Oodnadatta track

This summer we want to go to William Creek from Maree but we want to know how difficult is it.
In addition of this we would like to have infromations if there are some places along this road where it's possible to stay during the night in a pemanent tent or similar

Bye
Andrea&Manuela
Italy
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Reply By: Mick O - Sunday, Apr 22, 2012 at 17:04

Sunday, Apr 22, 2012 at 17:04
Plenty of information to be had here my Italian friends. Here is a link or two to our blogs from out Oodnadatta trip last year.

Oodnadatta Track, Marree and William Creek

William Creek, Lake Eyre and Duff Creek

Oodnadatta to Lake Eyre

I would also suggest you check the "Articles" section of Exploroz for an article on the Oodnadatta Track.

Cheers

Mick
''We knew from the experience of well-known travelers that the
trip would doubtless be attended with much hardship.''
Richard Maurice - 1903

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AnswerID: 483840

Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Sunday, Apr 22, 2012 at 17:39

Sunday, Apr 22, 2012 at 17:39
It is not difficult. It is a well graded 2wd track. I drove it in a Corolla in 1978 and many times since and its in the same condition today.
But the gravel is coarse and sharp so it can easily puncture and chip tyres. And when people drive too fast on it they can easily roll their vehicles because it's a bit like driving on marbles. And when it rains, you might the road might get closed and you'll have to stop for a a few days.

What sort of vehicle are you planning on driving?
AnswerID: 483846

Follow Up By: Allan B (Member, SunCoast) - Sunday, Apr 22, 2012 at 18:34

Sunday, Apr 22, 2012 at 18:34
".....and its in the same condition today."

You must be really looking after that Corolla Phil. LOL

Cheers
Allan

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Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Sunday, Apr 22, 2012 at 20:06

Sunday, Apr 22, 2012 at 20:06
hehe
Gee I wish I still had it though - a KE18 wagon is a collectors item these days!
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FollowupID: 759131

Follow Up By: Fab72 - Monday, Apr 23, 2012 at 19:21

Monday, Apr 23, 2012 at 19:21
Hey Phil,
Don't want to digress from the OP, but I had 2x KE36 Wagons. Loved them. I took them to places many four wheel drives were reluctant to venture to.

Once they started getting daggy, I used them as a pseudo ute, carrying up to 1 tonne of bricks in the back on one occasion.

They're worth big $$$$ now....if you can even find one for sale.

Fab.
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Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Tuesday, Apr 24, 2012 at 08:04

Tuesday, Apr 24, 2012 at 08:04
Fab, Yeah the wagons were made in Japan unlike the sedans which were made in Melbourne and were more prone to rust. They were the most reliable car going around at the time.
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FollowupID: 759246

Reply By: ANDREAMANU G - Sunday, Apr 22, 2012 at 18:05

Sunday, Apr 22, 2012 at 18:05
Thank's friends, for your advice!!
I think we'll spend a really fantastich amazing holiday in your country!!
we really love Australia that is the land of hope and dreams instead Italy....
Thank again, bye!!

AnswerID: 483850

Reply By: Ross M - Sunday, Apr 22, 2012 at 22:17

Sunday, Apr 22, 2012 at 22:17
G'day ANDREAMANU G

Are you aware the daytime temperature can get to 45 degrees C or more in that part of the country during the summertime?

Plan your travel and activities with the heat of the day in mind.
Always have plenty of water with you for general use and also as a backup.
Most people have a reserve of supplies with them at all times.

Ross M
AnswerID: 483873

Follow Up By: Bush Wanderer - Sunday, Apr 22, 2012 at 23:33

Sunday, Apr 22, 2012 at 23:33
The may have been talking about their summer.
BW.
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Follow Up By: Les - PK Ranger - Monday, Apr 23, 2012 at 06:47

Monday, Apr 23, 2012 at 06:47
I'm glad someone bought the summer thing up . . . it could be their summer, but maybe ours, so yes . . . be very wary out there, it is not just Britz driving German travellers that get caught out there.
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Reply By: ANDREAMANU G - Monday, Apr 23, 2012 at 00:33

Monday, Apr 23, 2012 at 00:33
sorry I intended to say in August....in Italy is Summer but in Australia is Winter season.
Sorry for my mistake!!

Form Maree to William Creek aren't there campsite with permanent tent or similar....we haven't tent.
In Cower spring there arent' permanent tent and i can't fine other opportunity.

Bye!
AnswerID: 483881

Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Monday, Apr 23, 2012 at 08:59

Monday, Apr 23, 2012 at 08:59
Hard to travel without a tent or a swag.
Its rare to find permanent tents in the outback. You can get hotel accommodation at Marree, William Creek and I think Oodnadatta but August is a busy time out there so it would be best to book ahead. It will take you a day to do 200kms with sightseeing, so an overnight stay at william Creek would be your best option.

What sort of vehicle are you hiring?
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FollowupID: 759156

Follow Up By: ANDREAMANU G - Tuesday, Apr 24, 2012 at 06:15

Tuesday, Apr 24, 2012 at 06:15
I'll rent an 4X4 car; i want this sort of car as it's more confortable for this road.
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FollowupID: 759236

Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Tuesday, Apr 24, 2012 at 08:00

Tuesday, Apr 24, 2012 at 08:00
Sounds good! You'll have a great trip.
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FollowupID: 759245

Reply By: Rangiephil - Monday, Apr 23, 2012 at 09:29

Monday, Apr 23, 2012 at 09:29
Form Maree to William Creek aren't there campsite with permanent tent or similar....we haven't tent.
In Cower spring there arent' permanent tent and i can't fine other opportunity.

You can buy cheap but good tents/sleeping bags/self inflating mattresses at many stores such as Big W in Australia at very cheap prices,as well at at many camping stores. It may be an idea to buy them at the start of your trip, as you can be isolated at any time in the outback if it rains. It can get very cold at night in the desert.
You can also hire equipment in most capital cities.

I trust you are aware that most rental car companies will not allow a normal 2WD sedan to go on these tracks, and that if you had an accident you would be liable for the total cost of repair.
Some smaller 4WD rental companies will also rent camping equipment.
Regards Philip A

AnswerID: 483893

Follow Up By: vk1dx - Monday, Apr 23, 2012 at 09:44

Monday, Apr 23, 2012 at 09:44
Some 4WD companies also do not guarantee (!!!!!) that they will allow you to take their 4WD on these roads until just before you pick the car up. You should be okay but keep this in mind.

Phil
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FollowupID: 759161

Follow Up By: ANDREAMANU G - Tuesday, Apr 24, 2012 at 06:24

Tuesday, Apr 24, 2012 at 06:24
I asked to my travel agency to look into by the rent car company if it's possible to have a small tent.
Otherwise, i'll find by internet a shop in Adelaide near Airport where i can supply camping equipment.
Bye!
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FollowupID: 759237

Follow Up By: Sigmund - Tuesday, Apr 24, 2012 at 10:55

Tuesday, Apr 24, 2012 at 10:55
Keep in mind that it can get to zero degrees centigrade or lower during the night at that time of year.
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FollowupID: 759258

Follow Up By: ANDREAMANU G - Tuesday, Apr 24, 2012 at 21:20

Tuesday, Apr 24, 2012 at 21:20
Really?? i didn't thought to find a cold light this!!

thank's
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FollowupID: 759316

Follow Up By: vk1dx - Tuesday, Apr 24, 2012 at 21:52

Tuesday, Apr 24, 2012 at 21:52
On a drive up through the center we had icicles hanging off the outside mirrors when we started up in the morning at Alice Springs in July.

Bring your warm bed socks.

Phil
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FollowupID: 759323

Follow Up By: AlbyNSW - Wednesday, Apr 25, 2012 at 18:15

Wednesday, Apr 25, 2012 at 18:15
You could look into hiring a Troopy camper and as others have suggested buy a few other camping accessories to fill in the gaps. The cost of the camping gear would not be more than the permanent accommodation costs anyway.

And I can assure you that the experience of spending a night outdoors with a campfire will be a very rewarding experience.

Enjoy your time here.
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FollowupID: 759418

Reply By: wendys - Wednesday, Apr 25, 2012 at 15:00

Wednesday, Apr 25, 2012 at 15:00
You can hire 4 wheel drive vehicles set up to camp in, from companies like Britz. You would be allowed to drive one of those on roads like the Oodnadatta Track. They have all the basic essentials, including cooking gear and bedding. They are usually Toyota 4WD vehicles.
AnswerID: 484164

Follow Up By: Frances - Wednesday, Apr 25, 2012 at 20:10

Wednesday, Apr 25, 2012 at 20:10
I agree with Wendys. This would be your easiest option. You would just need to buy your food then. Have a great time! I did that trip last year and it is a very easy trip.
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FollowupID: 759434

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