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Post Info TOPIC: Birdsville Track with caravan


Newbie

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Birdsville Track with caravan


I recently did the Strzelecki Track with a Cub camper, which was easy going.

Picking up a 17' Goldsteam "Rhino" offroad caravan, single axle, independent suspension, 16" AT tyres.

Would like to travel the Strzelecki from Maree to Birdsville in August.

You advice on whether the van can handle the track would be most welcome.

Tony 



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Guru

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Gday...

I believe that it is a quite acceptable unsealed road most of the time ... depending on when graded and/or weather.

It is certainly a busy road between May and September - particularly at Birdsville races time.

This site gives a bit of an insight -

Route: Marree Via The Birdsville Track (520kms)

Once Australias most hazardous stock route, the Birdsville Track is still an unsealed road but maintained so that you can travel in either a 4WD or SUV with a caravan or camper trailer. The road conditions can vary and you may find yourself travelling over a diverse range of surfaces from sand dunes to gibber pains. Watch out for ponded water after heavy rains.

https://birdsvillehotel.com.au/getting-to-birdsville/getting-to-birdsville-by-road/

Cheers - John

 



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Guru

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I would be putting the van through a pretty thorough testing prior to tackling the track - Ensure your "Road Service" provider covers the van. A tow out will cost thousands of dollars. We have done it on many "Safari " trips (average 40 vehicles) but always have had to require our safari mechanic fix several vehicles and Camper trailers en route. Travel with companion vehicle if possible. Do not attempt after rain.

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Newbie

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Thanks for your input Guys.

Picking the van up from Melbourne, before heading home.  Are there some corrugated roads out of Melbourne that I can spend the day on? [so I can take it back for any remedial work that may present] 

Tony



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Guru

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Tonystef wrote:

Would like to travel the Strzelecki from Maree to Birdsville in August.


 That is the Birdsvill Track, not the Strzelecki Track which goes to Innamincka.

In any case, they are both generally good graded roads. Just take it quietly.

If it looks like rain, forget it.

Cheers,

Peter



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OKA196, 4x4 'C' Class, DIY, self contained motorhome. 960W of solar, 400Ah of AGMs, 310L water, 280L fuel. https://www.oka4wd.com/forum/members-vehicles-public/569-oka196-xt-motorhome
 

 



Senior Member

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The big difference between the Cub & a caravan is dust ingress. Lots of caravans travel the Birdsville track, but I'd hazard a guess that they are mostly filled with red dust!

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Cheers,

Mutley :)



Member

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Hi TS

We will wait til we get to the Pound in early August 19 to determine which track to take.

Have heard that  Big Red  can be an obstacle on the B track but then that may be hearsay.

I will be towing an outback Jayco Dove 2016.

cheers   DC

 



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Guru

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Big Red is not an obstacle on any track. It is not near either the Strzelecki or Birdsville Tracks. It is a side diversion option if you are coming across the Simpson Desert from the Dalhousie Springs.

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Senior Member

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The main issues are road trains and other vehicles that travel faster than you. Be prepared to eat dust and be showered by gravel.

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