Hi I am a new member, tow a 21ft Jayco van with a 2000 Nissan TI Patrol(Petrol & gas) that I have had from new.
My wife and I are planning to travel from Vic to Qld this winter to north of Townsville.
On our way back we are going inland to Emerald to Lake Maraboon and wondered if anyone can please advise on what the roads are like from Sarina into Emerald or would we be better to go into Emerald via Rocky?
msg said
07:30 PM Feb 28, 2017
I have travelled the road from sarina to rocky on a number of occasions. Found it a good drive. Then from rocky to emerald is another nice drive. Good free camps at Rocky, Duaringa and Blackwater ( 25ks out is Bedford weir a great place to spend a few days.) Can also recommend Higher Ground Homestay. (about 20ks fr0m Emerald near the dam.) Must be self contained and is or was..$7 pn with water and $15pn with power and water. There is a dump point and rubbish bins at showgrownds in Emerald.
Haven't done the bit Sarina, Nebo Clermont though. If you do, let me know as I have often considered it.
Clermont to Emerald is fine.
brickies said
07:57 PM Feb 28, 2017
The inland roads are all good , The Sarina to Emerald via Rockhampton would add 300 klm onto your trip . Fitzroy development road to Middlemount then across to Capella then onto Emerald .
msg said
08:49 PM Feb 28, 2017
207 actually. Also by Going through Rocky, its a bit less lonely and you have good roads. whereas while the roads out there are quite good they are isolated and can have potholes (particularly around Clermont ).and they are a bit on the narrow side.
Robbie Mac said
10:14 PM Feb 28, 2017
Thanks for the info, greatly appreciated.
Fringe Dweller said
03:00 PM Mar 1, 2017
The BEST way to go IS Fitzroy Dev to Dingo then Blackwater & Emerald.
YES it is a bit lonlier out there . BUT It's better that th bwuce.
brickies said
03:15 PM Mar 1, 2017
Yes I have done that road it's all good , Has Fringe Dweller says . I have also done Bowen to Collinsville then onto Glenden to Nebo to pick up the Fitzroy development road to Dingo then onto Emerald all good roads just keep fuel tank full when you see a fuel station . Fuel at Middlemont 4 klm off the Fitzroy dev road if needed . I like to stay away from the Bruce whenever I can .
msg said
03:29 PM Mar 1, 2017
Granted the Bruce from Rocky south is a nightmare. But north it is a pleasure. Never had any problems.
PeterD said
06:27 PM Mar 1, 2017
Look at this map. Use the street view to look along sections of the roads. The ones they have driven are 2 lane bitumen roads.
I have driven Mackay to Emerald through Clermont some years ago and found it OK. I have also towed over the direct road from Sarina to where the old Bruce Hwy turns off. That section is very twisty, it is two lane the whole way but very twisting and does not have much in the way of shoulders. The road improves after that. If you don't like twisting road, going via Eton will add a little over 30 km to the trip - See this map.
Renfrew said
01:38 PM Mar 2, 2017
So many options, now inland Qld roads have been improved to meet the requirements for Coal Mines.
For me, depart, taking the new ring road to Eton, maybe morning tea at Kinchant Dam.
Follow the Peak Downs Highway & marvel at the new road that will reduce the bends, for a speedy climb onto the Pisgah Range.
Free camping at Epson Pub, plenty of space, use of facilities, topless Thursday night.
Onto Nebo, then the wide sealed road to the Middlemount turnoff. Turn left then camp at Boondoora Dam a short distance off the highway.
Head west take the Connection Rd to Blackwater, camp at the popular Bedford Weir. then 25 klms further south to meet Capricorn Highway.
Turn right for a pleasant 72 klm drive to Emerald.
Hi I am a new member, tow a 21ft Jayco van with a 2000 Nissan TI Patrol(Petrol & gas) that I have had from new.
My wife and I are planning to travel from Vic to Qld this winter to north of Townsville.
On our way back we are going inland to Emerald to Lake Maraboon and wondered if anyone can please advise on what the roads are like from Sarina into Emerald or would we be better to go into Emerald via Rocky?
Haven't done the bit Sarina, Nebo Clermont though. If you do, let me know as I have often considered it.
Clermont to Emerald is fine.
The BEST way to go IS Fitzroy Dev to Dingo then Blackwater & Emerald.
YES it is a bit lonlier out there . BUT It's better that th bwuce.
Look at this map. Use the street view to look along sections of the roads. The ones they have driven are 2 lane bitumen roads.
I have driven Mackay to Emerald through Clermont some years ago and found it OK. I have also towed over the direct road from Sarina to where the old Bruce Hwy turns off. That section is very twisty, it is two lane the whole way but very twisting and does not have much in the way of shoulders. The road improves after that. If you don't like twisting road, going via Eton will add a little over 30 km to the trip - See this map.
So many options, now inland Qld roads have been improved to meet the requirements for Coal Mines.
For me, depart, taking the new ring road to Eton, maybe morning tea at Kinchant Dam.
Follow the Peak Downs Highway & marvel at the new road that will reduce the bends, for a speedy climb onto the Pisgah Range.
Free camping at Epson Pub, plenty of space, use of facilities, topless Thursday night.
Onto Nebo, then the wide sealed road to the Middlemount turnoff. Turn left then camp at Boondoora Dam a short distance off the highway.
Head west take the Connection Rd to Blackwater, camp at the popular Bedford Weir. then 25 klms further south to meet Capricorn Highway.
Turn right for a pleasant 72 klm drive to Emerald.
All sealed wide roads thru pleasant countryside.