Normanton to Cairns Just how long does it take?
Submitted: Thursday, Feb 16, 2012 at 19:36
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Member - Boo Boo (NSW)
I've just been looking at a few trips on a 'trip planner' and am now wondering why it would take around 11 hours driving time to get from
Normanton to Cairms.
It is around 700km and the road appears to be tar all the way.
I would have thought around 8ours driving plus stops.
Has anyone done the trip and what sort of time it took?
Thanks
Reply By: margery l - Thursday, Feb 16, 2012 at 21:22
Thursday, Feb 16, 2012 at 21:22
Hi BooBoo
Yep it's doable but unless you're trying to squeeze in another day fishing and have to catch a plane in
Cairns, take your time. The country is just beautiful through there and the roads are often narrow beef roads with lots of road trains. Also after the wet it can sometimes take local councils time to pick up the edges and fix up wet season damage. Split your trip and stay at Cumberland just short of
Georgetown. It's a
free camp and was an important gold mining town. The smelter
chimney is still there, along with the tailings
dam. There is also a
cemetery to the left of the cattle
grid as you come in. My Grandfather was born there and his brother is buried in there. G grand mother had one of the pubs. It's a short drive in local terms into
Cairns.
Enjoy the land and have a great time.
Cheers
Margie
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Follow Up By: Member - Boo Boo (NSW) - Thursday, Feb 16, 2012 at 21:36
Thursday, Feb 16, 2012 at 21:36
G'day Margie
We don't break land speed records anymore,, I just thought 11 hrs was a bit long.
However, from what you have said the roads might be the reason why the 11 hrs pops up.
Thanks for the info.
FollowupID:
753351
Follow Up By: Member - Boo Boo (NSW) - Thursday, Feb 16, 2012 at 21:37
Thursday, Feb 16, 2012 at 21:37
G'day Margie
We don't break land speed records anymore,, I just thought 11 hrs was a bit long.
However, from what you have said the roads might be the reason why the 11 hrs pops up.
Thanks for the info.
FollowupID:
753352
Reply By: Member - Joe n Mel n kids (FNQ - Thursday, Feb 16, 2012 at 21:54
Thursday, Feb 16, 2012 at 21:54
yes 8 hours MAX .................
but that is where it all stops, it is a really interesting drive if you have never done it before so for me it would be just point to point and want to get to
Cairns but for a tourist that has never been there i would be planning it over 2 days as some really interesting history is out there .......
Your call and short answer ..... 8 hours driving but be really careful at the other end in the evening as zillions of roos.
Cheers
Joe
AnswerID:
477958
Follow Up By: Member - John and Lynne - Friday, Feb 17, 2012 at 08:30
Friday, Feb 17, 2012 at 08:30
Yes the roos etc stop you from driving in the late afternoon. We found the roads generally OK but narrow so road trains often meant pulling off. After rain roads are likely to be in poor condition up there. It is a great trip and
well worth taking slowly.
Cobbold Gorge is worth the detour from
Georgetown. Every whistlestop along that road has something special to offer. Take your time and enjoy! Lynne
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Reply By: J & Me - Friday, Feb 17, 2012 at 11:11
Friday, Feb 17, 2012 at 11:11
Normanton to
Cairns takes as long as you wish, we took 12 days.
5th Aug 2011. Just after turning off Matilda Highway, we camped at Leichardt Lagoon 2 nights, 7 Aug
Croydon - lunch history walk 2.5 hrs, night
camp (free, no facilities)
Cumberland Chimney 20 kms before
Georgetown. Side trip 2 days at Cobbold George Rough road but worth it fabulous
gorge. 11 Aug Mt Surprise. Side trip 1 nights at Undara Lava Tubes. During 5 night stay at
Atherton we took a days drive to
Cairns.
Hope you have time to enjoy your trip.
AnswerID:
477998
Follow Up By: Tadooch - Saturday, Feb 18, 2012 at 21:03
Saturday, Feb 18, 2012 at 21:03
Hey J & Me...
I was planning to take a trip for my long service this year but my health has become an issue.
Croydon was the most essential stop as my greatgrandfather had a gold mining lease from around 1885.
I would love to see any photos from your trip, particularly the
Croydon history walk.
Cheers,
Luke.
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