Warburton Crossing to Simpson Desert

Submitted: Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 08:53

ThreadID: 46014 Views:2921 Replies:5 FollowUps:2

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gdobson

We are travelling[hopefully] to Poepels Corner via Birdsville Track, across the Warburton Crossing on to Warburton Track and the K1.
However the crossing is currently closed, according to my info.Has anyone got a date when this will be reopened, we plan to be there about July3rd.

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Reply By: Willem - Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 09:14

Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 09:14

Dates in the outback depend on the weather. If the weather stays sunny and the crossing dries up before the 3rd of July then you may be in with a chance. As stated in previous post, Warburton Crossing can be closed for a whole year or longer as it has been in the past. The crossing itself isn't all that spectacular but tis the clay tracks either side of it that will stop you from going places. If no more rain falls within the next 5 weeks you may be in with a chance. Ring the National Parks office in Birdsville or the Road Transport Department in SA and they may be able to tell you.

Cheers

AnswerID: 243096

Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 09:28

Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 09:28

Like willem says, you are in with a chance.
Latest conditions are at:
http://www.parks.sa.gov.au/publish/groups/public/@parks/@desertparks/documents/all/parks_pdfs_des_parks_bulletin.pdf

The K1 line is an easy run - it was actually graded about 2 years ago.

AnswerID: 243102

Reply By: gdobson - Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 09:44

Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 09:44

Thanks, guys, I appreciate your feedback. lets hope for a dry run. Here in Shepparton, Victoria, we are hoping for a dump today or tomorrow to follow up the magnificent rains we had 2 weeks ago.See you in Birdsvile 5 weeks from this week end

AnswerID: 243109

Reply By: Member - 120scruiser (NSW) - Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 17:09

Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 17:09

Hi gdobson
I was up that way a couple of weeks ago and it looks like places like Walkers Crossing and Eyre Ck will be shut for another month if no rain falls so I would say Warburton will be similar.
It is very picturesque at the moment with all the green around.
For what its worth I rang Qld parks in Birdsville and they were out on walkabout so I was diverted to Longreach and they didn't have a clue about the road conditions. We rang prior to beginning our crossing of the Simpson so I would suggest to ring well in advance and then try to get updates prior to leaving.
Have a great trip as this is a beautiful part of the country and I can't wait to get back.
120scruiser

AnswerID: 243232

Follow Up By: gdobson - Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 09:05

Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 09:05

thanks 120cruiser, did you get over Eyre Creek, and will the track from Popoels Corner to Birdsville take off road trailers. Its about 10 years since I did the Simpson and had a great trip.
Geoff Dobson

FollowupID: 504355

Follow Up By: Member - 120scruiser (NSW) - Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 10:06

Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 10:06

There is a bypass around Eyre Ck. The first is 200m with a water crossing only shin deep and the second is 6 km with no water but very rough.
One of our crew towed a camper across the whole desert from west to east with no troubles. He even almost towed it over Big Red so you shouldn't have too much trouble. Just remember going from East to West is harder and not recommended with trailers, just depends how heavy it is. It would be adviseable to have another car in front to snatch you over the dunes as the first few are big heading from the east and you might not get over. It just depends on the conditions on the day.
You can check some photos from earlier this month at
Site Link
Just click on the Simpson Desert 2007 album.
Catch Ya
Scott

FollowupID: 504371