Lake Eyre

Submitted: Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 11:25
ThreadID: 45824 Views:2246 Replies:4 FollowUps:8
This Thread has been Archived
Heading into this general viciniy soon and wondering what road conditions are like around Lake Eyre, specifically Oodnadatta Track and access track to Halligan Bay. We were in the Flinders about 15 years and love the region. We'll probably revisit some favorite spots, but would be interested to hear about other travellers' recommendations of places to see.
Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: Member - Barry M (NSW) - Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 11:36

Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 11:36
I travelled The Oodnadatta Road about 6 weeks ago. It was generally in very good
condition. Graders working in about 3 areas. Some small washouts to watch out for. Cant help with Halligan Bay access. Plenty of water visible at Lake Eyre South.
Good camping at Algebuckinna Bridge.....oldbaz.
AnswerID: 242011

Follow Up By: PandJ - Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 12:11

Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 12:11
Barry M

Supprised you seen water on South Lake, don't know where it came from as was bone dry at Easter and nothing coming in from the dry North lake. Was driving along northern side of south lake at easter time.
cheers P&J
0
FollowupID: 503016

Follow Up By: Member - David A (QLD) - Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 18:00

Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 18:00
I agree P&J, no water visible in Lake Eyre Sth on 9 May, either. Plenty of dry lake bed though.

Cheers
David
0
FollowupID: 503083

Reply By: PandJ - Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 12:06

Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 12:06
Smudger,

The road via Muloorina Station to Lake Eyre was good at Easter time. Some heavy corrugations as you approach the eastern side of lake eyre south. Did not travel the other 15 kms to tourists point as we had permission to go other places in the area.(I worked at Muloorina in the 60's)

Was talking to the family re rain at Muloorina area and have had very little so roads could be the same. Enjoy your look.
AnswerID: 242016

Follow Up By: Alan H (Narangba QLD) - Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 14:42

Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 14:42
PandJ

Is the Maree man still there or has it grown out blown out by the wind???
0
FollowupID: 503043

Follow Up By: Mobi Condo - Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 19:44

Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 19:44
Re the Maree Man - check google Earth - it was quite visible w few months back - Cheers Mobi
0
FollowupID: 503110

Follow Up By: Willem - Friday, May 25, 2007 at 08:17

Friday, May 25, 2007 at 08:17
Hey PandJ

There is a Membership special on at the moment.

Isn't it about time that you became a member?....LOL

Cheers
0
FollowupID: 503202

Follow Up By: PandJ - Monday, May 28, 2007 at 13:58

Monday, May 28, 2007 at 13:58
Hi Stranger,
Is it FREE yet Willy?
0
FollowupID: 503932

Follow Up By: Willem - Monday, May 28, 2007 at 14:00

Monday, May 28, 2007 at 14:00
Hmmm....Short arms long pockets,eh?
0
FollowupID: 503933

Reply By: Member - David A (QLD) - Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 17:57

Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 17:57
Hi Smudger,

as of 10 days ago the Oodnadatta track was fantastic. Smooth and virtually corrugation free. Low tyre pressures absorbed whatever corrugations were present. Didn't go into Halligan or ABC Bays, but was told by another traveller it was OK but corrugated with some rough spots. Petrol prices (ULP) Ood - $1.64 William Ck - 1.60; Marree - 1.45

Cheers
David
AnswerID: 242079

Reply By: Giggi - Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 18:58

Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 18:58
Hi Smudger,

I was up there on the Oodnadatta track last week (Tue 15th and Wed 16th May). We were very lucky to get to William Creek, albeit the road conditions would have been perfect; but then came the rain and 2 road trains were stuck about 5 km north of the Lake Eyre South lookout - because the clay was so slippery and they just couldn't go on anymore. We picked up a lot of clay and mud and the track became more and more rutted.

The road was closed overnight to Coober Pedy and the following morning the same thing - very mudy in sections and very rutted. Now when I got back last Wednesday I had a look at the SA road condition web site (http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/quicklinks/northern_roads/northern.asp) and the Oodnadatta track was closed. As I am writing this the roads are open but one needs to be careful. I can imagine the roadworks is going to do their best to fix them up again, because after us the roads were really in bad shape.

We did inform ourselfs frequently while we were on the way and everyone assured us that the road would be open and so we left Marree and unfortunately got the brunt of the weather. Just a bit unlucky I supose - the road was just fixed up and it was a shame to ruin it again.

Hope this info helped a little. Kind regards,
Titus
AnswerID: 242088

Follow Up By: Member - David A (QLD) - Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 19:32

Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 19:32
Wow Titus, what a difference a couple of days makes. We ended up being on the track a few days earlier than planned..... sounds like it was a good thing, too. We got enough mud as it was going through heaps of water on the Birdsville track.
0
FollowupID: 503105

Sponsored Links