Hi
In late July, there was a post commenting on the poor state of the roads and poor advice received from staff at
Cobbold gorge about southern access. As we were heading up that way about a week later I was rather concerned but had no choice but to use the "questionable" roads. we were in
Longreach.
As there are several routes to CG from the south I will be specific as to the roads we used. We drove from
Longreach to
Muttaburra via the main "western" road, then
Muttaburra to Prairie (not
Hughenden). The Prairie porcupine
Gorge shortcut is closed so had to backtrack to
Hughenden then to the Lynd
Junction, Einsaleigh,
Forsayth and then
Cobbold Gorge. We were in a Prado with 2 in lift and towing OR trailer. Tires dropped about 10 lb from bitumen pressure.
In my opinion, all of the roads were in very good condition considering they are gravel western Qld roads. Regular patches of bitumen on hills and creeks, some patches of clay (tough if wet) some gravel, no bulldust or gravel gullies of any significance. Passed several caravans and 2 regular sedans.
I have no hesitation in recommending anyone with a standard 4WD and OR trailer take these roads to CG. I personally would not take a caravan as its about 400 km gravel and is dusty.
I am not trying to downplay the earlier correspondents
views but want to point out that 1 man's reject is another's prize. Road conditions seem to be a very personal opinion depending on previous experience.
Regardless of the way to get there, CG is a wonderful spot to
camp for 3-4 days so go there. Great camping, great pool, great
gorge, wonderful hosts, great cafe,
camp fires and hot showers and not too many people. (maybe the idea of the original post was to keep people away and preserve the serenity and I missed it!)
The other thing is agree that camping at Porcupine
Gorge is very ordinary. Much better place is a small camping ground 50 km due south of Prairie. Kooninda or something like that. Can't say any more otherwise everyone will go there and that will ruin it for those who go to the trouble of finding it. Just go there and stay a day or 2.
happy travelling in western Qld