymore) then easy trip to Jervois, then to Alice. Even a quick trip down to the Batton Hill gate for the Hay River track is absolutely beautiful, then make your way on to Alice. You don't need a permit just to get to the gate, nor anywhere along the Plenty. Enjoy, it should be a good trip. Jan

The Plenty will depend on wether the Grader has been through or not. April is the end of the wet so it depends how much rain they get. The Donahue (from Boulia to the border) can be a bitch but generally it's a pretty good dirt road.

No fuel or camping at Tobermorey anymore. You need the range to get from Boulia to Jervious (??) or Gem Tree. A spare jerry or two would be good.

How much time? Depends on how much of a hurry you're in. Boulia to Alice CAN be done in a day, but not much fun. When we go that way we're usually just transiting so we push on. Takes about 4 days from Brissy with no stops (other than overnighters that is).

Other tips? Make sure your aircon is in tip top nick as it can get BLOODY hot out there. Also a good set of tyres are a must, the newer the better, preferable an AT in LT construction. Brand doesn't matter so much as their age. Newer tyres handle the rocks better.

As mentioned, check the weather and if there is rain around, try and avoid the Plenty and continue north to the Isa and 3 ways.
Road conditions
Note that the Plenty can be open or closed after rain in the north.
Have travelled it in a day with 1 driver, but as posted it's a very long day. Better to take 2 days.

You need to pay with cash for fuel at Jervois.

Val.