Black Mountain Road

[Nedly]

When we head North I intend hiting the dirt as soon as possible, to this end we will be taking Black Mountain Road just before we reach Kuranda.
The track will eventually spit us out on the black stuff just North of Mount Molloy, or at Julatten if we miss the turn off :rolleyes:

Question: Has anyone travelled this track?

I have read the road starts well but deteriorates the further you go, just how bad does it get?
Any info will be much appreciated.

[batesy]

Nedly, are you talking about the road that goes through Wetherby? It tracks behind (south) of Jullaten - coming out either at Jullaten School or Near Rifle Creek (Mt Molloy).

I can't say I am familiar with any other road around here ... I can make some enquiries though. Sorry I can't be of any more help ... I did my schooling at Mt Molloy, but I wasn't very bright then either!

[batesy]

Yep, I think this is the one you are after - the road heads off near Myola. Correct?

[Nedly]

Nedly, are you talking about the road that goes through Wetherby? It tracks behind (south) of Jullaten - coming out either at Jullaten School or Near Rifle Creek (Mt Molloy).

I can't say I am familiar with any other road around here ... I can make some enquiries though. Sorry I can't be of any more help ... I did my schooling at Mt Molloy, but I wasn't very bright then either!

WEATHERBY? (with an 'A'), QUESTIONS, I don't want questions, I've got plenty of them already, it's answers I'm after

Sorry Batesy, couldn't resist that :)

You are right though, it is the track through Weatherby.
The information I have says the track is open, no gates etc.
Any info you can get will be much appreciated, might even save a B&C for you.

[batesy]

I've got tons of questions... most of them beginning "why, oh, why" and a searching look into the clouds above.

I think bikes still use the track you're talking about. Not sure of the road conditions though. I think once upon a time you used to have a permit too. But I'm not totally sure on this.

If you give me a day or so I can probably give you a clearer picture.

[Nedly]

Yep, I think this is the one you are after - the road heads off near Myola. Correct?

Your WHAT?

Bought some brand new topo's the other day, no mention of Myola that I can see.
At the Kuranda end it goes through 'Dingley Dell', if we follow the map it will bring us out at 'Rifle Creek'.

Dingley Dell, you gotta luv some of these names.

[Nedly]

I think bikes still use the track you're talking about. Not sure of the road conditions though. I think once upon a time you used to have a permit too. But I'm not totally sure on this.

If you give me a day or so I can probably give you a clearer picture.

A permit was required as recently as a couple of months ago, "Permit to Traverse" from Forestry.
They have scrapped these things now, so no permit needed.

A day or so you have.

Thanks.

[batesy]

Did someone tell you about the road?

Or did you just scan the topo for something other than blacktop?

I'd be interested to hear what that section of your trip is like. Kurand and Jullaten are both getting subdivided to all buggery, so it would be great to know if there are still some good tracks in and around there.

[Nedly]

Did someone tell you about the road?

Or did you just scan the topo for something other than blacktop?

I'd be interested to hear what that section of your trip is like. Kurand and Jullaten are both getting subdivided to all buggery, so it would be great to know if there are still some good tracks in and around there.

Found out about this track in a book titled "The Travellers' Guide to North Queensland, Cairns and Surrounds" by Paul Curtis.
Got the topo's for more detailed info.

I'll let you know my opinion of the track, might even tell you before I post details.

[batesy]

Nedly, Black Moutain Road is OPEN - no dramas with road according to EPA. Apparently trees can be on the road occassionally but apart from that it sounds like it is a well used track.

Should be pretty country in there. Hope you enjoy. I love Kuranda and Jullaten so I'm keen to have a drive through there myself next time we drive to town.

[Nedly]

Nedly, Black Moutain Road is OPEN - no dramas with road according to EPA. Apparently trees can be on the road occassionally but apart from that it sounds like it is a well used track.

Should be pretty country in there. Hope you enjoy. I love Kuranda and Jullaten so I'm keen to have a drive through there myself next time we drive to town.

Thanks Batesy,
Not to well used I hope.
Looking forward to the entire trip, especially places where there is little info, like this track.
Don't expect it to be to challenging, just a nice drive with some scenery, it looks like there is a lookout at the end of one of the side tracks.
Should give nice views over the coast.

[batesy]

You're right, it may not be challenging but I had a search around on the net and it looks like it will be a great drive. Little creeks and rainforest. Certainly beats looking at tarmac.

[Nedly]

You're right, it may not be challenging but I had a search around on the net and it looks like it will be a great drive. Little creeks and rainforest. Certainly beats looking at tarmac.

You got that right, I'll see enough of the black stuff on the way up.
Hhhmm, might have a look on the web as well, hadn't thought of that.