Where to go in Qld gulf country,

[alotfaster]

Hi All
Due the current travel restrictions we are having to modify our plans to meet borders re-opening.
We had planned to be in the Kimberley early July.

Traveling from Victoria we can enter Qld on the 10th of July, then have 10 days to meander towards the NT Border, maybe head into FNQ for a look.
Our preference is too stay off the bitumen where ever possible, remote camp sites and fewer Nomads.

What was a favourite of yours? Looking forward to hearing from you.
Rick

[Wildmax]

It's a good trip from Mareeba via Chillagoe and then Dunbar to Normanton (which gives you access to Karumba, if you can be bothered with the crowds). Then from Normanton via Leichardt Falls to Burketown, and down to Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) and the Riversleigh fossil site. All interesting travel, which keeps you off the bitumen most of the way until you can head via Hells Gate into the NT.

[Gumb]

We followed the Burke & Wills trail as much as we could from Melbourne to Karumba and were off the main drag a lot of the time. In short, we went from Balranald to Mungo, Menindee, Mutawintji NP, Thargomindah, Tibooburra, Innaminka (camp at Cullyamurra waterhole), Birdsville via Walkers Crossing, Boulia, Mt Isa Normanton & Karumba (not necessarily in that order). Some great outback roads and lots of history with a few stops in caravan parks to freshen up. Following the story of B&W is fascinating and makes the trip more interesting. If you are closer to the coast, Lara Wetlands south of Barcaldine is definitely worth a couple of days.

I have a track plot for the whole trip so if you have Ozi Explorer I can send a copy.   

[luke]

Hi Rick,
  Have you done much in central QLD before ? and which way do you plan on going up ? (coastal or central ?)

If you come up inland through Roma to Emerald, then carnarvon gorge is definitely worth a look, but you'll want to avoid school holidays.

Taking the coastal as far as Gympie there's some beautiful places north of Monto, including the Blackdown Tableland national park (just west of Rocky) before you start heading north-west.

If you head further north then once you've made it past Ingham then slowdown and start to look around.  There's plenty to see but to much to list, and then once you get to the tablelands you can follow the advice already given.

If you do head out Karumba way on the southern road, then there's also a few minor detours for undara lava tubes, cobald gorge, and further on to the Gregory and lawn hill.
From Karumba the norther route along the savannah way could take you past Lorella springs, Limmen, and via the Roper river.


If you let us know which way your'e thinking of going, as well as what types of locations you'd enjoy (scenery, historic, touristy) then we can suggest a few more.  For instance, around seventeen-seventy is quite popular, but keeping off the bitumen like you mention then deepwater national park is even better. (just use the southern entry when towing  )