Gulf trip when is the best time?

[Hodgies]

Hi all,
Just wondering what time of year other members have found doing the gulf better.(road conditions, crowds,booking for C.P) We need to run into school holidays? July or September, was wondering how busy it is with all the nomads up around Normanton. We will want to stay in one of the caravan parks in Normanton, but for the rest will mainly free camp along the way. Any advise is appreciated. Thanks for your replys in advance
D and S

[muzza01]

It doesn't really make much difference for tracks of crowds. Some of the fresh waters ring holes will have dried up by September. The weather is a lot hotter in September but the fish are biting better.

[McGirr]

The members trip this year was in June / July and the crowds were fine. As Muzza says it can get warm in September and water levels are low.

Which places are you heading to.

Mark

[fuji]

Heading there tomorrow. Bloody hot in Katherine now. Currently 35 ish. Hope its cooler as we head toward LorellaSprings and Borooloola.
Wayne

[Hodgies]

Hi Muzza, thanks for reply sounds good about fishing. We are hoping to do a bit of fishing.

Hi Mark, early stages yet but we are starting at georgetown and finshing Mataranka, then heading home via Mt Isa, Winton etc. Have just read your trip report and are thinking of following your footsteps, looks like you chose some great spots. Thanks for that great report also definately helps novices like ourselves.

Hi Fuji, Safe travels and look forward to reading what you thought of the trip.

[Teabag]

Depends if your goin for the fishing or not. For me, early in the season, late April, early May(wet dependent) straight after the run off. If fishing not an issue, June, July or August as the temp and weather is best....:-)

[McGirr]

Regarding fishing. The best spots on the trip we went on would be King Ash Bay. Some members went with a guide and cleaned up with some great catches.

Also Lorella Springs has a track to the Coast, about a 5 to 6 hour drive for some good fishing.

Mark

[Hodgies]

Hi Mark,
The lady from Adels Grove contacted me today to say we should book now for 2014. Do you think this is the standard reply to everyone! Just wondering how far in advance did you fellas booked?
Thanks
D and S

[McGirr]

Hi Mark,
The lady from Adels Grove contacted me today to say we should book now for 2014. Do you think this is the standard reply to everyone! Just wondering how far in advance did you fellas booked?
Thanks
D and S

It depends where you want to camp. Down at the grove campsite, no sun but a lot of shade, there are no designated areas but if you want to camp up top to run solar or a generator they have designated sites. A hard call to book now as we turned up with 12 cars and got sites no problem.

It's a hard call whether to book. It depends who is there on the day but being only one vehicle I can't see a problem as there were heaps of spots vacant.

Also as you come into the area about half a klm before the entrance to Adels there is a hill on the left that has a no trespassing site and a track heading up the hill. Head up there as we did and go to the second hill , follow the track and the views over the hills at sunset are great. Plus there is mobile service there.

Mark

[Hodgies]

Thanks heaps for the info.Will definately stick to our plans and book as we get there.
Cheers

[Hodgies]

Hi Mark,
In regards to caravan parks what was your opinion of which one to choose in Normanton?
Thanks again
D and S

[McGirr]

Hi Mark,
In regards to caravan parks what was your opinion of which one to choose in Normanton?
Thanks again
D and S

The one opposite the purple pub is about the best of the pic of the parks.

Mark

[Hodgies]

Thanks yet again   
D and S

[shakey55]

Another vote for June/July. If your looking to do a lot of fishing. May/June/July


'shakey'