Parkes to Alice Springs via Coober Pedy suggestions.

I'd recommend the half day Coober Pedy tour that runs out of the Stuart Range (think it's called) caravan park; really interesting insider knowledge of the place.

From Alice both the E and W MacDonnells are worth spending time in; and visit the Desert Park out of Alice. The Birds of Prey presentation is sensational.

What sort of vehicle are you driving ?
What time of the year ?

Painted Desert is well worth while but not when it's hot.

KK

Hello k3nn0,

Here are a few ideas. You will probably head from Parkes to Nyngan, Cobar etc. About 30kms west of Cobar there is a road running north that takes you to Mt Grenfall Historic Site. I haven't been here but I've read that its quite interesting with some aboriginal art there. Further on you'll come to Wilcannia - which isn't as bad as people sometimes say and then Broken Hill.Broken Hill is worth spending time looking around with its art galleries and mines. Just about 25kms west is Silverton which is where they filmed one of the Mad Max Movies and its definitely a must go and see. There's an old pub, lots of art galleries etc.

From Broken Hill you could head into South Australia to Yunta and then take the Frome Downs Road up to Arkaroola or go further west and take the road up to Hawker into the Flinders Ranges where you can spend a lot of time looking around all the many attractions there. I would then detour out through Blinman to Arkaroola and stay a few nights there. There are self drive tours but the guided tour to Siller's Look Out is spectacular.

From Arkaroola you could go to Lyndhurst, Copley (where you should visit the bakery for quandong pies) and then head up to Farina to camp for the night. Next Maree and the Oodnadatta Track to William Creek or you could go on the Borefield Track across to Roxby Downs, do a detour out to visit quirky Andamooka then Woomera and on to Glendambo. I'd also suggest a detour out to spend a night at the Kingoonya Pub before heading on to Coober Pedy.

From Coober Pedy you could visit the Break Aways, do a tour, then head out to the Painted Desert and stay at Ackeringa Station before heading to Oodnadatta and then on to Eringa Station waterhole and in to Dalhousie Hot Springs for a day or two. From there you could head north to Mt Dare Station which has the best steaks I've ever eaten. Then its on to the Northern Territory and either head in to the Stuart Highway via Finke or keep going on the Old Ghan Track to Chambers Pillar and on up to Alice or you could detour out on the Old Andado Track and head to Alice Springs that way.

If you went up the Old Ghan Track to Chambers Pillar you could then cut across to the Stuart Highway on the Hugh River Stock Route then head south a bit to Lasseter Highway and on out to Uluru and Kata Tjuta. From there you could head to Kings Canyon and take the Meereenie Loop around to the West McDonnell's and on to Alice from there.

There you are...just a few options ... and you did say time was no problem.

Viv

G'day k3nnO

We did a simiular trip in July, how long have you got?
I could spend a month just doing what VivC recommended and I don't disagree with any of the places that were mentioned. You could spend a week at Broken Hill alone!
Re temperarures, Parkes average Jan maximim is 32, Aliice isn't that much hotter at 36. Depends how fit, hydrated you keep yourself and used to the heat you are.
A lot of the comments about the inland heat are written by coastal people, not used to it. White fellas have worked through the summer inland heat for 150 years. However I would not be doing it with young kids.
We found staying at Stations like Ackaringa (near painted desert), Kings Ck Station and though not a Station, Mt Dare Hotel more relaxed and enjoyable than Caravan Parks. Keep an eye out for those places.

Hi K3NN0

I did the Parkes (I live in Parkes) to Alice Springs via Coober Pedy in March this year.

I can give you my itenary and any suggestions if you like.

Regards Wilko