Sand dunes - Chambers Pillar v SD

Via Maryvale - very minor. You should have no problems whatsoever but I can't comment on the trailer.

Hi Jon,

The Rainbow Valley track is pretty tame and not really much of a problem - I don't think you'd call them dunes - perhaps sandy sections but pretty short ones at that. I was there last week.

Even with a load on, it won't require lowered tyre pressures - could be done by "a blackfella in a fairlane" and I don't think your trailer will be much bother either. There are no significant hills or dunes - it's all pretty flat.

Now - if it's muddy, you might want to rethink it.

June is the best time to be in the valley for the northern sun really plays well on the colours of the cliff walls and if there's water in the claypan there, the reflections can be wonderful. Camping out there including for sunset is the best - the campground is well setup (tables etc.) with one composting loo on offer and it didn't smell too bad either!

Not being a fan of trailers, however, I'll let others comment on the Chambers Pillar and Simpson tracks.

Ciao for now
Andrew.

JW Did it last september with a 80 and camper trailer. You will have no promblem at all with a CT, very easy tracks.definately a must see.

Chambers Pillar dunes are tiny by comparison and no problem should be experienced at all.

The Simpson is different, and will depend on what tracks you take and how hot, dry and windy it has been, and how many people towing trailers have been across in front of you. Late in the season, the tracks can be in much poorer condition unfortunately. Early in the season the lip can be pronounced.
Having said that, if you take it easy and lower your pressures it isnt that difficult. The trailer obviously makes it more difficult if you do have trouble. (bites tongue).

Rainbow valley track is rough but no comparison.

I took the missus' company Commdore into Rainbow Valley all the way to the cliff face. They are more like a few sandy hills

You can also do the Chamber Pillar Track in a 2wd if you know what you are doing. There is more risk of getting stuck in the Hugh River on the way there.

West to East on the Simpson is an easy run with ony the odd dune that might have you going down to 2nd gear high range.

As per usual tyre pressures are the keywords

Enjoy

you will have no troubles we did it sep 05 with hilux and camper, you will need a flag although the dunes are very easy just small hils really never needed 4wd,but make sure the suspension is up to it as the track is 90% corrugations.if you want a short cut from rainbow valley to chambers as you just leave the gate heading out of rainbow there is two tracks to the right we took the right one and it brings you out to the railway line and just follow that south till you hit the hugh river stock route take a left and that brings you out on the south rd. there is a sign at rainbow saying no entry or something like that but we went through and just before the line theres a sign saying desert produce visitors welcome, well worth a look. we asked him about the way we had came and he said orange creek put them up but you are allowed to travel it he said. loved the trip sure you will too.

G'day Jon. I went to Lamberts Centre/Finke/Chambers Pillar in 2002, and something tells me trailers were prohibited on the track in to Chambers Pillar. Best check further. From Maryvsle it is an easy drive in, but is narrow (single lane) for a fair part across the dunes.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

you'll be fine with a trailer over the sand dunes to Chambers Pillar. You won't need to lower your tyre pressures any further.

The challenge is that it is a single track and unfortunately, you still can't tell where anybody coming toward you is exactly. I'd recommend getting a flag, and getting on to the suggested uhf channel. As there a few dunes to get over they should probably be numbered.

Apologies for the typo in second mention of the direction. . West to East (ie. towards Birdsville) is generally easier as the prevailing winds shape the dunes accordingly.

Agree entirely re tyre pressures - but do bear in mind that Rig Road is a long route and speeds must be kept low if pressures reduced throughout. Our experience is that the pressure only needed to be extra low for a few short dune sections about two-thirds across - and the final (about) 100 km into Birdsville.
Collyn Rivers