Birdsvile buy van

When conditions are dry and you were sticking to the Birdsville track, or other "major" dirt tracks/roads the 2WD van would not be a problem and I would say, "go for it".

But, venture off the major routes, or try to travel them in the wet and you will appreciate why the 4WD vehicle with its extra clearance and driving capabilities, including low range gearing, comes into play.

If conditions are wet, it may just mean waiting a while longer before you can travel.
That even happens at times with a 4WD.

A Van will get there OK. There's no problems with clearance on those main roads. After the races though the corrugations may shake it to bits. Lots of traffic chews the road up pretty bad.

Dont know where you are but if near sydney drop into the main parking station in kings cross its where backpackers sell all sorts of vans / 4wds/camping equipment they have the fifth floor to camp in and sell their property,there is also a HUGE pile of assorted bullbars for sale at the entrance,Saw a landrover countynew motor new clutch etc looked straight enough asking $6000 prices become very negotiable as departure time approaches.Worth a look.

Had a few VW kombis in my days, that's what I be looking for. Aircooled and pretty bulletproof. In Sydney and Melbourne easy to find to. Backpackers buy them in Cairns or Darwin and sell them down south.
Good luck hunting

Reiner

I would think tyres might be a problem to be contemplated. Most small vans like L300 would come with standard road tyres designed for bitumen. While a 2WD will easily get to Birdsville traction wise the rocks on the road mean you need clearance and tough tyres.

4WDs expect to do occasional tyres so you had better expect a few more and consider carrying an extra spare.