Peake Ruins - Oodnadatta Track 2016

Thanks Les, we will drive in and have a look. We are very interested in the old Ghan and the regions rich history.

The loop in and out is shown on several maps, the most accurate being the Pink Pub's Mud Map. It follows Peake Creek to the North but since the floods I was advised to return the way you come in.

Cheers

dad

There is no 'loop'. It's one way in & out to the ruins, as Les mentions.

Unfortunately, no camping at The Peake ruins. Used to be, but way too much environmental damage occurred to the graves, the Mound Springs and the ruins, so it's no longer possible.
Just to clarify, there are two 'The Peake'. One is the pastoral lease owned by S Kidman; the other is the one we are discussing, namely the old mining, pastoral and Telegraph Station complex.

I *think* dad meant up through Freeling Springs, and NE a ways (Smithfield yard), then west out at Algebuckina ?
That has always been a private road apart from the Algebuckina end at the waterhole to permitted access.
Anyway, the drive straight in and out isn't too hard, just a little rough in places.

Yes...

Not that I have done it, but see no problem...

Cheers, Baz

Should be ok, just drive as slow as needed, it can be rough in places.

Kevin in 2014 we took our 21ft offroad van into Peake Ruins without problems. There were a few rough sections and it took a couple of hours each way.

Kevin we have taken our T-van in there a few times and could see no problems for a medium size offroad van a few gutters to traverse but that will be your only problem.

Cheers
Graham

Kevin, we too have taken our Tvan in, however we found that the track was very rough in places, May 2105. Many leave their caravans/trailers at the start of the track as it makes for a less stressful journey. When we were there there were a number of places, as mentioned gutters, which presented challenges when towing. Again if you do take the van lower your tyre pressures and take it slowly.
The site is well worth a visit. Fortunately there appeared to be little vandalism when we were there. No doubt that "element" is deterred by the distance in and the rough track.

Thanks for the information and advice. Greatly appreciated. I'm very reluctant to leave my van unhitched beside the road, but I guess with appropriate security precautions, beside the Oodnadatta Track is not too risky.

I had not heard of Peake Ruins before but we are likely to be on Oodnadatta Track later in the year and it looks like a place not to be missed.

Thanks again.

Kevin

Thanks Bob, yeah there is plenty to see and thanks to your help will visit Strangways (odd name).
(the '1340' is the capacity of my ride - one-wheel drive)

Mate we are coming in the Pedirka then down the Rig, up the Knolls etc. so its possible we may spot you. We are taking 7 days which includes some rest days for photographic stuff. Look for a white FJ cruiser anyway amongst the traffic.

Thanks again

Cheers

dad

".......white FJ Cruiser". You weren't in Winton this morning, were you? :-)

Worth a look at Beresford Siding. The building is in pretty order, with the mandatory bird residents. Couple of water towers there too, that might be worth a photo or three, in the right light. Stopped at a couple others too, but they were in poorer condition.

At Algebuckna, turn down a track to the south, on western side of the creek, and there's a couple of graves(one with headstone) on a ledge, and by walking up a bit higher, you get good views(photos) of the bridge......it's a long bugger.

Les, Gunther(RIP) & I went E-W over the Rig in 2 days last Oct. Eastern section was in excellent order, as far as Poolawanna Oil Well. Rest was okay, just drive to conditions. Would go that way again, but want to try the WAA. Met some bikies that were going that way, then into Birdsville and across to Byron Bay.

After this lot of rain it should look magic!

Bob

Thanks again Bob,
The plan is to have a night or two here and there with time to take it easy with the missus doing her photographic project. Just taking it easy for a change and no rush. We have seen it all but have a fascination with Deserts.

There's a coldie for you if we meet.

Cheers

dad