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.
How to Use this Trek Note
- To download this information and the route file for offline use on a phone, tablet, headunit or laptop, go to the app store and purchase ExplorOz Traveller. This app enables offline navigation and mapping and will show where you are as you travel along the route. For more info see the ExplorOz Traveller webpage and the EOTopo webpage.
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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