Sydney - Coober Pedy - Uluru - Marree - Return MUST SEE SUGGESTIONS PLEASE

Hi Craig,
15 days, Sydney, Broken Hill, Coober Pedy, The Rock, Return trip to Sydney is open to suggestions? I had considered going to Lake Ayre.
2002 DID Pajero, 2000 Cavalier Camper.
Thanks,
Zenon

2 weeks is a bit tight over that distance so would need to put in a few long days at each end to allow some looking around. Just north of Coober Pedy there is a nice area not unlike the painted desert worth a drive through. Head out on the road towards Oodnadatta then turn left following the dingo fence back to the main highway. (about a 1 hour detour)
At Uluru allow at least 1.5 days to climb the rock & do a couple of walks then 1 day at Kings Canyon. Alice Springs is just up the road but unless you like long fast days time will beat you.
Dropping back down to Marla you could take the Oodnadatta track which is possibly one of the most interesting outback roads in Oz. A good map will highlight all the historical sights & attractions along the way. It is a little rough in places particually for a road going version of the camper but with a few precautions (eg:pack light/good tyres/carry additional spares) & driven slowly should be OK.
Lake Eyre will probably be fairly dry by October so not worth the side trip. (Can see Lake Eyre South from the road)
Again depending on time you then have a couple of options of either heading up the Strzelecki to Camerons Cnr, Tibooburra & home or cutting through the Flinders Ranges & back to Broken Hill. (worth a day as well)
"Will the Camper handle it?" (Slipper springs, no stone gaurd/light frame/questionalble tyres?). It's really not built for dirt roads but many people tow vans with cars along there so it is more than possible to do.
Cheers Craig.............
PS: October will be getting a little warm too.

Could you please advise on good maps to buy for the area's mentioned including electronic maps.
That way I can take on all suggestions and map a route to match the time we have.
I was thinking of taking spare springs/bearings/eye bolts/ U bolts/wheel and extra tyre.
The heat we don't mind as we used to live in country NSW before, under 40C is fine.
The roads sound like our old local roads, stuffed after rain and great after the grader came through. I assume that most of these outback roads are of that type, they do get graded occasionally?
Thanks,
Zenon

I find the Westprint maps are a good basic touring map with most of the camp locations, historical sites & attractions marked along with notes on all the early explorers & emergeny contacts etc. The Hema map is another good one for overall planning.
You'll probably find the Oodnadatta track is quite a bit rougher (rocky) than your local roads.
Cheers Craig...........

I towed a standard road Coromal pop top van behind a Troopie .. no road problems ... I did fit a stone guard (home made) to the front of the van .. and carried (but did not need) extra spare tyres / rims for van and vehicle .. I did lower tyre pressures as recommended by Pink Roadhouse

I have found the web linkhttp://www.camp-underground.com.au
Thank you for that, that will be interesting.
Zenon

Hi Lexie,

Broken Hill is a great place, I stopped there once before for a day and left 5 days later. This time I will drive straight through after my fuel stop.
I will plot your suggestions as well, it seems that we will easily fill 2 months if we had the time. I am considering roughing it on this trip with my family, my boys are 13 and 15. This way we should see more by stopping and sleeping over at more places of interest.

Thank you for your input,
Zenon

Try to fit Woomera in while you're in that neck of the woods. Great park there and plenty to see especially the rocket museum. Certainly suprised us what the town had to offer.Image Could Not Be Found

Hi Glenn,

That is a relief to read that the camper had no problems. The tyre pressure comment was a reminder that I need to buy a new pump. I am going to fit light truck tyres to the trailer, they can deal with the rough roads a little better.
I have lots of places of interest to research and will add yours to my list. I did forget about the FLIES, those wonderful FLIES! They always add protein to the sandwiches.

Thanks,
Zenon

Hi Val,

I'm going to print information on all points of interest and organise them in order of preference related to members comments and see how many we can visit in the alloted time.
The Painted Desert sounds interesting, it is beautiful around Broken Hill and expect this may be similar.

Thanks for your comments,
Zenon

Yes, The Breakaways is definitely a 'must see'.

Breath taking views definitely worth adding to our trip. When we last visited the Outback sculptures, it was a timeless visit that helps bring things into perspective. I do believe this will be similar.

Zenon

When you mentioned to "protect the back of you vehicle from stones bouncing back of the camper". Is that the main purpose of the deflector on the front of campers?
We also normally do some very long hauls and sleep in a cabin that night.
Thank you for including your trip details as it helps with my trip planning.

Zenon

Hi Rob,

I will be some how fitting a shade cloth arrangement to the camper. Other changes will be to fit;
* 1200kg 45mm Eye to Eye springs
* 6 stud hubs
* Extend draw bar by 300mm
* Removable 50mm hitch
* 1/4" plate between new spring hangers and current chassis
* 6 stud 14" rims and LT tyres

I am also looking to extend the mud flaps on my car with some thin rubber sheet.

This should keep me out of trouble.

Zenon