Quote:
Originally Posted by JethroB76
Flying in tomorrow. Really dont know whether we'll be beachside Wednesday or doing a midnight run inland
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I know others on this forum have warned of the poor road conditions inland in far North Queensland but I fell obliged to point out the dangers to our international visitors.
Most roads in this region are barely graded dirt roads often only wide enough for one vehicle. They are used infrequently and are designed for only a few vehicles oer day. They will likely not have been graded since the beginning of the dry season so will be quite rough. There is a lot of roadworks presently before the wet season sets in and If there is any rain at all they will turn quickly to mud slides that with any traffic at all will become impassable.
Plus to get from Cairns to an inland eclipse viewing site will take at least 4-5 hours in ideal conditions.
Attending to drive on any of these inland roads, even the well graded main road, at night is madness. You will put yourself at grave risk and also risk the lives of others who have to attempt your rescue. It is simply irresponsible.
A single road accident or breakdown or bogged vehicle will close these roads. Given the number of uninformed visitors who will, despite the warnings, attempt driving on these roads there is a very high likelihood of this happening.
If you must go inland, prepare well and go today with adequate supplies to camp out for at least 2 nights.
Otherwise, stay on the coast!
<end rant>