We have recently completed the Plenty/Donohue Hwy, starting from Alice Springs going over the Queensland border the highway becomes Donohue Hwy to Boulia. An epic 750 Km stretch of road.
When we wanted to go from Birdsville to Alice Springs in 2019, we gave the Plenty hwy a miss due to it being too rough. We drove up to Berkely Hwy, then back down to Alice Springs. A massive detour. This is why the Plenty/Donohue Hwy is sometimes described as the world’s longest shortcut.
Back then, we stayed at the Gemtree Campground, during our stay we were advised that there was a plan is to completely seal the Plenty Hwy by 2025.
I can advise , that as by the date of this post, the Plenty/Donohue Hwy is about 50% sealed.
We split this journey up into 3 sections, Alice Springs to Jervios Station, next section is to Tobermory Station, then the last section is to Boulia.
Road conditions
| KM from start of Plenty Hwy | Description |
|---|---|
| 0 – 171 | Sealed |
| 171 – 210 | Un sealed, pretty good condition |
| 210 – 271 | Sealed |
| 271 – 277 | Unsealed, road works, – Jervios Station |
| 277 – 507 | Unsealed, Bull dust in sections, deep ruts in places. |
| 507 | Tobermorey Station |
| 510 – 551 | Sealed |
| 551 – 572 | Un-sealed, but relatively smooth, easy going |
| 572 – 581 | Sealed |
| 581 – 627 | Un-sealed, relatively smooth, easy going |
| 627 – 750 | Sealed to the end |
Some pics
Summary
Getting to Jervios Station was not too difficult, with about 45 Km unsealed, and non of it too challenging. Ruts to deal with, but not too severe.
The toughest part is between the 2 stations. Google maps will say 6 – 7 hours, for a stretch that is about 230 Km long. We managed it in about 4.5 hours, and that was taking our time, with as much care as possible. Our average speed in this section was about 70 Km, we also lowered our tyre pressures. Bull dust patches need to be handled with care, especially if towing a caravan.
From Tobermorey Station to Boulia (Donohue Hwy), this is the easiest stretch, even the unsealed parts are some of the smoothest we have come across, not many areas had much in the way of ruts to deal with.
Checking Present Road Conditions
Before embarking on this trip you should check to see present road conditions –
These roads can flood easily, this will make them un-passable.
Also time of year, This is NOT a summer road, November – April, temps will get close to if not exceed 40 C, also this is the wet season, so expect flash flooding.
It was an adventure, not one I am keen to repeat too soon. Would I do it again? Yes I would, especially in a few years time, as hopefully they have made more progress on sealing the road.
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