walkers crossing versus cordillo downs road

JF,

I have travelled Wlakers Crossing but not Cordillo Downs, one day.

The Walkers Crossing road is a pleasant drive without much in the way of challenge. There is a mixture of scenery with gibber country near the Birdsville Track and dune country as you get closer to Innamincka. We got from Birdsville to Innamincka comfortably in the day via Walkers.

I believe Cordillo Downs is a bit longer/slower but that it is also very pretty. There is more in the way of historical interest on the Cordillo Downs road but you travel through the gas fields on Walkers and that too is interesting, if you like that kind of stuff.

There are two great problems with touring Australia. The first is that there is so much to see, the second is that to see it all you would have to start before you were born and keep going long after you have died.

I would like to advise you to do both, which is probably what you want to do but is not an option.

Duncs

We did the track 2 weeks ago, Cordillo Downs as Walkers crossing is closed and was expected to be closed for another month. I have now travelled both. The cordillo downs is more scenic with the shearing shed and cadelga ruins to see. The road from Cordillo to Innamincka was slow going but reasonable. From Birdsville to Cordillo was good.
If I had to do it again I would go through Cordillo and then out to araby Station I think it is and into Innamincka via the dig tree just to spice things up a bit.
120scruiser

One point not mentioned is that the Walkers Crossing route is considerably shorter.
This is the route used by locals when commuting between the two towns.

Walkers crossing track (when open) can be traversed easily in a day.

I remember some time ago Ruth (ex Birdsville member) advising it would be foolish in trying to reach Innamincka from Birdsville (or vice versa) in one day if you have young ones with you.

Walkers Crossing track itself contains a variety of different topologies which I found fascinating. I haven't tried the Cordillo Downs route myself, but would go this way next time, just to experience it.

I haven't done walkers crossing

But done the Cordillo/Arabury road at easter.

The Arabury section was like a HWY and was in excelent condition, or at least thats what it was like in the Pajero :).

Also done this in a day From Burke's grave to Birdsville, So we took in the dig tree, Cordillo & Cadelga ruins.
There is a variety of scenery

ring clifton hills pastoral company in adelaide and they will give you the number of clifton hills station, walkers crossing is on their land, and ask permission to go that way, joe and his brother were running it, offer to bring bread and newspapers, and check on the bores on the way, dont camp on water points and leave gates as you find them and they have always said yes to me, and if you notice damage to fences etc. make a point of telling them when you get to innaminka or drop in and tell them at the homestead. and dont muck it up or they will close it forever.

Done both... The road conditions are change all the time so Cordillo Downs could be an easy drive as it was last year after grading or it could be very ruff...

Either one is good, the Walkers Crossing is a shorter drive but gets closed id the are rain/floods in the area...

Thanks everyone. We can go either way so we'll probably wait till the last minute and check out the weather and the local comment in Birdsville. Cordillo Downs is our preferred route. We do have kids so if the day becomes too long and arduos what type of camping is available on Cordillo Downs road ?

Chris/Lindsay.....Are you talking about the Cordillo Downs road ?

Yes Cordillo Downs Road. Sorry about that. Chris.