We did almost the trip you are planning in 2001. Roads were dirt, but were in good condition then. It has rained a little since then... We towed a 16.5 ft Jayco poptop caravan, and apart from a few (lot) of stone dents in the front of the van, no damage was incurred. At times, we could not see the van for dust. We didn't try for any speed records though...
We went from Nocundra to Tiboorburra with the van, left it there and drove to Innaminca. Stayed in the bunkhouse at the back of the pub there, went to the Dig Tree next day and then home via Santos homestead. Fabulous trip.
Obviously the road conditions would have changed since 2001, but if there has been no rain, I cannot see why the trip could not be done with a van now. You should check the road conditions befroe attempting this trip. I would expect that there may be a few more road signs by now because when we went there were virtually no signs at all. At times I wondered if we were on local farm tracks or on the road. It was a relief when we came across the Nocundra - Tiboorburra road on the way back.
For what it is worth, on the way west from Camerons Corner, we came over the crest of a sand dune (clay-capped so traction not a problem) and saw a 4 yr old Nissan Bluebird front wheel drive car with about 100 mm ground clearance pulling a 12 ft back door caravan. Although the road was wide enough, I wanted to give the combo as much road as possible, so I was checking the L rear view mirror as we passed. My wife said to me "That was a woman driving that, and she was on her own!". I replied that her husband must have been feeling seasick (we were only doing about 40 km/h but the dunes were making us queasy). We stopped shortly after to look at a cattle round-up yard and a solar pump there. Then we went on to Innaminca and checked in with the publican there. He asked "Did you see a 74 yr old woman towing a caravan on the way?" Yes - about 10 km from Camerons Corner and she was going OK was the reply. "Good", he said - "we were a bit worried about her". When we got back to Tiboorburra the next afternoon, there she was. She was travelling around Oz by herself and enjoying it. So that gives you some idea of what the roads were like then, and I cannot see much difference now - it all depends on when it rained last and if the grader has been through since.
-- Edited by erad on Sunday 13th of March 2016 09:52:04 PM
The Shire CP in Cunnamulla is pretty good IMO. A short detour up to Wyandra from there was worth it. There is a CP there that has to be seen to be believed lol! The road from there to Thargo is a very good single lane bitumen "developmental" road. We travelled Noccundra to Cunnamulla without rushing in 1day. We stayed in a Donga at Noccundra & really enjoyed it! The publicans are wonderful people.
(bitumen thus far)
The road from Noccundra to Tibooburra via the Warri Gate is a tough road! (Now we're on the dirt!) Lots of rocks & corrugations. We've travelled a few long dirt roads & I'd rate it worse than the Birdsville Track, the Savannah Way, Oodnadatta Track, Mereenie Loop, Gibb River Road, Jim Jim Road, Gawler Ranges etc. Its quite doable in a 4x4, but it is rough! The only other road that I've been on like that one was the Mt. Dare - Dalhousie Road.
The road out from Tibooburra to Cameron Cnr was a nice, easy drive. Sandy, but easy. There are several ways you can go from there to Innamincka, but the road up through Epsilon is the best IMO. You probably won't see anyone else up there though! :)
Guys
Thanks very much for your advice
Was a bit concerned after googling
It said Cunnamulla to Thargomindah about 200k 2 1/2 hrs
Thargomindah to Nockatunga about 150k 2hrs
And then said from Nockatunga to Tibooburra 250 "9hrs"
I don't mind as we aren't in a hurry but if it's this long is it too ruff for the van
Had to compromise with the wife going to Surfer Paradise for a week first
Then 3 weeks back home
CANT WAIT
Once again thanks guys
It woud be interesting to wait and see if you get more reason updates about your intending tour.
I was out there in 2003 and again in 2015, my coach driving friend is out in that area regularly with a huge passengers carrying coach and so much of that has been sealed.
My thoughts we have had about 10 Prime Ministers since 2001, so there is changers happening all the time.
We are away from home base and would like to give you some of my reason trip information but don't have it at hand.
It is a beaut experience and for the most I would drag the csravan though most of it and you find that other adventures types do.
We have driven all those roads at various times with a camper trailer. Cunnamulla to Noccundra no problems. We loved our night at Noccundra free camping on the Wilson River. Noccundra to Tibooburra - at that time it was one of the best dirt roads we had been on. Tibooburra to Cameron Corner is doable with a van but it does depend on conditions, speed, tyre pressures etc. We passed a stock standard Winnebago on our way out and they didn't appear to be having any problems. The road is quite narrow in places and you have to watch out when going over the umpteen dozen jump ups. We also saw many caravans out at Innamincka but care needs to be taken. Great spot and needs a few nights to see it all. Ask as you go and you will get up to date info that way. You will have a great trip
Thanks Radar
We are heading off at the end of this month
The info I have got so far is making my decision to go for it
If I think that I'm not confident in doing it we will just cheet and stick to the black top
Leave the van in Broken Hill and just take the 4x4 out
Thanks for your input
