Normanton to Cairns Just how long does it take?

Hi Boo Boo, If you stop every 2 hours for 30 min that's another 2 hours hours. Then you would have to get fuel at some point and that's another 20 to 30 min and you have lunch 1 hour Its starting to add up. Did the trip planner allow for stops or 11 hours straight driving with 2 drivers and no stops.
Andy

G/Day BooBoo,.....How about we swap utes, it will only take you 7hrs all up then!..LOL.


Cheers Axle.

Hi BooBoo
Yep it's doable but unless you're trying to squeeze in another day fishing and have to catch a plane in Cairns, take your time. The country is just beautiful through there and the roads are often narrow beef roads with lots of road trains. Also after the wet it can sometimes take local councils time to pick up the edges and fix up wet season damage. Split your trip and stay at Cumberland just short of Georgetown. It's a free camp and was an important gold mining town. The smelter chimney is still there, along with the tailings dam. There is also a cemetery to the left of the cattle grid as you come in. My Grandfather was born there and his brother is buried in there. G grand mother had one of the pubs. It's a short drive in local terms into Cairns.
Enjoy the land and have a great time.
Cheers
Margie

yes 8 hours MAX .................
but that is where it all stops, it is a really interesting drive if you have never done it before so for me it would be just point to point and want to get to Cairns but for a tourist that has never been there i would be planning it over 2 days as some really interesting history is out there .......
Your call and short answer ..... 8 hours driving but be really careful at the other end in the evening as zillions of roos.
Cheers
Joe

OK the last two posts have finally convinced me.

If we go that way we will take two days.

Ah it's. nice to take it easy.

Thanks for your help, it's great to get useful info on an untravelled road.

Normanton to Cairns takes as long as you wish, we took 12 days.


5th Aug 2011. Just after turning off Matilda Highway, we camped at Leichardt Lagoon 2 nights, 7 Aug Croydon - lunch history walk 2.5 hrs, night camp (free, no facilities) Cumberland Chimney 20 kms before Georgetown. Side trip 2 days at Cobbold George Rough road but worth it fabulous gorge. 11 Aug Mt Surprise. Side trip 1 nights at Undara Lava Tubes. During 5 night stay at Atherton we took a days drive to Cairns.

Hope you have time to enjoy your trip.

Hi Luke

Just saw your question.

Go to info centre at Croydon, they will give you a map of the historic building. All were very well preserved.
If you have time & money Cobbold Gorge was a highlight of our trip, the road was being rebuilt when we went thru' should be good now.

Sorry haven't any photos here. L