Sandy Blight Junction track

Submitted: Monday, Aug 10, 2009 at 21:38

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Sandy Blight Junction Road

The Sandy Blight Junction Road is one of those great four wheel drive trips that one visit will not be enough to experience the true beauty of this remote part of Outback Australia.

Kanga1

Hi all, am a bit confused about being "allowed" to camp along the SBJT, in treks on this site it says allow 3 days, we were planning to do it over 2 days, after speaking with the CLC and DIA regarding transit permits today, both sides of the border they tell me is a no-no for a camp "unless is an emergency" it's going to be a pretty big day driving from Redbank Gorge ( the closest camp site I can see to Kintore, all the way through to Warakurna,) can anyone relate their experiences for travelling/camping through this area, we are travelling through there in October this year. Cheers Kanga1

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Reply By: Member - Michael J (SA) - Monday, Aug 10, 2009 at 21:46

Monday, Aug 10, 2009 at 21:46

G'day Kanga,

Camp where you need to do so.

It could always be an 'emergency'............

I would not anticipate any problems.

Cheers
Michael

AnswerID: 378444

Follow Up By: Member - Fred B (NT) - Monday, Aug 10, 2009 at 22:24

Monday, Aug 10, 2009 at 22:24

when tired you shouldn't drive.... right! So pull up and eat and sleep when you need to. If asked, you were too tired to continue... (:

Fred B
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FollowupID: 645832

Follow Up By: Kanga1 - Monday, Aug 10, 2009 at 23:55

Monday, Aug 10, 2009 at 23:55

Sounds a bit of a grey area, chances are the local people probably aren't too bothered about much regarding travellers, but the legislators in towns are, anyhow common sense will hopefully prevail, we'll travel safe and rest when we have to. Thanks for the comments, Kanga1

FollowupID: 645839

Reply By: Peter_n_Margaret - Monday, Aug 10, 2009 at 22:35

Monday, Aug 10, 2009 at 22:35

Just stay close to the road and do not go to Bungabiddy Rockhole and you should be fine.
There is a nice camp at the base of the Davenport Hills.
It is a nice drive. You will enjoy it.
There are some pics on the link below on a slide show from 2003.

Cheers,
PeterOKA196 Motorhome.

AnswerID: 378454

Follow Up By: Kanga1 - Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 00:03

Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 00:03

Thanks for your reply Peter and Margaret, we were really hoping to visit Bungabiddy Rockhole, could you please tell me why it is a no go? Nice pics and real nice OKA. Thanks again, hope to hear back about Bungabiddy. Kanga1

FollowupID: 645840

Follow Up By: Peter_n_Margaret - Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 08:28

Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 08:28

Kanga1, I had heard that the TOs had put it "off limits".
But I guess if there is nothing mentioned on the permit info and no signs to that effect you could take a look. It is not far off the road. Just treat the area with respect and I suggest not camping there in any case.
You will notice that there were also some pics on the slideshow titled "Kurlkuta track" too. That is also off limits without special permission, as is the Tjukuurla roads and community.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 Motorhome

FollowupID: 645854

Follow Up By: Kanga1 - Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 09:34

Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 09:34

Thanks again Peter_n_Margaret, I'll check on the permit for that section when it comes through. Cheers and happy trails, Kanga1.

FollowupID: 645866

Follow Up By: Member -Signman - Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 15:14

Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 15:14

Kanga
If you 'happen' to take a wrong turn, and 'happen' to get to Bungabiddy Rockhole- it's worth your time..
And as Peter says- treat it with respect and acknowledge it's existence.
It is an awesome place !!

FollowupID: 645896

Follow Up By: Member - Megan and Kevin D (AC - Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 22:52

Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 22:52

Hi there
Not sure why you're advising against Bungabiddy Rockhole as a camp site. Maybe there is some info I don't have but we camped there in July and it was fabulous - so good we had two nights there.

In all, we spent four nights on the SBJ Track - one just south of Kintore under the massive Mt Lienster, one at the Sir Frederick Range and finally two at Bungabiddy. The SBJ Track was one of the highlights of trip.

Just take it easy! Usually helps keep everything working pretty nicely, although the unexpected can always happen as we found out.

I think I have described our trip on the SBJ Track in one of my blogs - try searching for the full name and hopefully you'll find it.

Cheers
Megan

FollowupID: 645972

Reply By: Member - Mick O (VIC) - Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 06:54

Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 06:54

You'll find ample places along the route where people have camped prevously. Also note that the bore and handpump at the half way mark was producing salty water at this time last year so don't mix it with good water until you've tried it. Could you check the pump and perhaps give us an update regarding water quality when you get back.

Enjoy. It's a great drive. Mick

''We knew from the experience of well-known travelers that the
trip would doubtless be attended with much hardship.''
Richard Maurice - 1903

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AnswerID: 378471

Follow Up By: Kanga1 - Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 09:44

Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 09:44

Cheers Mick, we should be OK for water when we come through that section, but will definately check the pump out, we should get back to Perth in the late teens early 20's in October, so I'll put a thread on regarding info on the pump. Have enjoyed reading your blogs Mick, hope the new vehicle works out for you. Are we ever likely to hear from Willem again at EO? seeyalater, Kanga1.

FollowupID: 645867

Follow Up By: Member - Mick O (VIC) - Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 14:19

Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 14:19

Enjoy Kanga. Wish I was back out there myself. New vehicle is taking shape despite it being yet to be built. I've been sourcing quotes for the tray and pods. As far as the pump is concerned you could update the info direct to the "Place" page for it. The link is below. As for your last question, I'll reserve judgement on that lol.

Be safe. Mick

Sandy Blight Bore & Hand Pump

''We knew from the experience of well-known travelers that the
trip would doubtless be attended with much hardship.''
Richard Maurice - 1903

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Follow Up By: Richard Kovac - Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 21:39

Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 21:39

That one darn good looking Troopy in that photo Mick.

FollowupID: 645950

Reply By: Hairy (NT) - Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 21:14

Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 21:14

Gday,
As others have said....camp where you need to.
Dont camp near bores, dams, yards or anything significant and if they dont know your there, no one will care.
Stay out of sight though or you might get visitors you dont want.

Cheers

AnswerID: 378574

Reply By: Motherhen - Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 21:44

Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 at 21:44

Friends of ours spent around three days getting through the SBJ track a couple of months ago. They were warned before hand that if they had a breakdown and needed recovering, it would be $10,000 for the vehicle plus $10,000 for the van. Corrugations were so bad in some places that they were down to 3 km/hr, and they had to 'bypass' a washout. They found the rockhole and other important places along the track.

Motherhen

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Reply By: xxx - Friday, Aug 14, 2009 at 23:39

Friday, Aug 14, 2009 at 23:39

Anywhere north of Tjukurla is great camping. South of there sees a lot of traffic. Great spots near Davenport Range, Sir Frederick Range, Mu Hills, in the stands of desert oaks in dune country. This is one of the best remote tracks on the planet. Please keep it that way by not leaving rubbish etc.

The wallopers are often called from Kintore to Tjukurla. For them its about a one hour drive. Meeting them head on can be interesting. They are always friendly and never seem to mind people camping anywhere.

In the 70s a friend found a dead Canadian teacher on the SBJT who thought he might take in a bit of the outback before heading home for Christmas. If you camp near where he karked it expect a little nocturnal disturbance.

We camped at the foot of the Davenport Range in June. Take the 'chicken' loop to the west and it takes you right to the spot.

AnswerID: 379052

Follow Up By: Kanga1 - Saturday, Aug 15, 2009 at 10:01

Saturday, Aug 15, 2009 at 10:01

XXX, thanks for your input, we are coming down from Kintore so we'll probably cause a traffic jam for the "wallopers" . All we leave behind is wheel and footprints, pristine, rubbish free bush holds a photo in all directions. Just hope it won't be too hot in first week October, cheers. Kanga1

FollowupID: 646476