For all other route restrictions use the following link https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au. From Townsville via Charters Towers, turning left at Torrens Creek onto the Torrens Creek/Aramac road, past Bowen Downs turning right at the T-piece when you reach the Aramac/Muttaburra road. From Corfield to Hughenden there is wide bitumen and excellent road. The Kennedy Developmental Road is sealed in this section. I had no problem with it. The byway crosses the sandy base of the Flinders River and travels through rugged country with views of basalt walls running along the horizon. For accurate up to date road conditions for Queensland also check the following sites: All content 2023 Winton Shire Council. 500 0 obj <> endobj The Winton to Hughenden rail line opened in 1899 but it closed in 2008 when it become uneconomical due to declining freight movement on the track. Van bottomed out at less than 80k, chassi on crappy bloody Jayco broken in 2 places (32 year old mind). Check with local authorities the current condition of all unsealed roads before heading off. Total Distance: 2451 kilometers Duration: 14 days Route: Emerald - Barcaldine - Hughenden - Winton - Longreach - Blackall - Tambo -Roma - Carnarvon Gorge - Emerald (loop) Please note: we are currently making some changes to the Drives section of our website. The sealed section is double lane road and wide. Hughenden is part of Queenslands dinosaur trail and the town has embraced this by setting up a fossil centre with all types of rocks, bones and interactive displays. The road is suitable for 4wd and High Clearance Vehicles and not recommended for small vehicles such as sedans etc. It is how many kilometres to the Northern Territory did you say? I value the comments you both make on this forum. The 212 kilometres of track pulled up amounts to about 8,500 tonnes. This route is 119km, 20kms of which is unsealed. Investment ID 1459389. Neighbouring Shires include: Book your unique experience with us today! While the 350km KDR is not a hard or technical drive, its an interesting one for the seasoned traveller; however, bear in mind theres no phone reception along its length, even up on the ranges. While travelling in Outback Queensland it pays to be aware of road conditions in surrounding Shire's especially during wet season when the road you are travelling on may merge into another Shire. Caution is urged if traversing flooded creek crossings as road surfaces may be damaged, the submerged matter may not be clearly visible and underlying currents can be swift. %%EOF The longer route via Emerald is all hardtop. Hughenden Cairns (via Townsville) 700km, Hughenden Longreach (via Winton) 393 km, Hughenden Longreach (via Muttaburra) 329km, Hughenden Barcaldine (via Winton) 499km, Hughenden Barcaldine (via Muttaburra) 355km. The bus journey time between Hughenden and Winton is around 14h 10m and covers a distance of around 989 km. For a current up-to-date report on closures etc. It links western communities of Boulia, Winton, Hughenden through to The Lynd and Mount Garnett in the north. Email: Cloncurry.Corridor@tmr.qld.gov.au, Old Richmond Road: 43km west of Hughenden, Old Richmond Road: 61km west of Hughenden, Flinders Highway (Hughenden to Charters Towers): 28 km East of Hughenden between Hughenden and Prairie, Flinders Highway (Hughenden to Charters Towers): 36 km East of Hughenden between Hughenden and Prairie, Torrens Creek Aramac Road: 108 km South of Torrens Creek, Queensland Community Support Scheme (QCSS), National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Facility Infrastructure and Equipment Stream, Businesses and Investors Incentives Program, Glendower Crossing (Flinders River Byways). Queensland Community Support Scheme (QCSS) Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) Home Care Packages (HCP) Veterans Home Care (VHC) National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Community Transport Community Accommodation Council Facilities Community Bus Diggers Entertainment Centre Facility Details Photo Gallery Horse Paddocks From Longreach (via Longway and Dalmore stations) 7km north on the Winton road turn off to the east. From mid-2017 to early 2020, the department completed sealing another 42km of the Kennedy Developmental Road, funded under theNorthern Australia Roads Program. Travelled this road September this year. Travellers then can travel towards Porcupine Gorge or travel 28km back to Hughenden. A Greyhound Australia service runs between Townsville and Tennant Creek (Northern Territory) travelling on the Flinders Highway, passing through Hughenden. Hello all, we are planning to travel this road in June, towing an on road caravan. Be prepared to take it slow and should be ok though. Fully sealed double lane highway with some narrow sections. If you have time its possible to explore the Undara lava tubes for a price, but thats at the end of the Kennedy Developmental Road. After leaving this area the KDR follows Einasleigh Creek for many kilometres, and considering how much of the surrounding area was dry it was surprising to see water flowing in some of the creeks, and with it a few bustard birds prancing beside the road. Posts: 7. FLINDERS DISCOVERY CENTRE 37 Gray Street, Hughenden QLD 4821. sporting events, Anzac Day marches, etc.). Hughenden is 376km west of Townsville and 519 km east of Mount Isa. 111 mi Total Distance 2 hrs 4 mins Drive Time 8 stops Cities / Attractions Some corrugation. Some corrugation. The Basalt Byways is approx 90km and a 4wd track, majority unsealed. The other is further up at Stamford, I did not stay there so I don't know what it's like. If you don't learn to drive these types of road you are going to lock yourself out of a lot of Queensland. After two days on the KDR it was a pleasure to hit the tar near the Lynd Roadhouse (where basic supplies can be topped up) and the last 95km up to Minnamoolka is a dream drive. Winton to Hughenden via Kennedy Developmental Rd, Chief One Feather (Losing feathers with age). The last 50km from Lyndhurst to The Lynd Roadhouse is in pretty good condition, but dont expect to be doing any breakneck speeds; generally our speedo was sitting around the 40 to 60km/h mark most of the way due to the rocky and sandy base and our lowered tyre pressures. The departmentare sealing approximately 48km of the remaining unsealed road between The Lynd and Hughenden. What to see on the Tully to Townsville drive. This is one of those road trips, alas, where you just put the foot down and dont worry about sightseeing along the way. On one occasion Americans had stored ammo underground just out of town, and during a controlled burn-off the fire got out of hand causing explosions, which left huge craters, blew windows out of buildings and burnt shops down. hbbd```b``"*"96H`?| &C0)V"A$H*m1#c3H(? D. The Muttaburra Community welcomes you to the home of the Muttaburrasaurus Langdoni. Over the next few years the town grew through land sales, shops were established, and a school, a courthouse and churches were built. Along the Kennedy Developmental Road (KDR) youll find Point Of Interest (POI) signs alerting you to some pretty cool spots. PLEASE NOTE: Flinders Shire Council road reports only apply to the roads within the Flinders Shire boundary and not neighbouring shires.It is advised that motorists proceed with EXTREME. In wet conditions, road can be cut at some of the smaller creeks along the highway. The unsealed sections can change quickly with rain and can have bull dust patches and corrugation. For all other route restrictions use the following link https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au . Roughing it Smoothly. The works will be delivered by Flinders Shire Council and Etheridge Shire Council. Its also popular with hikers who are prepared to spend hours following the trails into the gorge. Some areas have black soil and when wet can become very dangerous, very quickly. FLINDERS SHIRE COUNCIL - ROAD REPORT FLINDERS SHIRE COUNCIL - ROAD REPORT As at 11.30am Thursday, 23 March 2023 Please Note: Flinders Shire Council road reports only apply to the roads within the Flinders Shire boundary and not neighbouring shires. We encountered a few travellers going too fast in the opposite direction, and when they flew past at speed we had to look out for dust and rocks. from: Brisbane to Longreach/Longreach to Brisbane, Timetables may change, check at www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au or Phone 1800 872 467, BUS QUEENSLAND At the end of July 2022, only 29.6km of unsealed sections remain along the Kennedy Developmental Road. The State of Queensland (Department of Transport and Main Roads) 20102022. Travellers are to exercise extreme caution in gravel sections. Copyright 2023 Kronosaurus Korner Powered by Bookeasy, Developed by ImpartMedia. Some corrugation. Hughenden 25C. If you're going on a road trip from Winton to Longreach, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way with Captain Starlight's Lookout and Longreach Powerhouse and Historical Museum, or the ever-popular Australian Age of Dinosaurs. The road is fantastic. Not all roads may have been inspected at the time this condition report was released and conditions are constantly changing. The Queensland Outback hub of Winton is located in between Longreach and Mount Isa. For the adventurous there is also another alternate route which locals call the Straight Road or River Road which can take in a visit to Starlights Lookout and is an unsealed road but is a great drive when conditions are good. Narrow in some sections. Freight and Heavy Vehicles: For more information on Flood Recovery Permits (FRPs) and freight route information, contact the Flood Recovery Road Access Group: 1300 105 647 or floodrecovery_roadaccess@tmr.qld.gov.au. H eading out from Winton it's a solid 220km run on the blacktop until the historical and colourful town of Hughenden.. Wind the clock back to 1861 and it was Fred Walker who camped near the river heading north searching for the lost Burke and Wills party.Just opposite the Flinders River a huge coolabah tree was blazed by Walker in 1861, and the following year by explorer Landsborough, as . Motorists need to be aware of potholes and other damage however road in good condition. Images from web cameras located in different parts of Queensland. The last 100 gravel kilometers into Hughenden coming from Mittaburra are really bad. Aawww, Ma Baker, I feel honoured, now Snippy doesn't feel so dippy. Road shoulders of sealed roads generally become soft during heavy rain events and movement of the bitumen seal is discouraged. Permalink. What are the Hamelin Pool stromatolites of Shark Bay? Some areas have black soil and when wet can become very dangerous, very quickly. On the road full time with Son and 21 year old cat and 3 year old Manx. FLINDERS HIGHWAY (EAST - HUGHENDEN 115KM, CHARTERS TOWERS 366KM & TOWNSVILLE 498KM) Search the options here. Permalink. Some of them are free, including the Musical Fence and Arno's Wall. You can also turn right just before Bowen Downs and travel 40klms on an unsealed road to Muttaburra. Bus Queensland service runs between Townsville & Mt Isa with a break in Hughenden. Winton to Hughenden road conditions. After coming down from those low rocky hills, the road from Hughenden to Winton traverses 200 km of grassland, with occasional patches of small trees. Recommended 4wd. But there are no fuel stops along the way. TOPIC: Winton to Hughenden road conditions. https://www.flinders.qld.gov.au/our-infrastructure/roads. SPIRIT OF THE OUTBACK Hi Daryl, have just traveled from Winton to Hughenden via Kennedy Dev. 3 Weekly Buses 14h 10m Average Duration Use the attached application form to seek Single Trip access (one way trip only) or for Local area access (multiple trips). All Rights Reserved. Recommended to 4wd or High Clearance vehicles only. A track to the top offers unimpeded views across the plains and ranges in the distance. Surrounding Hughenden are four national parks, and the most spectacular of these is Porcupine Gorge an hour north along the KDR. Farther along youll find a sign highlighting Whistling Bore, which was sunk to 500 feet with no water found, but on some days a noise can be heard rising from the capped-off bore. from: Brisbane to Longreach, Timetables may change, check at www.busqld.com.au or Phone 1300 287 537, GREYHOUND AUSTRALIA Google Maps and Earth (and street view) show that it is a sealed road the map in Camps 8 shows that it is sealed as well. With a 21km road in and out, its a good base to set-up for a few days to explore Emu Swamp Dam that, when full of water, is alive with birdlife. Trucks are usually trying to get supplies to consumers, while some caravaners have no time frames. Heading south on the Kennedy Developmental Road to Winton is a sealed road and accessible to all vehicles. All content copyright David Whitley. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Queensland Rail operates the Inlander passenger train, which gives travellers the opportunity to experience the heritage and natural treasures of north Queenslands rugged yet beautiful inland. The first one you will come to is Corefield. In wet conditions, the road can be cut at some of the smaller creeks along the highway. Today a rock cairn marks this unfortunate occurrence. The road features many steep sections, topping out at 376m . It is a very sharp gravel road with very deep wheel ruts and big loose granite like boulders that destroy the underside of your vehicle. Funding $20 million for widening and sealing funded by the Regional Economic Enabling Fund (REEF) on an 80:20 funding basis, Investment ID 1693055 From Barcaldine 152 klms sealed bitumen. Make sure youve topped up the tank in Hughenden. 85km / 54 mins) Follow the Kennedy Highway to Winton, dubbed the 'Dinosaur Way.' Call and meet the residents of Stamford along the way. endstream endobj 501 0 obj <. The Richmond-Winton Road connects cattle properties to major freight routes, such as the Landsborough and Flinders highways. 2235S 14432E Bitumen road to the airport, bitumen airstrip, fully fenced with solar lighting. It is possible for rain to close the road when creeks are running. Some corrugation. Images from web cameras located in different parts of Queensland. We also acknowledge and pay respect to the Elders past, present and emerging. Hughenden to Stamford (approx. Hughenden is situated on the banks of Queensland's longest river, the Flinders. Completely sealed, suitable for most vehicles however may not be suitable for large buses or vehicles towing as there is a 16% incline driving the mountain. Alternately we could go to Cloncurry and back towards Charters Towers. Freight and Heavy Vehicles: For more information on Flood Recovery Permits (FRPs) and freight route information, contact the Flood Recovery Road Access Group: 1300 105 647 or floodrecovery_roadaccess@tmr.qld.gov.au. Sealed until Kooroorinya Nature Reserve (approx 54km) and 12km travelling from Muttaburra. The road is accessible by all vehicles, however, can still be affected by wet weather. Road Reports are Issued for the Safety of All Members of the Travelling Public and We ask for Your Co-operation. How long is the Gold Coast to Mackay drive? What are the biggest cities in Australia? June 2022. Toyota Landcruiser 100 series V8. Being Sunday there was very little traffic. Hughenden does not have car hire options however larger towns or cities nearby (such as Townsville, Mount Isa or Longreach) do have options if you are looking at travelling further into Outback Queensland. There are five major roads entering Hughenden, from the north, south, east and west. As far as oncoming traffic goes you can see it early enough to and the shoulders are wide enough to get completely off the bitumen. How long is the Innisfail to Townsville drive? Stockham Building Services. The route is a vital transport link for the movement of cattle through the North West Region and tourism access. Beware of corrugation, recommended 4wd. There are plenty of things to do in Winton to keep you busy for a few days as you're visiting. The road to Porcupine Gorge National Park is sealed. Cream Magazine by Themebeez, Hughenden to Winton drive: Distance, time & road trip stops. While Porcupine Gorge is a great stopover, heading farther north along the KDR sees the tar give way to harsh unsealed outback roads not far from the parks entrance. ustralia's dirt roads are vanishing under tar. Route below.) Road Trip Conditions. Hughenden and surrounds are serviced by rail, plane and bus routes and is a very accessible destination for those who prefer self-drive. Road Conditions Winton Shire Council Road Report It is advised that motorists proceed with EXTREME CAUTION travelling on all roads during wet weather. Check the road conditions from Townsville to Winton and plan a trip based on the weather along the way. Key features Sealed road surface to an 8-metre width, improving safety for all motorists. These days the town survives on agriculture and the tourist trade, the latter either passing through or stopping by to visit the dinosaur centre. Hughenden is home to locally-found dinosaur skeletons at the Flinders Discovery Centre. The Kennedy Developmental Road from Hughenden to Winton is, mercifully, fully sealed. There is no sense remaining a timid scared driver, that is not much good to you when the unexpected happens. Phone: 07 4769 3200(Cloncurry Corridor) Heading south on the Kennedy Developmental Road to Winton is a sealed road and accessible to all vehicles. on each road please contact Kronosaurus Korner. By private charter. Hughenden to Winton distance and driving time By car, the distance from Hughenden to Winton is 215km. Kennedy Development Road (North Porcupine Gorge, the Lynd, Undara, Mount Garnett, Tablelands, Cairns etc). Road. The Kennedy Development Road has approximately just over 50% sealed, spilt into sections. How long is the Brisbane to Surfers Paradise drive? Let me tell you. A further 9.8km of unsealed sections will be completed by mid-December 2022 with the remaining sections scheduled to be completed by December 2023. So, how far away is Townsville? Grand plans were passed in 1945 to build a two-storey courthouse, but after it was discovered that the foundations would not support the building, and there was a shortage of cement, it was eventually erected as a single-level building. Traffic alerts, traffic flow and road conditions, Information on special events (e.g. Fully sealed double lane highway with some narrow sections. Services run Wednesday & Sunday (Townsville to Alice Springs) Wednesday & Saturdays (Alice Springs to Townsville. Prairie, Winton (via Morella) and Hughenden can also be accessed from Muttaburra. Good condition, fully sealed double lane road. Not all roads may have been inspected at the time this condition report was released and conditions are constantly changing. But as many of your posts, you are always right. Please note these are the general conditions of each road and weather events are not taken into account. Improved reliability and efficiency of freight movements. Traveling it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller. Hughenden is located half-way between Townsville and Mount Isa on the Flinders Highway, North West Queensland. Trees - as big as any along this road. Route - Brisbane, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Warwick, Barcaldine, Winton and Birdsville Distance - 1892km Duration - 5 days Vehicle - 4WD (Can do in a 2WD. 18 months ago it was a good road. Hughenden, or Mokana as it was named by the local Yirandhali people, was soon to become pastoral land, with huge sheep stations covering the area. It is flat country and you can see any bad bits to slow for. Access from the north is through the Kennedy Developmental Road. Wind the clock back to 1861 and it was Fred Walker who camped near the river heading north searching for the lost Burke and Wills party. For bookings contact REX on 13 17 13, online atwww.rex.com.auor visit the local Agent Flinders Discovery Centre. Services run Monday & Saturday at lunchtime (TSV to Hughenden), Tuesday & Sundays (Hughenden to TSV) & Wednesday 6pm (TSV to Hughenden). REX Airlines fly every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Townsville to Mount Isa, which stops in Hughenden. For a current up-to-date report on closures etc. Road Conditions, Distances and Further Information. This partly sealed road is best checked before travelling as rain can change road conditions very quickly. Contact Winton Shire Council on (07) 4657 2666 or the Visitor Information Centre on (07) 4657 1466 for further information. The Hughenden-Winton railway line was a railway line in Queensland, Australia, . Bookings:Bookings are through Greyhound either Online or via phoneMeal Stop:Lights on the HillDeparts:Lights on the Hill. The department are delivering the progressive sealing of Kennedy Developmental Road, The Lynd to Hughenden. While travelling in Outback Queensland it pays to be aware of road conditions in surrounding Shires especially during the wet season when the road you are travelling on may merge into another Shire. M & S Mitchell Earthmoving PTY LTD. $849,240. Driving is the most common choice for travellers, as it allows visitors more flexibility and accessibility to see all the attractions and experiences. Situated on the Overlanders Way approximately half-way between Townsville and Mount Isa, the Hughenden region is a hub for many destinations. The town has had a chequered past where pre-1900 barracks were set up for Aboriginal police, so they could track down runaways in the harsh and often inhospitable outback. from: Brisbane to Longreach/Longreach to Brisbane, Timetables may change, check at www.qantas.com.au or Phone 13 13 13. Remember, the gravel thrown up by passing traffic travels across the road not along it, it is your forward speed that breaks windscreens. Hughenden is 376km west of Townsville and 519 km east of Mount Isa. The Kennedy Development Road past the Oasis Roadhouse is completely sealed double lane road. Feels like 76.91 Wind speed 11.2 mph Pressure 1011 hPa. Sometimes it's worth the longer journey, which would include getting through Emerald . Many roads lead in and out of Muttaburra. Typically three buses run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance. Just up the road is Blackbraes National Park, where you can camp and explore. Status: Offline. FLINDERS HIGHWAY (EAST HUGHENDEN 115KM, CHARTERS TOWERS 366KM & TOWNSVILLE 498KM). %PDF-1.5 % The Flinders River Byway connects the Flinders Highway and the Kenndy Development Road and is unsealed. VIEW TOWN ON GOOGLE MAPS Places to stay in Hughenden Rest Easi Motel Just before the Porcupine NP turnoff, keep an eye out for Bottle Tree Hill; although, there are no bottle trees for miles either side of it. The Richmond to Winton Road has approximately 140km single lane sealed and 88km single lane unsealed. If this page does not appear correctly, it will be updated in [] Remember, the gravel thrown up by passing traffic travels across the road not along it, it is your forward speed that breaks windscreens.