Planning the Queensland Mining Towns trip January 2008

[drron]

Your only problem at the moment is Emerald and that Blackall-Emerald bus trip.The highway is closed at Emerald.However it should be fine in 6 days time.emeralds forecast for today is fine but there are possibilities of showers and thunderstorms over weekend.
In some ways this could turn out to be the best time for the milk run.you should get some incredible views of the flooding.

 

[JohnK]

I presume your trip starts tomorrow?

Yes my trip starts tomorrow. I think the flood waters have been subsiding in the last few days.

Your links do not show any road closures where I am going and I have not noticed any flights cancelled so far.

Your only problem at the moment is Emerald and that Blackall-Emerald bus trip.

I am not going that way.

My bus trips are Hervey Bay-Bundaberg, Barcaldine-Blackall, Brisbane-Charleville and Blackwater-Emerald. My only concern is the last one as that begins in Rockhampton but is not for another 6 days.

Not sure how badly Emerald is affected. I will try to book accommodation today.

 

[drron]

Sorry I did mean Blackwater not Blackall.
At present the road is open until Emerald which should be fine in 6 days.The road from Rocky to Blackwater may be cut in 6 days but you will be flying over it right?

 

[JohnK]

The road from Rocky to Blackwater may be cut in 6 days but you will be flying over it right?

No I won't be anywhere near that road but the bus from Blackwater to Emerald originates in Rockhampton which could pose a problem.

I may need to look at the possibility of a one-way car rental from Blackwater to Emerald but so far no availability. A taxi may be a little expensive. So much for planning silly routings well in advance....

 

[JohnK]

Any updates on the flood waters in Emerald and Rockhampton?

I am about to board the SYD-CNS flight to start off the tour....

 

[Mal]

Any updates on the flood waters in Emerald and Rockhampton?

Emerald floods keep receding and the cleanup has begun. Rocky expected to have floodwaters by Tuesday, but not expected to peak as high as the last big flood. Expect some flooding in flood zone/prone areas, but nothing more than that is the interpretation I read from the various media.

 

[NM]

Any updates on the flood waters in Emerald and Rockhampton?

I am about to board the SYD-CNS flight to start off the tour....

Rockhampton is expecting the flood peak about Tuesday.

 

[smithym]

Your links do not show any road closures where I am going

This is the best site for road information. QLD Traffic Reports

 

[JohnK]

Emerald floods keep receding and the cleanup has begun. Rocky expected to have floodwaters by Tuesday, but not expected to peak as high as the last big flood.

Rockhampton should not be a problem as I am only transitting through there today.

My concern is Emerald and the availability of any hotel rooms. I have not tried to get accommodation yet for Thursday. I will try when I am in Brisbane later on this afternoon. Flights out of Blackwater for Thursday afternoon are over $500 so I may cut trip short if conditions do not suit.

 

[Mal]

Rockhampton should not be a problem as I am only transitting through there today.

My concern is Emerald and the availability of any hotel rooms. I have not tried to get accommodation yet for Thursday.

Wotif are showing some rooms at Emerald Maraboon Motor Inn which should be in the centre of Emerald.

Remember Qantaslink has their re-accomodation policy on flights that you may be able to activate and use. You have to do it by midnight tonight though. You could potentially get them to change the Emerald-Bne-SYD leg to a Blackwater-BNE-SYD leg and stay the night in Blackwater, skipping Emerald completely. No issue about the cost as long as seats are available then the policy should apply.

 

[JohnK]

Thanks Mal.

Accommodation booked in Emerald, got rate for $120 direct with hotel, and Blackall. Coach trips booked and hopefully I will now relax and enjoy the trip....

 

[NM]

Thanks Mal.

Accommodation booked in Emerald, got rate for $120 direct with hotel, and Blackall. Coach trips booked and hopefully I will now relax and enjoy the trip....

Does that include canoe transfers to/from the airport?

 

[drron]

Does that include canoe transfers to/from the airport?

Surely they dont charge fopr floodboats?

 

[Mal]

Surely they dont charge fopr floodboats?

Maybe they're actually water taxis

Nah, JohnK shouldn't have any dramas by the time he's in Emerald. The real issue is if the b*s can't make it to Blackwater (or to EMD from BLT) on the day he's there due to flooding somewhere enroute.

 

[serfty]

The road is open at the moment:

• https://secure.racq.com.au/ssl/road_reporting/roadreport/0213_info.cfm?id=148&rr_id=9
  

  Capricorn Highway - Emerald to Blackwater - (V3) CAUTION REQUIRED
  Current Trouble Spot Status
  The Capricorn Highway, Emerald to Blackwater is open to all vehicles with extreme care.
  The Capricorn Highway at Sandhurst Creek, 35 km east of Emerald is open to light vehicles only.
  Roadworks are underway on the Capricorn Highway, 10 to 23 kilometres east of Emerald. Expected completion date mid April 2008.
  
  General Trouble Spot Description
  Emerald to Blackwater subject to flooding

 

[JohnK]

Home stretch now. I am tired but interesting that I have not come across any mining towns so far. :shock:

Does that include canoe transfers to/from the airport?

Very funny. I will be arriving at the train station by bus from Blackwater. Hopefully no canoe transport.

Nah, JohnK shouldn't have any dramas by the time he's in Emerald. The real issue is if the b*s can't make it to Blackwater (or to EMD from BLT) on the day he's there due to flooding somewhere enroute.

Don't give them any ideas.

Actually yesterday waiting for the Barcaldine-Blackall Greyhound bus I saw the Emerald coach stop on the way to Longreach. Talked to the driver and as far as he is aware the coach will be running on Thursday. If not then I will need to test my hitchiking skills. :shock:

 

[serfty]

... Talked to the driver and as far as he is aware the coach will be running on Thursday. If not then I will need to test my hitchiking skills. :shock:

Did you bring along your Bathers? Inflatable dingy?

 

[JohnK]

No Ross.

Just wish me luck as I have had enough stress this week....

 

[NM]

Home stretch now. I am tired but interesting that I have not come across any mining towns so far. :shock:


Very funny. I will be arriving at the train station by bus from Blackwater. Hopefully no canoe transport.


Don't give them any ideas.

Hmm, trains, buses, canoes .... why am I reminded of a John Candy movie?

 

[JohnK]

I look like him too! Not the face but the body shape.

Still no mining towns. :shock: I hope ZBL, BLT or EMD are mining towns or I have wasted my mining tour.