Gulf Track - what's it like?

[brianwood]

We're thinking of doing the Gulf Track between Burketown and Roper Bar.
Anyone done it lately?
Is it worth it? I'd value your opinions...

[BigJon]

I was working about 100 km south of Roper Bar for a fortnight last year.

That section was fine.

I think it is usually maintained pretty well.

[Reads90]

Yeah i did it a couple of years ago.

Alot of river crossing .Nothing speacial but would do it again

Some pics of when i went Was may but still a bit wet

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/04/1123.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/04/1124.jpg

Butterfly springs

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/04/1125.jpg


He was pleased we had come along as he had been there for 4 hours . He was also glad we pulled him out . Though that was more bacause he was in my way :)


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/04/1126.jpg

Some nice river crossings though

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/04/1127.jpg

[brianwood]

Thanks heaps!
Great photos!!!

[V8Ian]

Check with the local police or motoring clubs, it's been a tad damp up there.

[Mick-Kelly]

It doesn't take much rain to make the whole area undriveable extremely flat terrain and that lovely mud that just cakes onto tyres. generally OK to drive though. Usual food and water type rules. take a couple of mounted spares and a repair kit.

[dmdigital]

I'm looking at doing this again this year. At present (last week when I last checked) everything was pretty much closed. You could get to Normanton, but not Burketown or west. Road was passable to 4WD from Mt Isa up to Riversleigh and in to Lawn Hill. When its dry it bull dust and corrugations with some nasty holes to try and rip the axles off on. If they don't get much more rain it will probably dry out enough by July, but you never know, its very flat country so it doesn't drain well.

Now if you want a real track (though it is basically impossible to get a permit from the NLC) you want to go from Roper Bar to Gapuwiyak.

[justinc]

I'm looking at doing this again this year. At present (last week when I last checked) everything was pretty much closed. You could get to Normanton, but not Burketown or west. Road was passable to 4WD from Mt Isa up to Riversleigh and in to Lawn Hill. When its dry it bull dust and corrugations with some nasty holes to try and rip the axles off on. If they don't get much more rain it will probably dry out enough by July, but you never know, its very flat country so it doesn't drain well.

Now if you want a real track (though it is basically impossible to get a permit from the NLC) you want to go from Roper Bar to Gapuwiyak.

Hmmmm, Sounds interesting, please enligten us....:):cool:

JC

[dmdigital]

Here you go JC.

Cross Roper Bar and head in to Ngukurr, you don't actually have to go in here, but continue on towards Numbulwar. On the way you have to cross the Rose River at Policeman's Crossing, this is tidal and can only be crossed at low tide (and even then it was almost over the bonnet!). You continue on and turn north at the T junction to Numbulwar. From there you just follow the wheel tracks North for about 400km to the Bullman Track. You pass through one very small community cross numerous creeks and rivers. In the wet it is beyond impassable as a lot of the area is black soil plains and this goes the consistency of wet cement. The last main crossing is the Koolaton River and you come out on the Bullman Track directly opposite the Gapuwiyak turnoff. There is some amazing sites along the way. But like I said getting a permit is all but impossible:( I did the trip in 2002 and would do it again if I could.