Is it Possible??

3 weeks is ok IMV, but I don't see a lot of attraction in going up the Strzelecki, and through the corner country if you don't go on to Innamincka - the Cooper has a lot to offer IMV. Any vehicle can drive up there - clearance is not an issue on the main roads, but while many sections are very smooth other sections are incredibly stony and very harsh on tyres. There are a few pics on my road surfaces page at - may be of interest.
http://users.picknowl.com.au/~darian/

I would have to disagree somewhat Darian.

Much of the New Strzelecki Track is constructed of rubble and there is always the odd larger rock which has been dislodged by larger vehicles such as trucks, that present potential disaster.

The Track, especially closer up toward Innamincka, is quiet "rocky" and is the main reason why a higher ground clearance, as given by most 4WD vehicles, is desirable.
4WD's also generally have guard protection to the vulnerable areas like sumps and fuel tanks and it just makes good sense to drive in this sort of vehicle.

Then there is the additional situation where you come across a wet or muddy section following rain and without 4WD, well you just don't get through. Even 4WD's get stuck at times.

I'm not saying that the Volvo won't "get through" as given ideal conditions, any 2WD vehicle could "make the trip" but in my opinion, it would be like entering a lottery.

On top of all this, any mechanical breakdown will ultimately affect the whole trip for everyone.

You may well experience a trouble free trip, but if it was me, I'd be in a vehicle built specifically for the purpose, to reduce the possibility of delay or disaster.

Bill

It's all good until it rains!
While you may be able to proceed to the next town if you got caught in a cloudburst, the Volvo would become a liability .

After rain there are often long bogs and numerous detours from the main track which may not be navigable by a Volvo.

Except for the cattle grids the Darling track is smoother than the Strezlecki or Merty Merty and especially the "road" through Sturt National Park to Tibooburra.
The Strezlecki is very corrugated from the constant road trains, so much so my wife declined to drive after doing a near spin from the wet mud near a water truck.
The Merty Merty also has some long stretches of deep sand and big potholes where the clay cap has failed on sandhills..

Having said all that in the dry it should be no problem to a careful driver, but it will be hard on shocks and the car in general. I ruined a new pair of Boges on my Range Rover. I have replaced with Bilstiens which can take the pounding from corrugations.

Regards Philip A

Hi magic,

Maybe your travel companion might be interested in buying a 4 w/d. A black pajero perhaps? I know just where he might secure one for the princely sum of $18,000 and its in very good condition.

Also has a brand new set of Bridgestone D 694's all round and the electricals needed have been installed already.

I might have to give him a call.

That would solve the road problem.

Cheers.

Magic
Go for it, you'll have a great adventure, I travelled the then 2 wheel mark Oodnadatta Track 1966/67 in a 62 Holden, 1968 in a 63 Holden,1969 in an Austin 1800, the Strezlecki track is a freeway compared to where I went in the cars back then,

.

Magic,

I also would not "risk" running a volvo in that type of country, there are too many variables to come across, where a 4WD can overcome most of these with ease the 'swedish block of flats' i think more than likely would struggle, corrugations,sand,bulldust pits and possibly wet/sticky patches would bring it to a standstill. not to mention large rocks doing some damage.on my last venture out that way i destroyed a shock and guard, imagine that was the volvo sump!plus i think it would be quite hard to find"suitable" tyres to fit it,LTs maybe but no better than that. this is my 20c's worth anyway. cheers Paul

Its been a long time since the Strezlecki was a track! I keep hearing rumours about it getting some bitumen soon. Maybe by September there will be a bit of black stuff to travel on.

The roads you mention are all OK in the Volvo provided it is driven to the conditions, and especially with a 4wd vehicle as backup. An extra spare tyre and tube are essential. If it rains, you'll need to stay put until it dries! And like Darian has pointed out, Innamincka is only a few hours north of Merti Merti.

Total aside Jeannie, but more important, how's your boy?

Called your mobile last weekend but it was off, and sorry, I forgot to call again.

We hope he is well on the mend.

Best wishes,

Jim and Jenny.

Three months ago the 'track' was a 90 - 100 k road. There is a lot of work going on and I understand that several long straight bits will be sealed to provide dust / stone free stretches so that vehicles can get by pass road trains safely. Frankly, it's a bit boring (dry). I would think that worst problem would be some of the 4wd 'hoons' who insist on travelling to fast when approaching and throw stones at you as they pass.

The only problem I foresee is one of comfort. We all drove tracks like the 'lecki in Holdens, Fords and Valiants before 4WD's came along. Today I'd rather be in a fourbie, but stories about laying underneath the Volvo to re-attach the exhaust system that's rattled off will be worth a few drinks one day. 4 driving weels also help you stay in a straight line on corrugations and bulldust, you'll just need to temper your speed to suit the vehicle & track.
Besides, it'll mean one less Volvo driver intown that month ..and that can't be a bad thing!

Magic,
People get a bit precious about their 4x4. They all want guarantees. The Nullarbor to Perth used to be tougher than the roads you mention, and people used to do it in early Holdens, Ford Prefect, etc. I have a landcruiser cos its easier, but have done thousands of outback kms in a car. Many locals use a 2 wheel drive car. Too be successful you need dry roads, strong tyres and spares, and be prepared to take your time (the hard bit). If this falls in place, no probs. If one of these occurs it will probably take you longer, and you will have better memories of adversity overcome.
Just go for it.
Ian

I did the same trip a few years back with my brothers in a Magna Station Wagon. I don't think the roads will pose too much of a problem but again, the later model (newer) the vehicle and condition it is in, the better. I'd check the road conditions for the Strez on the SA roads website. It gets a lot of truck traffic so can be very rough. A matter of taking it easy, having good tyres and making sure you have the top level RACV cover. $160 well spent.

Cheers Mick

Hi Jeannie,

If your talking to Dave you might mention my offer. He can have my paj and my power wheel for his camper.....lol

I'm hoping to have another 4 w/d by that time next year.

I think its a distinct possibility we will be accompanying you on that trip so we will see what happens between now and then.

Cheers.

Should have said - a few yaars back I did see a Porsche 911 running up the Strzelecki - some wag wanting to prove something - means nothing in the grand scheme of things of course - the stone chips alone would have cost a lot to get rid of - a few years earlier than that encounter there was a Morris Minor convention up at Innamincka too - mobs of them lined up in front of the Trading Post - er... also - a few weeks back there was a Citroen 2CV (or whatever) convention of some sort up at Kununurra - saw one rattling along a particularly rough section of the Gibb River road - might be further food for your thoughts :-o).

I'd suggest you drive straight on past Peterborough,Theres a Drunken Ol Bum in the area that walks around with a Gold Detector slung over one shoulder..

He's not a bad bloke when he's not Moon shining though ! lmao


Cheers