Question about obscure SA tracks (Maralinga to Emu alternate route)

Submitted: Monday, Aug 28, 2017 at 08:36
ThreadID: 135467 Views:3641 Replies:5 FollowUps:3
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I inquired recently about the Marlinga to Emu track. And was told that it is closed. Which is the same information that appears on the permit application form.

However, a rather lengthy alternate route was suggested. Here is the description of it:

"You can, if you do the tour, use the Lake Dey-Dey Rd (Maralinga to Oak Valley) to hook up with the Cook-Volkes Hill Road, then up to the Anne-Beadell and then head east to Coober Pedy. "

Does anyone have any experience with this route? It is definitely a very long way around to get to Emu!
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Reply By: Peter_n_Margaret - Monday, Aug 28, 2017 at 10:06

Monday, Aug 28, 2017 at 10:06
In 2006 we drove from Cook to Volkes Hill Corner towing a boat and it was a most enjoyable drive. Two wheel track, but no difficulties. and no corrugations to speak of. A bit scratchy in the north.
If my recollections are correct, the road to Oak Valley was 2 lanes wide and graded where we crossed it.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome
AnswerID: 613330

Reply By: Member - gujimbo - Monday, Aug 28, 2017 at 11:10

Monday, Aug 28, 2017 at 11:10
Hi Candance S

Our group traveled from Coober Pedy west along the Anne Beadell Hwy three weeks ago , once past Mabel Creek Station the track is very very corrugated and not much fun.
You will pass a relatively new abandoned GIC camper trailer by the side of the track with a broken axle.
Once you hit Voakes Hill Cnr and start heading south the track is quite good,also
note that there are a lot of new exploration tracks in the area.From Hill Corner to Koolkoona dam the track does a long bypass around the native wells (Churina and Bringyna).

Cheers
AnswerID: 613331

Reply By: IvanTheTerrible - Monday, Aug 28, 2017 at 19:30

Monday, Aug 28, 2017 at 19:30
To enter most of those areas you have to do the Maralina tour and that costs 220 odd dollars a person
AnswerID: 613348

Follow Up By: Candace S. - Wednesday, Aug 30, 2017 at 03:45

Wednesday, Aug 30, 2017 at 03:45
Yes, $225/person, and I was planning to do the tour!

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Follow Up By: IvanTheTerrible - Thursday, Aug 31, 2017 at 21:42

Thursday, Aug 31, 2017 at 21:42
That would add up to more than my trip cost. Be cheaper to take the family to movieworld and that isn't happening either!
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FollowupID: 883893

Follow Up By: Candace S. - Wednesday, Sep 06, 2017 at 01:25

Wednesday, Sep 06, 2017 at 01:25
Safe to say my trip will cost a lot more than $225! ;)
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Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Monday, Aug 28, 2017 at 23:07

Monday, Aug 28, 2017 at 23:07
The Dey-Dey road is a graded dirt highway for access between Yalata/Oak Valley and Tjuntunjara communities. It is very uninspiring with little of interest.
The Nullarbor to Cook to Voakes Hill track is great - much more interesting and one of the best drives in the GVD. Reckon I've done it 10 times now!
AnswerID: 613352

Reply By: Candace S. - Wednesday, Sep 06, 2017 at 01:27

Wednesday, Sep 06, 2017 at 01:27
Thanks for the answers. Looking at my overall itinerary, I don't think I want to travel that far around to get to Emu. So Emu will have to wait until another trip.
AnswerID: 613557

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