Road conditions Burketown to Roper Bar.

Submitted: Sunday, Dec 11, 2011 at 15:54
ThreadID: 90594 Views:3002 Replies:1 FollowUps:4
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I intend to tow my new 'off road', er 'dirt road and do it slowly', van across from Burketown to Roper Bar in June next year.

I did this trip in 1990, however, I would expect road conditions to be vastly different now.

I'm being accompanied by a yank lady friend who hasn't, ever, been outback, and I would like it to be a memorable experience for her, without negative connotations.

Fuel prices will get me, I know, as they dig Ned Kelly up each winter and send him north to run service stations and advise on prices.

We intend to bush camp, and as I have all of the gear this won't be an issue, but I understand that there are places now, that for a small fee, will allow you to use their land and some of their facilities.

Working on the basis that any fool can do it the hard way, any advice about these places and the road condition would be appreciated.

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Reply By: rumpig - Sunday, Dec 11, 2011 at 16:24

Sunday, Dec 11, 2011 at 16:24
be sure and detour to Lawn Hill Nat. Park whilst up that way (we stayed at Adels Grove), we were there a few months ago and it is spectacular. the run from Hells Gate roadhouse through to Borroloola was some of the worst corrogations i've ever encountered in my travels, there was a section heading into Roper Bar from Butterfly Springs that wasn't much better either. i can't say i'd like to have taken a van across those corrogations, it most certainly would show you if it was well built or not.
Lorella Springs is a nice place to stay and Kingfisher Camp wasn't to bad also (though the later place may not be where you intend to travel), being your in the caravan you may just want to stay at Butterfly Springs instead of paying the extra to stay at Lorella instead.
some very nice water holes to stay at when you almost reach Roper Bar, Lomarieum Lagoon out the back of Vidgeon Ruins looked great when we stopped in on our way past there, no facilities but just beautiful.
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Follow Up By: Member Andys Adventures - Sunday, Dec 11, 2011 at 20:29

Sunday, Dec 11, 2011 at 20:29
Hi Richard, The road from Borroloola to roper bar is in good condition at the moment creek crossings are 700mm. I am staying at Lorella Springs for the wet season and have been to Borroloola last week. Also can camp at the Southern Lost City 30 klm to the north, it is a NP, ranger station is at River, and well worth a look. Fuel price is $1.78 for diesel at Borroloola. Butterfly Springs are nice but lots of mozzies. will be able to give you better idea latter in the season as it dry's out.

Andy

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Follow Up By: Member - barbara M (NSW) - Sunday, Dec 11, 2011 at 20:42

Sunday, Dec 11, 2011 at 20:42
Andy,
We would also love any info you give us , as we too will be travelling up that way second week in July next year on our way to the Kimberleey
Barb
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Follow Up By: rumpig - Sunday, Dec 11, 2011 at 21:17

Sunday, Dec 11, 2011 at 21:17
Can't say we encountered any mozzies whilst at Butterfly Springs, but we were only there for a short period early in the day whilst we looked around. Definately somewhere to stop off and look at, we were blown away by the thousands of Butterflies there at the time of our visit.

Does anyone know if that is just a seasonal thing with the butterflies there, or are they there all year round?
cheers.
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Follow Up By: Member Andys Adventures - Sunday, Dec 11, 2011 at 21:49

Sunday, Dec 11, 2011 at 21:49
Hi Barbara, I'm heading up to the Kimberley's in early May, if the roads are ok. Will post a road report before I leave Lorella Springs, as I have Internet here. It is a great place to stop for a week or so, plenty of fishing, bird watching, 4WD, water slides and kids are free with hot springs running through the camp grounds.
To answer your question rumpig the butterflies are still here at the moment, so might be here all wet season I'll have a look in the next few weeks when I go to the western lost city.Image Could Not Be Found
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