Skytrek for first timer

Submitted: Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 16:09
ThreadID: 43371 Views:2004 Replies:8 FollowUps:3
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We are staying on Willow Springs at Easter with friends who have picked up their first 4x4 this week, a suzuki 7 seater.
Having done many of these pay as you go type tracks myself I reckon they should be fine. I will check with WS but I thought I would ask the 'experts' here first.
Also my wife has enjoyed most tracks but she shxt herself going up to Mt. Arden on Argadells. How do the ups and downs on skytrek compare with Mt. Arden.
Dean
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Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 16:25

Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 16:25
Dean,

Skytrek is an excellent trek for first timers, as well as more experienced drivers.
You guys will all have a ball and be "fullfilled" by the experience of the trek itself and also the bush camping facilities.
The provided notes you get will direct you through all sections of Skytrek.

Just one thing. The Zuk does have a low range gear box I assume?
You will need it.
Bill


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AnswerID: 228140

Follow Up By: Dean - Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 16:52

Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 16:52
Gday Sandman,
I havent seen the vehicle yet but apparently it does, and a 40mm lift, should be more than capable.
Should be fun.
Dean
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Reply By: navaraman - Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 16:49

Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 16:49
Dean, I did Sky Trek acouple of years ago and Mt Arden last week. Sky Trek is much easier to drive than Mt Arden in my opinion. A large part of the drive is along staion tracks before you start the climb and there is nothing as steep as the descent from Arden as far as I recall. my g/f enjoyed Skytrek, she didn't go to Argadells but she would have got out of the car I suspect.

Patrolman Pat
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Follow Up By: Dean - Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 16:56

Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 16:56
Gday Pat,
Yep I thought Mt Arden was steep, on the way up there were all kinds of comments coming from the passenger seat, she did relax a bit on the way down.
Seeya
Dean
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Follow Up By: PradoTrev - Monday, Mar 19, 2007 at 10:21

Monday, Mar 19, 2007 at 10:21
Hi Dean

There are far more challenging track around the flinders than sky trek but it is a good place to start for the beginner.

The arkapenna treck i found very enjoyable the Argadells are a must revisit

And Pat's boys i dout looked up for the game boys any way, hey Pat just get the missus a game boy while you tackle the tacks.

Looking forward to the painted desert in july Pat.

regards
Prado Trev
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Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 20:55

Sunday, Mar 18, 2007 at 20:55
Skytrek is easier than the Mt Arden track, and doesn't look as steep over the edge :-)))) You could also blindfold your wife!
AnswerID: 228195

Reply By: Kumunara (NT) - Monday, Mar 19, 2007 at 00:57

Monday, Mar 19, 2007 at 00:57
Dean

I have only done Skytrek once and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is an easy drive with plenty of good views.

When I did it there were a couple of idiots on the track who thought they were in the Grand Prix. We let them pass and you could hear there vehicles bottoming out on the track. Unfortunately you get idiots like this everywhere and they give responsible 4WDers a bad name.

The small group I was with took their time and enjoyed it. I would love to do it again.

Tjilpi
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Reply By: Chaz - Monday, Mar 19, 2007 at 06:39

Monday, Mar 19, 2007 at 06:39
Dean,
As above, Skytrek is a pleasant drive, but the track has suffered from recent heavy rains. Some of the sections leading up to Mt Caernarvon need to be taken with care, mainly due to large rocks and holes, but you should get you through easy enough.
AnswerID: 228244

Reply By: Rod - Monday, Mar 19, 2007 at 10:54

Monday, Mar 19, 2007 at 10:54
I own a Suzuki XL-7 (presumably the 7 seater you refer to) and 2 landrover defenders and did Skytrek in September. Yes, was easy in the defender.

I would not take my XL-7 on Skytrek, personal choice. I would be concerned about ground clearance and tyre damage. Suzuki low range would be fine.

I'm sure you could do it, but would not risk the possible damage.

There's heaps of other places in the Flinders to enjoy in an XL-7.
AnswerID: 228280

Reply By: 4X4Treker - Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 20:50

Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 at 20:50
Dean
The drought has made it impossible for any maintenance to be done on Skytrek and so the track has deteriated badly and the approach to Mt Canarvon is very rough, that being said I have seen many Jimmy's go over the track, the main thing that is requested by us, Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby Association (the custodians of the land) and the operators Willow Springs is that the vehicle have low range so that the track is not ripped up. I am sure that you will enjoy the track.
Treker
AnswerID: 228674

Reply By: DOBBO60 - Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 at 10:11

Wednesday, Mar 21, 2007 at 10:11
Dean,

I did Skytrek last Wednesday (the 14th) in my Prado 120 V6. I hadn't done any serious 4x4ing before this and was a bit apprehensive,but once i got into it, it was a lot of fun, and my family enjoyed it immensly.
The only spot where i got a bit concerned was the climb up to the top of Mt Carnarvon, which was very rough and steep, with large rocks and ruts on the track, but in low range and a sensible approach, it was a breeze.
The scenery around there was spectacular and everywhere you looked, you saw many kangaroos, emu's and goats. Temp started at 22 degrees at 9am and rose to 33 by about 1pm,but it was bearable.
Low range and good ground clearance is a must and i only managed to scrape the bottom in a couple of spots.
Well worth the 50 bucks to do it, and Brachina Gorge further north is certainly worth a visit also. Have fun!
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