Binns Track, Buchanan Highway question

Submitted: Monday, Jun 29, 2015 at 05:45

ThreadID: 129812 Views:3266 Replies:5 FollowUps:4

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grumpyolephartz

We are currently planning a journey that will take us from Alice Springs to Kununurra and Westward and are tossing up whether we need to do the blacktop through Katherine.

Sure a night at Daley Waters is entertaining but what is Binns Track like from the Stuart Highway near Dunmarra, up through Top Springs, Gregory National Park to Timber Creek? Have any of our correspondents travelled it in the past few months?

My Binns Track books suggests that going into the Gregory National Park through Humbert River is a no-no for trailers and off-road vans. Has anyone had any experience that particular side road?

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Reply By: Boystoy - Monday, Jun 29, 2015 at 20:40

Monday, Jun 29, 2015 at 20:40

Hi John & Heather

I don't know about the Binns Track, but in 2011 we did the Buchanan Highway from Timber Creek to the Stuart Hwy.
A recommended interesting and scenic trip.

Neil

A Bushtracker (or BT) is a "Boys Toy"

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Follow Up By: grumpyolephartz - Tuesday, Jun 30, 2015 at 05:59

Tuesday, Jun 30, 2015 at 05:59

Thanks for that Neil. Think we are pretty well decided to follow right through with that, even though we would miss out on stores acquisition in Katherine.

Thanks
John

FollowupID: 856583

Reply By: The Hob - Tuesday, Jun 30, 2015 at 18:00

Tuesday, Jun 30, 2015 at 18:00

Did Buchanan HWY just a couple of months ago. All was fine except the price of fuel at Top Springs. We went south there down the Buntine Hwy to Halls Crk. The Fuel at wave hill was much cheaper than Top Springs.

If in the Elliott area there is a first class campsite at Longreach Waterhole. The turnoff is signposted just on the northern side Elliott. Travel about 10k along a good dirt road and you will find a very large waterhole with huge amounts of birdlife and lots of campsites on the foreshore. Maybe turn right when you first get in to the waterhole for better camps

Alan

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Follow Up By: grumpyolephartz - Monday, Jul 06, 2015 at 07:10

Monday, Jul 06, 2015 at 07:10

Thanks Alan for your info. Can avoid some of the most expensive fill-ups to some extent but will call in there I guess. We will be travelling up from the Stuart Highway.

Regards
John

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Reply By: Teddy & Mopsy - Monday, Jul 06, 2015 at 03:44

Monday, Jul 06, 2015 at 03:44

Hot off the press.Was there last week.Road from Stuart hwy to Top Springs (Murranji track)then via Victoria River Downs and Jasper Gorge to Victoria hwy and Timber Crreek is in reasonable order. Tyres down and back off on stones and corros. Road to Gregory NP from VRD to Humbert River is good but once into NP is only a track at best.60km to Bullita min 4 hrs with tow vehicle only and not that inspiring visually.Do not attempt with BT or you will need a Chinook to get it out. Creek crossings with trees rocks and impossible s bends and vertical banks and v.narrow track with ohanging trees.I was a bit sceptical of Nat Parks advice but was very glad I drove it first. Cheers. Ted

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Follow Up By: grumpyolephartz - Monday, Jul 06, 2015 at 07:05

Monday, Jul 06, 2015 at 07:05

Thanks for the info Ted. I was thinking of driving in as you did, but that almost decides me against even doing that. I did part of Binns Track two years ago with the 100 Series as tug and it got a bit cramped. The Ram doesn't have much better capacity for traction and I am not that used to tight spots with it either.

Thanks again,
John

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Reply By: Teddy & Mopsy - Monday, Jul 06, 2015 at 07:22

Monday, Jul 06, 2015 at 07:22

Good thinking. Don't take a Ram in there.....too wide...too long. Ted

AnswerID: 588753

Reply By: Bonnidowns - Wednesday, Jul 08, 2015 at 00:59

Wednesday, Jul 08, 2015 at 00:59

2 weeks ago we were camped on the Victoria River at VRD and 5 trackmasters came through from Gregory NP they had to do some tree trimming and track clearing (I don't think they would be in a hurry to go back)
Top Springs to Vic HWY is fine

Keechy

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AnswerID: 588754