Tablelands Highway

The Tablelands Highway is a remote stretch of single-lane bitumen. Despite the challenge of the drive for big rigs, it is a popular route for caravan tourists as it connects with the 2 of major east-west arterials that are also suitable for caravans, being the Barkly Highway and Carpentaria Highway. It is also a decent alternative route for getting some north-south mileage under your wheels on a quieter stretch of road if you don't mind the remoteness.

With that said however, the Tablelands is a major cattle grazing region and at times you may encounter cattle trucks moving stock and some caution is required if you do. There are not many decent overnight camp spots and the official Brunette Downs Rest Area (with windmill) is the main site along the route that is favoured by the majority. 24 hour stopping permitted only. There are a couple of other unofficial spots to camp in gravel pits or quarries that have also become popular overnight rest areas which you'll easily spot along the way, or check for Place markers on our map if you are using the ExplorOz Traveller app.

Although named as a "highway" it is really just a pastoral service road making its way through grazing land. Many kilometres are not fenced and red kangaroos and cattle cross the bitumen with no regard for vehicles so you must take extreme care as the road is too narrow and unforgiving to a sudden need to stop or swerve to avoid obstacles.

Each year in June, the Brunette Races also draws a crowd. Located on Brunette Downs Station, this is a 4-day outback carnival of racing, campdraft, and rodeo, along with kids and adults gymkhana, a fancy dress party, and the Battle of the Barkly. Participate or spectate - camping onsite.

Environment

The Tablelands Highway is noted for it's seemingly endless horizon of treeless plains, which dominate the area at the southern end. Whilst it's northern end is sandstone and gulf country.

The dominant flora of the Tableland is semi-arid savanna of Mitchell Grass. Mitchell Grass is well adapted to dry soils and periods of drought. The grasslands support other distinctive plants but only widely spaced acacia trees.

The Flock Bronzewing is the most widespread of the birds seen in the area, but nearby wetlands are also breeding grounds for waterbirds and as the season dries out, these birds may be seen seeking water from the bores that dot the highway.

A few venomous snakes such as the speckled brown snake, and Collet's snake are prevalent in the grasslands, along with the dwarf dtella (gecko). You might also spot a dunnart, brushtail possum, and the long-haired rat (in huge numbers after the wet season).

The nearby Connells Lagoon Conservation Reserve offers the opportunity to observe many protected species of wildlife and enjoy an "off highway" camp and 4WD track. See parks guide notes for info in the ExplorOz Place listing for the reserve.

History

The Barkly tableland was discovered and named by William Landsborough. In 1877 Nat Buchanan crossed the Barkly and rode on to the Overland Telegraph Line opening new land for settlement. Brunette Downs (then called Corella Creek), with outstations at Anthony Lagoon and Creswell Creek, for Macdonald, Smith and Co. was established in 1883 after Harry Redford (Captain Starlight) drove a mob of cattle to the Barkly.

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There is limited firewood along the Barkly - so bring your own supply if planning a camp fire. No fires, no pets and no generators allowed within the Connells Lagoon Conservation reserve.

Fuel Usage

There is no fuel along the Tablelands Highway other than at Barkly Homestead Roadhouse and Cape Crawford.

Diesel	ULP	LPG
4cyl 53 litres	4cyl 61 litres	4cyl 76 litres
6cyl 58 litres	6cyl 69 litres	6cyl 67 litres
8cyl 58 litres	8cyl 63 litres

Best Time To Visit

This road is sealed and generally passable year round, however if there has been rain, beware of wash-outs on the shoulders.

Brunette Races (June) at Brunette Downs Station.

Where to Stay

Services & Supplies

None available along the Tablelands Highway itself