4wd trip Hay River/Lake Caroline
Submitted: Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 16:20
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champagne
Hi to all you out there. We are thinking of a trip from
Birdsville out along the
Hay River. Does anyone have any info or problems with this. I have taken a copy of the trek notes from Stephen L and will of course apply for permits, but would like some info from Poepple corner to
Lake Caroline if anyone has it. Thanks
Reply By: Wayne (NSW) - Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 16:53
Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 16:53
champagne,
This is a fantastic part of the world.
If you follow the pace notes you should not have a problem. I went there for the first time last year and the only thing that I can think of is that when you drive in to the dry river bed you have to drive back in the opposite direction that you have come from to get to
Lake Caroline.
Image Could Not Be Found
Image Could Not Be Found
Wayne
AnswerID:
304342
Follow Up By: Member - Leigh (Vic) - Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 19:44
Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 19:44
Hi Wayne. Your photos look terrific and sure do whet the appetite for our trip up there in about 6 weeks, 3 vehicles and a few old fellas on bikes plus a couple of kids. Do you have a preferred spot for a days
camp other than an established spot such as
Batten Hill. Looking for a day off with no travel but want to make sure it fully represents what the area has to offer, ie the pick of the river spots. Cheers. Leigh
(PS I last caught up with you at the top of Billy Goat and
Talbotville when you'd had a couple of mech issues)
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Wayne (NSW) - Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 20:44
Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 20:44
Leigh,
I have only been on that trip once and have not had a chance to explore alternative
camp sites.
There are plenty of
places to
camp and most are on the dry river bed. Staying for a day in the one
camp site should not be a problem.
How long ago did we meet at
Talbotville?
Wayne
FollowupID:
570634
Reply By: Member - John and Val W (ACT) - Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 18:20
Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 18:20
Wayne's said it all. A great trip. BUT - not one to be underestimated. This is the
Simpson Desert. You should have good HF comms, GPS, a capable vehicle and at least one other capable vehicle with you. ( could save a lot of digging!). If you need an Ozi plot file, send me a member message.
John | J and V
"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted."
- Albert Einstein
Lifetime Member
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Reply By: Member - Stephen L (SA) - Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 18:55
Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 18:55
Hi Champagne
Like others have said above. There are a few good size dunes after
Beachcomber Oil Well Site until the bottom of the
Hay River. You will require 4X4, but they are no problem if you know what you are doing. Once you reach the bottom of the
Hay River, you will be following
well defined tracks that will only require 2 wheel drive, proving that it is not wet. If it is, find a
good camp site and sit it out. You will have a ball and is very different from other parts of the Simpson.
When you reach Batton
Hill, they will be the best showers after your stay in the desert and Lindsay and his family will make you feel at
home. Take your time and stay a little longer, and you will see why it is becoming a very popular
Simpson Desert Trip.
Cheers
Stephen
AnswerID:
304357
Reply By: Crackles - Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 22:26
Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 22:26
This route although becoming more popular is fairly remote & for a time you will be unlikely to see another group therefore requires a higher level of preparation & self reliance. If your group has driven the Simpson before there is nothing you will come across that is exceptionally harder to drive just the need to navigate over some sections that may have no tracks. Following the
Hay up past
Lake Caroline is 2wd & straight forward as long as it's not flowing.
Cheers Craig............
AnswerID:
304400
Reply By: champagne - Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 11:37
Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 11:37
Thanks to you all for your comments. We have crossed the Simpson before (twice) so sort of know what we may be in for, and yes we certainly are going with another vehicle. You have all made us look forward even more for the journey. As another question, does anyone have an alternative route other than back the Plenty to Qld, or down the Old
Andado for around that area.
AnswerID:
304462
Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (SA) - Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 11:53
Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 11:53
Hi Champagne
If you are doing this trip from
Birdsville, your trip will finish at Batton
Hill. From there out to the
Plenty Highway, you have no other options. From the Plenty
junction if you need fuel, turn to your right for
Jervois Station. From here it is either back to
Alice Springs of Keep going back into Queensland. If you are heading back into the Alice and have never done the Old
Andado Track, then this is a MUST DO.
Check out my trek file here on EO for the Old
Andado Track. Make this a 2 day trip to Mount Dare and you will not be sorry.
Cheers
Stephen
FollowupID:
570538
Reply By: Tol - Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 19:19
Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 19:19
Hi Champagne, If you decide to go West towards Alice why not take a couple of extra days and turnoff on the 4x4 Cow Creek track through Mt Riiddock Stn to Altunga Historic Area. Pleasant and scenic drive. From Altunga head out to the fascinating Ruby Gap. Allow a good day for Ruby Gap or even
camp out their. Then do Old
Andado etc... Enjoy.
AnswerID:
304548
Reply By: Robin Miller - Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 19:20