Travelling Coober Pedy to William Creek

Submitted: Wednesday, Jun 06, 2007 at 14:18
ThreadID: 46349 Views:8468 Replies:7 FollowUps:6
This Thread has been Archived
Hi, we are leaving in August for our first major trip. We will be travelling for 5 months in a Ford s/wagon towing a Jayco Swan 2WD. We have to boys aged 8 and 9. I would like to be able to do some of the Oodnadatta Track and would prefer to go from Coober Pedy to William Creek with out back tracking if possible. Can anyone tell me if it is suitable to take a 2WD down that track? Thanks
Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: Member - cuffs (SA) - Wednesday, Jun 06, 2007 at 14:32

Wednesday, Jun 06, 2007 at 14:32
I have done the trip twice in a VN commodore towing a trailer, the corugation can be bad at times and bothe times ripped hell out of the road tyres. Both times in the dry could be a different ball game in the wet.
AnswerID: 245137

Reply By: Member - MrBitchi (QLD) - Wednesday, Jun 06, 2007 at 14:49

Wednesday, Jun 06, 2007 at 14:49
Did that road in 2003 just after the grader went through. It was as smooth as silk. So short answer is, depends when it was last graded. Generally a pretty good road with no big washouts or creeks etc, just may get a bit rough is all.
AnswerID: 245138

Reply By: k1w1 - Wednesday, Jun 06, 2007 at 15:09

Wednesday, Jun 06, 2007 at 15:09
Hi We just came through that way a couple of weeks ago. The road you mention is actually in better shape than the Oodnadatta itself. We were in a cruiser and sat on 90 easy. Could be a bit different if they have had some rain but was really like a highway. Just watch your speed doesnt creep up as your tyres may suffer.
Cheers
Alan
AnswerID: 245143

Reply By: Member - Doug T (W.A) - Wednesday, Jun 06, 2007 at 15:55

Wednesday, Jun 06, 2007 at 15:55
GeorgieGirl
have a look at my members rig and profile near the Plane photo and scroll right down the bottom and see what I done the Oodnadatta track in , in 1966 , it was only a 2 wheel track then.

Doug

gift by Daughter

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

AnswerID: 245151

Reply By: Member -Signman - Wednesday, Jun 06, 2007 at 16:04

Wednesday, Jun 06, 2007 at 16:04
Don't forget to look out for Lake Cadibarrawirracanna. You won't find a signpost coz people keep knicking them !!!
No probs. on the road, but like all 'outback' roads- just take it easy !!!!
AnswerID: 245152

Follow Up By: Member - Duncan W (WA) - Wednesday, Jun 06, 2007 at 20:16

Wednesday, Jun 06, 2007 at 20:16
You sure you spelt that right. LOL
Dunc
Make sure you give back more than you take

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 506301

Follow Up By: Member -Signman - Thursday, Jun 07, 2007 at 08:56

Thursday, Jun 07, 2007 at 08:56
Well- the spell checker didn't kick it out!!!!
0
FollowupID: 506365

Follow Up By: Member - Duncan W (WA) - Thursday, Jun 07, 2007 at 10:36

Thursday, Jun 07, 2007 at 10:36
Only joking mate.
Dunc
Make sure you give back more than you take

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 506386

Reply By: Member - Terry G (NSW) - Wednesday, Jun 06, 2007 at 17:31

Wednesday, Jun 06, 2007 at 17:31
Georgiegirl
The advice you have got so far is well and good. But where to from William Creek? Whether you turn left or right you still have a considerable expanse of the Oodnadatta Track to traverse. At least twice the distance from Coober Pedy. Realistically, all of this can be travelled with your rig, but you will have to check current conditions the day before you do it. The difference between a 4 lane highway and an impassable bog can be a single storm in that part of the world. if the conditions are right you could get into William Creek the first day, stay the night and then spend the next night at either Marla (North) or Maree(South). And continue on your merry way. But take it from one who has been stranded (in a 4WD) in Marree, William Creek and Oodnadatta at various times, this area is totally unpredictable. Have you considered leaving the camper at Coober Pedy and doing the round trip to William Creek, Oodnadatta, Marree and back to Coober Pedy. It would make the drive a lot easier and less taxing. There is accommodation available at the pub at William Creek and at the Service Station at Marree if you need it.

TG
AnswerID: 245172

Follow Up By: Member - Duncan W (WA) - Wednesday, Jun 06, 2007 at 20:19

Wednesday, Jun 06, 2007 at 20:19
As per Terry's comments, we wanted to drive the Oodnadatta last July but couldn't when we wanted due to closure (in part) because of unseasonal rains.
Dunc
Make sure you give back more than you take

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 506302

Follow Up By: GeorgieGirl - Thursday, Jun 07, 2007 at 09:53

Thursday, Jun 07, 2007 at 09:53
Terry,

Thanks very much for the info. After reaching William Creek we will head south Maree and then on to the Flinders Rangers. I have had lots of people tell me that the Oodnadatta Track it self should not be a problem.

So much to learn and experience!!!
0
FollowupID: 506377

Follow Up By: Member - Terry G (NSW) - Thursday, Jun 07, 2007 at 13:43

Thursday, Jun 07, 2007 at 13:43
GeorgieGirl
bear in mind that my comments relate to both the CP - WC road and the Ood' Track. Wet weather will affect each road similarly.

tg
0
FollowupID: 506407

Reply By: Member - Royce- Wednesday, Jun 06, 2007 at 23:30

Wednesday, Jun 06, 2007 at 23:30
Look for my post hole shovel. It fell of half way from William Ck to Coober Pedy. Let me know if you find it. It was...... 1989 I think.. might be a bit rusty by now, but it was a beaut shovel.
AnswerID: 245283

Sponsored Links