Cattlewater Pass NT

Don't know Cattlewater Pass, but I do know Boggy Hole. Was there about a month ago. Will be there on Tuesday.

It does require good clearance in a number of parts - a mix of rocky areas, sandy areas, river crossings (rocks and sand), tight tracks through thickets to give the vehicle some character... but all in all, nothing too difficult.

A few tricky sandy areas around the camping area.

unless and until it rains... then the south entry into the park which goes across a mud flat becomes impassable.

Cattlewater pass is a nice run with only one section needing low range to get over. Nice country and if you stop off at at Arltunga for a good look around and depending on what day it is the pub may be open as well. Maps available from the Alice Springs information centre and you will need it as there are plenty of tracks on the Plenty Hwy side where you can get geographically confused, unless they have improved the signposting

Regards

RobA

hi trish p
we went thru cattlewaterpass on 27/6/07 , it was slow going , but easy only put the vehicle in 4 wheel drive a couple of times , no low range, it was beautifal scenery, we stayed at arltunga near the pub which has showers & toilets and found it much better than alice although the manager is not very pleasant , also ross river has camping with a very pleasant manager [ also has a lot of knowledge on the area], ruby gap and glen annie gorges are well worth a visit , 4 wheel drive up the river bed is ok no low range required. d'hale gorge near ross river h/ stead has a lot of vegetation & birdlife at the moment, we found these gorges more interesting than the west mac gorges on previous trips, also chambers pillar is good if you are in the area. we crossed the simpson on the way home which was easy but quite bumpy at the base & up most of the dunes which was uncomfortable & caused some breakages of food etc

Re the sandy sections in the Finke Gorge - we encountered many really soft, dry and deep runs 2 yeras back - not just crossings but along the riverbed too - was not confident at the start seeing two of us had camper trailers - but as usual, knocking the tyres down to about 15psi, we sailed through with the usual skilful driving :-o) - this is the sort of country that compressors were made for !

Hi Trish,
Did Finke (without CT) and Cattlewater Pass (with CT). No dramas - pretty good run. Forget about toilets & showers. There are lots of very nice bush camping spots along both tracks. Also camping at Dhala (cost $3.20 or thereabouts). Good spot with toilet if you are first in.
Cheers
Fred

Hi Trish
We travelled the Cattlewater Pass from Arltunga to Gemtree last year and to be honest found it to be the roughest and most difficult track we have ever been on. I have read other reports where they say it is not bad but to each his own. We were towing a Tvan and in that was part of the problem. Dead branches from scrub were overhanging the track in lots of places making it difficult to traverse without scratching the Tvan and car. We cleared alot of it out of the way as we went but still did some damage. Also there is a rocky steep climb that we needed low gear in low range to climb and still had a car wheel and a Tvan wheel off the ground at one time. Its about 55km in length and took us 5 hours. I can already hear other people saying this is rubbish but thats the way we found it. We have travelled other rough roads before like Gibb River, Tanami Road and Cape Leveque Road but none like this one.
Cheers
Peter

Gday Trish,
Sounds like you pretty well know were your going and what you have time to see.
I havent heard of the Cattlewater Pass but I think Its either the Mud tank road or the Ambalindum to Plenty Highway track. Either way weve had no decent rains since before easter so all roads around the centre are open and quite easily passible as long as you have a reasonable amount of expieience.
If your looking for bush camping spots rather than the touristy campsites, let me know what areas around the macs you want to camp and I might be able to help.
Boggy hole is easily done with a camper trailer this time of year if you know what your doing. If your not confident drop your tyre pressures and give it to it through the sand. Remember the sand is always harder when its cooler so morining and night is easier going if you have trouble.
Have fun
Cheers