I am heading up to Queensland next month in my Subaru outback and are interested in road conditions from Tibooburra NSW through to Thargomindah in Qld where I plan to have a little look around and then the road to Quilpie in Qld. I am also interested if any suggestions on what to see, rest stops etc Thanks Neil
We spent the best part of a month out in western Qld in February - constantly changing plans due to weather/road conditions - it is not the sort of country to get bogged in particularly if travelling by yourself - almost impossible without another vehicle and a lot of work.
Wikipedia shows;
Quilpie; Flora and fauna
The most common species of trees in the district are:
Mulga
Gidgee
Red river gum
Bloodwood
Sandalwood
Beefwood
There are a large range of animals (including reptiles and insects) that can be found in the area including:
Bearded dragon
Sand goanna (Varanus gouldii) bungarra in some aboriginal languages
Black-headed python
Inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) also known as western taipan and fierce snake
Mulga snake (Pseudechis australis) also known as the king brown
Brolga (Grus rubicunda)
Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)
Wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax)
Red kangaroo (Macropus rufus)
Eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus)
Common wallaroo (Macropus robustus)
Bilby (Macrotis lagotis)
Water rat (Hydromys chrysogaster)
Dingo
Facilities and services
Quilpie residents enjoy free access to many amenities including the town library, swimming pool, golf course, museum, sports grounds, an air-conditioned hall and supper room etc. There are well stocked stores and plenty of attractions for visitors with displays of opals and the works of local artists and as well as an information centre. The Brick Hotel has been restored to house displays of opal and art and provide a community learning space.
The road from the NSW QLD border at Warry Gate to Noccundra is mostly reasonably good gravel, a good camping area on the Wilson river opposite the Noccundra Hotel, then sealed road Thargomindah. you have to be careful on the seal road as it is very narrow (single lane) and a lot of driver don't slow down and you will be showered with rocks. Do not try to travel the Tickalara rd as it will most likely be impassable.
-- Edited by aussiebottlo on Saturday 11th of March 2023 08:28:19 AM
The road from the NSW QLD border at Warry Gate to Noccundra is mostly reasonably good gravel, a good camping area on the Wilson river opposite the Noccundra Hotel, then sealed road Thargomindah. you have to be careful on the seal road as it is very narrow (single lane) and a lot of driver don't slow down and you will be showered with rocks. Do not try to travel the Tickalara rd as it will most likely be impassable.
-- Edited by aussiebottlo on Saturday 11th of March 2023 08:28:19 AM
A good summary. I did this route last year. If you go through Thargo, I'd appreciate a report on the state of the supermaket / store, which burnt down last year.
The rule on those single lane roads is get off and give way to the large vehicles. There are signs up telling you to do so. Trucks will not get off for you.
You, if you try 2 wheels on and 2 wheels off, this will throw as many rocks as going off altogether and driving along at breakneck speed.
So safest? Stop and get off and don't get back on until the other vehicle passes. (and hope the other vehicle still doesn't do the 2 on and 2 off bit whilst waving madly as they go past)
Best to wait until the wet is over and then a bit. Give them time to dry out.
I would do the loop and poke around the several mining towns on the route. i.e you start in Thargomindah head to Eromanga, Quilpie Charleville down to Cunnamulla or up depending on which way you are going after.
Yowah is a great place to spend a few days.
Bit hit and miss as to where you can get supplies so make sure you have sufficient. There are Grocery stores at Quilpie, Cunnamulla and Charleville. Nothing at Eromanga except fuel and perhaps water. Good coffee at the pub though. Eromanga has an excellent Dinosaur Museum.
Free camping down beside river at Quilpie. Just don't. Black Dirt and prickles. Any rain will surely see you bogged. Go out to The Lake. Cheap and much more comfortable.
