We will be doing the road from Atherton across to Normanton in a few months so we would like some general opinions about its condition and suitability for towing a van. Any answers will be appreciated, thanks Bru
rockylizard said
11:55 AM Jun 1, 2017
Gday...
I did the drive but in the other direction in 2012 - Normanton to Mt Surprise (and ultimately onto Millaa Millaa).
The road was definitely no problems for an 'on-road' van. There were some roadworks back then but I am sure the road would still be no problems.
I went from Normanton to Atherton early August last year towing 25ft van, no problems.
They were doing some new road works a little west of Georgetown, but I'm sure that would be finished now.
There is a free camp at Cumberland chimney where I stayed for three nights, well worth it.
I stayed for a week in the Georgetown caravan park, nothing out of the ordinary, but did day tours to Forsayth and Einasleigh. Cobbold Gorge is supposed to be good, but I believe it is a bit expensive. Most of the road from Georgetown down to Forsayth, across to Einasleigh and back up to the highway is dirt, but in good condition. At Einasleigh there is a gorge walking distance from the pub, which I thought was worth having a look at but don't fall off the top of the wall.
There is another free camp on the north western side of the Gilbert river, but like the Cumberland chimney site, at this time of the year you would need to be early.
Croydon is full of history and there is a locality called Golden Gate just west of Croydon worth having a look at. Take a look at my blog where you will find some more information. You can click on any photograph to see a larger view, one includes the van I live in full time.
In Normanton I stayed at the Gulfland Motel and Caravan park, cheaper than the others and quite adequate. I arrived the day before the 125 year anniversary of the railway which had been booked out for more than six months, but did the day trip on the train for morning tea, very nice and interesting.
I like this part of the country and will do this trip again, hope you enjoy it.
matildatraveller said
08:13 PM Jun 1, 2017
Hello Greg 9,
Thought I would throw my 2 cents worth regarding your trip on the Savannah Way.
I too, like many others before me, have travelled the Savannah Way across from East to West or visa versa. I did this road in August 2016 a standard 2 wheel drive 22ft MotorHome. Never a bother as the hwy from Cairns to Normanton is bitumen all the way. I stayed at the Leichardt Lagoon van park about 40klm east of NORMANTON, there are showers & toilets, but no powered sites ($7 p/n). But my solar panels came in very handy. The Savannah Way continues across the North to the Territory, then onto Broome in WA. But I left it alone as there is about 600klm of dirt to the Stuart Hwy NT and not suitable for my Motorhome due to low clearance, potential wet weather and corrugations. (If in doubt always ask a local)
Look out for the 'LAVA Caves' at UNDARA on your way across as they are certainly a must see for an OMG moment..... Safe travels, Gwynnie @matildatraveller
Bru said
08:13 AM Jun 8, 2017
Thanks all for you comments and now I have some places to stop and check out all good looking forward to heading off Thanks
Dunnp said
09:19 PM Jul 1, 2017
Any recent report on Boroloola to Burketown section? Thinking of heading east that way in a few weeks.
We will be doing the road from Atherton across to Normanton in a few months so we would like some general opinions about its condition and suitability for towing a van. Any answers will be appreciated, thanks Bru
Gday...
I did the drive but in the other direction in 2012 - Normanton to Mt Surprise (and ultimately onto Millaa Millaa).
The road was definitely no problems for an 'on-road' van. There were some roadworks back then but I am sure the road would still be no problems.
I have attached my waffle about the trip.
Cheers - John
Thanks John its looking good for me
I went from Normanton to Atherton early August last year towing 25ft van, no problems.
They were doing some new road works a little west of Georgetown, but I'm sure that would be finished now.
There is a free camp at Cumberland chimney where I stayed for three nights, well worth it.
I stayed for a week in the Georgetown caravan park, nothing out of the ordinary, but did day tours to Forsayth and Einasleigh. Cobbold Gorge is supposed to be good, but I believe it is a bit expensive. Most of the road from Georgetown down to Forsayth, across to Einasleigh and back up to the highway is dirt, but in good condition. At Einasleigh there is a gorge walking distance from the pub, which I thought was worth having a look at but don't fall off the top of the wall.
There is another free camp on the north western side of the Gilbert river, but like the Cumberland chimney site, at this time of the year you would need to be early.
Croydon is full of history and there is a locality called Golden Gate just west of Croydon worth having a look at. Take a look at my blog where you will find some more information. You can click on any photograph to see a larger view, one includes the van I live in full time.
In Normanton I stayed at the Gulfland Motel and Caravan park, cheaper than the others and quite adequate. I arrived the day before the 125 year anniversary of the railway which had been booked out for more than six months, but did the day trip on the train for morning tea, very nice and interesting.
I like this part of the country and will do this trip again, hope you enjoy it.
Hello Greg 9,
Thought I would throw my 2 cents worth regarding your trip on the Savannah Way.
I too, like many others before me, have travelled the Savannah Way across from East to West or visa versa. I did this road in August 2016 a standard 2 wheel drive 22ft MotorHome. Never a bother as the hwy from Cairns to Normanton is bitumen all the way. I stayed at the Leichardt Lagoon van park about 40klm east of NORMANTON, there are showers & toilets, but no powered sites ($7 p/n). But my solar panels came in very handy. The Savannah Way continues across the North to the Territory, then onto Broome in WA. But I left it alone as there is about 600klm of dirt to the Stuart Hwy NT and not suitable for my Motorhome due to low clearance, potential wet weather and corrugations. (If in doubt always ask a local)
Look out for the 'LAVA Caves' at UNDARA on your way across as they are certainly a must see for an OMG moment..... Safe travels, Gwynnie @matildatraveller
Thanks all for you comments and now I have some places to stop and check out all good looking forward to heading off Thanks
Any recent report on Boroloola to Burketown section? Thinking of heading east that way in a few weeks.
cheers
Phil