Gibb River Rd vs Oodanatta Track
Submitted: Monday, May 05, 2014 at 20:57
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Rustynails59
Recently went on Oodonatta track from
William Creek to
Marla- trak seemed in very good condition- didn't take our off road van but could have easily
How does this compare with GRR - anyone done both- trying to find out if I should take off road van or not on GRR
Reply By: MEMBER - Darian, SA - Monday, May 05, 2014 at 21:21
Monday, May 05, 2014 at 21:21
Of the major outback roads, it seems the
Oodnadatta 'track' is deservedly regarded as one of the 'softies' (mainly due to a good maintenance program). Ninety percent of that road is quite smooth and the rest can be mildly stony. We took our van along the full length last year..... with reduced tyre pressures and modest speed, it was a snack. As for the Gibb (I haven't had my van there yet).... I think its fair to say that most years* the western half is mainly smooth, the middle region can have a few modest corrugations and the eastern half can have some quite stony sections. Once again, reduced pressures, modest speed and keeping an eye on your hardware should produce a happy run up there too. Many contributors here over the years rate the Gibb as a snack too, but only for sensible drivers !
*weather and other factors can of course upset expectations.
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Reply By: Member - Wildmax - Monday, May 05, 2014 at 23:01
Monday, May 05, 2014 at 23:01
Agree with others - both these tracks are pretty straightforward if driven sensibly, and you see plenty of
well set up vans on them.
Only issue that really arises is when you go off the main tracks to side destinations such as Dalhousie from
Oodnadatta or the various fantastic falls and pools along the Gibb. But if you have your roof-top tent for a few side trips, no problem.
| Wildmax
2018 Hilux and Black Wolf 210 tent - for the outback tracks less travelled
Formerly an AOR Eclipse and a TVanMember My Profile Send Message |
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Reply By: Member - BUSH CAMPER - Tuesday, May 06, 2014 at 16:13
Tuesday, May 06, 2014 at 16:13
We did both tracks 2 years ago, including Dalhousie, Mt Dare,
Chambers pillar and the old Ghan railway with no trouble.
We then did the
Gibb river road with many of the side tracks.
We towed an Elite
Goulburn 17' off road van, this had control rider
suspension.
We lowered the tyre pressure and drove to the conditions. We had no trouble.
A mate travelled the
Oodnadatta track with us, he didn't lower his tyre pressure and travelled a bit slower than us and his fridge came adrift in his van. He said "what a terrible drive".. I lowered his tyre pressure and convinced him to drive a bit quicker than 30 kms and he was a lot happier with the ride.
Make sure that you lower the van tyres as
well.
enjoy your trip, Hugh
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