Anne Beadell Highway Conditions

Hi Phil
The recent rains that went through the whole northern area of the state has closed many areas and there is quite a bit more rain on its way into the same areas over the next few days. Having been there and done that, I am not going to get caught out there in the mud, so will kill a couple of weeks in the hope that it will dry out with warmer weather on its way.

Fiona and I have decided to kill that time in heading over to Laverton and then do the full AB. When I spoke to the Great Beyond yesterday in Laverton, she said all roads were open and in good condition, with fine clear skies and no rain for the last two weeks and nothing in the near future. As we are leaving next Wednesday, even if it has stopped raining up north in our state, it will be a good week to 10 days at least to avoid all that mud and the chance of getting bogged when travelling solo. The last thing I want to use is the MaxTrax if I can get away with it. When we get to Cooper Pedy and if the roads are still wet, it will be an end to our trip and head back home down the Stuart Highway.

Have a great trip to where ever you end up going.

Cheers

Stephen

Gday again Stephen,
I was speaking to one of the people this afternoon, who arrived in Coober Pedy today. He said there was a bit of ponded water each side of Tallaringa, but was fine to drive through. Said they had a single thunder storm 2 nights ago, but that was the only rain.

Our group (6 vehicles) will be around Emu on about 19th-20th August. I'm guessing you might have already gone past by then though.

Cheers
phil

Hi Phil
Thanks for that. I spoke with Ilkurlka Roadhouse yesterday and he said that there was a little rain a few weeks ago, which improved things a little but has not caused any problems at all. Have a great trip.

Cheers

Stephen

Went along AB Hwy in late May - little bit of drizzle but track was fine.

However these things can change very quickly

That's good to hear Scott.
It must've been graded some time between now and when we were on it.
It needed it!
Take care, safe travels.
Kind Regards, Ma.

Ma,
the South Australian side of the Anne Beadell Hwy was last graded in the 1960's. The West Australian side gets graded up to about 70k west of the border. The Cook Road was graded a couple of years ago for mining exploration.

Yep, the South Australian side is badly corrugated as always. Some say that's good as it keeps the GVD pristine; others disagree because it can wreck vehicles and there is no one who'll come out to fetch a damaged vehicle.

I usually run tyre pressures at about 18-22 psi and take it easy on those badly corrugated sections - prevents vehicle damage.

Hi Ma and Pa
We know what is in store and like others have mentioned above, low speed, reduced tyre pressures and new shockers should make the trip more bearable.

Have a Great trip on the SBJ, it is a good drive.

Cheers

Stephen

Hi Phill & Stephen,
It wasn't us who limped into Coober pedy, we do what you do but it's very badly corrugated around Emu.
Enjoy your trip Stephen, if rain doesn't stop you. Rain might stop us too! anyway there's always plan B.
Take care, safe travels.
Bye for now. Ma.

Hi Scrubby
I know what it is like, but am a gluten for punishment. You were lucky to get thought the desert when you did, as there is a lot more rain on its way, the last thing that we wanted so close before setting out. It is going to make the northern tracks in our state very interesting to say the least.

I will see how we go.


Cheers

Stephen

I will second that Scrubby
Not to mention the overgrown section's.
I am still making my way back to Brisbane and waiting for roads to open again
Cheers
Russ

Hi Peter
Great picture. We will be travelling from the West from Laverton all the way along the AB to Coober Pedy. I will try and get you an update of that location you informed me about.

Cheers

Stephen

Hi Stewart
It is going to come down to the wire, but at this stage the AB looks like a 99% goer, as the only way to Mt Dare at the moment is via Kulgera.

I am planning on taking 5 days to get to Laverton and should hit the AB on the Monday, meaning you will be a day in front of us. I will keep an eye and ear out for you.

Have a great trip and may see you out there.

Cheers

Stephen