Lake Eyre

suenami · Senior Member

Lake Eyre

Vic41 · Senior Member

Don't know the answers to Lake Eyre Sue, however spoke to a couple who did it on caravan trip, they chose to fly over it instead, said it was a lot better and you got a view of the whole area. They said they flew from William Creek, flights also go from Coober Pedy, see this link; http://www.wikiaustralia.com/tour/9002378/

Vic

-- Edited by Vic41 on Friday 2nd of October 2009 09:51:53 PM

Terro · Guru

We did the flight from William Creek over Lake Eyre back in 2004. It was a great experience. From memory the name of the airline! is Wrights Air and are just down the track a bit from the William Creek Hotel. We were on the Post Run from Coober Pedy when we did the flight, we were returned to the ground at Peak Station where the Post bus was waiting for us. That day out is another adventure in itself. Do the flight however you can, you won't be disappointed.

Terry.

Disco Duck · Guru

Okay Sue

The "wet " season up there is during the winter months. May to Sept approx. It rarely rains but if it does then you can sometimes be stuck in a place for a week or so while you wait for the roads to dry out. There are huge fines for driving on the roads that are closed to traffic let alone the stupidity.

The roads themselves are dirt and have been chopped up a little more this year than normal due to increases in traffic because people were told that Lake Eyre was going to fill right up. This never happened and it was all a big con job. However some water did get in there.....about 20%

So if your camper is fragile........perhaps don't go there. Go to Coober pedy and fly over if the planes are flying. You have to bear in mind that xmas is summer and temperatures out there can get to 50 plus. So all care needs to be taken and plenty of drinking water. If you stay on the bitumen to cooberpedy it isn't too bad but still stinking hot.

I would be going in May to Sept when the weather is a little kinder.

Other than that.............common sense...............that often little used ability that we.......should prevail at all times. Keep the speed down, don't drive thru bulldust holes, keep a regular check on the vehicle and tyres etc etc. One golden rule we have, is everytime someone gets out of the car for whatever reason they always look under the car for leaks or other problems.

Hope that helps

Jess

Disco Duck · Guru

The other thing I forgot to mention is to make sure you have at last two spare wheels with you. Service centres out there are few and far between. When you do find one they are usually guaranteed not to have your tyre size in stock :). If they have to order it from Port Augusta it could take a couple of days to get there.

Don't be tempted to travel at night because the livestock is moving at night and are very hard to see.

I have been up there heaps of times so if you want to know any more..............just yell !!

Jess

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

With 2 spares and a large bucket full of common sense, MOST 2WD vehicles can go from Marree to William Creek along the Oodnadatta Track without incident, UNLESS it is wet, which can happen at any time of the year.
The track to Halligan Bay (on the edge of the Lake) from William Creek can often be quite corrugated and a little sandy in spots (sometimes).
To appreciate the lake, you MUST fly over it as well as seeing it from the ground.

This is a slideshow from our trip there in April this year.

The Oodnadatta Track is one of Australia's MOST interesting drives. We have travelled it many times and never tire of it.

Cheers,
Peter

Basil Faulty · Guru

If there is no water in it do not be tempted to drive on it....The salt crust can, and has broken and the muck under the salt crust is absolutley foul..... And it's near impossible to get out of....
Lake Frome is easier acess if you want a Salt lake experience....But it rarely has water in it....
Has anyone been to Lake Amadeus???
Interesting spot maybe 50k north of Ayers Rock, this is wherea littleleather purse was found in the 1960's with Portugese coins in it dated 1480's. Various ideas exist as to how it got there.....

suenami · Senior Member

Thank you everyone for your replies. Have duly passed them on to my son. I did forget about the heat Jess, would be a killer for me. Peter your slide show is fabulous. Oh, BTW, I saw my first OKA dealer in Coolgardie a while back. A yard full of vehicles similar to yours.
Maybe son and I can work out a trip where we can fly over. Sounds like the best option...and perhaps not in January.....thanks again.
Sue smile

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

That OKA man in Coolgardie is Robin Wade Sue.
He is a real gentleman.
If ever you need assistance with anything at all, call in and see him. He WILL help.

Cheers,
Peter

Terro · Guru

Basil, haven't been to any of the lakes you mention but one lake I have been to is Lake Gairdner or Gairdiner north of Iron Knob SA. It rock hard when dry and very driveable on. Worth a look.

Terry.