Hahndorf to Lyndhurst

Submitted: Wednesday, Jun 16, 2010 at 13:29
ThreadID: 79403 Views:2920 Replies:2 FollowUps:7
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G'day All,
SWMBO and I visit our daughter in Hahndorf mid September then plan to return to the Gold Coast via the Birdsville Track. Just gotta see what the country looks like in springtime (green grass, birds and flowers?) after all that rain and flooding and cross the Cooper on the punt.

I am allowing a 7 to 10 days for the drive home. We carry camping gear but also use other available accommodation at times. I like country pubs!

Questions:
1. If we get an early start, is the drive from Adelaide Hills to Lyndhurst too much to do in one day?
2. Is the road via Wilpena Pound and Blinman more scenic/recommended rather than straight up the main road?
3. Is the accommodation in the Lyndhurst Hotel acceptable? We are happy with basic accommodation so long as it is clean.

I was initially looking at other places for the first overnight stop but liked the look of the Lyndhurst Hotel website. Sorta seemed inviting. We plan to stop the 2nd night at the Mungeranni Pub.

Cheers



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Reply By: MEMBER - Darian, SA - Wednesday, Jun 16, 2010 at 13:51

Wednesday, Jun 16, 2010 at 13:51
1. Adelaide straight up to Lyndhurst is ok as a one day drive IMV (have done that a few times), but little time for stopping other than a couple of coffee breaks (but we only cruise - never on the limit).
2. Wilpena - Blinman is the better drive, but a lot of time taken up there - sealed to Blinman now, but gravel to Copley. Lyndhurst would be a very late arrival it seems.
3. Can't say Re the L pub - Blinman has a pub with accommodation though.
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Follow Up By: PandJ - Wednesday, Jun 16, 2010 at 15:15

Wednesday, Jun 16, 2010 at 15:15
Doodle
Answer is Yes to all. I think Darian means the Blinman to Parachilna road is dirt but well worth the drive. Cheers and enjoy P&J
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Follow Up By: Doodle - Wednesday, Jun 16, 2010 at 16:04

Wednesday, Jun 16, 2010 at 16:04
Thanks Darien & PandJ,
I think I will confirm that as a plan and leave Hahndorf at daybreak. I also like to just cruise and see the sights so if we are a bit late arriving at Lyndhurst, no problem. We won't have to take time setting up camp if we stay at the pub.

Cheers guys
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Follow Up By: MEMBER - Darian, SA - Wednesday, Jun 16, 2010 at 18:11

Wednesday, Jun 16, 2010 at 18:11
Indeed PandJ - thanks - another vague-out :-o) - Copley being on the end of the Balcanoona/Arkaroola run - Parachilna connects with Blinman as you say.
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Follow Up By: Dremus - Wednesday, Jun 16, 2010 at 22:59

Wednesday, Jun 16, 2010 at 22:59
Took a 24 foot van from Blinman to Para about 8 wks ago and it was fine. They were even working on the road then, making it even better.
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Reply By: Fab72 - Wednesday, Jun 16, 2010 at 20:17

Wednesday, Jun 16, 2010 at 20:17
Hi Doodle,
We're doing a similar run leaving Paradise (NE suburb of Adelaide) on the 27th of Sept.
Our plan is to travel as far as Leigh Creek and spend the first night there.Leigh Creek has an awesome (free) bus coal mine tour that really is worth seeing. Second night we'll spend at Marree before taking to the Birdsville Track and slowing down to a leasuirely pace, then onto Windorah, up to Longreach, across to Rocky then down the coast and back to Adelaide via Canberra. 3 weeks all up.

Anyway, for us, we have done the Blinman, Wilpena area many times so for us, it's a case of zip through fast. If this is your first time through the area, I'd recommend you maybe allow a couple of days and take the opportunity to visit Wilpena Pound, Parachilna Pub, Arkaroola, Beltana, Aroona Dam, Farina, Marree, Leigh Creek etc .....not in that particular order of course.

As for a direct answer to your question...YES...very easy drive and all bitumen if you like. The only section that's dirt along your suggested route is the 30 odd kms from Blinman to Parachilna and that's 2WD Commodore type country.

Either way...enjoy your trip and keep a look out for two Holden Captivas with SA plates on them. One silver, one grey.

Fab.
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Follow Up By: Fab72 - Wednesday, Jun 16, 2010 at 20:19

Wednesday, Jun 16, 2010 at 20:19
Just to clarify...dirt road then recommences at Lyndhurst until whenever....
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Follow Up By: Doodle - Wednesday, Jun 16, 2010 at 22:31

Wednesday, Jun 16, 2010 at 22:31
I am going to take your advice Fab72.
I think we will just take a leisurely drive up to Hawker and overnight at the CP or pub the 1st day. Then Lyndhurst or Marree the 2nd day.
Can you see much of Wilpena Pound by just driving into the area or is a special tour the only way?
We are not real big on tours. We generally like to get asvice from locals in the area and then do our own thing.

Cheers
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Follow Up By: Fab72 - Friday, Jun 18, 2010 at 13:01

Friday, Jun 18, 2010 at 13:01
Doodle...you won't regret it.

At Hawker, I'd recommend the Caravan park in town (as you turn right from the main Port Augusta to Hawker road into the town, you'll go past a servo on the right and it's just a bit further on the right. - it's on the road to Wilpena Pound). Might be a Big 4....I think.

You can get a pretty good appreciation of the pound from the road, but for the best and easiest views, go to the Wilpena Pound resort, park your car and hike in. The short walk will take you about 45 mins, an easy walk and a great view from the top. It will take you straight past the old Wilpena homestead also. If you're after more of a drive...take the turn off through Moralana Drive. Should be great after the rain they've had up there this year. There are tours, but a free mud map from the Wilpena Resort Info Centre will surfice.

If you have any specific questions or you're after some photos, email me at: fabandsonja@hotmail.com

Fab.
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