Madigan Line fuel questions and other stuff.

Submitted: Saturday, Jan 28, 2017 at 11:42

ThreadID: 134196 Views:5631 Replies:6 FollowUps:1

This Thread has been Archived

Member - Christine and Lindsay

We are looking at planning a Madigan trip West to East. Coming from Melbourne we are looking at the best approach and shortest drive to the start of the track.
Also the closest fuel to fill up at. We are not fussed about the scenic route, just wanting to get to the start as efficiently as possible with not too much wear and tear on the vehicles initially. We have done the SImpson desert twice before.
Not looking for opinions as much as actual advice from the been there done that mob!

Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator Share

Reply By: Les - PK Ranger - Saturday, Jan 28, 2017 at 13:13

Saturday, Jan 28, 2017 at 13:13

You can come up via Oodnadatta and last fuel Mt Dare (go via Bloods Ck access), or the faster bitumen up the Stuart Hwy to Kulgera then to Finke for fuel.
Mt Dare and Finke are last fuel points on these access roads, much of a muchness distance wise to Old Andado.
Good camping at Mt Dare, or Lamberts Centre if you want a good landmark to check out if coming via bitumen to Kulgera / Finke road.

AnswerID: 608028

Reply By: vk1dx - Saturday, Jan 28, 2017 at 14:28

Saturday, Jan 28, 2017 at 14:28

Similar to Les. Filled up at Oodnadatta, camped at Hamilton Station that night and next day off to Mt Dare. Filled up at Mt Dare and headed up Bins Track to Old Andado, where we had a cuppa with the first night at the Twins.

Phil

AnswerID: 608029

Follow Up By: vk1dx - Sunday, Jan 29, 2017 at 10:22

Sunday, Jan 29, 2017 at 10:22

I would just like to add that we do most of our trips solo. The Madigan was easier than we thought, considering all the almost "alarming" blurb that we read. Yes it is remote. We didn't see another car until we got to the QAA line. But we have sat comms, a good first aid kit, an ex nurse on board and a reliable car that is never driven anywhere extreme, unless we do not have a choice.

We have been doing it solo for a long time and the car is meticulously maintained and inspected before and after every trip. Our philosophy is to maintain the car "to bring us home", not just to get there. The wheels, loading and other things are changed to suit the trip. We also carry a total of 215 litres of fuel in the main and a long range sub tank.

Phil

FollowupID: 877834

Reply By: Kumunara (NT) - Saturday, Jan 28, 2017 at 18:24

Saturday, Jan 28, 2017 at 18:24

I did the Northern Simpson last year. A BT50 in our group filled up at Kulgera. Used about 139 litres. I would imagine you would use about the same but take extra for a safety margin.

Life's great and it just keeps getting better

Member
My Profile My Position Send Message

AnswerID: 608034

Reply By: Member - Christine and Lindsay - Saturday, Jan 28, 2017 at 18:33

Saturday, Jan 28, 2017 at 18:33

Thanks for your advice.

AnswerID: 608035

Reply By: Bob Y. - Qld - Saturday, Jan 28, 2017 at 19:08

Saturday, Jan 28, 2017 at 19:08

Did Madigan last June, 2 vehicles, a Dmax with canopy, and V8 Landcruiser also with canopy. V8 used 128L from Mt Dare to Birdsville, and Dmax used about 163L for entire Simpson/Madigan trip.

We travelled down the Hay River track, and QAA Line after Camp 16.

Hope you enjoy it,
Bob