We are planning to leave shortly from Hunter Valley NSW travel via Hay Plains bound for Renmark; Quorn; Flinders Ranges; Coober Pedy & then to NT to Uluru & Alice....from there to Mt Isa & then south bound to NSW & home....probably take us 6-7 weeks...although time taken isn't a problem.....realise that its a big ask but thought perhaps that some might share a few points of interest/good free camps/caravan parks etc to look out for. We are towing a 18' Jayco with 4WD. Where access is a problem we will leave van & tent etc for a few nights. Am thinking that an aerial flight over Lake Eyre might be a better option then driving out ...so again...any suggestions....we did a trip through Vic last year on the GOR & info gleaned from here was great.....hence another request!!
BTW all of the above places are optional...... we really are travelling on "L" plates with regards the outback!!
Cruising Granny said
09:39 PM May 3, 2009
Depending on when you get there, flying over Lake Eyre may be your only option. It's probably still wet out there. Once it's wet it stays wet, sometimes for years. The wildlife and vegetation should be spectacular.
I'm sure Dave will be able to help you with most of your queries.
It sounds as though you've thought it out, so I wish you the best, safe and happy travel.
I'm jealous.
Cheers Chris
Patricia said
09:08 AM May 5, 2009
Thanks Chris...yes we are trying to plan this holiday ...mainly as we have no idea on what many of the roads are like.....our van is definitely not an off-road van so we need to research exactly where we intend on leaving the van & tenting etc....having said all that I know from experience that some of our best made plans can be thrown out the window once on the road!!
little grey hen said
09:09 PM May 5, 2009
Hi Patricia, maybe our paths will cross in the Flinders Ranges. We hope to leave Vic in about 10 days for a 4 - 6 weeks break traveling northern Vic and SA.
Have a safe and pleasant journey
dave06 said
10:10 AM May 6, 2009
if you stick to the roads that you mention you will not have a problem, after wilpena take the blinman road, all bituman now, from blinman take the leigh creek road out to marree on to william creek then on to oodnadatta then to marla by way of the oodnadatta track
we did this trek as part of a larger "desert" trek a while back and all roads were in "reasonable - good" condition
grab fuel at leigh creek and again at marla, take it easy and take your time and you wont have a problem, dont rush, you will see some glorious country in amongst that lot.
pm me your email addy and I will send you some of my favorite free camp spots, I have found hundreds up there over the years
Patricia said
02:06 PM May 6, 2009
Dave06...have sent my email...thanks for the offer.
LGH you never know....hopefully we will be sporting our "new greynomads sticker" so you may recogonise it!!
little grey hen said
08:53 PM May 10, 2009
Dave06
Would you mind sending me some of your favourite spots in the same region? We're taking off next monday and are heading for the Flinders area.
I've got camps 5 but it's good to hear about spots from other campers.
Patricia, I'll be on the lookout for the sticker.
Patricia said
09:06 PM Jun 6, 2009
Well have been on the road now for two weeks & am wondering if we might decide to extend our trip!!!! travelled through various places as suggested & spent time in & around Quorn (hubby being a train nut)....stayed at Rawnsley Park Station near Wilpena & was most impressed with the info they shared etc...great spot & some fantastic walks on the Station......Flinders/Wilpena all proved to be great & again many long hard walks.......am now surrounded by the opal fields in Coober Pedy....spent some time yesterday noodling (no black opals to be found) & today took a flight over Lake Eyre...incredible sight though somewhat of a blustery flight...can't pick the weather.....looking forward to venturing north from here.
BTW all of the above places are optional...... we really are travelling on "L" plates with regards the outback!!