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Section Two – Gunnawarra to Collinsville

Overview

Expect hot, dry conditions in summer.
Expect hot, dry conditions in summer.
Location Map GB2
Location Map Guidebook 2

Passing through vast remote cattle stations in the steps of our pioneers, travellers develop a special fondness for this isolated section of the Trail. It follows lonely roads along the wide stock routes to the ghost town of Ravenswood, and the massive Burdekin Dam, then follows the rivers to Collinsville, a large inland mining town. This section is mostly easy flat travelling but extreme care should be taken in the wet season when most rivers flood and flash flooding is common and in dry conditions when feed and water may not be available.

Rating

Advanced. Not suitable for novices.

Climate and Weather

Humid tropical – hot, humid summer, warm winter in coastal areas. Tropical cyclones may be expected during the summer wet season.

Tropical savannah – hot, dry summer, warm winter in inland areas.

Summer travel is not recommended. Break camp early and avoid travel during the heat of the early afternoon.

Drought may affect this section. During drought conditions there may not be water or feed for horses.

Floods may affect this section.

Always check conditions before travelling.

Terrain

Varies from flat to undulating with no steep climbs. Travel by mountain bike and horsedrawn vehicles is feasible.

Navigation

Route is entirely along (sometimes barely) trafficable roads.

Water

Water may be scarce during the dry season. Each day’s travel is planned not so much on distance but on availability of water.

During drought conditions, water may not be readily available. Dams may be dry and parts of this section will have no surface water.

Planning Considerations

Trekking through this section is usually best in the cooler months between May (if the rivers aren’t still flooded) and August.

Much of this area does not have reliable mobile phone coverage. Trekkers should plan on making contact with Section Coordinators and land owners from a town.

Landowners should always be contacted before attempting this section.

Trekkers on this section must be self-reliant and be prepared to carry all necessary feed, water, equipment and safety devices.

Cyclists

All traversable by mountain bike and recommended.
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