Neale Junction to Ilkurika on the AB

Dunc
just looked up details of our trip in 2010 on the way to EO gathering
we stoppped for fuel at Ilkurka mid morning ,had a shower and early lunch
then went west and had a look at the plane wreck and I remember when we got to Neale Juction there was a vehicle camped there that had come down the Connie Sue. we pushed on and camped a further 100 km west but it was almost dark when we pulled up.
based onthe fact we did just under 300 km that afternoon I would say your timeline estimate of 3hrs would be close. we werent towing but did do a bit of sightseeing and stopped a couple of times.
have a good trip
cheers
Howard

Hi Dunc. When we went through there last year, the AB from Neale junction to Ilkurlka for the most part was pretty good, a couple of sections were a bit washed out but nothing too drastic, if there hasn't been much significant rain since then, 3 hours should be plenty for that section. If you are driving late in the afternoon keep your eyes open for Thorny Devils, they like sunning themselves in the track in the afternoons.
Do you have a non standard fuel tank in your Troopy ( mine has factory 90litres x 2)?
That part of the AB is a pretty good sandy road reasonably wide and not overgrown, unless the wind has blown over some scrub. Might be an idea to ring them at Ilkurlka, just to make sure they have fuel and there is somebody there to sell it to you on your likely arrival date.
With your fuel consumption, you might find that it doesn't change much or even improves over highway figures. My Troopy is very good trundelling along in 3rd and 4th High range. We only used 4WD a couple of times on the whole AB in the South Australian Desert section ( really beautiful country though) loaded and towing the Tvan.
Are we going to see the new rig on the Safari this year? All the best, Adriane and Gill.

Hi Duncan

If you have to head east from Neale Junction, you will be travelling on true Outback Highway conditions at its very best, wide and smooth and very good going, to the point where speed will creep up on you if you do not watch out and in some sections it would be very safe to sit on 100kph if you had to.

Here are a couple of images of what it is like between Neale Junction and Ilkurlka.

Image Could Not Be Found

Image Could Not Be Found

Image Could Not Be Found


Cheers



Stephen

Hiya Dunc
It may not be waste of time to phone Ilkurlka to ensure they have fuel!! A few years back we drained there fuel supplies, as the 'truck' had broken down near Neale Junction, and fuel delivery was delayed for about a week.