Googs Track and Gawler Ranges

Hi folks

Have just completed a great trip through the Gawler Ranges and then up Googs Track from Ceduna to Tarcoola - dunes on Googs are great fun and a good test for vehicle, trailer and driver, and there are some fantastic camp spots at Googs Lake, Mt Finke and along the side of the track.

Four vehicles in our group - three towing trailers. Had a few occasions to use the Maxtrax, but generally the sand on Googs was sufficiently damp to be firm - so the dunes were manageable so long as the right foot was carefully managed. One newbie in our group (VW Amorok towing a GIC trailer) had a few problems on the first couple of days, and at one point we took an hour or so with Maxtrax and snatch to get him off the top of one of the larger dunes - but that was really down to inexperience rather than degree of difficulty.

The Gawler Ranges were a really enjoyable drive with some lovely camping spots and hardly another soul in the national park at this time of year. Prior to going in to the park, a stay at Mt Ive station and a drive out to Lake Gairdner is well worth the effort.

All in all, a highly recommended journey which can be done in a few days loop from Iron Knob, Ceduna etc - though now we're heading North to Dalhousie, Finke and eventually up to the Kimberley.

Thanks to members on the forum who provided feedback a couple of weeks ago when we were preparing for the trip.

Cheers