Eyre Creek and Bypass

Darian, this is fairly accurate advice. It is important to walk first because there are normally boulders in this crossing and then you have an idea where the boulders are. We put the star picket in some years ago and it is quite right to stay (reasonably)upstream on the way across. Another point to remember if there are a number of vehicles crossing that on reaching the western side it is a small but steep climb out of the water which requires some oomph but with a very sharp right hand turn with not much room to move because the sand dune comes right down. With each vehicle climbing up and out the climb out gets wetter and slipprier - something to watch out for. Be very careful doing the crossing and take your time - I've seen a number of vehicles drown their engines due to speed, panic and hitting a boulder the wrong way.
Good luck to everyone and enjoy - remember it is 30 klms from Eyre Creek up to the crossing and then 30 klms south again to join the track - make sure you take the extra fuel into account. Also remember that some of the swales will still be muddy - and until you get to the rabbit fence this crossing is on private property and a working cattle station - please respect this and no yahooing (that goes for in the swales as well). Safe travels.

It sounds like you've been exploring again. Wim emailed me the other day after his travels. We spoke on the HF when he was out near Lake Caroline somewhere.

See ya soon

David, I thought you were to meet up with Wim? Is he back - I thought his trip was going to a much longer one? Hope your trips are going to be lots of fun. Sully is in Birdsville, as usual this time of the year!

Hi Ruth

His trip ended early with some broken vehicles and some very tough going. He emailed me from his work email so I guess he is back.

I offered over the HF for him to join us somewhere in the Simpson probably on the Hay but he said timing was wrong.

Cheers
David

Trips should be good. ABC 730 report caused the phone to ring off the hook for ages :-)

Let Sully know I'll be expecting a warm campfire and a cold beer :-).

Wish Jussie was able to travel out there again...her work is pretty hectic, but I'll get her out there soon.

The main traffic will be aound Lake Eyre.

Don did mention to me when he expected that the bypass would be no longer needed (guestimate), but I can't remember what he said I think August.

David

Thanks for the feedback David. We plan to leave Birdsville on the 23rd June heading to Mt Dare via French Line.

I would be keen to hear how prople have been finding that trip now that the track is open again.

Thanks,

Peter

I am sure someone will let you know. We prefer a more circuitous route than the French Line so won't be able to give advice on the condition of all of it. The QAA in the last few years has been soft just east of Lake Peoppel for the first 10 or 20 k.