Finke River 4WD Track

Drew

Sounds like you're referring to Boggy Hole. We were there 12 months ago, almost to the day. Went from South to North and the track was closed at Boggy Hole but there was no sign to this effect at the Southern end. It did say trailers were not encouraged. Due to the track closure we ended up on an emergency access track which was unbelieveably rough ... had to build our own road. Took 3 hours to travel 1.5 km. The Rangers didn't think we'd make it, spoke to them across the waterhole which caused the track closure and met up with them again later when they told us they had never seen anyone take a trailer through before.

Suffered about $1K damage ... track rod, steering damper, muffler. But at that stage we were committed and couldn't turn around, even if we'd wanted to.

We made in in a Disco towing a box trailer but wouldn't advise it if the track is still closed. If it's open, which sounds to be the case, you shouldn't have any probs, notwithstanding the signage about trailers.

It's a great spot overall and not to be missed.

Cheers

I was in the region 12 months ago and was thinking about doing the same trip from nth to south but there was ample information around that it was closed after boggey hole and the impresion I got that it wouldnt be reopened due to to unsuitable vehicles requiring help to often but more up to date info would be needed

I have read your response to Rosco's comments.

Why is it that you will not heed warnings? If the Fact Sheet says that the track is not suitable for trailers then it means just that. This does not mean that it cannot be done with a trailer. How well versed are you with towing a trailer in rough terrain?

Fact..... The Finke River and ElleryCreek river beds change every year due to seasonal rains. Sands get shifted around and what may have been a good part of the track this year is a sandy boghole the next. The Finke Gorge Track will be pretty chopped out by July with increased numbers of visitors wending their way through the park.

Fact...It will cost you plenty if you have to be rescued by Rangers or the Police.

Fact....You WILL scratch your trailer on some sections of the track as it is overgrown with gidgee and mulga. I doubt if the hirers will be pleased with that.

I would leave the trailer in Alice Springs and do a campover run at Boggy Hole.

BE WARNED

Hi DrewT
I towed a box trailer along the Boggy Hole track in September 2003. Just let the tyres down and take it easy. In some places the track is narrow, so you'll score a few scratches -maybe not good for a hire trailer. There are signs discouraging trailers, but there is no penalty for taking one. Unless you get stuck, in which case it will cost you a fortune to retrieve it.
Good luck with your trip

I really believe the problem of "Trailers not recommended" stems from people inexperienced in towing trailers and even inexperienced in off road driving.

If you wish to take your trailer into these situations then you must not only be properley prepared, but you must also take responsibility for your failures. Don't come up with the "It's not my fault" rubbish. If you get stuck and need to be rescued, then expect to pay for it.

I am aware of many people who have towed trailers across the Simpson, up the Canning and to many other unlikely places, and that includes Cape York.

As I said, it's your responsibility and you should accept the concequences.

Cheers

Nomad

Having owned & even built a few trailers over the years I would always go for rear shackle type springs over slippers any day. Many of the slippers are chinese imports and fracture but the Aussie ones where I live cost little more.
Every time you hit a bump the slipper springs seem to chuch the trailer in the air sharply, but a good set of shackle type absorb some of the shock.

Also the wider springs with possibly fewer leaves work real nice and should be less prone to breakage than the narrow leaves.

Hi DrewT,
we did the trip last year ,18/6/03 ,from Kings Canyon to Hermannsburg via the Finke River Valley, and had a great time. It took us three days to cover the distance , but we were in no hurry as we were on a 12 month trip. From the south you travel 46k's before getting to the sign that says unsuitable for trailers ,and by that time we were not going back. We had already been stuck a couple of times in the sand, but low tyre pressures got us going again.
We were 2+1 in a dual cab rodeo , with a boat on top and a box-type camper trailer behind , and it was one of the highlights of the trip from the driving point of view and very scenic, so I'd advise you to disregard the 5.5 hours you mention in your post .There are some great spots to visit and camp at, Boggy Hole and Running Waters Yard being two of them. Also a couple of old police outposts to visit at Boggy hole and Illamerta Springs. They hold a dark history of our past dealings with the local aboriginals.
The track at Boggy Hole got washed away about three years ago I think, and so we had to use a track across the rocks at the base of the cliff on the western side of the river. The rocks there have been thrust up about 45-60 degrees, and so it is like driving over uneven steps. I walked the water hole, and it is a rock bottom, and not to much water, but with a thick mud base, and no trees easily available to winch to so we had to take the rock track. We walked it at first , and I guided a Troupie through and he then guided me through, and we had no real trouble. Low range, slow, always pick the high rocks to travel across, and it took us an hour or so together for the 300 meters +.We put the tyres upto 60psi for the rocks, as they would have caused trouble with low pressures,
We got stuck a couple of times after Boggy Hole to the north. but low tyre pressures for both car and trailer got us going.
It was very cold in the valley at night at that time of year, with the evening washing up water freezing in the early morning. Tents dont give much protection from the cold so be prepared. We had 8 out of 10 nights sub zero while in that area.
From the north the police at Hermannsburg and the rangers at Palm Valley tell people that the road is closed, as it is the only way they can disuade people from trying the track. Appears there are lots of inexperienced drivers in 4x4s' out there, and not all of them are from overseas.
You should not have any trouble if you know what you are doing, and it is an easy drive without a trailer. Make sure you have a good tyre pump as you will be using it there. If you do get bogged, disconnect and come in from a different angle, as we had to do once.
The tracks in the river can be confusing, as it is