Thread: Outback Trip Prep

I went on an 18,000 km trip whick took in the Simpson, Canning and Gibb River Rd in a 1976 Series 3. We were on a budget too and slept in the back on a plywood deck, with the gear underneath in sturdy plastic boxes. We kept the weight down as much as possible and generally tried to look after the vehicle. We took an extra tyre with tyre pliers and a bead breaker. Then again, we didn't get a single flat.

I don't think a front mounted winch is necessary, especially with two vehicles. We took a hand winch as we went on our own. They are simple and if need be you can use one to pull a car out backwards, forwards, sideways, back onto its wheels and so on. Take a very long static strap and a selection of snatch straps, tree straps and so on. Make sure both vehicles have proper recovery points front and rear.

Get a remote area first aid kit and learn how to use it. We had a Codan HF radio for emergencies and kept the aerial inside the car just in case we rolled it.

Give yourself lots of time, take it easy and have fun!

Hi Pat Pm Sent

Re Hannibal/Patriot Racks.....

A few thoughts:
The lighter you can travel, the better.
There's a lot to be said for standard - with the exceptions of shocks and tyres.
Take 2 spares (no need for a second rim if you can change them) but if you take it easy you'll never need them.
Don't bother taking any spare part you can't change yourself (refer to point 1).
Get a good service and replace any marginal wear items before you leave.
Take it easy and drive to the conditions - don't plan on covering too many miles per day.
If it all goes pear shaped, the most valuable things you can have are water and a means of communication.
The lighter you can travel, the better.

Cheers,
Jon

Personally, I'd avoid the roof-rack & roof-tent... Too much weight for the roof and if you're on corrugations, you run the risk of stress fractures. You're only supposed to carry 75kg or 150kg (depending on which spec you read) max.

The secret to any overland trip is to keep it simple! Shed as much weight as you can... Ultimately, it will make the car more reliable as it is having to haul less around. The only mods I would make to a stock Defender is the addition of diff & steering guards and a raised air intake.

Also, get hold of a copy of the Vehicle Dependant Expedition Guide and have a quick read through. (You can find versions on PDF these days too.)

Finally... Prep!

Do a thorough service on the car. Go through front-to-rear and replace anything that is looking slightly worn. Those 'worn' parts can then be slung in the spare parts kit. Also, any tools you use for the work, keep those to one side as they will form part of your tool kit...

M

have lived in Coober Pedy, Oodnadatta, Marla and Andamooka, in my experience carrying two spares is advisable.

preparing your car is vitally important (services etc as youve expressed)

bring a UHF and a HF or satphone is good idea (even EPIR


outback map of SA.. http://www.flindersranges.com.au/wp-...8/sa_north.pdf

uhf coverage map... http://www.flindersranges.com.au/wp-...ter_Towers.pdf

check this page to find out how to order these and find other info out... http://www.flindersranges.com.au/happy-trails/maps/

outback roads, conditions/warnings/closures, keep checking this one... http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/quick...oads/area1.asp

suggestions of some things to do.

BIRDSVILLE
I believe August 31 is Birdsville Races? (not certain) if it is the area will be busy..

At BIRDSVILLE check out the WORKING MUSEUM, do the tour, its fun (but DO NOT interrupt or ask questions until he is finished!! He will chat for ages after if you like..)

After BIRDSVILLE head down the track (assuming you dont do a day trip to BIG RED) Allow a long wait for the cooper creek punt (I assume it will still be active)

1/2 way (roughly) is MUNGERANNIE ROADHOUSE.
-At the roadhouse check out the bar, note the "scoops" in the floor and the rubber on the roof, when John (the former owner) built the bar, his way of testing it was to bring in his Harley and with his wife "Weave" they parked against the bar and "let it go!" - result, bar is strong!, floor has black scoop in a few spots, and roof has rubber on it... It took days to get rid of the smell!

At MUNGERANNIE there is camping alongside the waterhole at the pub, its a beautiful waterhole that unless you make the effort to look, you can easily miss. There is a thermal spa on the edge of the waterhole for relaxing in..

Just behind the pub, over the sandhill is the original cemetery for Mungerannie.

The track has famous landmarks all up and down it, mostly accessible (seen the "OUTBACK MAILMAN" with Tom KRUSE?) lots of these places are near or almost on the current track.

50kms from the end (marree) is CLAYTON SPA... its a great overnight free camping spot with a SPA, toilets and a shower! Nearby is some lovely wetlands.. (BYO FIREWOOD) -- search AULRO for CLAYTON SPA, I've gone on about it before! (but its a great spot!)

between there and MARREE is ruins of LAKE HARRY date farm (these trees mostly in ADELAIDE on main roads now!)

After MARREE (a replica of one of Tom KRUSES BLITZ trucks is on the railway platform) head along the Oodnadatta track...

before you reach BOPEECHEE corner (junction of Borefield track and Oodnadatta roads) is ALBERRIE CREEK station. (this is southern side of track with 'hippie' colony in there who built the sculptures you see...) They live in BHP owned station, use an old (inefficient) generator for power, and freely use and waste the water they claim to be living there to protest the BHP theft of !! (from the ARTESIAN bASIN)..

Anyway when on the track with these on your left if you look N/W you will see a mesa, this is the location of the MARREE MAN carving.. It is restricted land and sadly is wasting away..(which may upset some Army personel who 'helped it' magnificently originally! (but thats all Im saying.. I did promise!)

Just past Bopeechee Corner is track to Lake Eyre South, just past that is track a few hundred metres to STRANGWAYS Springs (ruins of old telegraph station and outpost...one of last remaining telegraph poles is here...)

then there is CURDIMURKA siding (and fettlers quarters..I left a tuxedo in the middle one, drycleaned and hanging up just in case anyone requires it! _(that was a number of years ago!)

Follow tracks behind quarters to the CURDI BRIDGE, Big bridge (not as big as ALGEBUCKNA but still..

From there follow to THE BUBBLER and MOUND SPRINGS (wellsignposted) which are flowing nicely again. Then is COWARD SPRINGS- with another spa (which is not as great as it used to be (pipes lashed together over the reeds and the 'spa") but had to change for easy access for everyone and to preserve the area (also safety etc!).. Camping can be had at COWARDS SPRINGS..

Next is William Creek, good pub, nice camping spots (creek beds behind pub past racecourse..) check out the bar, soak in the atmosphere, then walk around to the back room for history etc... its nice..
The bar here was taken from the COWARD SPRINGS hote when (years ago) it shut and was pulled down... its a nice wooden bar.

There is a caravan park but ring first to see if its open!
There are flights from WILLIAM CREEK over lake eyre and marree man with WRIGHTS AIR, the owner (wrighty!) is a good bloke and always willing to help in emergencies etc (if you meet up with him say Gday from digger that used to be at andamooka!)

There are the remains of the first rocket fired at woomera on display at WILLIAM CREEK (yep it buggered up and stoved in! ) and some other space race "junk"!

From here its up to OODNADATTA, stops at ALGEBUCKNA BRIDGE and the painted desert are worth while, but look around the web theres lots about the track..

If you had travelled west on the Coober Road youd be passing alongside LAKE CADDIBARRAWIRRACANNA (austs longest place name- known locally as LAKE CADI)

At Oodna try the PINK ROADHOUSE OODNA BURGER theyre huge!
(I am unsure if the outdoor cinema is still open or running)

Up to DALHOUSIE SPRINGS (magnificent )
(You'll need a DESERT PARKS PASS for here and around INNAMINKA)

Back down this way, heading back, just past MARREE is FARINA ghost town, nice ruins to check out and nice camp ground (donkey hot water service shower!) cheap rates.

Then down past the Ochre cliffs to Lyndhurst and the base of the Strzlecki Track..

visit TALC ALF, he's a loon but a funny one! (I dont agree with a lot of his opinions but he carves some nice stuff..) he is getting on so visit now before he is gone!

Up the Strez, it is often a corregated bastard of a road used by semis supplying MOOMBA gas fields but there are some nice bits off of it.
Whilst this close you should visit ARKAROOLA for a day or two.. turn off is at Mount Hopeless..(very close)

The Arkaroola Resort and Wilderness Sanctuary is in spectacular, rugged mountains of the Flinders Ranges in South Australia's remote Outback. It offers a unique range of nature and science based tours and activities and Echo camp back track easy self guided tour..

then there is Chambers Gorge..etc etc etc

Back on track, at INNAMINKA stay at CULLYMUKA WATERHOLE, I believe its Australias biggest billabong (but that may also be crap, I was just told that it is the biggest ) There is good fishing and swimming in here! PERMITS AT THE STORE OR I THINK PUB.

Good base for the BURKE AND WILLS trail, monuments for BURKE and WILLS and a cairn where KING was found, visit the Dig Tree (well, what is left anyway ) brings the feats of these blokes to reality.

anything out of SA I'll leave for others to cover (except of Birdsville of course)

Enjoy your trip!!

interesting reading:
Outback Region

Outback

Originally Posted by mikehzz

I usually just take an extra spare tyre, not a wheel. I have found that very handy and it keeps the weight down. ...

Same here:


This was my setup for the CSR/Bungles/Gibb trip. Spare tyre, ratchet strapped to spare wheel. Would do the same again.

p.s. - I have had to take tyres on and off rims on trips.

Hi Pat,
You're going to have a great trip. I've a couple of suggestions for you, if you like, which might make it even greater. Don't want to sound a smart arse or pompous or anything but I've covered the area you're going several times and have been travelling the outback for 40 years.

Did you say you're going in September ? If so it's going to be hot, getting a bit late in the 'season' but the good side is that any water should be well and truly dried up, across the Simpson that is. Though with a couple of months worth of travellers ahead of you the sand will be ground quite fine.
Regarding your route, Alice Springs to Finke follows the old Ghan easement and whilst an interesting route is very rough and corrugated. The Alice Springs - Finke Desert race follows this route. Whilst the railway tracks have been removed the 'spikes' were not and the route is littered with hundreds of them. The chance of tyre/suspension/battery failure is high. If you were going the other way, Finke to Alice it wouldn't matter, you can always limp into Alice for repairs.
I'd consider the route from Alice turning off just before Santa Teresa via Old Andado Station which is a brilliant example of a past era and steeped in local history. Also an excellent camp with water. Then take the Mayfield Road to Mt Dare. IMHO this journey is one of the most scenic and varied short trips in the centre. Better and more variety of scenery and easier on the vehicle than the old Ghan easement. Check with Mt Dare before you leave Alice to confirm they have fuel. On my last two visits they had run out of diesel and were ferrying iy in from New Crown 200 litres at a time with a tank on the back of a Land Cruiser. Both times they had no petrol but the beer was cold so it wasn't all bad.
From Mt Dare to Dalhousie Springs there is the shorter rough route or the longer less rough route, both take the same time to travel. Take the longer Blood Creek route as it is more scenic/historic and a LOT easier on the tyres.
The French Line route across the Simpson is fine for a first crossing, but is the shortest and busiest route across. If you prefer a slower quieter pace turn left just past Purni bore and head south to the WAA line/rig road and take this route. A better experience IMHO but if it's safety in numbers you want go the French Line. The more southerly route is less demanding than the French Line and cuts north back to the French Line at Lindsay Junction via Knolls track. From there its onto Poeppels Corner and the QAA line to Birdsville. If Eyre Creek is closed you divert north about 30 Km to cross it there and then head back south to the main drag. If you go this way best camping is at the ford itself or in the couple of K's after the crossing. Birdsville is a fantastic place but to be avoided at race time unless you like the 'experience' of crowds, dust, noise and drunks. Birdsville Races start 31 August but best to avoid a week either side if it's not your thing.
Heading down the Birdsville Track it'll be a 100 kM/h super highway (unless it's been raining). Mungerannie is a top spot to stop on the track. Great camping down the back on the lagoon. Great restaurant as well.
It is possible to go from Mungerannie to William Creek in a day if you have to but there's really too much to see in between to rush. With all the rain in Qld. the ferry on Cooper Creek will probably still be running with the Birdsville Track closed about 60 Km south of Mungerannie. (Its run for the last two years). The diversion is about 35 Km and depending on traffic you may have to wait your turn. The ferry takes one vehicle at a time. Nice little spot on the north bank to camp/watch the world go by.
Good store to stock up from in Marree. Muloorina Waterhole about an hour and a half NW from Marree is a great stopover. Good shaded camping, toilet facilities and heaps of birdlife.
Avoid camping at Lake Eyre/Lake Eyre South, windswept, flyblown, no shade and miserable. Camp at William Creek/Muloorina Waterhole and take a day trip.
Could prattle on for ever.........................................

As someone pointed out earlier, carry a spare tyre on the back of your other spare to save on weight/room. It's also a handy spot to carry your rubbish. Keep its sides prised apart as you'll never get air into it if you're tubless once its closed up. Carry tyre pliers and don't skimp on you're compressor/air gague. You'll be using this a bit and it's a lot easier if you've got a good one. It can be a bit scary letting your tyres down with visions of ruined tyres/tubes etc but in real life you'll be going slow and I wouldn't really worry untill I got to under 15psi. Last time I crossed the Simpson was in a D2a and we had tyres at 14 - 25 psi for the journey. The 14 was for big red, average was about 16 - 20 psi. We used 130 litres of fuel for the journey from Mt Dare via the Rig Road and Eyre Creek diversion to Birdsville if thats any help.

I agree with camel landy, lose the roof tent. It will make driving (and fuel consumption) much better. Get yourself a simple full height tent like a pyramid type tent (4 pegs, 1 pole) or a Black Wolf or Oztent with a couple of high stretchers and self inflating mats. Simple is good.

If you've already got a roof rack it's great for firewood. I'd recommend taking a chainsaw. A small saw, a sub $200 job will do. Restrict yourself to 100mm dia.or less and this type of small saw is fine. Leave the 20" Farm Boss at home. Five minutes work with a chainsaw = one hours work with an axe/hand saw. You're on holiday, enjoy. I usually carry 3-4 days worth of firewood on the roof, topping up when I spot a suitable tree. If you like a campfire, and who doesn't, the chainsaw will give you a lot more time to enjoy your holiday.

Suspension and shocks are really important especially when crossing the 900 odd dunes of the Simpson. If your springs are a bit dodgy you'll be thanking yourself for fixing them before you go. The clay base under the sand can be very scalloped (like large corrugations) and as you need to ascend dunes at speed your suspension gets quite a work out. Tired springs bottoming out just breaks things. Tired and overworked shockers will fail/be innefective and this can stop you cold. Get the best you can afford and carry a couple of the old ones as spares. Poly air over ride airbags are excellent for coil sprung vehicles.
Time spent getting your suspension right is well used.

Similiarly, make sure your battery(s) are up to scratch as corrugations and rough roads kill batterys like nothing else. If you are thinking of buying a new battery consider AGM type batterys as these are less liable to collapse due to vibration.

As I said you'll be bouncing around a fair bit so making sure everything is packed tightly and tied down will make life a lot easier. I remember an evening in Boulia separating the beer from the eggs from the pickles from the squashed lettuce from the.................... If you get the idea. spending a bit of time working out a packing plan which will evolve as you go. Usually just about right by the time you get home is time well spent. eg. Carrying glass containers in stubby holders can save a lot of grief. Tie everything down with ratchet straps. This will save a lot of hassle and in the unfortunate event of a rollover you don't really want that can of baked beans or 20Kg toolbox in the back of your head.

mikehzz's advice re speed etc is spot on.

Hope some of this is of help, PM me if you wan't specific info but most of all have a fantastic and safe trip.

Deano

Might not be that relevant but here is another angle, when I imported my 300TDI from Nz and drove around Ozzie for a few months in the outback (avoided main roads if I could), I bailed up the dealer in NZ and I "brought" parts like extra starter motor etc, and when I returned the parts they just took off 10% as a rental, was great. I picked the idea up from Uk where is was quit common for Africian overland trips.