Comment: Birdsville Track

Travelling on the Birdsville Track at any time depends on when it last rained. At that time of the year, the track should be dry and OK for a 4X4 with caravan (without knowing what kind of 4X4 you have and also the size and sturdiness of your "standard caravan").

This website is handy for SA outback road conditions ;

http://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/OutbackRoads

The best shot is to give the Marree pub (ph 08 8675 8344) and the Birdsville pub (ph 07 4656 3244) a call before you go to get the latest info on the state of the Track.

Enjoy the trip

Hi Ado,

If the track is dry you should have no problem, however I would suggest preparing your "standard caravan" for the trip. First thing that comes to mind is the shockers/springs on the van and if they will cope with the corrugations of the track. I have an outback expanda and have ensured that underneaths electrical wiring, plumbing and water tanks have been protected from gibber etc on the track. Also to be sure to carry 2 spare tyres for the van.

Another thing to think about is the damage from the stones hitting the van. We had a garden trailer on the track last year and it came back home sand blasted. Ensure the back window of the 4b is well protected from stones deflecting off the van.

It would be a good idea to inspect and tighten daily any damage to the springs, axel and u bolts on the van as I have seen a few camper trailers left out on the track due to these types of failures and they are costly to retrieve.

Just a few things to think about as it all comes down to good preparation and being prepared for anything that may happen on the track.

Cheers Steven

Hi Ado

The Birdsville Track is a great drive when it is dry, but if it is wet, stay well clear of it.

Plan on doing it over a minimum of 3 days if this is your first trip up the track, as this is such a lot to see along the way. I was only speaking with my friend, Jason who is the Manager of Etadunna Station the other week about some details for a fellow EO Member. One of the questions that he asked me was, "when are you coming up here again, as there is still water out in the Cooper"

The Cooper that he is referring to is the Cooper Creek that cuts the Birdsville Track and there is still a large body where the ferry site is located, so it would be good for you to see it with water still in it.

You have a very good reply above, but for added insurance you would walk to make sure that your tyres are in first class condition, and I would carry some plugs and also a small portable air compressor, they are not expensive these days and are vey handy.

The last time we were on the track, we came across a stranded vehicle. His problem was that he had already had a puncture from too high a tyre pressure and had just had another puncture, with no spare to use. From the time that we stopped to help him out, I had his tyre repaired (Plugged), pumped up again from our on board air compressor and back on the road again in around fifteen minutes.

Here is my Blog that I have written abut what there is to see along the way, so just click on this link to view it:-

What is there to see along the Birdsville Track

Expect stone damage to the van, but there is a very simple way to stop a great amount of damage. I have been told about a product known by a few names, but all the same thing - Auto Skin. Give the sides of your van as many coats as possible and when you get home, wet the van and it will peel off in large sheets like glad wrap. We used it for the first time on our last trip, and now I can see why it is so fantastic, and will never head bush again without using it again.

Follow the few basic rules and you should have a good time.



Cheers


Stephen

Thanks to those who have already replied to my enquiries. I'm still not sure whether to try it or not. My vehicle is a '94 2.8l turbo desiel and the van is an old but solid 15'6" Millard. The information that you have given me is great and will make sure that I prepare the Pajero and van fully if we do the trip.

Regards

Ado

At the beginning of the tourist season the local council will have that road in top condition. I'ts a very wide dirt highway, with lots of traffic on it. As someone said the only time to avoid it is, if it's wet. It's a very easy and interesting drive, Cheers Zenoni

I have towed a standard van on the Birdsville Track 3 times with no problems at all.

The last time was in September - the word "track" is not really applicable as it is now a reasonably good standard gravel road. The only precaution I took is a cover over the rear window on the 4WD & some protection on wires & hoses under the van. No damage at all to the front of the van - couldn't find any stone damage.

It is a great drive - do it - take your time & enjoy it.
Willy