Ngarkat CP - Baan Hill

StartClick to Reverse the Dynamic Map and Driving NotesKeith
FinishLameroo
DifficultyDifficulty 1/5
Suitable For4WD Motorbike 
Distance102.38 km
Minimum Days1
Average Speed56.97 km/hr
Travel Time1 hr 47 mins
Page Updated: 23 Oct 2011

Description

Ngarkat Conservation Park stretches from a short way east of the town of Tintinara all the way to the South Australian Border and also borders on the Big Desert Conservation Park in Victoria. It covers around 270,000 hectares and comprises a complex of sand dunes stabilised by a unique mosaic of heath and mallee. Between the dunes, surface soaks often occur, allowing brown stringy bark and square fruited mallee to grow. Early attempts to farm this country failed as can be seen in the ruins at Box Flat. There are numerous walking trails within the park which may range from short 20 minute walks to long five-hour hikes. Many tracks are only suitable for 4WDs only and sufficient fuel and water supplies must be carried at all times.

How to Use this Trek Note

  • To download this information and the route file for offline use on a phone, tablet, headunit or laptop, go to the app store and purchase ExplorOz Traveller. This app enables offline navigation and mapping and will show where you are as you travel along the route. For more info see the ExplorOz Traveller webpage and the EOTopo webpage.

TIP

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Environment

Some areas can get very sandy and if it rains, it gets boggy in some sections. If the sand heats up in summer, climbing some of the dunes will test even experienced drivers.

Mallee and heath are some common native vegetation that is found in the park. Fauna that may be found include: Echidnas, Pygmy Possums, Dunnarts and Grey Kangaroos, with more than twenty species of lizards and hundreds of birds.

History

The Ngarkat Conservation Park derives its name from the first occupiers which were the Ngarkat tribe. Their land extended from Copeville to the north and Coonalpyn to the south and as far east to the border. Unfortunately, no Ngarkat had survived beyond the mid 1800’s mainly due to disease and wars with neighbouring tribes.

In the early 1870’s farming leases were issued all over the Mallee area. The pastoralists arrived to set up stations and graze sheep, but due to low rainfall and unsuitable grazing conditions, the leases were all abandoned by the 1890’s.

The construction of a railway line and the sinking of Government bores in the early 19th century saw farming towns like Lameroo, Pinnaroo and Karoonda begin to flourish.

A further attempt at pastoralism was made throughout the 1920’s but that too failed. Poor wheat prices, dry years and unsuitable practices created this crisis. The ruins at Bucks Camp and Box Flat give a glimpse of what life would have been like in those times.

In 1927 a farmers meeting at Borrika began moves resulting finally in orderly wheat marketing and what has eventually evolved into today's Farmers Federation.

TrekID: 135

Preparation

MUST READ: You are strongly encouraged to read the following articles prepared by the knowledge experts at ExplorOz for your safety and preparation before undertaking any published ExplorOz Trek - Outback Safety, Outback Driving Tips, Outback Communications, and Vehicle Setup for the Outback.

TIP

Please refer to Road Reports published by the local shire and/or main roads for the area you intend to visit. Road/Track conditions can change significantly after weather events. Travellers must be responsible for their own research on current conditions and track suitability.
Please ensure that you wear sturdy footwear, carry enough food, water and other supplies. It is also recommended to wear a hat and sunscreen as it can get quite sunny and hot in these areas.

The tracks throughout the park are sandy and in some sections where there is more traffic, the sand patches can be deep and present problems. It is recommended that tyre pressures are lowered to 15-20psi and 4WD High Range be engaged.

For more information for travelling in remote and isolated areas, please read our articles on: Communications, Navigation and 4WDriving.

Permits

Camping facilities are available but camping permits are required for staying overnight. Fuel and water supplies must be carried at all times as this park is isolated and large. No pets permitted in park. Camping prices are for one night only and campers are also required to pay a once only park entry fee where applicable. Doggers Hut, Pertendi Hut, Pine Hut Soak, Rabbit Island, The Gums and The Pines cost $5.00 per vehicle and $3.00 per motorcycle.
Click here for information: Camping Permits in Ngarkat Conservation Park

Fuel Usage

DieselULPLPG
4cyl 14 litres4cyl 17 litres4cyl 20 litres
6cyl 16 litres6cyl 19 litres6cyl 18 litres
8cyl 16 litres8cyl 17 litres
Usage is averaged from recorded data (* specific to this trek) and calculated based on trek distance.

Best Time To Visit

Closest Climatic Station

Keith
Distance from Trek Mid Point 43.26km S
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Mean Max. °C29.929.826.822.518.315.515.016.118.621.525.027.6
Mean Min. °C13.113.211.49.37.75.95.55.97.08.210.011.9
Mean Rain mm18.720.321.432.752.352.955.058.250.742.031.727.0
    Best time to travel      Ok time to travel      Travel NOT recommended

Map

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Directions

Keith to Emu Flat Rd & Darke Island Rd
Driving: 7.96 km
Heading: 70°
Avg Speed: 47.7 km/hr
EST Time: 10:00
Emu Flat Rd & Darke Island Rd to Tamboore Station fence
Driving: 14.71 km
Heading: 21°
Avg Speed: 84.81 km/hr
EST Time: 10:24
Tamboore Station fence to Darke Island Rd - Ngarkat CP (South Boundary)
Driving: 4.25 km
Heading:
Avg Speed: 44.1 km/hr
EST Time: 05:46
Darke Island Rd - Ngarkat CP (South Boundary) to Track to Box Flat Ruin Campsite
Driving: 39.6 km
Heading: 356°
Avg Speed: 41.51 km/hr
EST Time: 57:14
Track to Box Flat Ruin Campsite to Baan Hill Track - Ngarkat CP (North Boundary)
Driving: 8.24 km
Heading: 341°
Avg Speed: 49.58 km/hr
EST Time: 09:58
Baan Hill Track - Ngarkat CP (North Boundary) to Lameroo
Driving: 27.62 km
Heading: 18°
Avg Speed: 74.14 km/hr
EST Time: 22:21
Distance is based on the travel mode shown (Driving, Straight, Cycling, Walking etc), Direction is straight line from start to end, Avg Speed & EST Time is calculated from GPS data.

What to See

No Places To See available for this trek

Facilities

Where to Stay

No Places To Stay available for this trek

Services & Supplies

No Services & Supplies available for this trek

Wildflowers

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