Googs track -Gawler ranges access

Paul,

All the roads you describe are open to the public. The road west of Malbooma is supposedly private property of Southern Rail.

Check the Archives and Trek notes reports on both Gawler Ranges and Googs on this site.

There are no facilities at Tarcoola or Kingoonya apart from Toilets. There is a small National Parks campsite at the southern tip of Lake Gairdner. The track in has mega bulldust.

Have fun.

Willie

Never a dull moment

Hi Paul. Just back last Friday from a trip that included travel from Glendambo across to Malbooma then down Goog's to Ceduna. There are no signs indicating travel along the rail line is not permitted. We encountered no other vehicles whatsoever! We stayed away from any assets resembling Transfield ownership. Camped at Mt Finke and at Goog's Lakes, the latter being highly recommended! Sand flag used as dune peakes quite obscured. Track across to Malbooma from Glendambo very good, 80-90k's quite comfortable. I used the Westprint map which also contains additional info that I found most handy (a few quotes to the travelling party almost left them with a sense that I had real knowledge!!)

We also travelled the section from Forrest to Rawlinna. The lady of the house at Forrest recommended that we stay a respectable distance from the line as the train drivers get a bit anxious with travellers standing or being parked/driving too close to the line. At nearly 2k's long and mega tones in weight I fully understood the rationale for her advice. Travel along this section was, in contrast, slow and requiring a higher level of concentration.

I saw no evidence nor any indications generally that travel along your proposed route was restricted. Our approach was to do nothing to draw attention to ourselves and to generally keep clear of Transfield's operations. They have a lot invested in keeping their operation alive and provided this is respected I fail to see any problems for future travellers. It was a shame to see so many of the old train worker's residences trashed, particularly the last remaining house structure at Loongana. Not sure why or by whom but unfortunate nevertheless. Kingoonya and Tarcoola quite good in comparison.

Anyway I hope this helps and enjoy Goog's track.

PS my little bloke (7 y/o) got a large train toot and a wave from a passing train driver and his assistant (at Haig) in response to his wave.......100 metres off from the line. Made his day and says something about our presence!!??!