Bourke NSW to Mt Isa via Birdsville

Bourke NSW to Mt Isa via Birdsville

by Bobcat
(Wodonga)

Cuttaburra crossing north of Birdsville

I am planning to go from Wodonga to Mt Isa via Bourke, Quilpie, Windorah, Birdsville and Boulia driving a Mitsubishi 380 VRX.
What advice do you suggest? Can you elaborate on the correct tyre pressures? I am aware of driving in the outback but need additional advice.

Comments for
Bourke NSW to Mt Isa via Birdsville

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Aug 09, 2010

Check road conditions
by: Rita

Hi Bobcat,

well, up to Windorah you can drive on sealed roads, although sometimes they only have single lane bitumen. The last 280 km into Birdsville are on the unsealed Birdsville Developmental Road, and the road from Birdsville to Bedourie is mainly unsealed as well.

The south east of Qld had a lot of rain and floodings this year, so road conditions change nearly daily. Some days only 4 WD vehicles are recommended, it just depends on the weather.

Read this page for more information. There is also a link to check the road conditions in Qld.

Your Mitsubishi is not the best car for Outback roads, in my opinion. The rough and stony roads might pay its toll on your car. Do you think you have enough ground clearance for uneven surfaces and the occasional creek crossing?

Anyway, drive extremely careful and slowly. Ask in Windorah and Birdsville for conditions before you head out.

As for tyre pressure... I found this an interesting, or confusing discussion. We tend to lower the pressure slightly. Perhaps ask at your garage what they recommend for your tyres.

Take at least one spare tyre and a puncture repair set, some tools to fix everything that might go lose during a rough ride, and of course lots of water.

Have a safe trip.

Rita

Aug 09, 2010

Tyre Pressures
by: David

You need to have two bob each way with tyre pressures.

On bitumen, keep tyre pressures up. Your vehicle will be heavy (fully loaded) and travelling fast. Suggest 10 psi above manufacturer's recommendation.

On good dirt, drop tyre pressures to about 5 or 6 psi below manufacturer's recommendation. This allows wall flex on rougher ground and around stones, etc. Need to keep the pace down, though, to avoid overheating tyres; say 80-85 kph.

I've a 4WD. On road surfaces, I vary front tyre pressures between 26 and 34 psi. Rear tyres can vary between 32 and 44 psi, depending on load, speed, and road surface.

Jul 05, 2011

birdsville
by: rod

we are leaving bourke at 8am 1/8 2011,doing the same route as you ,there is about 10 vehicals going ,not all 4x4,we are camping 2 nights on way to racers,if you would like to travel, with us no worries,we are mostly family,but you are welcome
ROD 0428431788 double

Jul 21, 2011

bourke to birdsville
by: rod

re early post,we are leaving bourke on 28/8 cheers rod

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