Down the Oakover to Rudall River (Via Pearana, Hodgson, Christie Xing)

George,

The road east from Nullagine to Eel Pool and on is called the Skull Springs Road and it is usually in fairly good nick being a major hall Road to Woodie Woodie. No dramas with a van but having said that, it would be easier and quicker (and you'd have the comfort of a good bitumen surface) to head down the Ripon Hills Road to Woodie Woodie and then turn right onto the Skull Springs Road at the Woodie Woodie airport. It's only a short trip through to Eel Pool and you would also be able to take in Carrawine Gorge on the way.

There has been a lot of geo field work undertaken in the Oakover as Woodie Woodie looks to expand its manganese operation. As a result, a lot of work has been done on the roads around the area and they have been repaired once the wet is over to facilitate movement of machinery around the area. You would have no issue getting the car and van down to Christie Crossing area. I have not travelled south of Christies since 2007 but when last through to Balfour Downs and the Talawana. The tracks were well graded roads. It was a little confusing at times but we ended up at the Homestead and headed on through to the Talawana OK.

Again a lot of this will depend on the conditions this year and as they are still likely to receive rains until May or later, the conditions of the road may vary.

There was some good camping spots to be had on the Nullagine River about half way down the Ripon Hills Road. I’ve heard quite a few rumours of Barra in the creek but not being much of a fisherman, they remain tall tales only ;-). I do love the drive down the Ripon Hills Road.

Eel Pool is magnificent but be aware that you will not be able to drag the van all the way in. The last 500 metres is pretty rough, a few deep holes and it twists and turns through the paperbark. Most vans have to stay by the greater rivers edge about 400 metres from the actual pools. A beautiful spot none the less.

The access to Rudall from Christie crossing via Bocrabee Hill is not suitable for a van.

Mate did you watch the long 10 minute version without music? I’d updated that video and embedded it in the blog of the days travels which goes someway to explaining what was along the way. Other blog links are for repeat journeys into the area and our stop at Pearana for a few days as well.







Down the Oakover (blog to the video above)



The oakover to Pearana Pool 2010


Pearana Pool







Cheers Mick