Tableland Trails and Destinations
B AC K R OA D S A N D BY - WAYS
Part One – Petford to Mt Garnet
by Paul Curtis
A remote part of Gibb Creek. Photo: Paul Curtis
A
nyone familiar with the Tablelands,
knows that just taking a drive
through the area is as good as the many
destinations. Loops, circuits and zig zags
abound, so much so, that once upon
a time driving explorers were known
as 'Loopies' due to the almost infinite
number of scenic 'loops' available. There
are many waterfall loops or circuits to
explore.
One of my favourite back road drives takes
you through the scenic 'dry' belt of the
western Tablelands, and at the right time
of the year, some beautiful scenery.
From north to south you leave the
bitumen at Petford, west of Mareeba, so
you will need a car that's reasonable at
handling dirt roads. They can be rough at
times but don't require a 4WD.
The road south of Petford follows Emu
Creek – one of the best little streams in
North Queensland. When there is a bit of
water flowing down Emu Creek it can run
for about seven months of the year. There
are numerous short access roads down to
the creek where there may be pools and
potential campsites under shady trees.
There is always good rock-hopping and
exploring up and down stream. The road
wanders up the valley until you cross the
creek at the historic mining location of
Emuford. There are some more potential
campsites and exploration opportunities
at the Emu and nearby Gregory Creek
crossings.
The road swings east here and follows up
the Gibb Creek valley. About 6 km past the
Emu Creek crossing, a short track on the
left leads to the 'Long Waterhole' on Gibb
Creek – a popular swimming and camping
spot.
After some hilly and winding roads, you
soon end up back in civilisation at the old
mining town of Irvinebank where there is
a pub and lots of history. It's a great spot
to stop for lunch and just a walk around
the town. There is free camping in the
park with hot showers.
The dirt road from Petford to Irvinebank
is only 47 km but will take you at least a
couple of hours—if you don't stop too
much—but rushing along isn't the point.
There are lots of creek access tracks and
most of the land is leasehold grazing
or mining, so if there are keep out signs
please abide by them and leave any
campsites clean. Be careful with fires.
continued on page 13
Scenes along Emuford Road. Photo: Paul Curtis
Petford-Irvinebank Road. Photo: Paul Curtis
September 2018 What’s On & Where To Go 11