Innaminka to Birdsville via Walkers Crossing

Submitted: Wednesday, May 05, 2004 at 20:35
ThreadID: 12638 Views:2169 Replies:6 FollowUps:5
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I am touring to the deserts in July. My maps show the track from Innaminka to Birdsville Track via Walkers Crossing as "emergency use only" and another map says 'Permission Required" and yet another as "Contact NPWS at Innaminka before travelling this track". So, from the park border to the Birdsville track, is this track private, if permission is required - from whom, or is it available only for emergencies, or is it now open to the public???

Also, I will be towing a off-road camper trailer and after reading past posts, I think I'll try to leave it at Birdsville while I trip thru the SD. Is there somewhere secure in Birdsville that you can leave trailers for 4 to 6 days?? I really would like it to be there when I get back!

TIA
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Reply By: glenmac - Wednesday, May 05, 2004 at 20:51

Wednesday, May 05, 2004 at 20:51
Tony J

I am also heading out that way during June and July and apparently the Walker's Crossing Track is still closed at the momment. Check the road conditions section on this site for the latest info.

Glenmac
AnswerID: 57363

Reply By: Nomad - Wednesday, May 05, 2004 at 20:59

Wednesday, May 05, 2004 at 20:59
Tony

I believe that Walkers Crossing Track is now a publicly accessable track. Something to do with insurance, I think, had to be sorted out by the Gov etc. Whether it's open or not will depend on weather conditions.

Many people have towed trailers across the Simpson but it is generally frowned upon. If your trailer breaks it will be recovered and you will pay the price!!

Personally I wouldn't be bothered towing across the SD. Use more fuel and just too much of a nuisnace. Take swags or a small tent.

Enquire at the Birdsville Caravan Park. They might let you park it there for a fee.

Cheers

Nomad
AnswerID: 57366

Follow Up By: Tony J - Wednesday, May 05, 2004 at 22:10

Wednesday, May 05, 2004 at 22:10
Thanks for the info.
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Reply By: Member- Peter & Mrs Peter, Lez - Wednesday, May 05, 2004 at 21:30

Wednesday, May 05, 2004 at 21:30
Think you will find that Walkers Crossing is closed. Washed away. Dont think it would have been repaired in the last month.
AnswerID: 57376

Follow Up By: Tony J - Wednesday, May 05, 2004 at 22:06

Wednesday, May 05, 2004 at 22:06
Thanks for your reply but I'm not planning to travel it unti mid July and then only if open. My question related to whether or not it is a public road.
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FollowupID: 319127

Reply By: Member - Glenn(VIC) - Wednesday, May 05, 2004 at 21:48

Wednesday, May 05, 2004 at 21:48
Hi Tony J,

I spoke to John after ringing the number published on the road conditions on this site. At present the track is closed due to water and he is unsure of when it will be open. I intend to travel this way from Birdsville to Innamincka in July and fingers crossed it will be open by then. Walkers Crossing Track is able to be travelled by anyone, weather permitting, so hopefully it will be open by July.
AnswerID: 57383

Follow Up By: Tony J - Wednesday, May 05, 2004 at 22:14

Wednesday, May 05, 2004 at 22:14
Thankyou. Much appreciated. My maps must be a bit out of date. Seems like I'll be able to take this route if the water has subsided.
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FollowupID: 319130

Follow Up By: duncs - Thursday, May 06, 2004 at 11:28

Thursday, May 06, 2004 at 11:28
Tony,

You will need a Desert Parks Pass to allow you to camp in SD. The pass contains p to date maps and plenty of useful info. Purchase your pass now it will be valuable to you in your trip planning.

I travelled walkers crossing in Oct last year. It was quite wet at the Birdsville Track end but was easy to negotiate and got drier as we got closer to Innamincka. No problem witha trailer.

I also towed my trailer across the SD with no problems. Iknow their are many who frown on this but a properly built trailer in good condition and being towed by a competant driver will not cause any problems.

Duncs

I will now batten down for the expected sparks over towing my trailer through the SD.
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FollowupID: 319179

Reply By: Des Lexic - Wednesday, May 05, 2004 at 22:31

Wednesday, May 05, 2004 at 22:31
Tony, the Walkers Crossing Track is a Public Access Route through private land that you can use without permission but you can not deviate off the road. You must remain within 50 metres of the road. There is a webb site detailing PAR's in SA but not sure of address. Check with SA4WDA webb sit. they may have details there.
AnswerID: 57394

Follow Up By: Max - Sydney - Sunday, May 09, 2004 at 20:58

Sunday, May 09, 2004 at 20:58
There's a whole heap of info about the Public Access Routes in a booklet that comes in the Desert Parks Pass pack. The whole pack is a mine of information.

Max
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FollowupID: 319648

Reply By: Large - Thursday, May 06, 2004 at 10:59

Thursday, May 06, 2004 at 10:59
Have just spoken to Santos Field Services in Moomba and was told that Walkers Crossing still has water flowing across it and expect it to be closed for another 2 months.
AnswerID: 57452

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