I have just been over the Silvery City Highway from Broken Hill.There has been no rain recently and the road has recently been graded so it is in good condition.I was told that about 60% is paved and 40% dirt.
Stopped briefly at the Packsaddle Roadhouse for morning tea and continued to Milparinka.There are lots of historical ruins which are nicely signposted and an Information Centre which is operated by volunteer Grey Nomads.I understand that they have a roster for several weeks at a time and bring all their own food and supplies from Broken Hill.
Next stop was at Depot Glen where we stopped at the pool and a short distance away was the grave of James Pool.The carving on the tree JP 1845 is still clearly visible and can be photographed easily.
A short distance later we arrived at Tibooburra and stayed at the hotel across the road from the Family Hotel.I saw a Corolla sedan parked behind the hotel otherwise all the vehicles in the area were 4WD.
Next day drove up to the Sturt National Park to Olive Downs Campground and then had to return to the Cameron Corner Rd as the road via Lake Pinaroo was closed.
I was informed that if you get caught on a road when it is closed (usually due to rain), that there is a fine of a $1,000 per tyre.Several times, I did see roads with deep ruts (now dried) caused by drivers that did go into areas when they should not have.
Cameron Corner was an interesting place with the Corner Shop selling fuel (both Unleaded and Diesel) at $2.20 a litre. A nice campground and Fenn & Cheryl were very friendly It was an easy days drive from Tibooburra to Cameron Corner and back.Lots of wild-life was seen on the roads, cattle, kangaroos, emus and a variety of bird-life.Also, I saw one dingo and a fox.
The road from Tibooburra to Wanaaring and Bourke was also in reasonable condition.Saw several Wedgetail eagles one flying next to the vehicle so that we could see the markings on his wings.A great thrill.Someone had shot two wild pigs and put them on a post on either side of the road and another place a shot dingo was hung on a pole.
Fuel was available at Wanaaring at $1.95.8cfor ULP and $1.98 for Diesel fuel cards were not accepted.
yes, there was some sandy areas but nothing that careful driving could not go through.
We were more worried about deep ruts and corrugations. Fortunately most of the tracks/roads had been recently graded. We did not have to drive in 4WD during any part of the trip.
The most important thing was that the weather was favourable with 'no rain'. Lots and lots of kangaroos and Emus, especially in the earlier part of the day.