Cloncurry Trails

Stephen,

I've been along that Cloncurry - Mt Isa highway, about 4 times/week, on 'n off over past 5 years, but regrettably haven't made the time to explore through the hills. Much of the ranges appear to be very rugged, but lack the height of, say the Vic high country.

If he doesn't acknowledge your thread soon, I'd be sending Doug Tilley an MM, and pick his brains. Believe Doug has done some extensive trips in the area, and written about it on his website.

Some great history in the area, and worth a look at both the 'Curry and the Isa too.

Bob

Hi Stephen L ,I cannot help with the tracks around Cloncurry ,but would be interested in reading about any travels you do there ,I will try and get there one day and see the area ,a lot of my family lived in that area .In 1953 my cousin was one of the founders of the Mary Kathleen Uranium Mine ,near Cloncurry/ Mt Isa .

Hey Stephen

That is a favourite part of Australia for us, so much to see and do!

One book worth getting your hands on is "Angor to Zillmanton" which details deserted towns in North Queensland.

The book has been well researched and is a great reference book for the region. I spend many hours just thumbing through it!

Cheers, Baz

Hi Stephen,

When we were there in 2011 we were guided by a member on here who gave us some useful mudmaps and background info. Unfortunately I cant recall more than his given name. We did not go into the area you mention, but I guess you have seen our blog and there is a map of our route around that area in there. One problem you will encounter are mining company signs which were pretty common. But there are plenty of places you can get into and have a good poke around, taking care not to stumble into the many shafts that have no protection around or over them. The most rugged area we went into (fossicking area) is described in our blog, and I would not call the tracks there extreme - some washouts, steep sections and sharp creek crossings but quite OK with reasonable care.
There are many mines and at least some remains old old towns, including cemeteries and you would need a lot of time to first of all find and then get around them all. It's a a very interesting area. A good background read id Geoffry Blainey's "Mines in the Spinifex".

Cheers,

Val.

Afternoon Stephen and I visited most of that area a few years ago. We never encountered an "extreme Track" in that area other than the one leading to the railway tunnel near to the Wee McGregor mine and it was most certainly so. Having made that statement , I was driving a 4.2 GQ Nissan Patrol tray back and my son was in a 100 Series Wagon and both made it readily if not easily. It is a most interesting piece of country and well worth exploring. Make sure you have a look for some "Maltese crosses" on the way in to the Wee Mac Gregor.
Regards,
Ray W

Hi Stephan, I have done a little bit in that area I find it hard to imagine that there would be much that would stop you as long as it was dry. I would liken much of it the Northern Flinders Ranges. Mary Kathleen is a very interesting place and well worth the effort although I would not stay there. I would advise against staying at any of the CP's in Mt Isa they can be very noisy and you have to be very careful about security. A great place to stay in that area is the West Leichardt Station on the Lake Julias Road, the hosts there Ron and Joan are very welcoming and interesting to chat with. They are also a good source of local knowledge. Good place to stay for a few days and do day trips from there.
I have just put up Place id 107914 for more information.