just starting out (not until may) any hints for the track? leaving from victoria

Hi "the dales".
You don't tell us much about your interests or your rig, and I can only guess about what your question is about............

The Oodnadatta Track is possibly the most interesting treck in the country. To properly appreciate it I strongly suggest you read up a bit on the history of the region before you go.

The "Track" itself is a wide graded road. Its condition varies from smooth and fast to slow and stoney depending on the recent traffic loads and the time since the grader went through last. Most of the time there will be slow stoney sections that will require reducing speed and care. These sections can be unforgiving on old tyres, high pressures or too high a speed.

Take an extra spare and slow down.
There is a lot to see........enjoy.

Cheers,
Peter

thanks for the info much appreciated, have been reading up a bit on the region. are planning to head to Darwin. the van is not an offroader, a jayco freedom (tandem) and to tow we have just purchased a Nissan patrol. we plan to head to Marla then up to Darwin. cheers the dales

Hi and welcome.

We are heading to Darwin in June for the fourth time and love it up there.

Have not done the Track yet but we will get there one day.

Dales

While its a long time ago, that I was on that track, are you sure you really want to do it?

Biggest problem is as P&M say, depends on the graders.

I am unsure if any of the current weather has been through there, turning it into a bog hole. Had a mate stopped on the track, as the mud under his guards, stopped him steering.

My biggest memory is the dust. Fine talc, gets in everwhere, no matter how good your seals are. There are a few long lonely stretches, little traffic, but the traffic may have changed.

Do your homework, be self sufficent (mechanically) and no worries.

We did this track about 5 years ago.  This was our first ever "track" and we had no idea what we were doing.  For road conditions you can ring the Oodnadatta Roadhouse and they can give out very useful information regarding conditions and tyre pressures etc.  We did and very pleased we had as some stages were very slow going because the track hadn't seen a grader for awhile. 

When we did this I thought I would be totaly bored and not enjoy it - how wrong was I.  There was lots to see and it is very interesting.  If you feel comfortable taking your van, take your time and drive to the conditions. There are lots of vehicles out there of various types and most get through without any issues if they drive to the conditions.  I would think that at that time of year it will be starting to get busy especially if Lake Eyre fills up.  There will be lots of people out and about.

Make sure you camp at Coward Springs - great spot but get in very early as last year with everyone wanting to see Lake Eyre apparently is was extremely busy.  If you don't have to go through to Marla don't, turn from Oodnadatta and head towards the painted desert -beautiful colours on the hills - and come out on the highway just near Cadney Roadhouse.  Cadney is a great spot for an overnighter.  At that time you could camp out the back for free, still have use of showers and toilets and all they asked was you spent some money there.  Not hard to do as they do a great evening meal

Hope this helps.

found this

http://www.australian-4x4.com.au/oodnadatta-track-australia.html

I did it in july 09, loved it but wasnt towing a van. You dont need to do all the track but could go from marree to cooper pedy and then up the highway to darwin or go through to MT dare etc. Plenty to see if you clear your mind and open your eyes.
cheers
blaze

Hi,
i am doing it without a van and hav a Forrester...what did you have and was it ok, were you alone

Sannie

Hello again Peter n Margaret,
well that answered part one of my question...Part 2 is the Birdsville Track similar?

Cheers

Sannie

thanks for the posts and advice on our planned oodnadatta experience. change of plans, stopping at coober pedy, leaving van and tenting on the triangle (that's the compromise!) after that on to Darwin. our first trip this way, any advice?

-- Edited by the dales on Sunday 4th of April 2010 04:05:47 PM