Old Strezlecki Track

Submitted: Tuesday, Jun 10, 2014 at 22:44

ThreadID: 108206 Views:1812 Replies:5 FollowUps:5

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Member - Lloyd W1

Hi All,

We are heading up the Strez at the start of July and will be going from Arkaroola to Innamincka in a day (weather permitting).

I am considering going on the Old Stezlecki Track from Merty Merty onwards as I have read it is more interesting than the new track.

I am wondering if the "old" track will slow our progress much or can we expect to drive at similar speeds to the "new" track?

We will be travelling in a fully loaded NT Pajero but won't be towing anything.

Thanks in advance, Lloyd

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Reply By: Les PK Ranger - Wednesday, Jun 11, 2014 at 09:59

Wednesday, Jun 11, 2014 at 09:59

Lloyd, from our late April return trip down part of the Strz and Old Strz, the Old Strz is far better overall, less potholes, corros, bulldust, and you don't have a heap of b-doubles making progress slow and very dusty.
Even towing it'd be more comfortable, and probably add 1/2 hr to the drive.

It's not as picturesque as I had imagined when I looked at the map and saw it roughly follows / crosses the Strz Ck, but still better than the heavy traffic on the main route.

AnswerID: 534167

Reply By: Member - Neil B (VIC.) - Wednesday, Jun 11, 2014 at 17:24

Wednesday, Jun 11, 2014 at 17:24

Hi Lloyd,
We did exactly that about the 19th of May. There were a couple of damp pot holes but generally an easy run. Don't think we saw another vehicle till Innamincka. If it hasn't rained since then it should be easy.

Cheers,
Neil

AnswerID: 534192

Reply By: Sigmund - Saturday, Jun 14, 2014 at 09:26

Saturday, Jun 14, 2014 at 09:26

They're equally boring IMO.

If there's been rain but the old Strez is open the diversions can slow you down quite a bit - 2nd and 3rd gear in a 5 speed manual.

AnswerID: 534321

Reply By: Member - RUK42 (QLD) - Monday, Jun 23, 2014 at 22:23

Monday, Jun 23, 2014 at 22:23

Just been up the old Strezlecki last week towing a TVan - good run - bit rough on the last section to Innamincka but didn't see another vehicle the whole way.
cheers
Kevin

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Follow Up By: Member - Lloyd W1 - Tuesday, Jun 24, 2014 at 22:10

Tuesday, Jun 24, 2014 at 22:10

Hi Kevin,

Thanks for the info, we're heading up to Arkaroola on the weekend and will be driving the Strez on Tuesday all being well. If possible we will try and get up to Coongie Lakes from Arkaroola in the one day but will make a call when we get to Innamincka.

Just curious how cold of a night time it was, we're expecting it to be pretty cold but just wondering what you experienced?

Cheers, Lloyd

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Follow Up By: Member - RUK42 (QLD) - Tuesday, Jun 24, 2014 at 22:16

Tuesday, Jun 24, 2014 at 22:16

Hi Lloyd
We were there a night or two before a bit of rain so it was relatively warm. It looks as though it's pretty chilly out there at the moment - my phone is saying 19 max to 4 min at Innamincka next Tuesday. That will be just awesome.
Have a great trip
cheers
Kevin

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Reply By: Freshstart - Tuesday, Jun 24, 2014 at 09:20

Tuesday, Jun 24, 2014 at 09:20

We enjoyed the old Strezleckie Track a couple of years ago but the last section into Innamincka was closed to the public and for commercial and contactors truck only. The section above the Moomba Road. Have they taken down all the signs and opened it up?

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Follow Up By: Les PK Ranger - Tuesday, Jun 24, 2014 at 09:33

Tuesday, Jun 24, 2014 at 09:33

It sure is FS :)

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Follow Up By: Freshstart - Tuesday, Jun 24, 2014 at 10:00

Tuesday, Jun 24, 2014 at 10:00

Sorry but that answer can be taken two ways. Is it closed or open?

Our son was the local Facilities and Logistics Manager for one of the drilling mobs working up that way (drilled a thermo hole for Innamincka power) and was instructed to get the trucks to report them and heavily fine anyone on it. He's in Iraq now. Maybe the policies have changed. But I wouldn't cross them.

FollowupID: 818690