Article Comment: Anne Beadell Highway

Thanks. This is such a great site. I've also updated my profile a bit. This trip is all about the outback (as well as Uluru, and the Great Ocean Road). I'm saving the cities for another trip.
I love taking really long road trips.
I'm hiring a Land Rover Td5 with a RTT. But I have to start and end in Sydney. Still working on planning that return trip.
The ABH just seems like an amazing track. (And I've been reading about Len Beadell. Wow.) It doesn't seem as ultra-demanding as the CSR, which is strictly forbidden by nearly all 4WD hire companies. The ABH is okay with some.
I find the remoteness and challenge of it really appealing, as well as all of the neat things you get to see along the way (spinifex, the test sites, varying terrain and plant life). It also seems more exciting than taking the Nullarbor route. When I first looked at a map of the outback tracks, the ABH kind of jumped out at me.

I've done some remote travel, but this would be on an entirely new level for me.
It would be nice to find someone to go with. I love road-tripping alone, but the ABH. Well...

Thanks for the phone tips. I'm on 4x4earth as well.
I'm developing a Plan B involving Flinders, Oodnadatta, Birdsville, Walkers Crossing and a few others.

I'm developing a Plan B involving Flinders, Oodnadatta, Birdsville, Walkers Crossing and a few others.
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Anthony

Another possibility out of Sydney could be out through the north west of NSW to Cameron Corner to the Strzelecki Track then on to Innamincka and Cordillo Downs to Birdsville. Next go north to Bedourie then Boulia and down the Plenty Hwy to Alice Springs. Spend a few days around Alice looking at the gorges and places like Palm Valley then go north on the main sealed road for about 140 ks then west on Len Beadell's Gary Junction Road. It is unsealed but fairly well maintained.

When you get almost to the WA border, go south down Len's Sandy Blight Junction Road. This is like a shorter version of the Anne Beadell. There is about 250 ks of mostly two wheel tracks, small sand hills, rock formations and varying forms of desert vegetation and trees. Down the southern end is a three kilometre detour up three steep rocky hills to the top of the Sir Frederick Range. This detour was also built by Len. A little further on is another detour to the west to the beautiful Bungabiddy Rock Hole described by Len in his journals as a place too beautiful to conjure up even in your dreams.

At the end of the Sandy Blight you can turn back to the east through Docker River to Kata Tjuta and Uluru (The Olgas and Ayres Rock) then on to the main highway between Alice Springs and Pt Agusta. That road will take you through the opal mining town of Coober Pedy near the start of the Anne Beadell.

Halfway down that road you can turn off onto the Oodnadatta Track then down the Borfield Road to Roxby Downs and Woomera and up to the Flinders Ranges. An alternative would be to stay on the Oodnadatta Track to Maree and then go down to the Flinders.

If you want to see as much as possible about Len Beadell then one of his Land Rovers is on display in the Alice Springs Transport Museum. When you get to Sandy Blight Junction you can go about 200 ks further west to his burnt out ration truck then come back again.

At the southern end of the Sandy Blight Junction Road, go west for about 100 ks to Giles weather station to see the road grader that he used to build all of his roads. The visitors room at Giles contains some of his drawings and a lot of photos. Three of his original aluminium road side plates are on display with the grader. The ones that you will see on the Gary Junction Road, at Sandy Blight Junction and beside the Sandy Blight Junction Road are replicas.

The museum at Woomera has some information on him and his grave site, and that of his wife Anne, are at the Woomera cemetery.

This should fill up 35 days nicely without rushing. You will certainly see some remote parts of the country without having to drive over the Anne Beadell if you are on your own. I don’t think that would be a real good idea.

Wow. Thanks so much for the detailed suggestions. Much appreciated. They all sound great. Especially the Sandy Blight Junction. Which of all of these tracks would you say is the most difficult or most demanding of driver and vehicle?

None of these are at all demanding on the driver. The beauty of these tracks is the isolation and remoteness. They all can be very demanding on the vehicle due to constant corrugations for thousands of kms. personally I wouldn't travel on the Anne Beadell or any of the mentioned roads unless the vehicle is new ( with modified suspension) and / or you have set it up specifically and or suspension set up for this kind of abuse, then it is highly possible that you will have a suspension failure. The roads are a killer on the vehicles. Of the 3 cars I saw on the road, 1 was broken down with a broken spring and the driver left his family to get spares sending messages via passing vehicles.you know it backwards. I'm not sure about the Land Rover you are hiring, but unless it has
If you are after something more technically challenging for the driver, remote and closer to Sydney then the Simpson Desert would be more suitable.
The trip to Western Australia and back from Sydney will be a long one in a Defender. Have you been on a long drive in a defender. It takes a special type of person to get used to cramped shoulders, 90kmph, offset steering wheel, poor cooling and having to duck your head down to get the view of the horizon. If you are into a defender's quirks, then there is an experience in it's self. If not you are in for 4 weeks of hell.
Personally I think you should consider alternatives to the idea of doing a return trip from Sydney in a Defender ( or anything really) if you want to appreciate the time on the ABH etc. Places like this will probably be as cheap as a Landy, save you weeks of boring travel and make sure you get to the other end of the trip. Their web site says it is ok to drive so long as you stick to Hema Maps. That means just about anywhere.
I hope I am not too negative, you will have a ball if this is what you are expecting. I just think you are doing the equivalent of driving about 2/3 across the US at 50mph to do a 600 mile track that is as badly corrugated as you have ever seen, then returning, all in 4 weeks. If you hire a vehicle locally you could spend more time on the ABH where the beauty is. Slow is the go on these roads. and 3 weeks will be more enjoyable than a rushed week or week and a half. You should also have 2 spares, a kit to remove and refit tyres, a full tyre / tube repair kit and a working knowledge of how to do it. It is highly possible that you will get a few punctures.


BUT I am not very familiar with your agenda. Just what I would do.

After a series of reality checks and all the great info and advice here, I've shelved the ABH for another time. Just going to focus on NT/SA and take my time. I will return for the AB though. And as you suggest, hire closer to the great tracks.

I can watch videos, study maps and read about it, but you guys have actually been out there. It's still a bit abstract for me. I'm sure I'll be making a lot of adjustments to my route once I get there, talk to people and see what it's really like. As I'm doing this thing solo, it's easy to be flexible.

Yup, the Defender's quirks will definitely be part of the fun for me. I did a roughly 1800 km road trip in Iceland last month in an older Defender 110 and learned all about some of those quirks. It was modified for the winter, but no frills, except heat, a CD player, and cup holders. I've never driven anything like it. I had a great time, but driving it was a challenge in and of itself that I will not soon forget. We'll see how things go with the newer, fancier Td5. I think it has power windows, which is very exciting. :)

I'm hooked on the Defender, but those Land Cruisers look pretty cool. Have to try one of those out too.

Not really looking for Simpson Desert level challenges. Yet.

Anthony, the Hay River track North to south in the North Simpson Desert is an interesting trip that is not frequented too much. Closer to Sydney and quite beautiful like the ABH.

While technically a desert, there is still plenty of vegetation and lots of firewood.

You could come out east to Birdsville or to the south if it is open on the Birdsville track.

You could do that by yourself. The worst part for dunes is heading back east to Birdsville on the QAA track. You should not get stuck but if you do, there is enough traffic on that section to snatch you out. Bring a snatch strap.

You could take in Innamincka, and the NSW corner country. You'd probably save at least 2500km compared to the ABH so could take your time more. Just a thought. You could also get away without a sat phone too.

Like the ABH, this is an isolated, beautiful trip. You may also get a few more takers for a trip together.

Hey Anthony,

I've owned three Landrover Defender over the years, a glutton for punishment some would say, and I now use a Land Cruiser dual cab modified for remote area travel. The Land Cruiser does it far better...

Mind you, the mob from Beadell Tours use Landrover Defenders and they travel this area regularly.

Any well prepared vehicle will do these trips, but in my opinion, having been on both sides of the fence, so to speak, is the Toyota on balance is far better choice.

But let me preface all that commentary with "in my humble opinion". Lest I start a mine is better than yours debate in this thread...

cheers, Baz - The Landy

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I certainly would endorse all that Boobook has said. Well experienced and wise.

And Baz..... the "mob" from Beadell Tours is actually a couple..... Connie and Mick. They are a rather unique pair who travel slowly. They drive a Defender because they regularly go on 'expeditions' off-track and Mick has misgivings about more modern vehicles with independent front suspension for this work. He does endorse a number of other vehicles for track work.
You can read Mick's views here.

The Landy Said:

"The Land Cruiser does it far better..."

Cough cough, splutter splutter Baz, have you been sniffing the diesel?

I guess either vehicle would be ideal - given that you know the vehicle well and it has been set up properly. Though Sydney - WA - Sydney in 35 days via the ABH in a Defender would make a long trip even longer. One day driving my mate's 70 series on the ABH shook every bone I had - that was enough for me. Back to the 200 series "boat" for me. Though I guess the Landy would ride better that a 70 on that really rutted stuff.

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Yes, 35 days out there in a Defender would be an experience.

Some years and "three Defenders" would produce a special kind of individual. lol

The Troopy does it tough on tracks such as the ABH but at least we have Stratos suspension seats.

Hi Allan,
I've had the pleasure of speaking with Mick on a number of occasions and one could learn a lot from travelling this region with him and Connie and I hope Anthony, our American member, gives some thought to looking them up...he will be the wiser for it!

Certainly, a trip through the region in the company of Connie and Mick will provide lasting memories he can take back home with him, to be recounted as the amber Bud fluid flows…

I must say having done off-track expeditions in my Land Rover Defenders and more recently in the 79 Series Land Cruiser, my vote goes to the Land Cruiser - a subjective view formed on the basis of first-hand experience with both; raised only because there is relevance in this thread.

Maybe I was let down by the “mob” that maintained my Defender’s – heaven forbid I contributed plenty to their retirement fund…

But does three Landrover Defenders make a special kind of person?

Nah, just one poorer for the experience - mind you I still have a "soft-spot for Red Rover" which coincidently cost me the least to buy and run...

Now, on Sue and Mick, call them a mob, a couple, or just a pair of decent Aussie’s, you’ll travel a long way before meeting another couple who have such a rich and wonderful association with Outback Australia...

Cheers, Baz - The Landy

Thanks for the kind words Allan, but I think my experience in the area pales next to Stephen L's, Baz's and yourself as well as others.

I just wish they would move all those deserts closer to Melbourne. I'll swap for the High Country.

Hi Baz, Don't feel that I was censuring you about your expression "the mob". Merely that it may have conjured up the wrong impression in the minds of some who don't know this rather special couple. Having travelled in their company on more than one occasion Roz and I have experienced their special virtues. Anthony (and others) could gain much by signing on to one of their "Beadell Tours".

Alan B said....
"And Baz..... the "mob" from Beadell Tours is actually a couple..... Connie and Mick. They are a rather unique pair who travel slowly. They drive a Defender because they regularly go on 'expeditions' off-track and Mick has misgivings about more modern vehicles with independent front suspension for this work. He does endorse a number of other vehicles for track work.
You can read Mick's views here."

We followed 24 hours behind them travelling west along the ABH in 2006, in the OKA, towing a boat and never caught them :)

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 Motorhome.

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So Maybe you travel even slower Pete?

Errr........ if you "never caught them" how do you know they were ahead? Just asking'. lol

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 Motorhome

'
I feel I'm missing something.......what is your point Peter?

Hiya BOOBOOK just read your replies.You say can do Hay River track alone and Simpson too is that correct..cheers Like all the stuff you wrote to new American guy
I used to work in old Landcruiser utes in Cooper Basin .They were terrible petrol ones with tank under seat and the leaf springs were bent the other way and steering needed some popeye biceps Finally the company upgraded to Diesel much better for sandunes tooo!

Alan, there are log books in waterproof boxes at Vokes Hill Corner and at the SA/WA border.
Travellers fill them out with who they are and when they passed.
We could tell that Mick and Connie and others with them were about 24 hours ahead of us at both points and we never saw them (or any one else).

Aren't they still there?????

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 Motorhome.

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Peter, I am familiar with logbooks on the Beadell roads..... thought you would realise that.

What I do not comprehend is your...."We followed 24 hours behind them travelling west along the ABH in 2006, in the OKA, towing a boat and never caught them :)"

So..........???

So grateful for all the advice everyone.
I'm into the solo thing for this trip (though I do hope I come across some fellow travelers to chat with every once and a while).
Probably do a group thing/organized tour next time for a totally different experience. All of the tours on offer by Beadell Tours sound amazing. Maybe 2017...
Have to make it though my 2016 trip though. :)

As for the Land Cruiser, it does seem favored by (the very few) hire companies that hire out to people who want to do the CSR and the like. Looking forward to driving that one too. Looks like a spaceship compared to my current fave, the Land Rover.

Cheers

Stephen F2. yes the Hay River track is a lot easier and a solo trip would be great if you are familiar with remote travelling. There is a lot more traffic on it than the ABH in case things go wrong. ( 1 -2 car groups a day maybe). Once you get down to Poeppel corner onto the QAA or French Lines it gets quite busy.

It is a beautiful track, but you must take your time. We took 1 week from the Plenty Hwy to the corner and it was too rushed. You are generally travelling interdunal. There are a few large dues to cross about 80k north of the corner but unless you are towing they won't be troublesome.

You need a permit from Direct 4wd in Alice Springs.

Thanks Boobook I was lucky when young we snuck over to Poeppel Corner while working in Simpson Desert.Memories getting bit vague now so be nice to get out there again but this time in my own vehicle and wife and son.They might hate me after ha ha ha.May I ask how you came up with user name ? Wonder how my Hilux would go .I always had Landcruisers.I have lift kit Dobinsons new Kelly Safari tyres 17inch.I havent been anywhere yet but thought I would try the Kelly tyre out .Popular in USA and got rave reviews.But I think luck plays a part too.The permit do you need to go into Alice Springs..thanks
.When working in Cooper Basin we had Michelin sand tyres not a puncture for 3 years.Then the next year had heaps maybe they changed the compound..When I did trip to Qld on Bridgestones bloody got 2 nails.No flatties offroad though .. cheers

Stephen, google Direct 4wd and give them a call. You can get the permit on the phone / email. Allow a minimum of 4 weeks and chase them up. Their paperwork can go missing.....

If you take your time, then your son will have a ball, not sure about your wife LOL.

Your vehicle will be fine. Take a CB and a tyre repair kit. Allow 8 - 10 days if you can. The less kms you travel a day the more interesting it is.

Thanks for the great info. Looks like I'll be doing my multi-track Plan B. In my enthusiasm, I even went and got all the permits for the AB. In the end though, even if everything went right, something would probably still go wrong, and it would be more stressful than enjoyable. (Planning has been tremendous fun though.)

I will return for the AB though.

Which of all of these tracks would you say is the most difficult or most demanding of driver and vehicle?
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All present challengers but I think the major unsealed roads like the Birdsville and Oodnadatta Tracks have the potential to cause the most damage. They may be called tracks but was how they started many decades. Today they look like wide unsealed highways that are mostly long straight and flat.. The big problem here is a combination of heavily loaded often top heavy cars that are travelling far too fast for the conditions.

The road surface can vary from very smooth to corrugated to having sandy patches and deep washouts due to rain. Hitting washouts hard because you were traveling so fast that you could not get the speed down low enough in time can cause major damage to suspensions and chassis. A sandy patch can drag the front wheels back suddenly causing the rear of the car to try and get around the front resulting in a rollover. The same thing can happen if the car looses traction on long high speed sweeping corners.

This link gives a little more information on it.
http://www.mtdare.com.au/the-australian-outback/safe-driving-in-the-australian-outback

This link involves a caravan crash. Speed may or may not have been an issue here but it often is
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-04-21/couple-flown-to-hospital-after-rollover-crash-on-outback-nt-road/6410092

This link shows the result of thumping the back of the car down hard with far too much weight too far back behind the rear axle.http://www.4x4australia.com.au/drive/1504/bent-utes/

I very rarely reach 70 kph (not miles per hour) on these roads and can be down to about 20 on bad corrugations. Our usual speed in good areas is between 50 and 60.

I have found the rougher roads like the Anne Beadell and Sandy Blight are relatively trouble free. They are often narrow, winding, rocky or sandy. The potential for something to go wrong is much more obvious so I never even think about going fast. My cars have always been stock standard and never loaded up to anywhere near the maximum. I always plan on doing no more than 100 ks per day and have never had a problem in many years of driving in those conditions. This means speeds usually range from walking speed to about 30kph.

When you are in that type of environment you can not afford to have anything go wrong. You can’t stop a car from breaking down but you can stop it from being your fault.

The DVD in this link is well worth buying. It will show you exactly what some of Len’s roads are like as well as some of their history. They run for a total of about three hours and contain no advertising.http://www.lifestylevideos.com.au/Desert_Highways-dvd.html

This one shows a 4x4 truck climbing to the top of the Sir Frederick Range off the Sandy Blight. If you do go up there then walk up the three hills first. If you find any holes that look too deep then fill them with the countless rocks all around you. I had no trouble driving up there in my standard Hilux single cab three years ago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozQjRHT5AWY

Thanks for the great links. I think I'll try to make the Sandy Blight track one of the linchpins of my trip.
Sounds awesome. Of course, all depends on how things go for me up to that point.
I'm a pretty slow driver, sometimes too slow, especially on unfamiliar roads in foreign lands. Except for Canada, because, well, it's Canada and their roads are so much better than ours.
Good to know about loads and speeds. It will just be me, but I'll be carrying a serious amount of water and fuel on some of these tracks.
Things like bulldust and long stretches of corrugated roads will be new to me.

It does indeed, but I think I'll be doing the AB another time. Probably going with Plan B, still in the works.

Chris got to agree with you about the Bud's, worst beer I ever tasted and a glass of water had a higher viscosity. LOL

Cheers

Dunc

LOL. Yup. Utterly disgusting beer. A true marvel that people drink it all. And then there's Bud Lite Lime. It just gets worse.
Thanks for the advice. I've made that mistake before, trying to pack too much into a road trip. Long, long days of nothing but mind-numbing driving. I love long drives, but there is a breaking point.

Will try to take my time and be ready to modify or even scrap my plan as needed.

Cheers

Anthony

Geez Anthony. Be careful. Bud Light Lime is Robin Matthews, caretaker and tour guide of Maralinga's favorite beer. A case of that will go a long way if you meet up with Robin.

I'd love to see a yank hanging crap on Robin for drinking that though. He would get good ol laugh out if it.

This is very valuable information. I may very well. That Maralinga tour sounds really interesting.
He probably wouldn't like my "Lite" typo either. LOL.

I wouldn't worry about the spelling too much Anthony, the beers won't last long enough for Robin to read them.

Hi Rob,
Ahh, wish I could join you.
No, I've ultimately decided to save the AB for another year. In the end, it probably wasn't my best choice for my first major (solo) outback adventure in Australia. I'll get there. Maybe next year.

Instead, I'm aiming for Sandy Blight Junction as the main event with a nice mix of other tracks (Broken Hill to Cameron Corner, Old Strzelecki, Cordillo Downs, Gary Junction) as well as Uluru and maybe some West Macs/Flinders.
Following some of the great advice from the great people here on the forums.
Trying to check out a bunch of Len Beadell spots along the way.

Rolling out of Sydney on May 2, and if all goes well, rolling back in on June 2 or 3.

Have fun and safe travels!
Anthony