Member - DickyBeach replied:

David,
When we went up the CSR in August last year the spinifex had been well and truly flattened by those who had gone before us.

As to fuel at Well 33, we had telephoned before leaving Sydney and were assured that fuel would be there, and that the Managers would also be there. Correct on both counts. I don't think the Managers were missionaries but they were certainly good people, and the hot showers and washing machine were great bonuses. The fuel was pricey, of course, but a lot easier than transferring from 44s at Well 23. The store is a dry one and sweets (chocolates etc) are scarce so as to reduce the risk of diabetes amongst the aborigines. Basic fruit and veges and dried/tinned foods were available.

Should you prefer to refuel at Well 23 you could pump the fuel out as follows:
Get a bung for a 44 gallon drum, drill a hole through it and fit the valve stem from a car inner tube, and through the smaller hole on the top of the 44 pass a length of good sized (ie, diameter) plastic tubing. Connect your air compressor to the valve stem and the increasing air pressure will force the fuel up and out the plastic tubing.

Enjoy the trip - we did.

sean replied:

Capricorn Roadhouse provided fuel pumps at well 23 (and still some low lifes steal them). Ring them and find out.

Kunawarriti had ULP and diesel when we were there and they do supply fuel so it is reliable as can be but keep in mind its not woolies , so if you have to wait a few days so be it. You can ring them. They are very good people to deal with.

Diesel can also be got at cotton creek (out near Rudall) which is happy to sell fuel (least this year). You could also ring the administrator there and find out.

biggest problem we saw was the toll of corrugations on vehicles. THis seemed to be the biggest killer.

Happy travelling

Sean

Alick & Willemina from Murchison Safari's replied:

Hi David, Both your answers to date are sound but the wait some times can be 5 or 6 days at 33 for fuel to turn up so take care there. Re transfering fuel we use the compressed air method and it is very good but you realy need all fitting capable of taking 12 PSI and a tap on the end of the hose otherwise you have no way of stopping the flow. And remember that 200 litre fuel drums will only take 12 PSI before splitting and you could loose all your fuel.To contol this you need a tap on your air line also. I have not heard of any fuel being stolen from 23 in the last few years but it has happend in the past I have first hand experaince of that.Should you eed any further advice fell free to contact us.Alick

Crackles replied:

Spinafex is rarely a problem if you stick to the main track as the constant traffic tends to keep it down. Only after rain with some regrowth does it become a problem & is important then to regually check radiator & exhaust. A piece of metal fly wire accross the front (cleaned when neccesary) will keep most out.
Cheers Craig..............

Member - Phil B (WA) replied:

A group of us were at Well 33 in August of this year - no problems with getting supplies of fuel - best to ring them in advance to confirm rough dates and litres needed - that way they can plan ahead.
Food lines are restricted to basics and we were only able to buy one loaf of frozen bread per vehicle.
Spinifex was a problem on the CSR proper but on some of the side tracks to Separation Well etc it was high and a petrol vehicle that was with us stopped every 4 kms or so to remove build up.

Steve (Pilbara) replied:

Hi David
I was one of six vehicles that fueled up with deisel ($1.80/ltr) at the start of September 04 and mid last year at Kunawarritji with no problems, but do inform them so they can get extra if required, also ask the opening times or you may have a wait. The showers are worth a go @ $5 each. They have eftpos but no credit card facilities.

Troopie replied:

Heya
Just get it at Kuna - but ring first.

If you feel you need it at 23 - take a small hand pump and couple of lengths of fuel rated hose. Costs bugger all at most auto stores....

Cheers