Magpie,
I too am heading up that way in July. I have actually just returned having driven the full length including the “old” section which hits the Stuart at
Granite Downs. The road is in good condition and will present no problems to your captive. The trap for
young players is in not reducing tyre pressures once you hit the dirt. The conventional wisdom is a reduction of 10% to 20% down from your bitumen road pressures. (This should be when the tyres are cold so if you’re running 36 on the bitumen, I’d be at 30=-32 for the dirt). Also slow down and drive to conditions. Watch for the dips and
creek crossings.
The route up through
Leigh Creek, Maree
William Creek is great. The Flinders’ presents a great stop off opportunity for a
camp along the way (Try Akraman
camp site on the ABC range). There is just so much to see and do. Great
camp facilities at
Coward Springs and several of the sidings at
Curdimurka and Beresford have been restored and can be used to
camp in (make sure you collect your own firewood before hand though).
Lake Eyre flights from
William Creek, a feed at the pub, same with
Oodnadatta (try the Oodnaburger). The whole route is steeped in history with the Ghan etc and many of the
ruins of the old sidings and fettlers camps make great
overnight camp spots. The bridge and
creek at Algebuckina are worth a look and it’s a good
camp spot but the mozzies are atrocious at present. There is the old telegraph station at Old
Peake that is apparently interesting. I’ve not been there but intend to have a look this trip.
If you turn onto the abandoned top section of the track just near
Mount Herbert north, there is a large
lagoon sheltered by a sand
hill only about 600 metres in. Another possible
campsite. Do the whole length and enjoy it. You’ll only need 4x4 if it starts raining heavily while your out there. Its a good and safe run just let those tyres down a bit and slow down and enjoy.
If you see the silver “Tuck Truck” out there, make sure you say hello. I’ll be in a convoy with a dark
grey Lawn Rover III, a white Prado and a silver Nissan Patrol. Should be on the track about the 3rd July – 5th July.
Cheers Mick