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Googs Track

Difficulty: Trek rating 3 of 5 - Click for detailsTrek rating 3 of 5 - Click for detailsTrek rating 3 of 5 - Click for details   Suitable for: 4WD Bike 
A most adventurous short-cut for those travelling from the west to Coober Pedy & the Alice. Excellent views and plenty of wildlife, featuring memorials dedicated to Goog and Dinger, Goog’s Lake and Mount Finke.
StartClick to Reverse the Dynamic Map and Driving NotesCeduna
Trek
FinishGlendambo
Distance566 kmMinimum Days2
Average Speed43.05 km/hrDriving Time13 hr 8 min
Article By: Member - Stephen L (SA)   Updated: 19 Feb 2008
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 Description

Goog’s Track was named after John (Goog) Denton who envisioned that a road heading from Ceduna to Tarcoola would be of considerable value to the region. Goog decided to undertake this enormous task in 1976 and with the help from his family, the track was finished in around three years.

Goog’s Track is a single vehicle track that traverses through Yumbarra Conservation Park and Yellabinna Regional Reserve. The trek covers in excess of 300 sand hill crossings and it is recommended that the trek be negotiated from south to north. The journey starts at Ceduna and heads due north until you meet the Transcontinental Railway Line at Malbooma. The trek then heads east and follows the line towards Tarcoola.

 Interactive Route Map

CedunaKalanbiDog Fence, Goog's Track (South)Goog's Track Water HoleMemorials to Goog and DingerGoog's Lakes Camping AreaLois RockDog Fence, Goog's Track (East)Childara RockholeDog Fence, Goog's Track (East)Nalara RockGoog's Track Drum CampMount Finke from Goog's TrackGoog's Tk & Trans Australian RailwayMalbooma318 Mile Ballast SidingTarcoolaWilgenaNew Year HillKingoonyaGlendambo
Ceduna
No description entered. Enter description or photos.
Features: Populated PlaceService Station,Roadhouse Caravan Park Fuel Water Supply Toilet Pub Food,Shopping Aboriginal Lands,Communities Police Station Medical Services Resort,Motel
Position: 133.6787ºE   32.1216ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Kalanbi
Distance: 19.64km
Average Speed: 65.95km/h
Kalanbi
No description entered. Enter description or photos.
Features: Populated Place
Position: 133.6747ºE   31.9509ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Dog Fence, Goog's Track (South)
Distance: 10.51km
Average Speed: 63.27km/h
Dog Fence, Goog's Track (South)
The dog fence is part of the vermin proof fence which excludes dingoes from a large area of South Eastern Australia. The gates in the dog fence MUST remain shut at all times.
Features: Gate
Position: 133.6751ºE   31.8553ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Goog's Track Water Hole
Distance: 39.25km
Average Speed: 31.14km/h
Goog's Track Water Hole
A series of small waterholes that sit in a granite slab slightly west of Goog's Track. John "Goog" Denton believed he was the first white person to see this waterhole as he cut Googs Track between 1973 and 1976.
Features: Water Body,River,Stream,Falls
Position: 133.8216ºE   31.5834ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Memorials to Goog and Dinger
Distance: 11.69km
Average Speed: 36.72km/h
Memorials to Goog and Dinger
These memorials dedicated to John (Goog) and Martin (Dinger) have been placed near the old shack site where the Denton family spent many happy days.
Features: Point of Interest
Position: 133.9278ºE   31.5667ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Goog's Lakes Camping Area
Distance: 3.75km
Average Speed: 26.93km/h
Goog's Lakes Camping Area
Goog completed the track to these lakes in 1974. The main lake is approximately 15kms in length and more than a kilometre wide. These salt water lakes have a high evaporation rate especially during the hotter months. There are a few nice camping areas around Goog's Lake.
Features: Camp FeePoint of Interest
Position: 133.9643ºE   31.5705ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Lois Rock
Distance: 67.48km
Average Speed: 30.95km/h
Lois Rock
Lois Rock
Features: Point of Interest
Position: 134.4299ºE   31.5757ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Dog Fence, Goog's Track (East)
Distance: 15.19km
Average Speed: 25.66km/h
Dog Fence, Goog's Track (East)
Dog fence on the perimeter of Yellabinna Regional Reserve and Lake Everard Station. Please keep this gate shut at all times. The owners of Lake Everard Station may grant access to Childara Rock but please ask for permission prior.
Features: Gate
Position: 134.5579ºE   31.6105ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Childara Rockhole
Distance: 1.91km
Average Speed: 26.32km/h
Childara Rockhole
Childara Rockhole and Tank
Features: Point of Interest
Position: 134.5643ºE   31.5990ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Dog Fence, Goog's Track (East)
Distance: 1.91km
Average Speed: 26.32km/h
Dog Fence, Goog's Track (East)
Dog fence on the perimeter of Yellabinna Regional Reserve and Lake Everard Station. Please keep this gate shut at all times. The owners of Lake Everard Station may grant access to Childara Rock but please ask for permission prior.
Features: Gate
Position: 134.5579ºE   31.6105ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Nalara Rock
Distance: 11.6km
Average Speed: 40.82km/h
Nalara Rock
This huge outcrop of granite is called Nalara Rock and has a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside from the top..
Features: Point of Interest
Position: 134.4478ºE   31.6031ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Goog's Track
Distance: 91.64km
Average Speed: 34.99km/h
Goog's Track
Googs Track traverses through Yumbarra Conservation Park and Yellabinna Regional Reserve. The track started in 1955 from the northern end and stopped not far from Mount Finke, a total of 154 km.
Features: Track,Road
Position: 133.9783ºE   31.2507ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Drum Camp
Distance: 19.76km
Average Speed: 28.47km/h
Drum Camp
This is the spot where Goog's Track joined with a track previously cut from the north. Two water drums stood beside the track for many years.
Features: Point of Interest
Position: 134.0297ºE   31.0842ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Mount Finke from Goog's Track
Distance: 21.92km
Average Speed: 29.33km/h
Mount Finke from Goog's Track
Looking at Mount Finke from an access track off Goog's Track. There are a few nice camping spots here. Please make sure you have a bush camping permit from the Department for Environment and Heritage in Ceduna. Phone: (08) 8625 3144
Features: Camp FeePoint of Interest
Position: 134.0297ºE   30.9211ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Goog's Tk & Trans Australian Railway
Distance: 45.18km
Average Speed: 31.38km/h
Goog's Tk & Trans Australian Railway
This junction is at the northern end of Goog's Track where it meets the Trans Australian Railway. Please do not turn left and head West from this junction, instead turn right and head towards Tarcoola. Heavy fines may be in place to enforce this.
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 134.0827ºE   30.6614ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Malbooma
Distance: 9.53km
Average Speed: 61.19km/h
Malbooma
No description entered. Enter description or photos.
Features: Place Name
Position: 134.1787ºE   30.6739ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: 318 Mile Ballast Siding
Distance: 22.55km
Average Speed: 63.51km/h
318 Mile Ballast Siding
mt ive station
Features: Place Name
Position: 134.4092ºE   30.7039ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Tarcoola
Distance: 16.39km
Average Speed: 52.42km/h
Tarcoola
Tarcoola is at an important railway junction. From a point just west of the township the Ghan line heads north and the Indian Pacific line heads west. Tarcoola was named after the Melbourne Cup winner of 1893 – the year gold was discovered in the area.
Features: Populated Place
Position: 134.5684ºE   30.7084ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Wilgena
Distance: 22.68km
Average Speed: 52.67km/h
Wilgena
No description entered. Enter description or photos.
Features: Populated Place
Position: 134.7393ºE   30.7781ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: New Year Hill
Distance: 42.46km
Average Speed: 39.9km/h
Features: Mountain,Peak,Hill
Position: 134.9787ºE   31.0026ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Kingoonya
Distance: 47.85km
Average Speed: 60.39km/h
Kingoonya
Kingoonya was established in the early 1900s as a railway support town on the line extending west.
Features: Populated PlaceCaravan Park Pub Food,Shopping Aboriginal Lands,Communities
Position: 135.3150ºE   30.9126ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Glendambo
Distance: 43.11km
Average Speed: 75.81km/h
Glendambo
No description entered. Enter description or photos.
Features: Populated PlaceService Station,Roadhouse Caravan Park Fuel Water Supply Toilet Pub Food,Shopping Resort,Motel
Position: 135.7517ºE   30.9703ºS (GDA 94)

Route Control

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 Permits

To access Googs Track you will need a Permit issued by the SA Department for Environment and Heritage. Permits cost $4 per day per vehicle. So a 3 day stay will only cost you $12. Most of Googs Track is now located within the Yumbarra Conservation Park and the Yellabinna Regional Reserve. Best camping areas are at Googs Lake and at Mount Finke. You will get a small information package and mud map with your permit.

For More Information:

Department for Environment and Heritage
11 McKenzie Street
PO Box 569
Ceduna SA 5690
Australia
Phone: (08) 8625 3144
Fax: (08) 8625 3123

Vermin Proof Fence

All dog fences such as the gate on the eastern perimeter of Yellabinna Regional Reserve and Lake Everard Station must be kept shut at all times. The owners of Lake Everard Station may grant access to Childara Rock but please ask for permission prior. If permission is granted - please do not venture further east from Childara Rock towards the property.

 Things to See & Do

Goog's Lakes Camping Area   RatingRatingRatingRatingRating
Camp Fee Point of Interest
Goog completed the track to these lakes in 1974. The main lake is approximately 15kms in length and more than a kilometre wide. These salt water lakes have a high evaporation rate especially during the hotter months. There are a few nice camping areas around Goog's Lake.
Memorials to Goog and Dinger   
Point of Interest 
These memorials dedicated to John (Goog) and Martin (Dinger) have been placed near the old shack site where the Denton family spent many happy days.
Mount Finke from Goog's Track   
Camp Fee Point of Interest
Looking at Mount Finke from an access track off Goog's Track. There are a few nice camping spots here. Please make sure you have a bush camping permit from the Department for Environment and Heritage in Ceduna. Phone: (08) 8625 3144
Goog's Track Water Hole   
Water Body,River,Stream,Falls 
A series of small waterholes that sit in a granite slab slightly west of Goog's Track. John "Goog" Denton believed he was the first white person to see this waterhole as he cut Googs Track between 1973 and 1976.
Drum Camp   
Point of Interest 
This is the spot where Goog's Track joined with a track previously cut from the north. Two water drums stood beside the track for many years.
Nalara Rock   
Point of Interest 
This huge outcrop of granite is called Nalara Rock and has a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside from the top..
Lois Rock   
Point of Interest 
Lois Rock
Childara Rockhole   
Point of Interest 
Childara Rockhole and Tank
New Year Hill   
Mountain,Peak,Hill 
No description entered. Enter description or photos.

 Preparation

Your vehicle will need to be extensively prepared for remote area travel, with all fuel, water, food and vehicle repair equipment and spare parts. All travellers should read the 4WDriving Topic for related articles and checklists for vehicle setup and driver awareness.

We advise that you refer to the latest information and advice about outback communications in the Communications Topic. All drivers should set their UHF radios to scan all stations, but take note that Channel 10 is the offical channel for the Simspon Desert. Anywhere in the Diamantina Shire (comprising the towns of Birdsville, Betoota and Bedourie) you must not used UHF Ch 8 and 38 as these are to be reserved for emergency calls only - these channels are monitored by the Clinics, Police and station operators and must remain clear.

The Department of Environment and Heritage recommends all travellers to lower tyre pressures to about 60 to 70% of normal highway pressure. This is to avoid damage to the track and consequent track closures.

Fuel Supplies & Usage

Fuel SymbolCeduna, Glendambo Diesel4cyl 86 litres * ULP4cyl 102 litres * LPG4cyl 113 litres
6cyl 85 litres *6cyl 114 litres *6cyl 100 litres
8cyl 97 litres8cyl 90 litres
Usage is averaged from TrekFuel (* specific to trek) submissions and calculated based on trek distance.

Best Time To Visit

Closest Climatic Station

Ceduna Amo
Distance from Trek Mid Point 125.07km SW
 JanFebMarAprMayJun JulAugSepOctNovDec
Mean Max. °C 28.528.226.624.2 20.818.217.418.6 21.323.725.927.2
Mean Min. °C 15.115.013.110.7 8.66.55.76.2 7.89.812.214.0
Mean Rain mm 11.813.116.219.6 32.735.340.235.5 28.526.220.020.1
    Best time to travel      Ok time to travel      Travel NOT recommended

Services & Supplies

The following locations have various services and supplies: Ceduna, Kingoonya, Glendambo
IMPORTANT NOTE: Provisions no longer available at Tarcoola. Kingoonya Hotel has recently opened - Phone: (08) 8672 1073

 Camp Sites & Accomodation

Kingoonya   RatingRatingRatingRatingRating
Populated Place Caravan Park Pub Food,Shopping Aboriginal Lands,Communities
Kingoonya was established in the early 1900s as a railway support town on the line extending west. It became more important during and after the First World War, when in fulfilment of the undertakings given to Western Australia in the processes leading up to Federation, the East-West railway line was built west to link with Kalgoorlie and Perth.
Goog's Lakes Camping Area   RatingRatingRatingRatingRating
Camp Fee Point of Interest
Goog completed the track to these lakes in 1974. The main lake is approximately 15kms in length and more than a kilometre wide. These salt water lakes have a high evaporation rate especially during the hotter months. There are a few nice camping areas around Goog's Lake.
Mount Finke from Goog's Track   
Camp Fee Point of Interest
Looking at Mount Finke from an access track off Goog's Track. There are a few nice camping spots here. Please make sure you have a bush camping permit from the Department for Environment and Heritage in Ceduna. Phone: (08) 8625 3144
Ceduna   
Populated Place Service Station,Roadhouse Caravan Park Fuel Water Supply Toilet Pub Food,Shopping Aboriginal Lands,Communities Police Station Medical Services Resort,Motel
No description entered. Enter description or photos.
Glendambo   
Populated Place Service Station,Roadhouse Caravan Park Fuel Water Supply Toilet Pub Food,Shopping Resort,Motel
No description entered. Enter description or photos.

 Environment

The journey traverses through Yumbarra Conservation Park and Yellabinna Regional Reserve. This area is a nature enthusiasts dream as there are plenty of great wildlife and birdlife to be seen. Mallee fowl and Sandhill Dunnarts are two rare species that are found in this area. Kangaroos, wombats, dingoes and a large variety of birds are also present.

 History

It’s a fascinating story how the Goog’s Track came about. It all started with the purchase of Lone Oak in the mid 1960s where John (Goog) and Jenny Denton had cleared their property for farming. Additional children were born to the Denton’s including Martin, Debbie and Jeffery and they all had nicknames with two being well known. John was nicknamed ‘Goog’ for his interest in eggs as a child and Martin was called ‘Dinger’ by many of his mates.

Goog was very passionate about the area and strongly believed that a road heading through the scrub to the north of his homestead would be extremely viable to the region. It was then in 1973 that he preceded from his farm boundary with a Fordson tractor fitted with a blade to clear scrub and light timber as well as levelling a rather rough track. As the going got tougher, Goog decided to use a bulldozer and with the help from Jenny’s brother Denis and Martin (Dinger) they built a support 4WD out of wrecks lying around. The whole family were involved nearly every weekend for almost three years and one could only imagine how hard and dirty the work was for them. This included driving the bulldozer, bringing up fuel and equipment in the rebuilt 4WDs and clearing stumps and loose sticks. After purchasing a grader, Denis gave the track a more levelled surface making it more suitable for regular traffic. It wasn’t until August 1976 when Goog’s Track had finally met up with another track to the north which was started in 1955 and finishing not far from Mount Finke.

Goog and Dinger and the rest of the family would have been extremely proud of their achievements. Although Goog would have appreciated some support from the government sharing his visions of a major road, his enthusiasm, perseverance and efforts will always be recognised. Today, Goog’s Track is a well known trail for 4WD and adventure enthusiasts alike. John (Goog) Denton and Martin (Dinger) Denton have now passed and there is a memorial dedicated to them just west of Goog’s Lakes. When you are there, please think of them and the work they had undertaken as well as their families. One day, this work may pay off when Goog’s Track is formally recognised as Goog’s Road.

 Driving Directions

Time
Direction
Distance
Ceduna to Kalanbi 19.64 km N 359° 17 min
Kalanbi to Dog Fence, Goog's Track (South) 10.51 km N 9 min
Dog Fence, Goog's Track (South) to Goog's Track Water Hole 39.25 km NE 25° 1 hr 15 min
Goog's Track Water Hole to Memorials to Goog and Dinger 11.69 km E 80° 19 min
Memorials to Goog and Dinger to Goog's Lakes Camping Area 3.75 km E 97° 8 min
Goog's Lakes Camping Area to Lois Rock 67.48 km E 91° 2 hr 10 min
Lois Rock to Dog Fence, Goog's Track (East) 15.19 km E 108° 35 min
Dog Fence, Goog's Track (East) to Childara Rockhole 1.91 km NE 25° 4 min
Childara Rockhole to Dog Fence, Goog's Track (East) 1.91 km SW 205° 4 min
Dog Fence, Goog's Track (East) to Nalara Rock 11.6 km W 275° 17 min
Nalara Rock to Goog's Track 91.64 km NW 311° 2 hr 37 min
Goog's Track to Drum Camp 19.76 km N 15° 41 min
Drum Camp to Mount Finke from Goog's Track 21.92 km N 360° 44 min
Mount Finke from Goog's Track to Goog's Tk & Trans Australian Railway 45.18 km N 10° 1 hr 26 min
Goog's Tk & Trans Australian Railway to Malbooma 9.53 km E 99° 9 min
Malbooma to 318 Mile Ballast Siding 22.55 km E 99° 21 min
318 Mile Ballast Siding to Tarcoola 16.39 km E 92° 18 min
Tarcoola to Wilgena 22.68 km SE 115° 25 min
Wilgena to New Year Hill 42.46 km SE 138° 1 hr 3 min
New Year Hill to Kingoonya 47.85 km E 73° 47 min
Kingoonya to Glendambo 43.11 km E 99° 34 min
Ceduna to Glendambo 566 km     13 hr 8 min
Distance is GPS recorded driving distance (not straight line), Direction is straight line from start to end, Time is calculated from actual GPS driving data.

 Trek Feedback

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What Others have Posted

patrolmann : 5 Mar 08 14:05
We did the track in July august 07 from south to north. Good camp si...
louie the fly : 29 Oct 07 19:09
Planning a trip along Googs Track (Sth to Nth is best apparently) in...
Bidgee1 : 21 Sep 07 13:38
My wife & I are seriously considering doing the Googs track in early...

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