Oodnadatta track by 2WD Dec/ Jan

Submitted: Tuesday, Sep 18, 2012 at 11:30

ThreadID: 98086 Views:4372 Replies:5 FollowUps:8

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Jeremy S3

.Hi there,
I'm looking at driving a small section of the Oodnadatta track in dec/ jan this year. I have 2WD Volkswagen TDI.
I wanted to start from Lyndhurst and join the Sturat hwy at Coober pedy.

Few question-

Can I travel this section safly in 2WD at this time of year?
Can I access Lake Eyre form these points?

Look forward to your feedback.
Thank you

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Reply By: Peter_n_Margaret - Tuesday, Sep 18, 2012 at 12:55

Tuesday, Sep 18, 2012 at 12:55

Unless it is wet the 2WD will probably be OK with a great deal of care.
BUT, you may well fry.
I would advise against trying to access Lake Eyre via William Creek. Note that an Austrian woman did die out there a few years ago in January when their 4WD became bogged.
Muloorina via Marree may be a better option. Call them first.

We spent a week on a cattle station out there in January 2006. It reached 50C in the shade for 6 days in a row. On the side of the road, those temperatures can become very dangerous very quickly.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 Motorhome

AnswerID: 495156

Follow Up By: Jeremy S3 - Tuesday, Sep 18, 2012 at 13:11

Tuesday, Sep 18, 2012 at 13:11

Thanks for that Peter, if I can't access Lake Eyre is it worth the risk? I'm keen to have a look around up there but im also well aware of the hostile nature of the environment that time of year.

Is there much to photograph on the track itself? one of the other reasons for tacking the Oonadata track is to avoid to much back tracking and to see more of that part of Australia. I'm heading from Sydney via Broken Hill then the Flinders ranges to Uluru and then back via Barossa andMildura to Sydney.

Although I'm only prepared to take calculated risks, I'd be happy to hear any advice or must sees along the way.

Thanks again.

FollowupID: 770811

Follow Up By: Fab72 - Tuesday, Sep 18, 2012 at 14:09

Tuesday, Sep 18, 2012 at 14:09

You can see Lake Eyre from the side of the Oodnadatta Track about 80kms from Marree. I'd advise against trying to drive too close to it, but it's literally only a 200-300 metre walk from the Oodnadatta Track.

The car itself will be fine, if it doesn't rain, but take care of your tyres. Lower your pressures, lower your speed, become proficient in puncture repair etc. Carry plenty of water as tourist numbers do drop off in the warmer months and if you breakdown, expect a longer wait. If you break down, stay with your vehicle. Carry a tarp to use as extra shade too.

The Borefield road can get soft with sand in some areas, and the hotter the day, the softer the sand.

From a fellow amature photographer.....yes, there is plenty to see.

Any remote travel carries risks, but calculated risks can avoid pain or death.

Fab.

FollowupID: 770817

Follow Up By: Jeremy S3 - Tuesday, Sep 18, 2012 at 19:51

Tuesday, Sep 18, 2012 at 19:51

Any suggested campsites along the way...?
I'll take all the required safty gear including sat phone and UHF radio etc.
Thanks agin for the reply.
Js

FollowupID: 770852

Follow Up By: Fab72 - Wednesday, Sep 19, 2012 at 04:56

Wednesday, Sep 19, 2012 at 04:56

Jeremy,
That's where I come unstuck. We opted for the established accomodation option. I can recommend the Marree Hotel....at least for one end of the track.

There are plenty of camp grounds along the track. Almost every abandoned railway siding was a camp ground, along with the usual William Creek, Oodnadatta ones.

There is plenty of info on this site about camp grounds along that stretch. Do a key word search...you'll find plenty.

Fab.

FollowupID: 770883

Follow Up By: Jeremy S3 - Wednesday, Sep 19, 2012 at 17:19

Wednesday, Sep 19, 2012 at 17:19

My other question regarding this section of road is there reliable diesel stops at Maree / William creek?

FollowupID: 770913

Follow Up By: Fab72 - Wednesday, Sep 19, 2012 at 19:52

Wednesday, Sep 19, 2012 at 19:52

I run ULP so I didn't take much notice at William Creek but there is reliable diesel (and ULP) at Marree. Be prepared though....it's usually 5-8 cents per litre dearer than at Lyndhurst. My recommendation is to fill up at the Lyndhurst Hotel, then just top up at Marree which is only about 80kms further up the road.

The Pink Roadhouse has fuel too. The terain is pretty easy going so I'd be surprised though if you couldn't get from Marree to Marla, or Coober Pedy (depending which way you're going) in a diesel. (600kms).

Fab.