around the top of the Flinders Ranges

We went to Arkaroola in 2004 on the Strez after leaving Innamincka.
Down the Strez and turn left before Mount Hopeless, past Moolawatona and eventually Wooltana station. From what I can remember some nice creek crossings, mainly flat, a bit desolate.

But looking at the map and reading your post it sounds like you want to drive past Mount Freeling station and Mount Fritton Talc mine and coming out at Moolawatana.

I went with Talc Alf on his mail run recently and there was a padlocked gate near the Talc mine so I'm not sure that you can get through that way.

I'm sure as well that you would have to ask the Mount Freeling owners for permission or information?

You can get to Arkaroola on the road that leads from Copley, about 30km south of Lyndhurst. Or the way that we came back from Arkaroola which was Blinman, Chambers Gorge, Balcanoona.

Whichever way you decide, just remember to keep a low profile and be very quiet when you get to Leigh Creek! The handyman at the hospital gets very upset and feelings of wanderlust set in when he sees all these loaded 4WD's in the town, ready for adventures.

hope this helps

Why not check with Wooltana Station (08 86484822) or the National Parks at Balcanoona Balcanoona (08) 86484829 . Either of these should be able to advise you on current road conditions from Balcanoona to Mt Hopeless.
The roads to Balcanoona from the south are gravel and generally good. Creek crossing van be rough and stony.
From Balcanoona north the track starts out dirt (very susceptible to washouts).
You will encounter lots of creek crossing, cattle grids (some very rough - slow down). You will eventually leave the shadow of the Ranges and head out onto the plains. Be prepared to spend some time at Terrapinna Waterhole (watch out for the sandy patches), it is a beautiful area, backed by large red granite cliffs. From this point on the track is generally worse with steep creek crossing, some can be difficult to negotiate - subject of course to any recent roadworks or weather.
The area in question is pretty isolated. By September it can be very hot. Be prepared for anything, good luck and enjoy the area. It's beautiful.

I did that run in reverse order in 2004.

The locked gate is entry to the Talc Mine. AFAIK it is a gazetted road and no permissions are required. Most outback roads in South Australia are open to the public with maybe one or two exceptions.

Cheers

I have travelled a couple of times from Balcanoona to the Strez. The track is pretty flat and pretty easy. In places it is stoney and could produce tyre damage but I have not had a problem there.

The scenery is interesting and does vary a little. At times you travel close to the mountains but the northern end of the track is well out on the plains. I think it could be very pretty early in the morning with the dawn sun lighting the cliffs but to be there at that time could be difficult. Having said that you could probably camp just off the road south of Moolawatana without drawing too much attention to yourself. Just leave it clean and free from damage.

The Balcanoona Rd does avoid the mountains and as a result the creek crossings are generally fairly easy. I have twice travelled through this area from Broken Hill to Broken Hill via Yunta, Balcanoona, Merty Merty and Camerons Corner. Both trips were done in 4 days with lots of time to play. Travelling on the Strez is very quick compared to any of the tracks that lead off it.

I would contact Mt Freeling but if you don't get permission then continuing up the Strez to Mt Hopeless is probably quicker if less interesting.

Duncs

G'day,
No permission is needed, just turn left to Mt Fitton(abandoned), Mt Freeling and the track into the talc mine is locked, just keep straight on towards the Strzelecki. There is a great campspot at Terrapina Springs, huge river reds on the Hamilton ck which is 10km or so from the turnoff at Moolawatana.(give or take on that mileage)
The track towards the Strzelecki is not bad just slow at times, and the scenery is great in places and all in all the trek across is worth it. I have been there twice in the last 2 yrs and enjoy it every time.

Thanks for the advice guys.
We will be comong from Lake Eyre, and rather than going via Leigh Creek, Copley etc, we are going the long way via the Stez for something different.
Cheers
Paul