North trip suggestions

Submitted: Wednesday, Mar 14, 2007 at 14:05
ThreadID: 43237 Views:2788 Replies:4 FollowUps:5
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Hi all. I would just like to say thanks to all those who have replied to my previous posts on porta potties and sleeping gear for the little kids - the suggestions have been great. I ended up getting a Fiama bi-pot (1513 model) and so far so good, and a Black Wolf Eskimo 300 (sleeping bag rated at -5) for each of the littlies.

I have a trip planned in June. We will be leaving Adelaide and hope to get as far as Inamincka. 2 familes of 2 kids each, both about 3yrs and 2 years.

Iain has a 99 Hilux TD, me a TD Jackaroo. He has his standard 80L of fuel or thereabouts, mine 133L LR tank. Both towing Soft Floor CTs about 1 tonne loaded. Both carry about 60L of water in tanks, He has provision for 3 extra jerries, me 4. Carry 9kgs of Gas each in 2 bottles. Have the porta-loo, shower tent and a solar shower bag which I can hang on a pole from the roofracks.

Given the above, can anyone give suggestions of routes to take, places to see etc. We want to bush camp but the girls will be wanting showers every couple of days probably - fine if we camp on Coopers Creek (can you shower in the water and stay clean??!!!)

Thinking of taking the Gas Pipeline from Peterborough - any good as far as the track and scenery go? Probably want to take the Strezlecki either up or back too, and then there is the Old Strezlecki which sounds interesting, any info on that? I guess we are just feeling our way around in getting suggestions before we plan too much. We would like to drive a bit further on the first day (maybe up to 5 hrs) to somewhere in the Flinders (maybe Warren Gorge) but after that only 2-3 hrs every 2nd day or so.

Will the flies be a big problem at that time of the year, and how will the young kids cope having to wear fly nets if they are?? Are we expecting too much to take the littles on such a remotish trip?

Should I take my full annex as shelter from the flies, or leave it behind (including heaps of poles). Is there going to be much firewood available ( I will carry short distances on the roof racks if necessary)

Any feedback, suggestions, personal experiences appreciated. Thanks in advance, I just know the info is going to be invaluable

D-Jack
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Reply By: Juzzy - Wednesday, Mar 14, 2007 at 14:15

Wednesday, Mar 14, 2007 at 14:15
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AnswerID: 227393

Follow Up By: Juzzy - Wednesday, Mar 14, 2007 at 14:16

Wednesday, Mar 14, 2007 at 14:16
sorry, didn't mean to post that :)
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Reply By: D-Jack - Wednesday, Mar 14, 2007 at 14:43

Wednesday, Mar 14, 2007 at 14:43
I said I am taking a TD Jack, not a Prado, and in any case my storage is all sorted
AnswerID: 227398

Reply By: Willem - Wednesday, Mar 14, 2007 at 14:49

Wednesday, Mar 14, 2007 at 14:49
D-Jack

Unless you have prior special permission to go along the gas pipeline I am not sure they will take too kindly to it.

The pipeline from here(Peterborough) follows along the flat country to Mooma with the Flinders Ranges off to your left in the distance. There are a few low hills. It isn't too exciting.

The 'new' Strzelecki is a big wide gravel road. All the way from Lyndhurst to Innamincka. The 'old' Strzelecki is an interesting drive along flat country from the Merty Merty/Cameron Corner Road to Innamincka. The track twists and turns a bit and you will see mobs of oil wells and maybe your fair share of mining traffic. It is flat country all the way.

You could actually drive right through the Flinders Ranges from Hawker to Blinman and beyond.

Flies should be at a minimum as it will be TOO COLD for them...lol. Firewood will be scarce so take as much extra as you can carry.

Cheers
AnswerID: 227401

Follow Up By: D-Jack - Wednesday, Mar 14, 2007 at 22:13

Wednesday, Mar 14, 2007 at 22:13
Thanks Willem, we are certainly looking at heading right through the Flinders and Gammons at least one way. I wasn't aware the Pipeline road was not accessible to the public - I thought it was a public road, and is also marked in my Hema map. Oh well

I am unsure how to take your comment about the flies with the LOL on the end. I'm sure it will be too cold for the flies after dark, but what about during the midday sun?

Thanks for your reply

D-Jack
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Follow Up By: Willem - Thursday, Mar 15, 2007 at 09:10

Thursday, Mar 15, 2007 at 09:10
D-Jack

Both my Hema Desert Tracks and my Hema Road Atlas do not show the Gas Pipeline as being a road but rather just a dotted line. Maybe my maps are out of date. Nevertheless where-ever the public roads cross over the pipeline there is a sign stating No Public Access.

Flies are a fact of life anywhere in Australia. You may be lucky and strike none, or you may end up covered in them. Normally they are less frequent in winter. Rain and summer heat breeds flies.

Cheers
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Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Wednesday, Mar 14, 2007 at 18:06

Wednesday, Mar 14, 2007 at 18:06
As for the water in Coopers Creek, it is brown.
Good enough for a shower though.
Bill


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AnswerID: 227442

Follow Up By: D-Jack - Wednesday, Mar 14, 2007 at 22:14

Wednesday, Mar 14, 2007 at 22:14
I knew I could count on you being a fellow Jack owner and South Ozzie for a reply!

I was aware the water was brown, but wasn't sure if you will end up dirtier after bathing in it! Thanks!

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Follow Up By: Sand Man (SA) - Thursday, Mar 15, 2007 at 10:22

Thursday, Mar 15, 2007 at 10:22
No worries D-Jack.

Actually, I believe the novelty of a bush shower will overcome any problems with water colour anyway.

It's kind of like sharing the bath at home.

A cheap $30 battery operated shower, a 40 litre "crab bucket" to stand in and recycle the water and the kids will love it. Just heat the water on the campfire and add to the bucket.
Bill


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