Plenty Highway

Have a look at this THREAD from a couple of days ago. You could check with the relevant State Roads Authority website.

Cheers Mick

You may have to wait a while. ExplorOz has road info:
http://www.exploroz.com/QLD/Outback_Qld/Roads.aspx

The NT side of the Plenty is open, but
http://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/roadreport/obstructions-byregion.jsp#CENTRAL%20AUSTRALIA

The NT side of the Plenty is open, but says it is closed beyond Qld border due to flooding. Most states have a phone line for info about closed roads and road conditions, but don't know the Qld number.

Good luck

Motherhen

Yoiu can get the latest from the RACQ website here
http://www.racq.com.au/benefits__and__discounts/road_conditions

S and S

I am afraid the only way to Cairns now is via Port Augusta unless you are prepared to wait a week or more. Or you can come via the Oodnadatta Track, Lyndhurst, Camerons Corner and east and north to Cairns

Here is a weather update for you

FLOOD WARNING FOR THE GEORGINA RIVER
Issued at 10:39 AM on Tuesday the 6th of January 2009
by the Bureau of Meteorology, Brisbane.

Rainfall over the last 5 days has caused rises and minor to moderate flooding in
the Georgina River from Urandangi to Roxborough Downs. Moderate flooding is
expected at Roxborough Downs during Wednesday and downstream to Glenormiston
later this week.

Moderate flooding is occurring on the Georgina River at Urandangie. At 8:30am
the river level was 6.05 metres and rising, and expected to peak below the major
flood level of 7 metres during the weekend. Minor flooding is occurring
downstream at Roxborough Downs, where at 8am the river level was at 5.86 metres
and rising. Moderate flooding is expected to develop at Roxborough Downs during
Wednesday, and extend downstream to Glenormiston later this week.

Minor flooding is occurring on the Burke River at Boulia where at 8:20am the
river level was at 4.4 metres and rising. Moderate flooding is possible during
the next few days.

Next Issue:
The next warning will be issued at about 10am Wednesday.

Latest River Heights:
Georgina R at Urandangi 6.05m rising 08:30 AM TUE 06/01/09
Georgina R at Roxborough Downs * 5.86m rising 08:00 AM TUE 06/01/09
Georgina R at Glenormiston 2.5m rising 08:00 AM TUE 06/01/09
Burke R at Boulia * 4.4m rising 08:20 AM TUE 06/01/09
Georgina R at Marion Downs 1.3m rising slowly 07:30 AM TUE 06/01/09


Cheers

Scott and Sharon. I would suggest you forget about going any place North as the monsoon trough is still active. You can get cut off for weeks in the Gulf Country. Find a route South and go the long way. You should never plan to travel in the North during the wet season. Some years you may get through by a fluke, but the chances of getting major stuck is too great. Best of luck finding your way. Regards Tony

S & S
Heard on the news that the rail is open to The Isa, maybe that is your way out
Cheers Ray

Gday Scott& Sharon,
Welcome
Like Willem said your short cut is Pt. Augusta.
Use your time looking around Alice...its not too hot and there is water around
Im local , and yell out if you need a hand...Cheers

S & S,

50mm of rain in Birdsville last night, and monsoon trough still in that area.

If you can't wait for over 3 weeks, strongly suggest the Port Augusta route suggested above. Take care with all the extra trucks on that road, that have had to bypass the Barkly H'way.

Safe journey,
Bob.