Binns Track

Submitted: Tuesday, Oct 14, 2008 at 06:39
ThreadID: 62527 Views:6013 Replies:5 FollowUps:1
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Hi all, Looking to do this trip next May, has anyone done it yet? Trying to get some trek notes etc
regards
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Reply By: Member - Kiwi Kia - Tuesday, Oct 14, 2008 at 07:42

Tuesday, Oct 14, 2008 at 07:42
I was up there about a year ago and it was a great trip. I was back there few weeks ago and the track between Mt Dare and Andado has now been VERY badly cut up in many places. Bull dust was very deep and people have been 'going bush' in many places to avoid some of the worst areas (about 100 metres long in places). Some of the bush diversions might be a bit tight if you are towing (I wasn't). I would definitely not even think of doing this track in it's present state if there had been recent rain. I understand that most of the problems were caused by drilling rigs being hauled through to an area out beyond the Mac Clark Acacia Peuce Conservation Reserve. If you have to you can avoid the damaged area between Mt Dare and Andado by going out (or in) from New Crown. The new 'diversion tracks' that people have been making through the bush are quite ok to avoid the damaged areas of the main track.
AnswerID: 329791

Follow Up By: Member - vivien C (VIC) - Tuesday, Oct 14, 2008 at 08:29

Tuesday, Oct 14, 2008 at 08:29
We were there in mid September and the section between Mt Dare and Andado was just as Kiwi Kia said. There were long stretches of bulldust and the Mt Dare people told us that they were not recommending people go that way. We came from the Andado end and there were no warnings until right at the damaged sections. The diversion tracks were ok though and we got through with no trouble.

We also followed the Binns Track into the Davenport NP from the north and then down to the Sandover and the Plenty. The track from the highway in past Kurundi to Old Police Station Waterhole was in great condition but the track out to Murray Downs was slow going and rocky. It took almost three hours to do the approx 90kms. After that it was good to the Sandover then narrow and slow with a deep sandy crossing at the Bundey River and a rocky jump up section near Derry Downs. After that it was good all the way to the Plenty.

We didn't follow the Binns to Alice, went on the Plenty to the highway so can't tell you anything there.

On our way south we followed the Binns from Top Springs to Dunmarra and that was a good dirt road. I don't know about the section in the Gregory Np but having been in to the BullitaHomestead and around the Bullita stockroute on a previous trip I would imagine it would be slow going...but really interesting.

The Binns track is an amalgamation of already existing tracks and it's an interesting and very enjoyable alternative to the highway. We thoroughly enjoyed the changing scenery from the sand dunes, rugged ranges, tablelands, gibber to the semi tropics of the Gregory NP.

Viv
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Reply By: Member - John and Val W (ACT) - Tuesday, Oct 14, 2008 at 08:24

Tuesday, Oct 14, 2008 at 08:24
Agree 100% with Kiwi Kia's comments about the section from Mt Dare to Santa Theresa. Last year this was a great run, this year in June there were long sections of deep bulldust with many diversion tracks around. But when the track is OK its a very varied and scenic run. Ruby Gap, Cattlewater Pass and Gemtree area are great and last year the tracks were in good condition.

Have not yet been in to Davenport Ranges, but in June did the Tennant Creek to Timber Creek section through Victoria River Downs and Humbert Track which we thought was a bit ho hum. Need to check at VRD that the track is open (due both to weather conditions and use of the area for military exercises).There was a tricky creek crossing with rock ledges, but other than that pretty straightforward driving. Not much scenery but plenty of boabs in northern section.
Bullita campground is good - we crossed the river there and did a few ks on a very rough track before retracing our track back to Bullita. From Bullita to Timber Creek is a good run on formed gravel with a couple of interesting side trips in limestone country.
A google will give you heaps of info.
Val.
J and V
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AnswerID: 329796

Reply By: blue one - Tuesday, Oct 14, 2008 at 19:00

Tuesday, Oct 14, 2008 at 19:00
We came down the track from Alice to Mt Dare. Finally escaped the crowds. It's a little rough in some sections though well worth the effort. What ever you do don't drive through the bog holes, if it is dry you will see what I mean. At the Mac Clark reserve you will see some rare tortured trees and miles of gibber. From Alice to Birdsville was beautiful and the wild flowers were in bloom too. If you go to the Lone Gum let me know if the Koala is still there. Enjoy.

Cheers
AnswerID: 329893

Reply By: outback1 - Wednesday, Oct 15, 2008 at 06:23

Wednesday, Oct 15, 2008 at 06:23
Thanks all, for your time and advice, Just what i was after. Can't wait to hit the road
cheers everyone
AnswerID: 329967

Reply By: Rod W - Wednesday, Oct 15, 2008 at 11:16

Wednesday, Oct 15, 2008 at 11:16
I usetu work with Bill Binns whom the track is named after... absolutely great bloke... bit like me (LoL)
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