Birdsville to Dalhousie Springs

Submitted: Saturday, Aug 21, 2004 at 18:03

ThreadID: 15722 Views:5558 Replies:7 FollowUps:1

This Thread has been Archived

Diamond Lil

Hi all
As a first timer both on this website and heading bush without the comforts of my
well-stocked caravan, just a hired off road camper trailer and my trusty Suzuki Grand Vitara, I am planning a trip from Birdsville to Dalhousie Springs, return via Painted Desert and Coober Pedy. I am a lover of history, birdlife and painting
inspirations. Oodnadatta Track in particular seems to offer plenty for those with
imagination.
I would appreciate advice on traps for young players, as well as some of the
shared wisdom of old outback four wheel drivers. Things to see, traps to avoid,
the must-takes, the must-not-do's,. Is October 3+ too late to safely venture into
this area?

Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator Share

Reply By: Rosco - Bris. - Saturday, Aug 21, 2004 at 18:10

Saturday, Aug 21, 2004 at 18:10

Am I correct in assuming you plan to cross the Simpson? If so, it might be a bit of a job. Clarification please??

Cheers

AnswerID: 73513

Reply By: Member - JohnR (Vic) - Saturday, Aug 21, 2004 at 18:16

Saturday, Aug 21, 2004 at 18:16

Diamond Lil,

I would guess you are going along made tracks from what you have said, but what way are you to travel from Birdsville to Dalhousie? If you are thinkiing of across the desert with a camper trailer behind your Suzuki no matter how trusty, think again please! It can test your Vitara without a trailer but to put a trailer behind it is like trailing an anchor in the sand.

The tracks should be little trouble but getting warmer then and any sand very lose.

AnswerID: 73515

Reply By: Member - Bob - Saturday, Aug 21, 2004 at 19:58

Saturday, Aug 21, 2004 at 19:58

Diamond Lil,
if this is a serious post and you are you are heading off across the Simpson in October 04 - see you in April 05 (not far out of Birdsville).
If, as is more likely, this is a light hearted post to stimulate some humour, ignore my previous remark.

AnswerID: 73521

Reply By: Peter 2 - Saturday, Aug 21, 2004 at 20:03

Saturday, Aug 21, 2004 at 20:03

Wll be getting very warm out there in Oct, we've crossed twice at that time of the year and if you get a warm spell it will be mid to high 40's temps wise, sand will be super soft.
The Vitara alone would have a hard enough time by itself with the load without the anchor a trailer would be let alone in warm conditions. Travelling by yourself would also be a worry. Best to use the Birdsville and Oodnadatta tracks rather than the desert.

AnswerID: 73522

Reply By: navaraman - Saturday, Aug 21, 2004 at 22:31

Saturday, Aug 21, 2004 at 22:31

If you are heading west, Birdsville to Dalhousie, then you are doing it the hard way. A trailer is generally not recommended across the Simpson and behind a small car like a Vitara, would be foolish as would travelling alone.
One of the 4WD mags recently took a Jimny across the Simpson but they were backed up with other vehicles, experienced drivers and went West to East. Not a trip I'd want to take as you describe it.

AnswerID: 73531

Follow Up By: Diamond Lil - Sunday, Aug 22, 2004 at 14:24

Sunday, Aug 22, 2004 at 14:24

Thanks to those who replied, both seriously and otherwise.
Yes folks, I am serious, though I should have said that we would be
travelling Birdsville Track, Oodnadatta Track, Dalhousie, back to Marla
painted Desert and stopover Coober Pedy.
Our vehicle is a long wheel base Suzi, about the size of the Tojo Kluger, though I have to accept, that's probably where the resemblance ends.
Our Suzi has only travelled the backroads of the North and South Flinders
Ranges and the worst of the Kangaroo Island back roads. It's rising 3.
My partner is an experienced driver, a competent bush mechanic and
knows his limitations. We would not attempt crossing sand dunes, or
winching our 4WD up cliffs, but are venturing into more remote
territory than the isolated sapphire fields of outback Queensland and the
bush tracks of the Victorian High Country.
We will be looking to link up with other travellers for the Tracks etc via
Email closer to the trip.

FollowupID: 333686

Reply By: Peter 2 - Sunday, Aug 22, 2004 at 16:36

Sunday, Aug 22, 2004 at 16:36

In that case you should have no problems, fit decent a/t tyres (which you may have already done) and drive according to the road conditions. At that time of the year we have made an early start, laid up or camped in the heat of the day and then travelled on in the late afternoon. Much easier travelling especially on tyres and vehicle in general.

AnswerID: 73584

Reply By: Des Lexic - Sunday, Aug 22, 2004 at 22:19

Sunday, Aug 22, 2004 at 22:19

As a suggestion and seeing of yourinterest in birdlife, perhaps you could incorporate Innamincka and then on to Coongie Lakes. The bird life in both those areas can be spectacular

AnswerID: 73632