AGATE CREEK-Best time of year to go?

[Ranger Itchy]

Hi Guys,


What is the best time of year to go to Agate Creek weather wise?


I've wanted to go to Agate Creek since I was 11 years old, I am now 60, by the time I get there next year I'll be 61 so it's been a 50 year dream!!


Cheers Ranger Itchy

[colza]

Hi Ranger Itchy,


Use the SEARCH button for Agate Creek, there's some interesting stuff on the forum over the years. Having taken a quick look it seems that winter might be best. It's on my bucket list, too, so I'll see what replies come in.


Cheers,


colza 

[MakkyBrown]

June/July.

MB

[Jimnyjerry]

Winter. Too hot in summer and it is the rainy season so flooded creeks and black soil. I will be back up there in 2023 unless they still have the border shut 

[Rusted]

Dry season, southern winter.
If you are thinking of doing it, just stop procrastinating and do it. The road out from Forsayth is reasonable in the dry, can be unpassable in the wet. A lot of people tow bloody big caravans out there.
So start planning and make a date. You need to be completely self sufficient, try to work out your supplies so they last at least a couple of weeks,  it's a long drive to get groceries. (Georgetown)
There's good water and showers and toilets in the camping area.

[geowork]

Went to Agate Creek second half of August. Nights were warm to mild, mornings okay for digging, but sun was hot. Afternoons only good for a snoozy, cleaning the agates, scouting for a new dig or walking the shady creek. Max temperatures well above 30. A southerly change came through. Dropped night temps a bit, but had no effect on day temps, LOL. Summer starts early up north and the build up to the wet is hot and relentless. Passed through earlier this year in June for a couple of days, perfect!

Bill

[Lapis Lupinus]

Ranger Itchy, I am now 60 and have wanted to get there since I was a teen, so similar situation to you. I'm hoping to get up there in 2023. It's been a long dream of mine.

[Bucket]

We were lucky enough to get there in 2018, left our caravan at Georgetown and took the 4WD with the roof top tent and stayed for around three nights at the camp ground. It was August and weather was warmish during the day but temps dropped at night to comfortable. Quite dry and none of the river/creek crossings had water in them. Unfortunately circumstances didn't allow us more time, but we did stop for a night at Cobbold George, again well worth the little detour. I think mining has started in the area and the road from Forsyth is regularly graded so should be good. Like you, Lapis, a place I wanted to visit since a young teenager so was great to finally get there.

[Jimnyjerry]

No mining at the gold mine in 2021. In caretaker mode while trying to raise more investors. Seems they are also slow in paying contractors and local business. No mining trucks to dodge between Agate Ck and Forsyth at present.

[Bucket]

I suppose there is good and bad about the mining, like you said Jimnyjerry, no truck to dodge, but no upkeep of the road as well, not that is was that bad when I was there.

[geowork]

Lots of caravans, Georgetown to Cobbold. Slow and dusty, but it is good to see people out and about. Forsayth was busy, caravan park full both times we went through. Some fresh produce, meat and milk available at Forsayth, bread from Georgetown three days a week. Apparently some fresh stuff (milk, bread) also available at Cobbold. But don't expect that availability outside of tourist season. Georgetown has more food options and quantity and best to stock up there. Road is being graded Forsayth to Cobbold Gorge, and also don't expect it to be done other than soon after the wet. Forsayth to Einasleigh is mostly bitumen, but hilly and winding in places. Einasleigh to The Lynd is good quality dirt. Friends drove to Lyndhurst via Robin Hood, which is superficially the shortest way south (they were going to Toowoomba). But probably don't do that, apparently no better than farm tracks and slow, unless Chudleigh Park peridot is on the agenda.

[Rusted]

The road between The Lynd and Hughenden is mostly sealed now, there are a few sections of dirt but really it is quite good.

We take the even quicker short cut via Gilberton, it is certainly quicker and shorter but is a seriously "interesting" road. Don't even think about it if you are towing anything or driving anything other than a high clearance 4WD. There are several river crossings with wide deep sand, usually graded so not too bad. But there are also some very very steep grades, the road is very windy and slow to drive. It is also very remote, only one station between Agate Creek and Gilberton.

Having said all that to put you off, if you have a good vehicle, aren't towing anything, have a good map and are looking for an adventure do it. The scenery is absolutely stunning. Probably better to do it from Agate Creek to Gilberton and Lyndhurst first time as it is easier to not get lost, just turn left at Gilberton. There's nothing at Gilberton so just turn left at the T intersection.

[Jimnyjerry]

This year they put new concrete bases just out from Forsyth on the way to Agate Ck over a couple of the creek crossing that were pot holing. As others have said the road is graded after the wet and very good unless it is chewed up if it rains by caravaners that cannot wait for it to dry out again.   

[Ranger Itchy]

Hi Guys,


Is the first week of May too early to go to Agate Creek, is it still to wet?


Cheers Ranger Itchy

[geowork]

The wet will be long finished. Will be starting to cool down by then. Traffic starts picking up come easter. Look at Georgetown climate averages on BOM to get an idea of conditions.