Oodnadatta Track

Submitted: Saturday, Apr 30, 2011 at 10:26

ThreadID: 85971 Views:2832 Replies:7 FollowUps:8

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Oodnadatta Track

If you’re a history buff you’re going to go nuts crossing the Oodnadatta Track. The track follows the orignal Ghan line from Marla to Oodnadatta and then on to Marree. There's stacks of ruins,

Oodnadatta Track

Section: Treks

If you're a history buff you're going to go nuts crossing the Oodnadatta Track. The track follows the original Ghan line from Marree to Oodnadatta. There's stacks of ruins, mound springs,

patrolmann

Hi guys,
We are a group of 4 Nissan patrols with on road vans heading from Adelaide up to Lake Eyre on May14th 2011 and and then follow the Oodnadatta Track up to Marla and onto Alice Springs. Looking for some information on track conditions, Has anybody done the track in the last two weeks.
We have we checking the Road conditions and just looking for some better info.
Thanks
Patrolman

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Reply By: patrolmann - Saturday, Apr 30, 2011 at 10:33

Saturday, Apr 30, 2011 at 10:33

Sorry guys,
Should have added we are experienced 4x4 drivers and always drive to road conditions
Hope this helps

AnswerID: 452820

Reply By: vk1dx - Saturday, Apr 30, 2011 at 10:51

Saturday, Apr 30, 2011 at 10:51

At Easter:

If it stays that way you will not be allowed to continue

Phil

AnswerID: 452823

Follow Up By: jdbb - Saturday, Apr 30, 2011 at 19:11

Saturday, Apr 30, 2011 at 19:11

Can someone explain the 4WD/HV bit on the sign above.

Does it mean 4WD/HV to use caution?

Are 2WD vehicles allowed on that section of road?

If I'm towing a van behind a 4WD, and the 4WD weighs less than 3 tonne but tug/van combination weighs 4.5 tonne is the rig classified as a 4WD under 3 tonne or HV over 3 tonne?

John

FollowupID: 725598

Follow Up By: vk1dx - Saturday, Apr 30, 2011 at 19:23

Saturday, Apr 30, 2011 at 19:23

Hi John

4WD means any full 4WD vehicle less than 3000Kg. Not softroaders or 2wd.

I believe that also includes any trailer etc. HV = heavy vehicle or semi or raod train.

I wouldn't go there with your combo. Unless someone categorically quotes the actual written word.

Phil

FollowupID: 725603

Follow Up By: vk1dx - Saturday, Apr 30, 2011 at 19:39

Saturday, Apr 30, 2011 at 19:39

I cannot find a definitive definition of what 4WD/HV means. The statements I have read so far center on the weight and are so ambiguous that you could drive the Cooper Creek ferry through it. It doesn't even mention Tare or GVM. $3000Kg 4WD would also exclude our 100 series with a GVM of 3270Kg (I think). And it certainly is NOT a truck. And people say its not necessary to know grammar. Grrrrrr

Best of luck.

Thank heavens we do not have a caravan or trailer.

Phil

FollowupID: 725606

Reply By: Member - Rod D (VIC) - Saturday, Apr 30, 2011 at 11:36

Saturday, Apr 30, 2011 at 11:36

Came down the Oodnadatta 2 days ago from Marla to Maree

It was a bit rough in places between Oodnadatta and William Creek around creeks and floodways but nothing difficult.

I wasnt towing a van but there were a lot heading up the track.

AnswerID: 452828

Follow Up By: Member - Rod D (VIC) - Saturday, Apr 30, 2011 at 11:39

Saturday, Apr 30, 2011 at 11:39

Forgot to add it was still 4WD/HV on the Oodnadatta to William Creek section

FollowupID: 725540

Follow Up By: patrolmann - Saturday, Apr 30, 2011 at 11:43

Saturday, Apr 30, 2011 at 11:43

Thanks for that Rod, So with care we should be able to get through. Will leave the vans at Marree maybe and drive from there up to see the Lake. One road to the lake is open the other still shut so will see how it is when we get there.
Thanks
patrolman

FollowupID: 725542

Follow Up By: vk1dx - Saturday, Apr 30, 2011 at 14:02

Saturday, Apr 30, 2011 at 14:02

Good idea to leave the vans at Marree. 4WD is classed as less than 3000Kg. Any Patrol and van combination would top that very easily.

We just came back from Lake Eyre. You may reconsider driving in to see the lake. The drive isn't a problem. It's being able to see the lake when you get there.

I recommend that you think about a flight. Maybe not the helicopter but a fixed wing may be better for a group.

Flight over Lake Eyre

Phil

FollowupID: 725561

Reply By: Member-George (WA) - Saturday, Apr 30, 2011 at 13:15

Saturday, Apr 30, 2011 at 13:15

I know of a caravan, 18' Roadstar went from Marree to oodnadetta about 1 week ago. Had no problem getting there. Cheers

Member
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AnswerID: 452833

Follow Up By: vk1dx - Saturday, Apr 30, 2011 at 19:25

Saturday, Apr 30, 2011 at 19:25

Was it legal though? Thats what he wanted to know.

Phil

FollowupID: 725605

Reply By: Pouchey - Saturday, Apr 30, 2011 at 21:33

Saturday, Apr 30, 2011 at 21:33

Patrolman
Keep an eye on the following link it will give you the current status of roads in the area
Site Link

Regards Mick

AnswerID: 452866

Reply By: poitr - Sunday, May 01, 2011 at 16:29

Sunday, May 01, 2011 at 16:29

Was on the Oodnadatta track a week ago. Its in excellent condition all the way from Marree through Oodnadatta to Marla. Just a couple of low water crossings (eg., Neals River).
If you can afford it, its worth taking a flight with Wrightsair from William Creek out to Lake Eyre and up to the Warburton.
Enjoy the trip Poitr

AnswerID: 452937

Follow Up By: poitr - Sunday, May 01, 2011 at 18:41

Sunday, May 01, 2011 at 18:41

Patrolmen,
Meant to add that there are a couple of bumpy dry creek crossings just west of the Dalhousie turnoff, but they won't be any problem for vans.
Poitr

FollowupID: 725704

Reply By: napalm_999 - Sunday, May 01, 2011 at 18:22

Sunday, May 01, 2011 at 18:22

Just back yesterday and the track (from Oodnadatta to Maree atleast) was perfect. Comfrotably sit on 80 (or above if you like living on the edge) for 90% of the track. Obviously the washouts will make you pay if you do. The washouts themselves are negotiable at 30 to 50 km/hr. I did not engage 4wd once the entire track as it's most certainly been grated for the Easter crowds.

AnswerID: 452949