Thread: The Munja Track...who's done it, towing a camper trailer?

Hi Greg

I did the Munja 2 years ago with GOE and it wasn't too difficult at all, BUT we had good conditions. There were 2 trailers in the convoy, an Ultimate and another std off road one (can't remember brand). The issue with the trailers were the jump ups (about 4 of them from memory) where clearance is king. The creek crossing also present approach and departure angle problems for anything but a short trailer. The dirt up that way is black soil and if it rains it will make towing very difficult and recovery very hard in my opinion. We had it dry and the creek levels were very low and so presented no problems at all.

Bachsten camp is a small camp ground and is not really suited to trailers but they do fit. Make sure you go to Bachsten gorge. The camp hosts will tell you the way. Mt Elizabeth station, where you need to register and pick a key up from, is a large camp ground for your trailer. If at all possible you could leave your trailer there and swag it the rest of the way which would make the going a lot easier. Although it's about 125km from Mt Elizabeth to Bachsten, it's a 2 day journey unless you thrash it and then you break things. Also if time allows, make it all the way to Walcott Inlet (check your tide charts for the king tides to make it really spectacular). We didn't go there and it was a big regret of mine but you gotta go were the convoy needs to go. It's also a lot slower going from Backsten to Walcott.

Go with a mate too as there is safety in numbers. If you need to call and discuss this further, PM me to arrange.

Rod.

We did the Munja last year towing an Ultimate Camper. with a 76 series cruiser

No real problems to Bachsten camp and there are a couple of areas to set up campers there.

We took 4 days to get to Bachsten, there are some great camps along the way
and fair bit of rock art, look around some of the rocky outcrops (go for a climb and a good look around Jamiesons Arch)

After Bachstens on the way to Walcott Inlet there is a difficult jump up just past Wrens Gorge (but doable with camper).
And a section where you drive along the creek, but rock base,

We never had to be recovered at any spot, guys tow boats out there.

There are some magic camp spots on lagoons on the way out to Walcott (barra if you fish)

Do not swim after you cross the Calder River, should b OK till then.

I have been told that the last 8K's or so into Walcot inlet is a bit "Sketchy" for towing larger boats and trailers, Is this the case?

Thanks for that Rod, good intel. Our trailer is a Pioneer Longreach, it's quite long, 5.4 metres overall. We'd certainly be going in convoy, and the idea of leaving the campers at Mt Elizabeth is pretty appealing to me but I think we'll have a battle to convince the wives to swag it to Bachsten and back:-) Its actually about 145km each way, not 125km, according to Rick and Ann the camp hosts. And yes, it'd be at least a two day drive each way.
We've been into Walcott Inlet by boat but never overland, so that would be the aim. Again, not sure if the wives are with us on that though.

Originally Posted by rocket rod

Hi Greg

I did the Munja 2 years ago with GOE and it wasn't too difficult at all, BUT we had good conditions. There were 2 trailers in the convoy, an Ultimate and another std off road one (can't remember brand). The issue with the trailers were the jump ups (about 4 of them from memory) where clearance is king. The creek crossing also present approach and departure angle problems for anything but a short trailer. The dirt up that way is black soil and if it rains it will make towing very difficult and recovery very hard in my opinion. We had it dry and the creek levels were very low and so presented no problems at all.

Bachsten camp is a small camp ground and is not really suited to trailers but they do fit. Make sure you go to Bachsten gorge. The camp hosts will tell you the way. Mt Elizabeth station, where you need to register and pick a key up from, is a large camp ground for your trailer. If at all possible you could leave your trailer there and swag it the rest of the way which would make the going a lot easier. Although it's about 125km from Mt Elizabeth to Bachsten, it's a 2 day journey unless you thrash it and then you break things. Also if time allows, make it all the way to Walcott Inlet (check your tide charts for the king tides to make it really spectacular). We didn't go there and it was a big regret of mine but you gotta go were the convoy needs to go. It's also a lot slower going from Backsten to Walcott.

Go with a mate too as there is safety in numbers. If you need to call and discuss this further, PM me to arrange.

Rod.

Originally Posted by trout1105

I have been told that the last 8K's or so into Walcot inlet is a bit "Sketchy" for towing larger boats and trailers, Is this the case?

People do tow boats in there I believe - like those madmen Jase and Simon in their tricked up Land Cruisers - but those guys have some pretty serious gear, and sponsors are picking up the tab for damage. I'd be less than confident taking my shiny Disco in there without breaking something.

Originally Posted by trout1105

I have been told that the last 8K's or so into Walcot inlet is a bit "Sketchy" for towing larger boats and trailers, Is this the case?

No, the track is not nearly as bad as what you guys seem think it is.

Originally Posted by GregMilner

People do tow boats in there I believe - like those madmen Jase and Simon in their tricked up Land Cruisers - but those guys have some pretty serious gear, and sponsors are picking up the tab for damage. I'd be less than confident taking my shiny Disco in there without breaking something.

I would think that going to Walcot via boat from Derby would be easier and much faster than going there via the Munja track.

Yes true, I’ve been in there by boat a couple of times.