I am travelling in a Toyota Hiace, not 4WD and would like to do Gregory Downs to Lawn Hill in May. Any info on road condition would be appreciated. Thanks.
This road has had many discussions (use search function in this section) and it boils down to when it was last graded and sprayed - normally quite doable if careful and tyres at correct pressure - My personal worst trip in Patrol cost three tyres ($900), one year later no drama's but travelling companion four tyres. You need local knowledge at precise time of travel variable conditions is key.
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Possum; AKA:- Ali El-Aziz Mohamed Gundawiathan
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That road is a formed road that receives some regular maintenance. You do not need 4WD to negotiate it. Any vehicle with good ground clearance will travel that road, sedans included. Just don't go like a bull at a gate, slow down to preserve your vehicle. On those roads it does not matter whether your ute has 4WD or not.
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PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
Its a gravel road, no need for high clearance or 4wd on it. How rough and corrugated it will be will depend on how long since it has been graded and recent weather, but the few times we have travelled it the road has been ok, some corrugations but if driven at a reasonable speed any vehicle can drive it and lots of people take on road vans down it.
Unless there is a really late wet spell, by May the road should have been graded ready for the tourist season. Have worked at Adels Grove in some past years. Mt Isa locals would come up for long weekends through the dry season, in standard, conventional cars - but via Cloncurry, B&W and Gregory Downs. As others say, the key on any gravel road in those parts is not to go too fast and not to be overloaded. Working there, it was our experience that those who had tyre issues were invariably travelling too fast, had a lot of gear in vehicles - couldn't slow down at some of the little hollows/dips where grader had evened out wet season channels - spread the tread on tyres when they bottomed too hard and drove stones into same.
Close to the time you intend to go in there, suggest you phone Adels grove for road info - they will have the best knowledge.
-- Edited by wendyv on Saturday 26th of January 2019 09:07:14 PM
