Don't do it with a road van, the corrugations can be horrendous from Moomba to Inaminicka and very average from Cameron Corner to the Strezlecki if the road hasn't been graded. I'm also assuming the van hasn't had any problems getting to Tiboorburra in the first place. Cheers Dave
Thanks for the info Griff, yes corrugations are what we are concerned about, will be going north from Broken hill in a weeks time and will ask about roads at Tiboobura but thinking we would be better going north from Tiboobura to the Adventure Way and then west to Inamincka.
I'll be traveling the opposite direction to your second option (Adventure Way) Andrew,
In June, heading to the Dig Tree west of Thargomindah believing its only about 15ks of dirt track from the end of the black top. Then maybe slowly travel to Innamincka, another 30k west.
If all goes well...on to Tobooburra via the Orientos Road but only if we get the nod from local information. Better to turn around and head back to the tar if given a 'no go'
The clearance of the vehicle is the main problem and of course, the speed traveled.
I too, would appreciate an update on road conditions.
We are leaving today, going via Peterbough, Broken Hill, Tiboobura and then ?? subject to road conditions. We will post on here info we get from Tibooburra and also the actual road conditions when we have internet. Noticed today the SA gov have upgraded the condition of the Cameron corner to Merty Merty to open to all modes of transport.
Regards
AJ and Theresa
Leaving Broken Hill today going north to Tiboobura and then hopefully Innaminka , will post here when we next have internet with a report on the road conditions.
1/4/15. Broken Hill north to Packsaddle: A few gravel sections, minor corrugations. Not a problem with appropriate speed. We averaged 85kph on the blacktop and 70kph on the gravel.
Packsaddle north to Milparinka: Numerous sections of dirt all with varying levels of corrugation. When we did this there was a large detour north of Packsaddle for roadworks. This detour section was reasonably rough. All roads shouldnt be a problem with appropriate slow speed.
Stopped at Milparinka overnight. $10/site unpowered and no shade. Historical areas to explore.
2/4/15: Milparinka to Tibooburra. Mixture of blacktop and gravel. Corrugations minor. Stayed in Sturt National Park at Dead Horse Gully campground about 2km out of town. Highly recommend this site.
Based on roadkill or live beasts encountered, you need to look out for cattle, sheep, kangaroos, goats, emus and pigs.
10/4/15: Tibooburra west to Fort Grey. Unsealed road. First half of this is relatively smooth with minor corrugations and good visibility in most cases allowing you to use the whole width of the road for the best ride. The second half of this run, the frequency of dunes increases, particularly the last 30kms very frequent dunes with crests on bends forcing you to stay left regardless of road surface condition. This section was rough in places. With appropriate tyre pressure and travelling speed this section was no problem.
11/4/15: Fort Grey west to Cameron Corner. Conditions similar to last part of Tibooburra-Fort Grey report i.e. keep left, crests & corrugations but correct tyre pressures & slow speeds mean no problems. Be very aware of livestock and wildlife as they havent read the road rules.
11/4/15: Cameron Corner west to Merty Merty. First half excellent run. Be aware of cattle. As you approach Merty Merty youll negotiate numerous dunes, crests on bends particularly last 30km. Some sections of soft surface. No major problems but you are forced to keep left. Appropriate tyre pressure and appropriate (slow) speed made this section quite ok.
11/4/15: Merty Merty north on Old Strzelecki Track to Innamincka. First 67km is relatively smooth surface (we averaged 55kph on this section). The next 45km to Innamincka on the Old Strzelecki is very rough but we still believe it was smoother than the new Strzelecki Track. On this section we averaged 30kph without encountering any major problems.
At Innamincka we stayed at Minkie Waterhole about 16km west of town. There are many possible camping sites around Innamincka including the Town Common.
16/4/15: Innamincka east to Nockatunga. First section to Qld border is very rough with bad corrugations. Qld border east to Nockatunga all good, predominantly single lane blacktop apart from one section of rough gravel due to ongoing roadworks.
We drove an extra 20km south to Noccundra Waterhole and camped there.
Many thanks for the up date, plenty of travel information there. I didn't realise you were heading for the Old Strzelecki track, I traveled that track in 2008 in a rav4, a fantastic experience.
Did you happen to stop at Burke and Wills Dig Tree? I imagine the road there, being on the Sth Aus side for the border would be just a rough (only 14km from the border)
Anyway will take it easy in the motor home. I can't wait for the adventure to begin, only about 4 weeks to go.
Hi
Can anyone tell me if they have travelled from Bourke to Tibooburra along the Bourke Hawker gate road lately as we are hoping to go that way in June
__________________
BETTER TO HAVE SEEN SOMETHING ONCE, THAN HEAR ABOUT IT A THOUSAND TIMES
We used the old Strzelecki track as we were told it was in better condition but ask when you get there as things change, the 14 km dirt road from the adventure way to the dig tree was in very good condition.
Dreamcatcher: I could possibly be coming from Tibooburra to Bourke in June/July, my son tells me I would encounter few problems on that streatch of road.
Good to hear the track to the Dig Tree is in good condition Andrew, was warned to keep watch at the cattle grates though, unforseen dips beside the steal can cause damage to the car if hit at speed.
I am planning the same trip so I look with interest to information submitted on the road conditions and also birdsville track
Take care on your trip, go slow when needed, I look forward to your updates.
