Birdsville to Innamincka

Submitted: Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 16:29

ThreadID: 31415 Views:1746 Replies:7 FollowUps:4

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tuck 01

We are doing a Simpson run in first half of May.
From Birdsville are going down to Innamincka. I would appreciate anyone's thoughts on the merits or otherwise of the Walkers Crossing track vs Cordillo Downs.
Basically we want the most interesting drive, be that challenging terrain or good stuff to see.
Thanks

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Reply By: Wayne (NSW) - Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 16:42

Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 16:42

tuck,

Walkers Crossing is quicker and subject to weather. As soon as it rains it is closed. I have never been that way so what there is to see I don't know.
Via Cordillo Downs,the one I always do is longer but I think that you get to see more. The shearing shed at Cordillo Downs and if you then go the back way to Cordillo Downs you can see the Dig Tree on the way.

Wayne

AnswerID: 158572

Reply By: Member - 'Lucy' - Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 17:10

Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 17:10

Depends on how many gibbers you wish to encounter.

AnswerID: 158580

Follow Up By: kesh - Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 17:21

Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 17:21

The trick about that channel country is that it changes one year to the next. Absolutely wonderful when the flowers are in bloom but at most times you have to leave the beatent rack.
Gibbers, what gibbers? That country dictates the speed you travel, and it is often down to 50kms. in 5hrs.
If that dont suit, stick to the 'bitumine'
You can miss out on so much country so easily.
kesh

FollowupID: 413052

Follow Up By: Member - 'Lucy' - Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 17:34

Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 17:34

Never said there was anything wrong with 'gibbers' , just pointed out that if gibbers were a consideration, then it depended on how many you wished to encounter as to which way you went.

Me, I always take the Cordillo Downs track. Love it.

FollowupID: 413054

Reply By: Allan-TPWA - Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 17:30

Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 17:30

I have been on both and found the Walkers crossing track had better scenery and once in the gas/oil fields the tracks are quite good.

AnswerID: 158583

Reply By: Member - Norm C (QLD) - Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 17:51

Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 17:51

I'm doing that trip in May (reverse direction). Ruth from Birdsville Caravan Park recommended the Walkers Crossing trip as more scenic and interesting. No first had knowledge yet though I'm afraid.

AnswerID: 158590

Reply By: Darian (SA) - Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 18:22

Saturday, Mar 04, 2006 at 18:22

Seen both - Cordillo track is my pick - love that remote, red sand country. As others have said though - it all depends on "conditions" - I've seen the Cordillo downs lease swathed in green grass - next time sand and rocks. Flip a coin ?

AnswerID: 158597

Reply By: GREENDOG - Sunday, Mar 05, 2006 at 11:02

Sunday, Mar 05, 2006 at 11:02

Walkers Crossing is the go,would'nt even bother about CD track to many gibber's to in counted, go W Crossing way it's much better on vechile and driver,we went that way last year about 6 weeks after the big rains it was covered in wild flowers it was a very nice drive cheer's GREENDOG

AnswerID: 158683

Follow Up By: miker - Sunday, Mar 05, 2006 at 14:50

Sunday, Mar 05, 2006 at 14:50

Both have their merits. Whatever one you do this trip will just give you another option next time. That's how I look at it. Just keep your wits about you if you decide on the WCT as all the criss-crossing tracks around the oilfields can help you burn some extra fuel if you get my meaning.

Miker.

FollowupID: 413201

Reply By: tuck 01 - Monday, Mar 06, 2006 at 11:19

Monday, Mar 06, 2006 at 11:19

Thanks everyone for your thoughts.
Seems to be about 50/50, so clears things up no end.
My son and his mate, who went Cordillo Downs road on way to Birdsville races a couple of seasons back, will be on this trip too. I think for their benefit we will aim for Walkers Crossing, weather permitting.
Final decision on the day we leave Birdsville.
Again, thanks.

AnswerID: 158849