Oodnadatta Track in November

Thanks. Yes, I guess on the return home we would need to get a weather forecast. If it is looking at high 40's we would probably weigh it up at the time and err on the side of doing it "next time". Cheers

I did the Simpson trip with Les, Az, and left him at Oodnadatta, and headed down the Oodnadatta Track that afternoon. There was a front moving in at the time, and it was quite cloudy, but still around 40 mark.
Plenty to see along there, and I left some sites for "ron". Did stop at Algebuckna, drove in and had a look at the bridge. Also stopped at Strangways, had to walk up about 3-400M, and the temp had dropped off so wasn't too bad. Didn't stop at Coward Springs, but went into Bereford Siding and decided it would do for the night. Blew like buggery most of the night, so wasn't too bad. There's a dam there too, where you could get water, reasonably easily.
Next day went on to Marree, then Lyndhurst for fuel 'n couple of toasties for lunch. It was hot by this stage, early 40's, so it was much more pleasant travelling up the Strezlecki in the aircon.
Worth stopping at all the sidings, as the buildings are in various states of repair, or deterioration. Seem to be resident birds in each one, Bottle Swallows in most, as well as a pair of Kestrels at Wangianna. Lake Eyre South is just off the Track, so worth a look. Lots of mound springs through there too, Az. Quite a number at Strangways too, an old Overland Telegraph Station.
I'd suggest fuelling up at Lyndhurst if you need too. It was 40c cheaper than Oodna, and 35c less than Marree. Don't know what the cost would be during the season.
While it might be hot doing it in November, if you can strike average temps it wouldn't be too bad. We were unfortunate that our desert trip clashed with the hot week preceding that wet change. Probably would have been great weather a week AFTER the rain. The only hot, uncomfortable time was our first night's camp, when we pulled up a bit early, about 3pm. Had to have a few beers to dull the discomfort! :-)
Would recommend a small tarp to rig up for lunch stops, or emergencies, if you don't have a awning on the DMax. Nearly forgot, the graders were working around Algebuckna, so road was great back to Oodna. Enjoy it,
Bob

Thanks for the replies. Was looking at going south to north so enter either at Leigh Creek or Woomera and come out at Marla.

Day 1 Marla to Algebuckina waterhole 301km
. . . sights - Oodnadatta (Ood Burger / fuel), Algebuckina Bridge

Day 2 Algebuckina to Coward Springs 217km
. . . sights - Old Peake ruins (telegraph, mine, pastoral), William Ck pub and town common, Strangeways and Beresford siding ruins, and do the Mound springs today time permitting

Day 3 Coward to Farina 186km
. . . sights - mound springs if not already done, Curdimurka siding, Alberrie Ck homestead and doggie sculpture, Plane Henge, Marree, Farina ruins and camping.

Day 4 off the the Flinders Ranges . . .

Ummm, actually reverse this as you're going the other way !!

Az,

I took around 24hrs, Oodnadatta to Lyndhurst, doing quite a bit of sight seeing, and cruising along at 80-90 clicks. Only stop between Marree and Lyndhurst was at Farina.........the baker had closed up and headed for cooler climes. :-(

Les wouldn't be too far wrong, as long as it wasn't furnace weather, and you wouldn't be going that way if it was.

Just make sure you have an Oodna Burger with the Lot, at Pink Roadhouse. Won't have to eat again for 2 days. :-)

Bob

Don't forget to call in and see Talc Alf at Lyndhurst.

Make sure you set a time limit though or have an escape plan - he loves to talk and share his 'unique' outlook on life, politics, religion and most importantly language.

We spent nearly 3 hours looking at his carvings, listening to his theories on language development and exploring his unique house - including a bicycle powered washing machine.

A very different tourist attraction.

Cheers

Anthony

I know what you mean about the dry heat. I was in Alice (Springs) for work and it was 43 and we felt fine, just kept the water up, Got back to Darwin and 34 with 80% humidity and nearly passed out. Give me Alice anytime.

Yeah, with the tyre pressures, I don't know why more people don't drop down. So much more comfortable in the truck over corrugations and less chance of a flat.