Tanami track

Submitted: Monday, Jan 23, 2012 at 18:20

ThreadID: 91403 Views:2947 Replies:3 FollowUps:6

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The Tanami Track

The Tanami Track is essentially a great short-cut linking the Red Centre to the Kimberley. Although once a notorious 4WD track, it is now a graded dirt highway.

The Tanami Track

Section: Treks

The Tanami Track is essentially a great short-cut linking the Red Centre to the Kimberley. Although once a notorious 4WD track, it is now a graded dirt highway.

wilco318

Hi all

The other half and myself are going up to the Kimberley via the Tanami track in July and we will be towing a Bushranger off road camper trailer, with a 2000 model Jeep Cherokee. I have some concerns about fuel and availbility as the std tank on the jeep is 75L and I will be carrying an extra 40 on the camper trailer. On the great desert tracks map it shows fuel as being availble at; Tilmouth roadhouse, Yuendumu, Rabbit flat (now closed), and the following two places, Balgo (Wirrimanu) and Billluna (Mindibungu), with the 115 liters of fuel I will be right on my saftey limit by Billiuna and Definetly not enough to Halls Creek. So what I would like to know is, what is the fuel relability like at, Balgo (Wirrimanu) and Billluna (Mindibungu)? Also any other advise would be appreciated as its been quite some years since I have done long distance outback travel on dirt roads.

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Reply By: Member - Michael P (QLD) - Monday, Jan 23, 2012 at 18:40

Monday, Jan 23, 2012 at 18:40

wilco318 Hi,

Can't help You with Balgo but Billiluna have a card system. They have a credit type card that You top up in the shop for a specified amount say $50.00 then the bowser will dispense that amount. NO REFUNDS so purchase what Your vehicle will take. The shop is 100% strict on opening and closing times including lunch times.

Regards Mike.

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Follow Up By: jothefw - Tuesday, Jan 24, 2012 at 18:22

Tuesday, Jan 24, 2012 at 18:22

We did the Tanami last July - at that stage paid $2.05/litre at Tilmouth and then our friends with their thirsty 100 series paid $2.75/litre at Billiluna - they very quickly bought two extra Jerrys when we got to civilisation after that.

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Reply By: Whirlwinder - Monday, Jan 23, 2012 at 18:43

Monday, Jan 23, 2012 at 18:43

How about just carrying another 2 jerrys?

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Reply By: Member - Marc Luther B (WA) - Monday, Jan 23, 2012 at 18:53

Monday, Jan 23, 2012 at 18:53

Hi Wilco318
Balgo shop is open Mon - Fri 0930 - 1200 and 1400 to 1600 hors, and Sat 0930 - 1230 hrs, and are now reliable for fuel. It is $2:20 @ litre.
I live at Mulan, about 44 km's SE of Balgo, so although I am not an expert, I have a little knowledge.
Cheers
Marc

Why travel overseas, you could travel Australia your entire life, and not see it all.

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Follow Up By: i'machocoholic - Monday, Jan 23, 2012 at 19:20

Monday, Jan 23, 2012 at 19:20

Hi Marc,

We will be using this route a little later this year and the information you have supplied is much appreciated. Thanks!

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Follow Up By: Member - Tony H (touring oz) - Monday, Jan 23, 2012 at 19:54

Monday, Jan 23, 2012 at 19:54

G'Day Marc,
Are Pete & Barb still managing the store at Balgo?
Regards
Tony H

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Follow Up By: Member - Marc Luther B (WA) - Monday, Jan 23, 2012 at 20:03

Monday, Jan 23, 2012 at 20:03

Hi Tony

Yes Pete and Barb are still managing the store there, though they are presently on holidays. We could have used your knowledge at Billiluna last week, when the entire community lost power for nearly 6 hours. I got that frustrated I drove back to Mulan through the back road.

Stay well my friend.
Regards
Marc

Why travel overseas, you could travel Australia your entire life, and not see it all.

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Follow Up By: Member - Marc Luther B (WA) - Monday, Jan 23, 2012 at 20:05

Monday, Jan 23, 2012 at 20:05

Hi i'machoholic
Have a great trip later in the year.
Marc

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Follow Up By: wilco318 - Tuesday, Jan 24, 2012 at 21:25

Tuesday, Jan 24, 2012 at 21:25

Hi

Thanks you for the info. I do not mind paying extra and supporting the smaller communities. I will call into either Balgo or Billluna poss both.

Regards
Kelvin

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