We are looking for advise on the best route to take from Darwin to Cairns around late May to early June.
We have a fully equipped 4x4 Ford Ranger including 150lt long range fuel tank. We will be towing our 24 foot semi off road caravan that is set up for free camping carrying about 270lt of water.
Darwin to three ways to Townsville to Cairns. Lots of free camps except for Cairns. Road between Threeways and Mt isa is a bit floaty with a lot of unseen ups and downs. LOTS OF WILDLIFE take care
There are a couple of options in the NT, depending on how much you want to explore back roads.
1. Darwin down the highway to Three Ways, then across to Mt Isa.
2. Darwin to Daly Waters, to Cape Crawford then south to Barkly Homestead and through to Mt Isa.
From Mt Isa:
1. To Lawn Hill National Park/Adels Grove, then Burke and wills RH, Normanton and east to Cairns OR
2. Mt Isa to Cloncurry to Normanton to Cairns.
Lawn Hill NP is not to be missed. Going east from Normanton, you could detour to visit Cobbold Gorge. Undara Lava Tubes (suggest day trip from the excellent Bedrock Village CP at Mt Surprise). Atherton Tableland.
Pamela G sorry but unless the Barkley Highway has deteriated to pre 1990 conditions I have always found it a excellent road. Willing to be shot down by those who have teaveled it in the last 12 months.
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We came from Darwin to Townsville in the last 2 weeks via the Barkly Highway. The road was very good and the country green after lots of rain. My only complaint was the head wind we had for 2 days, sure increased my fuel bill. Plenty of places to stop along the way we have done 3000 ks in a couple of weeks. Stopped at the Barkly Homestead for a night and found it excellent at $27 for a powered site pretty good a bit muddy but that was to be expected. All that way we have had good roads and stop overs. Julia Creek Caravan Park was excellent, powered site $20 per night and 3rd night $12. We also free camped there by the river for 3 nights a great spot supported by local council. Enjoy the trip which ever way you go.
Did Darwin to Newcastle last week to deliver our motorhome, Barkley Highway was a dream compared to the outback QLD roads.
Mt Isa to Roma was like a roller coaster at every culvert, all things done all those roads are in good nick compared to some of the city roads i have driven.
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