Brdsville track condition-when dry

Submitted: Saturday, Aug 06, 2005 at 21:50

ThreadID: 25400 Views:3357 Replies:6 FollowUps:3

This Thread has been Archived

lifeisgood

Leaving Melb. next week for 18 day trip to Arkaroola and then Birdsville (theres never enough time).
My wife said forget the tent plan so I am faced with dragging our very small pop top van (only 10 foot & 700 kg loaded) So I raised it 100mm (axle now under the springs) to improve ground and tyre to wheel well clearance. Its not an offroader so I would be taking it easy--- if thats possible. Hence the question about the Birdsville track surface. I know many forum members love going up there.
In the past I have towed a camper trailer Cooper-Pedy to William Creek,Oodnadatta track to Marre and rate those roads Good. Is Birdsville Tk much worse? Is it corrugated rough most of the 500k? I believe you cross the Cooper - any problems here ? Its usually dry isn't it? Do most travellers experiance a puncture due to the stony desert sharp rocks or is it more the exception. I would rather not carry more than one spare for each. (unfortunately van tyres are not the same as GQ patrol) Any comments appreciated. Also on stopover points

Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator Share

Reply By: Member - John (Vic) - Saturday, Aug 06, 2005 at 23:18

Saturday, Aug 06, 2005 at 23:18

In my view the word "Track" is an anomaly!!!
If its dry you can do it in a 2wd Falcon or Commodore same as the Oodnadatta and Strzelecki "Tracks"

It has been very wet up there of late and may be pretty cut up from traffic driving when still soggy but I'm sure you will get more up to date info from someone on here shortly as to present condition / grading etc.

VKS737 - Mobile 6352 (Selcall 6352)

Lifetime Member
My Profile Send Message

AnswerID: 124136

Reply By: equinox-Kings Canyon - Saturday, Aug 06, 2005 at 23:40

Saturday, Aug 06, 2005 at 23:40

Did the track earlier this week. Most of the track is excellent apart from a ~50k section near Birdsville which is still a bit soggy.

No problems with Cooper creek.

You should do it easily, even in a Patrol.

Cheers

Equinox

AnswerID: 124138

Follow Up By: lifeisgood - Sunday, Aug 07, 2005 at 13:15

Sunday, Aug 07, 2005 at 13:15

Thanks Equinox (another landcruiser nut I suppose!!)
If it rains significantly is there usually a bit of wind up there to dry it out? I am hoping that typically a 2 day wait (with no further rain) would normally be adequate. I heard travellers got stuck around william creek on the oodnadatta a few weeks back. I read on the forum about the difficulties at Birdsville in the mud. But thats nature and the outback. Thanks again LIG

FollowupID: 379105

Reply By: Member - Russell S - Sunday, Aug 07, 2005 at 08:27

Sunday, Aug 07, 2005 at 08:27

If you've been to Maree on the Oodnadatta track, it's just more of the same - wide, flat and usually well maintained. We drove it in an afternoon with no probs at all. If you take detours, it might be a different story, but otherwise no. Not too rocky either, like the roads around to Innamincka or through Cordillo Downs. How are you getting from Birdsville back to Melb? Either through Innamincka or east and then south along the highways I guess - or back down the Birdsville highway. If you get to Birdsville, the museum is a must see.

AnswerID: 124157

Follow Up By: lifeisgood - Sunday, Aug 07, 2005 at 13:29

Sunday, Aug 07, 2005 at 13:29

Thanks Russell. I abandoned the Broken Hill. Tibooburra ,Cameron corner way to Innamincka/Birdsville route idea because of the van.
Means doing the B.track back again but will then spend time at Arkaroola if I dont lose time stuck in the mud. I love the Flinders Ranges.
Funny how a thousand km of dirt gives you a renewed appreciation of black-top.
I will check -out the museum - is that the pub? (joking) cya

FollowupID: 379106

Reply By: at4x4 - Sunday, Aug 07, 2005 at 08:37

Sunday, Aug 07, 2005 at 08:37

As long as you have some decent LT tyres, and not passenger, on the van, you should be ok.

AnswerID: 124160

Reply By: Member - Banjo The First (SA) - Sunday, Aug 07, 2005 at 09:21

Sunday, Aug 07, 2005 at 09:21

Yep - rain issues aside, its a well maintained surface, generally smooth. Last year we came across some very, very stony sections (maybe 20-30 k) that are a significant risk to tyres. BUT all you do is reduce pressures 15% or so (we do that anyway, down at Lyndhurst), slow down and pick your way along. With an extra spare for each vehicle ideally (or a tyre case even) , you can relax and enjoy the trip. Punctures via the very the odd very sharp stone are rare, but when it happens to you its a bugger. I have seen a brand new tyre cut through on a smooth road where we couldn't even find the offending stone ! That said, with reduced pressures and steady going, you are 99% assured of a good run on stony sections.

AnswerID: 124169

Follow Up By: lifeisgood - Sunday, Aug 07, 2005 at 13:41

Sunday, Aug 07, 2005 at 13:41

Thanks Banjo and others above Its great to get such feedback from forum members experiances. It obviously also helps the many viewers interested in the same subject too. My wife feels less apprehensive too!!
Thanks Again Life is good

FollowupID: 379107