Skytrek Self Drive

Dobbo,

Nothing more than basic driving skills and the will to "do it" is required for Skytrek.

When you book your Skytrek tour, ($50 now, up from $40) you will receive a tour guide which includes a map and instructions. So when you get to a section requiring low range, the instructions will tell you.

Well worth it matey and you will get a feeling of having achieved something worthwhile.

Temperature in March will probably be in the mid to high 30's.

The track is not all that rough and you will not damage the car.

Have you looked at the Treknotes on this site?
(Trip Planning - Treknotes, etc)

Also have a look at:-
Site Link
for more information.

The tour needs to be started by 10am or thereabouts, to ensure you don't need to rush and have plenty of time to complete the trip.

Willow Springs is about a 1/2 hour on from Wilpena Pound so accommodation would be best at the Pound chalet, or camping ground, or you can camp at Willow Springs itself at a variety of Bush camping, or Hut accommodation providing you book ahead.

You will enjoy the experience. Don't worry about anything like difficulty, etc.
Go for it!

We've done Skytrek three times, last one in November 2006. Three of our five drivers in November had very little 4WD experience and one had none at all. You won't have a problem in the Prado and you won't damage it if you drive sensibly. The first half of the trek is a doddle along station tracks and in and out of dry creeks - very scenic but not that challenging. The second half is more serious and has some steep ascents/descents. The track is rocky in parts and you have to pick your route to avoid the biggest ones. Though some sections are steep traction isn't a problem, even less so when you have traction control. There is a lunch stop with a pit toilet about half way round. The view from Mt Carnarvon is fantastic, and even though this is the highest point on the trek some of the steepest parts are yet to come.

There is not much shaking as you are normally going too slow. The most uncomfortable motion is the left-right rocking at walking speed on the rougher bits - passengers will need the grab handles.

Temperatures in March could still be in the mid to high thirties, but with a/c it won't matter. There were floods through there a few weeks ago so it might pay to check track conditions with Willow Springs before you go.

Stephen.

Dobbo the Sandman has pretty much covered it all. If you want a decent map get hold of the RAA one of the Flinders Ranges it will show you all the PAR and private tracks as well.

From a driving perspective consider that about 70% of SkyTrek is on station tracks but the climb to Mt Caenarvon is certainly pretty. Sadly you will find a few ledges created by people wheel spinning their way up the climb. A couple of really simply solutions are; second low for the climb and tyre pressures at 26PSI and let the vehicle do the work by taking it easy on the accelerator. Remember 1st LR for the drop down and let the vehicle walk down. At the moment all the tracks have been hit by the heavy rain so expect ruts and shale (slippery little rocks). Get away early for the best photo's and there are a couple of nice lunch spots along the way.

Skytrek is not a race track so take it easy and enjoy the view and the track. There are plenty of other private tracks so look at visiting the following; Rawnsley Park, Merna Mora and also head up to Blinman through Glass Gorge and possibly out along the PAR to the old mines and then back via the Parachilna Pub for a Feral Mixed Grill (MFG) Enjoy your first trip to the Flinders and take care. You will come back

Regards

RobA

SandMan, you've just confirmed what I've been trying to tell the scone burner for the last week. Unfortunately she doesn't quiet share the same adventurous spirit and just do it attitude that I do, but that's what separates man from woman (mostly).
I have read the trek notes, various web sites etc., and I'm busting to get up there, but unforunately we can only spend a couple of days there before heading off to Broken Hill, on to Echuca, Kosiosko,then home to Sydney. Planning on throwing up the tent the whole trip, weather permitting.
"Bring it on"

Hi dobb060,

I agree with the rest of the good advice :-)

For comparisons, my rig picture (to the bottom left of my posting) is of the Skytrek trip, just after reaching Mt Canaervon, in a 2004 Pajero with ATR tyres. A similar setup to yours (yeh i know there are some differences in vehicles) so you should have no problem with your setup.

Take note of the advice given here with gear selection, take it easy in places, and you should enjoy yourself.

The track can be rough in places, more so from the type of rock/shale in the area, therefore a slight reduction in air pressure, together with an appropriate speed (slow) will have you enjoying the trip. For a first timer to this type of country, take it easy and the vehicle will just follow :-)

Enjoy

Andrew

Does Skytrek offer discount to Exploroz members? 10%?
They were talking to setting it up when I was there a couple of years ago.

Dobbo, excellent advice from all above. (Gotta lluv this site!!!)
Take your time, your lunch, your camera & you will enjoy Skytrek.
Dont forget the cold water, ....oldbaz.

Dobbo I found Skytrek to be very scenic but a fairly (very) easy drive, my missus, who is definately NOT a 4WDing enthusaist really liked it, for her the great views made it all worthwhile and she never once threatened to get out and walk, which is probably a good thing, I think.

Agree with all the above on Skytrek. It was my second 4wd experience too, also in an unmodified prado like yours. (fraser was also my first time in 4wd). The views are great and the driving is perfect for a novice. Just drive nice and gently as the others have suggested, also to avoid punctures, and let the tyres down. Dont forget a compressor! The only damage I've had in the flinders is when i reversed into a tree. doh.

Jon

Willow Springs have it well sorted out now. They give you a map with the stuff to see on it and when to engage low range etc. I have taken others on it as there first 4wd exercise. Take it easy and use common sense and it is a good "starter" track. You are unlikely to damage the Prado, can't comment on shirt buttons. These may need reinforcing as the track can be quite rough in some places. The shale can damage tyres though so keep the speed down. Temp can be unpredictable at that time of the year. Mid to low thirties during the day is possible. I could be much cooler though.

Steve