Googs Track - wood availability

Submitted: Wednesday, Apr 02, 2008 at 14:10

ThreadID: 56190 Views:2283 Replies:2 FollowUps:5

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Plasnart

Hi everyone,

We are planning a trip up Googs Track and through Painted Desert then back down Oodnadatta Track in May. I was just wondering if somebody could tell me how abundant fire wood is in these areas? I presume there is plenty on Googs Track but may be a little more sparse through Painted Desert? I'm currently planning meals and considering whether I can use the camp oven every night? Thanks for any advice.

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Reply By: wendys - Wednesday, Apr 02, 2008 at 14:32

Wednesday, Apr 02, 2008 at 14:32

Camping at the Painted Desert itself is not permitted by station owners, but you can camp at Arkaringa Station homestead camp ground, or at one of the camp areas near to Oodnadatta. Not much in the way of trees in much of the areas round Painted Desert or Oodnadatta so I would suggest collecting wood when you see it and carrying a couple of nights' supply (roof rack??). Is the same down the O. Track - some of the popular camp spots have been a bit ferreted out for firewood, so take the chance to collect it whenever you see some by the track. Have not been on Googs track since 2004, but recollect ok timber there.

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Follow Up By: MEMBER - Darian (SA) - Wednesday, Apr 02, 2008 at 16:38

Wednesday, Apr 02, 2008 at 16:38

Those who live and work in the outback have my respect......but likewise I respect the responsible travellers' rights too....... far as I know, camping is still permitted adjacent public roads within pastoral leases, as long as the appropriate guidelines are adhered to....eg.....
http://www.saafwdc.asn.au/pastoral/pastoral.htm

Re firewood.... we always look for a collection spot while mobile, and tie it onto the camper rack - most convenient camping spots don't even have a spare toothpick these days.

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Follow Up By: Skippy In The GU - Wednesday, Apr 02, 2008 at 17:44

Wednesday, Apr 02, 2008 at 17:44

There is a campsite about 16 kms east of Arckaringa station, it shouldn't be hard to find just look out for the dingo's

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Follow Up By: patrolmann - Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 16:40

Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 at 16:40

We did the same trip in august last year and we found enough wood to keep us going on the googs track. Lots at Mt Mynke. Painted dessert was scarce and we stayed at Arckaringa Station for $7.00 a night. Not a lot on the OOdnadatta track although there were old railway sleepers along the side of the track around the Ghan rialway bridge. Not sure if they are to be used for burning.
cheers
patrolman

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