Coober Pedy to Alice via Chambers

Did this exact route in April. Its a good quick way to Chambers pillar & catch a few extra sights on the way. The Old Ghan track is not as bad a most people say.Just take it easy & watch out for the rail spikes. Its well worth a look.You should make it from Kulgera through Fiinke & in to Chambers in one day (thats sitting back,camp set up & a beer in hand .In time for sunset)

have a safe trip
PMKoff to googs track & gawler ranges................Sept hol's.

Hey Paul,

Thanks for that it is exactly the sort of thing I wanted.

Just one detail missing, what time did you leave Kulgera?

Thanks again
Duncs

Sorry Duncs, When we are travelling day to day we are usually on the road by 9.00am. Not a real hard days travelling

PMK
off to googs track & gawler ranges................Sept hol's.

p.s. Have a look at members rigs at my photos. Pic number 2 is on the Old Ghan Track. Just to give you an idea of the surface.
you'll find pics under - Victoria PaulH.
see yaoff to googs track & gawler ranges................Sept hol's.

If you take the Idracowra T/O then T/L before the railway crossing and follow this track through the Fink Riv. and after about 15k T/R along a fence line, through a gate and you will meet up with the track that comes in from Maryvale.

Tony,

Thanks for that again a couple of questions. Is it easy to follow? I have no GPS. Are the tracks you talk about shown on a map and if so which map.

With the maps I have at the moment part of the route you talk about is shown, is there a proper crossing of the rail track and what is the crossing of the Finke like?

Any idea of time required once you leave the highway?

Finally do you need permission from the property holders?

Thanks for the suggestion
Duncs

The track is easy to follow as it goes alongside the rail line and you are outside the property boundry.

The fink crossing is long and sandy and crosses right beside the rail bridge, I guess its a matter of getting out to have a look and if need be lower tyres a bit, which will also make it easier to get to the Pillar.

The rail crossing is as you turn East to follow the fence line to meet up with the Maryvalle track. Time wise around 2 hours but just drive to suit the conditions it may be more or less.

The last time I used this track permissison was not required as not to many new about it and those that did treated the knowledge with respect.

Thanks again Tony

Duncs

Tony,

Your suggested route to Chambers via the Idracowra T/O sounds great. I had spotted this track on the Raster 250K maps, but was not sure if this track was passible.

My Westprint map "Alice Springs to Uluru" shows that the rail line in question runs straight through the centre of Idracowra station. Thus, I would have expected that you need permission from the station owners.

I'm towing a Coromal camper trailer with a GU Patrol. Would you consider the Finke river passible with a trailer? When was the last time that you used this track?

I will be heading to Chambers in 3.5 weeks. We are off to Red Centre from Perth Sat. Looking forward to the trip!

Cheers,
Gunter.

Hey Gunter

I have a GU with a TrakShak camper be at Chambers 21st or 22nd Sep.

I am thinking about using this track but wiil make enquiries along the way.

If you are in the area at the same time maybe we could keep each other company alog this part of the trip

Not long to go now
Duncs

Hi Duncs,

Unfortunate I will still be in the Kings Canyon & West MacDonnell Ranges on those dates.
I'm will be staying in Alice from 24th to 26th Sept at the MacDonnell Ranges Heritage (Caravan) Park. If you happen to be in the area, look out for me. My rego is 1AKF 708 (WA). I drive a white GU Patrol ST 4500.

I'm not planning to go down to Chambers until the 3rd Oct. I would love to hear from you beforehand if you do decide to use this track. You can contact me on gmuller2@bigpond.net.au.
I have not decided yet if I should "assume" that no permission is required as suggested by Tony above, or contact Idracowra.

I just rang Idracowra a minute ago and made enquiries. A guy there said that the track along the rail line is Railway property and hence off limits. Apart from that he did not think it would be possible to cross the Finke river towing a camper. So I asked him about costs to go past the homestead and up the fence line (station boundary) to Chambers. He that it would be $95 per vehicle, but was not 100% sure (not the station owner I think). I should ring back tonight. I will update this post with further news.

Cheers,
Gunter.