Plenty/Donahue Highway

[Rikall]

I am travelling to the Alice next month and would like some advice on which route to take. Being Brisbane based there is only 2 ways to go. I would like to go via the Donahue/Plenty highway instead of having to go via Mt Isa. I have heard it is heaps shorter but takes the same time because it is quite rough and can be hard on a vehicle. My vehicle is more than up to the challenge, but I would like the advise of anyone that has driven to Alice this way before.

All advise/comments are greatly appreciated.

[Richard]

Did the Plenty in 98 in a Tarargo before I got a 4WD. Certainly a rough road back then and I was lucky to get through after ripping out all the wiring under the car and putting a rock through the auto transmission sump. Had repairs done in the Alice. Other 4WD's in our group on this road were blowing sidewalls out regularly. This trip was the reason I bought a 4WD as my next vehicle. I don't think I would have any problems in my current vehicle.