Boulia, QLD to Alice via the Plenty Hwy.

[TheoB]

Hi guys,

Has anyone driven this road recently? Have you done it towing a camper trailer, and if so can it be done during the winter months without too much concern? I tried to find some info on this road, but there isn't that much around. Seen the Explore Oz notes and some very brief mentions here and there, that's all.

:mrgreen:

[Teabag]

TheoB,

Hi Mate, I had a couple of Mates do it a few years ago on there way over from W.A to visit me in Brisbane. I was led to believe that it is in very good condition with only a few Bull Dust spots. Both where towing camper trailers with one braking a spring hanger but they believe this was weakend during the Great Central Rd crossing. The only point I really remember them making was all the Land Mines(Cow Pats) on the road and hearing them all splatter under the car and trailer. Left a great smell as you got into town....They also stated that it was pretty sparse and really wasn't too much to look at if you know what I mean?????
I hope this little bit of info helps, when I next speak to my mate I will ask more about it for you...

[Kruisin]

When are you planning to go Theo? I'll be interested to see what others have to say about this route. Had an invite from a mate to join him on route to Alice in Sept. So I guess I'm off on another adventure.

[TheoB]

QLD School holidays in JUNE/JULY (07 now, we had a few people lined up to come, but found out 1 has pulled out, checking with others etc...) + another 2 weeks to make it a 4 week outing. Nothing like advance planning now!

I checked with the father-in-law who has done a heap of travelling around QLD as a surveyor for years, he said "take a few spare tyres with you".

Will try to call the local guys in Boulia to get more info.

[BigMav]

G'day mate,

I drove this route from west to east less than a month ago. The eastern side of the Plenty HWY was reasonably good, corrugated like every bloody dirt track out that way but not too bad, lots of bulldust though. However the western side had some severe corrugations and bad washouts had to slow right down on quite a few occasions with fear of the car falling apart. I saw a number of people towing trailers and some even had offroad caravans, by all means go for it but i would consider taking spare springs shocks etc. By the way look out for wildlife. I had a few close calls after dark, a camel is something you really don't want to hit!

[TheoB]

Thanks BigMav, appreciate the feedback. Of course, closer to the travel dates, we'll call and check with the right people about the latest conditions. Taking the Plenty Hwy will certainly save quite a few kms going across from Brisbane to Alice.

[sundaytofar]

i use to work on that road, and i carnt see why u couldnt take a van, creeks and washouts change due to rain , so take care and have a beer for me , there is a good pub out there lol

[nq gu]

I drive it all the time. It is pretty much a formed road now.
Beware of bulldust holes. Plenty of cars have rolled due to these. Around Tobermorrey the rocks are as sharp as broken glass. Run tyre pressures that give you 240 to 250 mm long footprint, say 26 to 28 psi and drive slowly.

If refuelling at Jervois, you will need cash.

[MickO13]

Theo, I did it a little over 12 months ago towing an off road camper trailer of a good weight. Road was a bit of a mixture. Generally good condition but some of the bulldust has to be seen to be believed. July is also the time that they are mustering and moving cattle in that area so there are some pretty big roadtrains about and hense, they chop up the bulldust holes pretty well. Stayed at Tobermoray Station where of the seven vehicles, 5 had broken rear windscreens to make sure you cover your back glass. I have a perspex sheild that I tape on with gaffer tape. A good piece of cardboard will do it though. Don't believe that a stone guard on the trailer will prevent it. Only stops the majority of them. Tobermoray also has a small camp area with showers (The generator thumps all night and the helicopters come home late and leave early) but at least you can wash the dust off.

Mick.

[TheoB]

Thanks boys, for the feedback.
I now have the second spare tyre for the car, may even get the same GU4 alloys for the trailer ($$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$).

We're also looking at the SEP school holidays + 2 extra weeks instead of JUN/JUL. Just have to do some motivating on the friends now. :D

[TOPNDR]

TheoB

I haven't driven it since about April '04 (I think) but then did Boulia to Alice comfortably in a day, towing a trailer with my camping gear in it.

I learned years ago not to travel too fast on unsealed roads I don't know, and now limit myself to a max 80 kliks, and haven't had a problem since I learned the lesson in '97, after wrapping my then trailer around a tree en route to Kalumbaru! :badidea:

I run my tyres at 40-45psi and haven't had a puncture since said '97 trip. I attribute this to good luck and not trying to tear ass over gravel.

Back to the Plenty, if the highway stays open, I'm planning to drive from Alice to Boulia in early Feb, enroute Townsville. I'll let you know how it goes.

[TheoB]

Yep that sounds good - keep any updates coming. Although we have a while to go, there's nothing like a bit of advanced planning.

[TOPNDR]

The highway's impassable again and with the rain they've had in the centre this week it's the black top for me. :cry:

[nq gu]

If you want to add some more adventure to it, turn left off the Plenty via Cattlewater pass and go to Alice via Arltunga.

[TheoB]

If you want to add some more adventure to it, turn left off the Plenty via Cattlewater pass and go to Alice via Arltunga.

Yep that was going to be an option either going out or on the return. I hear that's a pretty "interesting" drive thru there.

[Punker]

good to hear some opinions of ppl that have done this road before. I would love to do it, prolly not this year, maybe next. Sounds like i'll need another spare tyre and a puncture repair kit.

[TheoB]

good to hear some opinions of ppl that have done this road before. I would love to do it, prolly not this year, maybe next. Sounds like i'll need another spare tyre and a puncture repair kit.

I agree. We're doing this next year in June/July (or there abouts) and have already got my second spare. Then again the brother in law from Rocky did it last year in a stock 3.0L Patrol no extra spares - nothing and **** it in. No dramas at all.

[Punker]

lol that would be right! Someone takes a stock out over it and it's all good. Then we take modded up trucks with a few spares and puncture em all and have to push the truck home! lol