we are thing about going up to innaminka as our first test on the dirt. Proposing to get up that way middle of march, is this a good time of year to go?
Other than checking the road conditions and weather any other things that I should prepare for, any advice gratefully received

Some of our favorite country around there Gary & Kerry.
March might still be pretty warm, but you should be OK.

We came down that way in mid November when it was 50C and blowing a huge sand storm. Not pleasant.
They are currently rebuilding the main road betweem Marree and Innamincka. In November they were probably about half way, so should be further along by March, but I am not sure how far they are going.
The bit that they had not done was not too good, but still OK if you take it very slow. The southern end was as good as bitumen.

Make sure you take a trip out to the Coongie Lakes.
I should have checked your profile to see what vehicles you drive too, but last I heard, the Walkers Crossing Track to the Birdsville Track was in pretty good condition.
Just keep an ear out on the water situation. There is water coming down some of the inland rivers again. Would be great to see that, but it might cut off some roads.

Cheers,
Peter

if you go up through wilpena to blinman then that is all bitumen now, from blinman on to innaminka can be a bit rough and tricky, watch the water that comes down, it will pay to stay in contact as far as travelling allowances go, a lot of good sights up there and a lot of memories take your basic spares and plenty of water, allow plenty of time, you will need it, keep the speed down and watch the bulldust it hides big holes!

I'd be a bit inclined to leave it until after Easter when the weather's a bit cooler. Several years since I was there but recall good camping on the river bank (Coopers Creek actually but more a river than a creek). If you're returning via Queensland the road is sealed from the Jackson Oilfield east. Also good camping at Noccundra on the Wilson River, historic pub too. Coongie Lakes is a day trip so no need to take your rig. Other members may be able to update this info.

You can enjoy some home-style hospitality at the Cooper Creek Homestay in Innamincka. They have amenities, power by generator, hot water by donkey and you can cook over the open fire pit in the outdoor kitchen, or Julie will include you in her catering numbers. Camping by the creek is still free, with the amenities adjacent to the pub and shop. Walkers Crossing will be impassable after any rain, and the way it is at the moment with a lot of the Qld channel country underwater, it may still be a bit damp beyond March. All you can do is keep tabs on the weather and asking the travellers you encounter from the opposite direction what's in front of you. The locals are the best people to ask. It certainly is a wonderful region in spite of the isolation and barren country. The road through Cordillo Downs which claims to have the biggest shearing shed in Aus, is stony and dusty, but still interesting. It runs north from Innamincka, and will get you to Birdsville. Just take your time taking all due care of yourselves, your tug and your van. Be prepared with extra fuel and tyres, and food supplies for any unexpected contingencies.

Further to Chris's comments re the tyres make sure you have good quality tyres on your rig (van too) and extra spares. The roads in that area are very hard on tyres. Highway tyres are not suitable. The tyre wallah at Birdsville recommends no more that 28 psi, that's right 28 psi. Handy to have a compressor so you can reinflate them when you get back to the blacktop. The pro tag-along operators consider any tyre with less than at least half the tread remaining to be unsuitable.

With reference to coongie lakes it is a very long day trip. better to spend a night up th ere.But you will have to have a SA desert parks pass.

I must say William III you've been around a long time! It's over 320 years (1688) since you and Mary took on James II !!!!!

G'day Jimricho, yes,i'm not bad looking for a bloke that's 320 yrs old!!!

You will need to have a Desert Parks Pass in order to explore around Innaminka.

william the third wrote:

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G'day Jimricho, yes,i'm not bad looking for a bloke that's 320 yrs old!!!

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It's living in WA that keeps you looking so good.

 

Jeez, if that's the case, I'm going back. I'll try anything at least once. Now, now guys, settle down. There you go with that imagination again. I meant I'd try anything to look good, at least once. If it's going back to WA then that's what I'll have to do.

Cruising Granny wrote:

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Jeez, if that's the case, I'm going back.
I'll try anything at least once. Now, now guys, settle down. There you go with that imagination again.
I meant I'd try anything to look good, at least once. If it's going back to WA then that's what I'll have to do.

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Can't do any harm Chris!!!!!!!!!!  Imagination is a wonderful thing, I like to imagine..........................................Oh never mind not here.........:) :) :)

 

All comments taken on board, thanks

a warning was put out this morning about the flood waters coming down through various creeks, it sometimes takes weeks or months for water to get down to the lake system so make sure you ring the authorities before venturing up, we lost almost everything one year through not heeding advice! tread this country carefully! it bights!