KING FISHER CAMP

We are presently in Darwin and planning to travel on the Savannah Way in early July (from Mataranka across to Cairns). We made similar plans last year but were foiled by road conditions.

Does anyone know what the current situation is with the Track? I can't see any road reports saying its closed...
Chris

I was thinking the same, but could possibly be referring to Gumhole in Diamantina NP? Although I thought that park is closed...

Cheers, The Landy

Here it is
Gumhole


Cheers,
John

Hi John

No problem, was wondering where it was....

Member ‘Joe n Mel n Kids’ are based in Doomadgee (Roadhouse) and I’m sure they will be able to provide an update for you as I’m sure they’ll see your post, otherwise send them a message as they will only be too happy to update you...

Cheers, The Landy

hi guys "Gumhole" is an "outstation" and you dont go anyware near it whilst on the Savannah Way.... on the edge of the Nicholsen river
The road from Lawn Hill to Doomadgee the "back way" is still fairly rough and the water is still high and i would also add that Bowthorn (Kingfisher) is mustering at the moment with about 3 x 3 trailer road trains going in and out so road conditions can and most probally will change over night, they are coming in from the Savannah Way to Bowthorn, they will probally be around for the next week or so ....

Cheers
Joe

thanks JMK. Going to have to play this trip by ear at the moment. I am hearing that the Roper side is impassable at the moment as well.
John

Hi John


This is taken from Lorella Springs Newsletter June 2011


The Nathan River road has had the Roads People working on it, and when we were on it we never needed to get out of 2 wheel drive. Lots of caravans are coming through from Roper Bar, Borroloola, and Cape Crawford.

Rememeber to always take it easy and it is recommended to give us a call to get the latest info just before you come, and so we can look out for you..

I am following it closely as we leave to go up to KFC and across the Savannah Way
to WA next week.

Cheers,
John

Nice pictures Christian, Through there is great country and well worth the drive...

Yeah nice photos Christian. Just wondering is that a hilux you got pulling your van? Also wondering about the tarp across the top. I dont do much deep river crossings, and always thought that you didn't need a tarp in front of a diesel engine? Maybe i should bring one with me?
John

Gday John,

As I am up late as normal. I will try to answer this on behalf of Christian. It certainly is a Toyato Hilux dual cab, nicely setup for touring. As for the water guard, I would always suggest some sort of Tarp or whatever in front of the radiator before entering water around this depth, even though you don't have to worry about spark plugs on the diesel, there are many electronic components under the modern diesel 4X4 bonnet also it makes it a bit safer from the problem of hitting the throttle and having the fan chew its way into the radiator or even just snapping off blades.

Hope this helped.. Cheers

Thanks Blaze, Yes John a blind is a must to reduce the rush of water into the engine bay like Blaze said.

Just before KKamp there was a small water crossing only 4m wide but quite deep dunking the headlights, when we arrived at KKamp there was two 100Series that had there radiators damaged from the fan pulling forward, one of them was waiting for a new fan to be flown in.

The blind I use is made of mesh so it still lets the air through and it can stay on all the time when on the outback tracks.

Christian