Maybe we are being a bit crazy but we will be travelling from Nyngen to Alice Springs in mid October and have done the trip on the Stuart Hwy two or three times before and here is the chance to see a bit more of Oz. But we are towing a van behind our old but wonderful Pajero. We wont be in a hurry, dont have to be in Alice till late December, but the road condition is unknown I'm no mechanic , sure we will be well prepared but, but,what do ya reckon?
The Oodnadatta Track is the most interesting of all the iconic Australian tracks. Do some research and buy a book or two on its history before you go, take it quietly and it will be a great experience.
Road condition varies greatly depending on the recent traffic and the timing of the grader, but unless it is wet it will be no problem, but maybe quite slow.
Cheers,
Peter
Just been there, its as Peter says, worst part is coming into William Creek. We traveled via Cooper Pedy, but comments from others say the track is good.
AS already said depending on there grader it can be as smooth as silk or rattle your teeth out, but no serious challenges. watch out for stray rocks on the road I smashed a rim due being over confident and traveling to fast.
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In life it is important to know when to stop arguing with people
and simply let them be wrong.
Bru, if you prepare well, in all aspects of Out Back remote region travel, and drive to suit the road and terrain, not rushing and be very vigilant re your rig and your health and talk, talk, talk (rather listen and consider, listen and consider, listen and consider) to and with those you meet along the way I reckon you will have one of the greatest experiences ever in Australia's Great Out Back.
Cheers
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Cheers - Ian
I slowly realise as I get older that I am definitely NOT the fastest rat in the race.
Also the older I get the more I realise I do not know.
Just been there, its as Peter says, worst part is coming into William Creek. We traveled via Cooper Pedy, but comments from others say the track is good.
Section SE of Oodnadatta VERY corrugated 20-30km is bloody terrible. Others told us worst on the track - I believe them.
Came off a station so not many options for us other than 250km detour backwards across rough tracks. Station tracks were better than Govt roads.
On worst section camber of road bounced us off to left, needed 4wd (already selected) to keep us on track <20kph for ages. Some damage to van internally (m/wave, pantry goods, solar controller pulled off wall, fire ext v loose) so after 12 years we met our match so to speak.
So based on what we have been told at William Creek today better to Maree.
DON'T RECOMMEND William Creek to Oodnadatta for vans at all. Hasn't been graded since rain in March and you can still see where others have travelled and left ruts, for us to venture in and out of. Speed very limited obviously.
Just for yr info.
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Why is it so? Professor Julius Sumner Miller, a profound influence on my life, who explained science to us on TV in the 60's.
We went on the flight over Lake Eyre two days ago, better to save your money. The windows of the aircraft were dirty, so even the photos will turn out smudged.
Well thanks everyone for all your comments. After all that we decided to head north from Nyngan and across the Barkly. A lot more places along the way and some good camps to look forward to. My favourite on the Georgina at Camooweal. Leaving Nyngan early October so some warm weather coming. After Alice we will head south but that will be in Feb so bloody hot. All good fun.
Bru,
It's best not to travel those roads after Spring - it's uncomfortable & adds extra stresses to your car & van.
DRIVE TO CONDITIONS, have good tyres, vary your tyre pressure according to the road. We did most "Tracks" in our Jayco Eagle Outback camper & I recall dropping the pressure by around 4psi.
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Warren
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If you don't get it done today, there's always tomorrow!
We just came down the track a couple of weeks ago. Saw about 10 caravans on route. The northern end 120 km is rough in areas with so take your time. Our wheels are 255/60R18 which are not ideal. We let our tyres down to 24 PSI so about 27PSI when running. The rest of the track is reasonably ok. Out to Halligan Bay was pretty rough but you will be fine with the Pajero only.
Sign at Marla, water at Oodnadatta, some of the typical track & Strangway Springs.