We are about to leave Emerald to travel to Charters Towers. Please could you supply us with your thoughts on how we should do this. Should we drive all the way or stay along the way. Your thoughts on staying at Belyando Crossing? Any advice would be appreciated.
I usually bite the bullet and do the whole trip. Belyando Crossing has sites i think and a small motel as well. Half way between Clermont and Belyando there is a rest stop with toilets and another half way to Charters Towers The road is in good condition and my last trip through was in April.
Welcome to the gang Suzrein, enjoy here and out in the playground.
I did it a few years back and the Gregory Development Road from memory is good all the way. If I also remember correctly fuel is far apart, could be wrong on that though. Lot's of road trains as well so take care.
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Good road can do Emerald to Charters Towers in one day make sure your fuel tank is full when you leave Clermont , There is a rest area at Belyando Crossing to stop for a break also a basic caravan park on the hill behind the service station if you want to break your trip into 2 days , Fuel and food at Belyando Crossing a bit pricey 3 years ago a can of Coke was $3.50 but the powered sites were $20 a night ,
There are a couple of Badgers reports on Belyando - see this link - these reports come from travellers like us. If the arrangements don't take your fancy and you don't wish to stay in rest areas then the park at Clermont will shorten your journey a little.
Just a tip for a newcomer. The forum you asked your question on is more for things that just pass between solo travellers. You may get better responses if you post this type of question in "Road conditions."
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PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
It's not doing to bad on this site 5 hits already , There are a lot I think on the forum don't go passed the General Forum , I have seen people ask for advice on road conditions and get no reply .
Good road can do Emerald to Charters Towers in one day make sure your fuel tank is full when you leave Clermont , There is a rest area at Belyando Crossing to stop for a break also a basic caravan park on the hill behind the service station if you want to break your trip into 2 days , Fuel and food at Belyando Crossing a bit pricey 3 years ago a can of Coke was $3.50 but the powered sites were $20 a night ,
$3.50 for a can of coke out in the middle of nowhere!! if it was cold what a bargain
If you want to shorten the trip a little, there is a very nice caravan park at Capella - geared up to overnighters. Good camp kitchen there and a happy hour gathering place. We overnight there and then do the stage to CT in one day.
I live at nearby Moranbah and regularly travel from Clermont to Townsville. Emerald to Charters Towers is not even 500 km so easily managed. The road is in good nick and the rest stops are clean. I have not found wildlife to be an issue during daylight hours although you will occasionally see cattle off the road. Get an morning start from Emerald. Visit the museum and have a cup of tea at Clermont, grab a pie at the bakery and then on on to arrive in Charters Towers in less than four hours. Travel well.
Several years ago I rode a motorbike from Charters Towers to St. George with a large group of Ulysses on the way home from Townsville. Belyando Crossing is a MUST STOP on a bike for fuel (run out of gas before ass). Along with all the grey nomads on bikes were several grey nomads towing vans. We were all impressed when a girl came out from the shop with a note pad. She recorded everyone's fuel bill and then got them to pull aside so the next one could fill up. Then just go into the shop & pay without having to hold up everyone. Not sure if that happens a lot, but someone in the shop was certainly on the ball.
If you happin to seer Deer along that route, don't rub your eyes.......they are deer. Lots of em....wild. Several good laybyes enroute as well. ( food belyando, average, camp area average too )
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