Aussie Roads

[hannahsaunt]

Does anyone know the difference between a Highway and a Development Road??? We're going up to Undara Lava Tubes this weekend and debating the relative merits of hiring a car or taking our 1984 Mazda 323 (after joing the RACQ ). Maybe the question should be has anyone drive long distance (c 1000km) in a 23yo car???

TIA

[suzywong]

nah
carn elp ya mate, sorry

[BudaBabe]

Not sure of the technical difference but would imagine a Development road to be "rough".

Have memories of getting stuck on a road on the way to King's Creek years ago. Middle of Aussie outback and we get stuck in a puddle! And we were in a pick-up! Thankfully two guys cam along and pulled us out. Later admited they were with Northern Territory Roads Division!!!

[eidsvold]

development road would be rough and probably unsurfaced - ie dirt/gravel.

You would probably not be able to hire a car - most hire companies say you cannot drive on dirt roads in hire car.

if you join racq - I would take out the ultra plus or whatever it is that has unlimited towing etc.. otherwise you could be stuck for an expensive towing bill and no accomodation etc.....

Highway will be surfaced and pretty okay.

FOund a pic and part of it looks sealed but I would imagine you would have some dirt roads to traverse - even if just from the gulf road to the park. You may be able to hire a 4WD for the journey but not a hire car - would hate to think what the insurance would be.

[eidsvold]

used to do mackay to brisbane in my 1979 falcon and I had it in the early 90's if that is a help.

[suzywong]

oh hark at here with "traverse"

[eidsvold]

:p you wish you could write like me suzy's face

[suzywong]

am very impressed at your lingo, beats "nipping across"

[hannahsaunt]

Ha! Have learned something - the Bruce Highway means major road (such as the Bruce Highway could ever be described as a main road with it being a single carriage way in each direction) and the Development Roads (like the Palmerston Devt Road) is a main road. Guess it's the difference between a motorway and an A road at home. Going to investigate the car hire option tomorrow with a local co.

[lukesmama]

Hi we went there about 6 years ago whilst on holidays, we had a hire car and the road was bad perhaps they have improved it since. I was praying nothing would happen as you weren't even meant to take the car on dirt roads.
The lava tubes were great though, have a good time.