Yungaburra to Gordonvale

[muzz_on_line]

Hello everyone,

I am planning a trip north at the end of winter and find myself stuck at how to get to Cairns from Malanda up on the Atherton Tablelands.

The obvious route is the Gillies Range Road. Google maps makes this road look like it is a shocker. The last review on this road was some time ago so I do not know if it has been improved or not.

Does anyone know what this road is like between Yungaburra and Gordonvale?

Google maps does not give altitudes (or changes therein) and it is very hard to tell what kind (width, hairpin bends, and speed of corners etc) of road it is for towing large vans.

Has anyone been this way and what do you think of this route?

Regards

[glanyard]

Muzz!
Don't do it!!
My Son lives in Malanda and as such I know the road and have negotiated it a lot of times, since 1983, but never would I take a van with me.
There are three other ways of getting to Cairns from up there. I personally would go to Mareeba and then go down the Kennedy Hwy via Kuranda.
Which way are you coming from to get to Malanda?
Another alternative is to use the Palmerston down to Innisfail but that is the longer way.

glanyard

[muzz_on_line]

Hi Glannie,

I am coming from Ravenshoe and staying in Malanda for sightseeing.

From what you have confirmed I will backtrack a little through Millaa Millaa and then towards Innisfail until I hit the Bruce Highway. Then turn left. (Went that way last year)

I will look into

I personally would go to Mareeba and then go down the Kennedy Hwy via Kuranda

as this is a direction I have not been in. Might be interesting and a pleasant change!

It was over thirty years ago since I was up that far on the Tablelands.

Thanks for the input and suggested routes.

Cheers
Muzz

[Engel]

Never was much of a road, seems like nothing has changed.

[Bluecruiser]

Muzz, I agree with Glanyard. I drove the Gillies Range road without the van and it is extremely windy.

If you are looking for a great park at Yungaburra, try the Bonadio Nature RV park on Gillies Range Rd. Power and water sites at a very reasonable price.

Colin.

[glanyard]

Muzz,
The last time I stayed in the Malanda caravan park, it was very ordinary; but things do change.
Whilst you are sightseeing in Yungaburra, have a look and pay your respects at the new (fairly) War Memorial to those diggers who have been lost in the latest of wars in the Middle East. There is a caravan park directly opposite.
If you do happen to take the northern route to Mareeba, the rodeo grounds is a top spot and is very cheap; or it was!
glanyard

[muzz_on_line]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I certainly know which way I am not going.

As I will be travelling with two other vans, I do have some time constraints.

Thanks also for the other options which I will be looking into.

Cheers

Muzz

[Jay&dee]

I think that there are 3 main roads to and from the tableland.
Palmerston H'way
Gillies H'way
And the Mareeba to Cairns.

Best bet would be No. 3
Other two winding roads, especially the Gillies. It is Right hand down and Left hand down all the way.I would not take our 23ft van and cruiser on the Gillies.
Just my thoughts.
Jay&dee