September travel along Donohue Hwy/Plenty Hwy

Submitted: Monday, Jan 26, 2009 at 20:44

ThreadID: 65441 Views:3144 Replies:6 FollowUps:7

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Plenty Highway

Part of the "Outback Way", the Plenty Highway is the most direct route from central Queensland across to Alice Springs in central Australia.

Plenty Highway

Section: Treks

Part of the "Outback Way", the Plenty Highway is the most direct route from central Queensland across to Alice Springs in central Australia.

Bytemrk

Hi There,

I'm doing some pre-planning for an outback trip in September this year. Most of my questions I have found answers to by searching this excellent sight, but would like a little assistance:

I am looking to drive from Boulia in Qld to Alice springs via the Donohue and Plenty highways in mid September. I was hoping to do it in 2 days camping overnight on the Marshall River at Jervois.

I will be pulling our Tambo camper and will only have myself and 12yo son with me. I have done some remote country travel, so not a total novice, but would be interested in suggestions from those that know the area.

I assume after the current flooding up there, most of these roads will either be reasonably good, having been repaired... or atrocious. I can carry enough diesel to cover the full distance , but would top up at Tobermorey or Jervois

Are my time frames realistic?

Any input from those "in the know" would be appreciated.

Cheers, Mark

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Reply By: Wim - Monday, Jan 26, 2009 at 21:36

Monday, Jan 26, 2009 at 21:36

Bytemrk

Time frame o/k but no fuel at Tobermorey.

regards

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Follow Up By: Bytemrk - Monday, Jan 26, 2009 at 21:47

Monday, Jan 26, 2009 at 21:47

Thanks Wim,

That's exactly the sort of detail I need..

Obviously can't believe everything you read on the map!

Cheers,
Mark

FollowupID: 614057

Reply By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Monday, Jan 26, 2009 at 22:18

Monday, Jan 26, 2009 at 22:18

Hi Mark
You can get fuel at Jervois Station and further west at Gem Tree

Cheers

Stephen

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Follow Up By: Member - John and Val W (ACT) - Monday, Jan 26, 2009 at 22:23

Monday, Jan 26, 2009 at 22:23

You'll need to pay in cash at Jervois.

Val.

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Follow Up By: Bytemrk - Monday, Jan 26, 2009 at 23:15

Monday, Jan 26, 2009 at 23:15

Thanks guys,

Fuel shouldn't be an issue for me... but always nice to know where it is out there ;-)

Cheers, Mark

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Reply By: mechpete - Tuesday, Jan 27, 2009 at 02:31

Tuesday, Jan 27, 2009 at 02:31

fuel is available at jervois , and the road will most likely be very gravelly, bulldust holes and rough in places ,we travelled it july 08
mechpete

AnswerID: 346106

Follow Up By: Bytemrk - Tuesday, Jan 27, 2009 at 13:48

Tuesday, Jan 27, 2009 at 13:48

Thank you!

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Reply By: Member - Footloose - Tuesday, Jan 27, 2009 at 07:33

Tuesday, Jan 27, 2009 at 07:33

The Donahue and Plenty Highways are major throughfares, and unless there is further flooding this year, should be open and probably under repair.
It is not the country to be hanging around in during the rain, but Sept should be OK. If in doubt about road conditions, ring either the council or the police for the latest, as the motoring sites are often a couple of days behind with their info.
There should still be plenty of traffic around at that time.

AnswerID: 346113

Follow Up By: Bytemrk - Tuesday, Jan 27, 2009 at 13:47

Tuesday, Jan 27, 2009 at 13:47

Thank you!

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Reply By: Member - Kevin R (QLD) - Tuesday, Jan 27, 2009 at 17:32

Tuesday, Jan 27, 2009 at 17:32

Hi Mark,

Can I suggest a side trip off thr Plenty down Cattlewater Pass to Ruby Gap for a night or two then via east Macdonnells to Alice - great country.

Cheers

Kev

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Follow Up By: Bytemrk - Tuesday, Jan 27, 2009 at 23:05

Tuesday, Jan 27, 2009 at 23:05

Thanks Kev,

I'm actually picking my wife and daughter up in Alice. We were going to double back into the East Macdonnells for a day or two before continuing the trip.

So I'll definitely take a look at Cattlewater Pass.

Cheers,
Mark

FollowupID: 614223