Hugh River Stock Route NT

Hi Bruce,

I haven't been down that way (on the highway) for a little while, though who knows where my company will send me next. In my job I get to travel to a LOT of remote regions along the really nasty roads that we specialise in out here, only with a bus, or 4wd.

Anyway, next month I'm planning a trip down to Lake Eyre (if the road from Coober Pedy to William Creek is open - which I believe that it is), so perhaps on the way back I can make a detour and check out the road towards Chambers Pillar, I've not travelled that road before but I will endeavour to see what it's like if I get the chance.

The recent rains are at the point where we are LESS than 40mm below our ANNUAL rainfall figures already this year. And we only get about 290mm/annum, needless to say that the dirt roads are REALLY suffering this year.

Love to give you some more ideas on stuff to see and do when you get up to the Centre (not only out at the rock or canyon but also in the Alice area), so stay in touch, or drop me an email - details in my profile. It sounds like a heck of a trip you are planning though.

Cheers,
Simon

Sorry, can't help with recent conditions, but I'm sure someone else will chime in...

We travelled the HRSR in June last year from W-E. It was reasonably boggy. I was towing a camper trailer. A repair van was bogged on the side of the road. Looks like they slide off to the side and got bogged. Came across a 4WD tour truck that had also gotten bogged. The road was very washed out at water crossings near the train line. Watch out for cattle and camels on the road.

There is a private campground at a place called Oak Valley towards the eastern end. It is basic but has a friendly owner who will go out of his way to help.

We found the HRSR in better condition than the N-S Maryvale road which obvioulsy has more traffic and gets cut up more in the wet.

The Maryvale store is worth a look. Aboriginal artefacts and interesting outback essentials.

Hi Bruce

Back in 2008 following dry weather the road was good, but poorly maintained through the station where in particularly the dips for the creek lines needed caution as some had ruts washed out in them. After crossing the railway line, the road was good. It started to rain as we reached the Stuart Highway end, but we were able to get off it just in time, even if i did get rather wet opening the last gate. Overall, the condition was probably better the the road back to Alice and seems to be a popular choice when leaving Chambers Pillar.

The track from Maryvale Station to Chambers Pillar was probably the worst we encountered that year. My blogs for 2008 include the Central Australia sight seeing.

Motherhen

Hi Bruce Doing virtually the same trip leaving Brisbane 2nd June but continuing from Kings Canyon on to Davenport Ranges and then Darwin arriving on the 20th June. I expect the road conditions will be in the lap of the rain gods !!
Chas