Innaminka to Birdsville

I did Birsville to Innaminka via Walkers crossing after the Birdsville Races towing an off road box trailer full of camping gear, driving a 04' X-Trail.

I was with two other vehicles and did not require any recovery, drive in auto not 4WD lock (can overheat) & plenty of momentum.

If you have two other vehcles with you, you will have no problems if you need to be snached out.

Check the weather and road conditions closer to the time.

G'Day,

we drove along that way via cordello downs in September and the road was fine quite comfortable at 80 k's and we were towing an off road camper. There was only one or two spots that were a bit ruff but generally the road was OK. Mind you that was 6 qweeks agaon and it could have changed by now

pmacks

If you choose to go via Burke and Wills Bridge, Arrabury Station, then either Haddons Corner or Cordillo Downs, you shouldn't have any trouble at all unless it's been raining.

Tyres could be your main concern......if you only have the dodgy highway-type tyres that most soft-roaders come with, you could experience problems with the gibbers.

Good luck and have fun

Roachie

When we drove walkers a few months ago we could have gone most of the way in our Berlina, I wouldn't but you could then, took us about 7 hours with a few stops

MC

G'day aussiescotts, we did the trip also in September, the worst road was the Innaminka end from Thargomindah, Cordello Downs road to Birdsville was a breeze. Next easter is a long way off, check when it gets closer - only needs a bit of rain! check my profile, seee yaa, dingo

There are two main routes between Innamincka and Birdsville.

Via Cordillo Downs (longer)
Via Walkers Crossing (preferred route for locals)

Both routes are generally in good condition but obviously wet conditions may change at any time. If you have young kids and choose the Walkers Crossing route, plan for an overnight stop along the way.

Closer to departure time, keep your eye on the road conditions report and if there is any doubt at that time, give the ranger's office or police station a ring for final decision.

Bill

AussieScotts

Easy as, in your vehicle, just watch out for rocks, if you go via Walkers Crossing, for the last few kms, just before the Birdsville track, if you go that way.

You should let your tyres down to about 25 psi, on those roads, as it will allow your tyre to mould around the gibber/rocks, rather than bounce over them, and thus try and punch through the tyre, causing damage and punctures.

I have not done the Cordillo Downs road as yet, ...
You may have no choice, if there has been rain in the area.
Just check with the locals at the Innaminka Trading Post (general store).
We have a saved track file thru Walker's Crossing, and more, if you have a Garmin GPS, and mapsource software, and are in doubt of directions.

Cheers
Bucky

Agreed with much of the above - I'd invest in robust tyres too, for peace of mind - those stones up there are likely to wreak havoc on town tyres, especially if you have a decent load - and keep in mind there is a fair chance you could easily strike very hot weather still in April (a shoulder season in effect). Have a great trip.

Hi AussieScotts,
If you go via Walker's Crossing - great trip - watch out for the approaches to the cattle grids. On some of them the approaches were scooped out when we were last there, so if you hit them with any speed at all (ie more than about 15kph) you got a very nasty jolt, even a tendency to become airborne.

Cheers,

Val.

I did it in a Corolla in 1978!!
Carry the extra spare tyre and try not to overload the vehicle. Your fuel consumption should be about 10 l/100k on those roads.

A few weeks ago we came into Cordillo Downs from the north ie Bedourie and then down to Innamincka. The tracks that we covered would all have been suitable for a normal sedan driven to the conditions but obviously a fourby with clearance made it a lot easier.
There is a very good camp spot on a creek just east of
Cordillo Shed with permanent water and lots of bird life.
We have renamed it SONY WATERHOLE due to the fact that was the last time we can remember seeing our Sony video camera.
The coordinates are S 26 44 782 E 140 51 962. Have inserted a photo and if you find my camera a MM would be nice.
M.Image Could Not Be FoundImage Could Not Be Found

Hi All,

I'm blown away by all your replies - thanks all for all of your fantastic advice.

Look slike I'll need to get some AV tires, check the road conditions and I'll be set!

Ay more tips gratefully received,

happy travels,
AussieScotts

Nissan X-Trail + Walkers Crossing Track + No Rain = Easy Peasy.

:-)