Diamantina Lakes National Park

We went from Middleton to Boulia via the park (2009), Old Cork Station and Larks Quarry, and found the roads not too bad at all. Only a bit of bull dust off the main road into some of the spots to look at. But make sure you have plenty of fuel! Also not good to go if there has been any rain. (We had a camper trailer and Landruiser 200 series.) Kevin

G'day,

we drove through there last August. It's a long way. The roads not too bad but a Forester would hve to take it easy. There are a few sections that you would bottom out on but most of the way is well graded.

I wouldn't attempt it in my Landcruise if there was any rain around.

I'm not sure of the fuel range of the Forester but that would have to considered.

It is remote country. The only vehicle we passed was a pushbike, no one else.

Steve

We travelled in from Windorah many years ago. Unfortunately don't remember much at all - I was coming down with the flu on the drive in - just remember bad corrugations & lots of bulldust & feeling very miserable, 2 days wrapped in a blanket on a hammock, no cold / flu tablets or even panadol. I vaguely remember some creek / washout crossings through the park that may be the reason for high clearance advice, but nothing memorably bad (other than the flu).

2008, typical....

We were towing a boat....

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 Motorhome

Hi Terry,
Don't know if it is the same track we travelled in 2000 ,but I would not recommend it at all. What we travelled (straddled) on were 2 deep ruts that I believed to be made by a grader or ag vehicle with single tyres. We had 145 ltr s diesel on board and running on fumes when arriving at Winton. We were in a patrol not towing anything.
Cheers Cherry.

Terry,

If there has been no recent rain in the area, I would have no hesitation in taking your Forester along that road. Over the years, much work has been done to improve them, and with some patience, you would be okay.

Treat all creek crossings with respect, and steady speed, as there are often loose rocks in the gravel base of the crossings. Much of the bad builldust south of Davenport Downs, and past Palparra, has been "sheeted" with gravel, and provides easy travelling.

Maybe 2 jerricans of fuel would be good insurance too. Depending on when you decide to go again, there maybe some wear and tear on the road if Davenport have turned off a lot of cattle. A walk around to check for a detour on any bad patches, may save an embarrassing time in a bulldust hole, or hung up on wheel tracks.

That's a magic part of the channel country - horizons that go on forever, glimpses of distant hills in the mirage and the changing terrain, often full of surprises.

Enjoy,

Bob.

Hi Terry,

We went to Diamantina Lakes NP in 2011 and loved the area. The road out to Boulia was pretty good as far as I recall. We have some blogs about our time there - link here - that may be helpful.

Cheers,

Val

Hi Terry,

we did this route in September 2012.

The weather was hot and dry. In those conditions, you should have no problems. As previously mentioned you will need to slow down for any dips in the road.

Diamantina NP had plenty of water and there was heaps of birdlife and flies. A lovely place to stay and explore.

Regards,

Peter

Terry, I suggest that you give it a go if you can. You should be right if it’s dry and Diamantina Lakes National Park is definitely worth the effort. I’ve posted two photos from within the park to whet your appetite.
Myles.