Oodnadatta Track advice

philhell · January 27, 2015, 07:34:20 PM

Hi all, newbe to this and am planning trip (south to north) in AWD Territory and a softfloor end of March. Can anyone advise of their experiences or what to expect? The car is really just a passenger car, will the road rattle the s--t out of it? Any advice on good camping spots? Would appreciate any advice. Thanks.... Philip....ps.... love this forum.

heath74 · January 27, 2015, 07:40:20 PM

While track conditions can vary, I wouldn't be concerned about taking a territory along it. By all means ensure your tyres are in good condition, and lower the pressures.
Probably the campsite of choice is coward springs.

Big Tread · January 27, 2015, 07:53:56 PM

We did the Oodnadatta and the Birdsville Tracks in a Subaru touring wagon nearly 20 years ago. No problem with clearance but we blew a couple of tyres on the Oodnadatta, which we were lucky to be able to replace at Oodnadatta, the rocks were sharp! Light truck tyres might be a good idea. X2 on Coward Springs for camping.

Mace · January 27, 2015, 08:11:08 PM

Similar to above. Should be fine with the Territory, but there used to be a couple of open washouts to cross on the Maree end that you need to take care exiting becoz of rocks imbedded into the road surface. Well, not rocks, boulders buried deep with just a bit showing above ground.

Did a tyre on one when we exited a bit to fast,normal story, the first few washouts were fine, got complacent, didn't back off, bang!

MDS69 · January 27, 2015, 08:16:28 PM

Agree with all the above re Tyre pressures, corrugations etc. We were fortunate that the Marla end had recently been graded. Yes to camping at Coward Springs. We also overnighted next to a dry creek bed about 30km west of William Creek. As with everything drive to the conditions.

Paul (SA) · January 27, 2015, 08:34:48 PM

We did the track in June last year. It was in good nick and no worries for your Territory and camper. We towed a Jayco behind a Hilux and had no dramas.

Maree to Coward Springs was fine, the first few kms north of Coward Springs were the worst, but by corrugation standards were pretty tame. The rest of the way was great driving. Averaged 80km per hour.

Plenty of 2wd vehicles do the track and it is no longer the remote outback track it might have one been. Saying that though, it is still enjoyable and a lot of fun, but still do your normal self sufficient preparations.

Make sure you include some time to stop at the various ruins along the way, especially Farina which was a highlight.

Bird · January 27, 2015, 09:05:35 PM

how is it affected by rain these days?

404pug · January 27, 2015, 09:34:43 PM

Should be fine. Re tyre pressures work on "under30 [psi] and under 80 [kph] and watch the dips! They are well signposted but the track is often so good that you are sucked into higher speeds so you will hammer into a dip too fast or be unable to dodge the sharp rocks. Like all outback roads, if it is wet forget it, especially in a Territory. This track used to be the main road north/south for all cars and is now much better than when that was the case.

bodgie · January 27, 2015, 09:54:45 PM

As others have mentioned, tyre pressures and watch your speed and you'll be fine. IMO you'll also be good to on all of the side adventures (with sensible/careful driving) such as Old Peake ruins or Lake Eyre.

I'd also suggest you do the 6x4 loop at Oodnadatta, a good bit of fun, but you will need lower tyre pressures. Good camping can be had at Lake Eyre (provided it isn't windy), William Creek, Algebuckina bridge/waterhole.

I've done this trip twice and would suggest you allow 3 days as it it gives you plenty of time to have a good look around. Coober Pedy is always interesting and make sure you have a look at the Painted Desert.

Buy a good air compressor and gauge and tyre repair kit and you'll be well prepared.

Jason

GeoffA · January 28, 2015, 05:32:52 AM

H/T tyres would be my only concern. Too easily popped on roads like this.

speewa158 · January 28, 2015, 06:26:56 AM

l did the OT last year apart from a few of the crossings of ( at that time ) dry creeks& a few tyre tracks from trucks its good . Mostly l sat on about 100 slowing only at crossings . Camp at Coward springs & see the Bubblers , The Pink Roadhouse & Great Amounts of SFA . l did it as a bucket list thing & a quicker way home & thas it . Do have fun & be safe

D4D · January 28, 2015, 06:31:55 AM

Quote from: GeoffA on January 28, 2015, 05:32:52 AM
H/T tyres would be my only concern. Too easily popped on roads like this.

Agreed and don't underestimate the corrugations.

Frostd · January 28, 2015, 07:53:29 AM

Here is a couple of links for the Pink Road House.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pink-Roadhouse/157662239591?fref=ts

http://www.pinkroadhouse.com.au/

They will be able to give you some good information on track condition and surroundings.

Have a great trip.

Mongoose · January 28, 2015, 07:33:23 PM

Quote from: Frostd on January 28, 2015, 07:53:29 AM
Here is a couple of links for the Pink Road House.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pink-Roadhouse/157662239591?fref=ts

http://www.pinkroadhouse.com.au/

They will be able to give you some good information on track condition and surroundings.

Have a great trip.

And make sure you get yourself around an Oodnaburger with The Lot!

Andrew_C · January 28, 2015, 07:55:51 PM

Both times I've been on it, I have had flat tyres and both were decent all terrains. Both noticed and plugged before they destroyed themselves. Set of plugs and compressor wouldn't go astray.

Ynot · January 28, 2015, 09:58:50 PM

Go for it, I would like tyres with about 70 percent tread or better but that is just me. When I did it I had stock Dunlop tyres the Toyota supplied and got a couple of punctures that just needed a plug to keep going.
I would even go as far as saying speed and load is at least, if not more important than pressure but that is just me.
Cheers

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

DannyG · January 28, 2015, 10:33:42 PM

We did it in a Prado not long ago so you'll be fine in a territory

deepop · January 31, 2015, 02:07:46 PM

Coward Springs for sure. Also stay at Farina campground overnight if you can. This is a great spot and leave time to check out the ruins (and repair of some) of the old town.

Agree with others, AT tyres to deal with rocks, heat, corrugations (not too bad). No need for them to be aggressive, just stronger than HT.

gclan · February 01, 2015, 08:22:53 AM

You might also want to put a bit of extra protection around any wiring or pipes under the camper.

Hubby wrapped heavy duty padding around our water hose and it was still punctured by a stone. The damage would have been much worse without it.

The stones are relentless, but don't let them stop you getting out and enjoying that amazing landscape.

The Painted desert is spectacular, and you can camp at Arckaringa Station. Coward Springs is a favourite of everyones because it's a little oasis in the desert (even had artwork hanging in the toilets

) and make sure to have a look around the Mutonia Sculpture Park with plane henge, the hoverbus and lots of interesting and unusual artworks (at least drive by very slowly if you don't want to stop).

Great history out there. Enjoy your trip!

fishfinder · February 04, 2015, 01:39:02 PM

Quote from: DannyG on January 28, 2015, 10:33:42 PM
We did it in a Prado not long ago so you'll be fine in a territory

hey mr brokback did you take the third row seats out as they can get in the way

boots-47 · February 04, 2015, 08:03:14 PM

Hi Phil,

We towed a camper trailer through there 2 years ago in June coming from Alice Springs through Finke, into Mount Dare, Dalhousie Springs and through the Oodnadatta. I had a stock pajero with normal road tyres at the time. I was a newby to this type of travel and got advice from this forum as well and it was well worth it. Couple of things;

* Most important advice I got from here was to cover the rear window of your car. I used two cheap fold up aluminium looking sun shades taped down and glad I did. Lots of broken windows for those who didnt cover up.
* Lower your tyre pressures and drive to the conditions. Be prepared for a puncture and corrugations can get bad.
* 4WD drive only track status really means 4WD only!! If its wet, watch out for the mud build up under your wheel arches. I saw a few Subarus and similar AWD's last a few hundred metres before turning back and waiting until the road dries out
* Thought the burgers at the Pink Roadhouse were overrated and that the ones at William Creek were much better. Must have a beer at the pub there, very friendly...
* If the weather forecast is looking good, its worth a drive out to Dalhousie Springs from Oodnadatta. The Territory would be ok out to there I reckon and its a great spot to camp at, sit in a tyre with a beer and watch the sunset. Kids love the fish nibbling the fingers and toes, as well as dingo spotting.
* Coober Pedy is an interesting place and worth a visit as well.

I had a snatch strap and rope, UHF, basic tools, shovel, spare bearings for the trailer, fuel, water etc and was much better prepared than most others we talked to. I was a little stupid and tackled Kulgera out to Mount Dare via Finke in 4WD only conditions after a few days of rain, and whilst I didnt get bogged, we also had a few moments where I needed to change my jocks and thought I'd be stuck overnight or flip the trailer. Did have lots of fun though.

Me · February 04, 2015, 08:39:03 PM

Quote from: boots-47 on February 04, 2015, 08:03:14 PM
Hi Phil,

We towed a camper trailer through there 2 years ago in June coming from Alice Springs through Finke, into Mount Dare, Dalhousie Springs and through the Oodnadatta. I had a stock pajero with normal road tyres at the time. I was a newby to this type of travel and got advice from this forum as well and it was well worth it. Couple of things;

* Most important advice I got from here was to cover the rear window of your car. I used two cheap fold up aluminium looking sun shades taped down and glad I did. Lots of broken windows for those who didnt cover up.
* Lower your tyre pressures and drive to the conditions. Be prepared for a puncture and corrugations can get bad.
* 4WD drive only track status really means 4WD only!! If its wet, watch out for the mud build up under your wheel arches. I saw a few Subarus and similar AWD's last a few hundred metres before turning back and waiting until the road dries out
* Thought the burgers at the Pink Roadhouse were overrated and that the ones at William Creek were much better. Must have a beer at the pub there, very friendly...
* If the weather forecast is looking good, its worth a drive out to Dalhousie Springs from Oodnadatta. The Territory would be ok out to there I reckon and its a great spot to camp at, sit in a tyre with a beer and watch the sunset. Kids love the fish nibbling the fingers and toes, as well as dingo spotting.
* Coober Pedy is an interesting place and worth a visit as well.

I had a snatch strap and rope, UHF, basic tools, shovel, spare bearings for the trailer, fuel, water etc and was much better prepared than most others we talked to. I was a little stupid and tackled Kulgera out to Mount Dare via Finke in 4WD only conditions after a few days of rain, and whilst I didnt get bogged, we also had a few moments where I needed to change my jocks and thought I'd be stuck overnight or flip the trailer. Did have lots of fun though.

Great post!

MDS69 · February 04, 2015, 08:56:09 PM

Quote from: Mongoose on January 28, 2015, 07:33:23 PM
And make sure you get yourself around an Oodnaburger with The Lot!

Agree

DannyG · February 04, 2015, 09:33:10 PM

Quote from: fishfinder on February 04, 2015, 01:39:02 PM
hey mr brokback did you take the third row seats out as they can get in the way

timneva · February 05, 2015, 10:18:15 AM

Another idea is to run a search in the trips section on the 'oodnadatta track' or the 'red centre' where people have travelled this route as part of their trip. Theres plenty of trip reports going back years with pictures and reports on what you might expect on your travels, places to camp etc.

Cheers

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Oodnadatta Track advice

boots-47