Colson track

[jx2mad]

Anyone done this track up to Alice Springs? I know it is difficult to get a permit but just wondering? Jim

[oldyella 76]

We went down there in 2003. You cannot get a permit. When I applied for a permit the land council did not even know of the track. But when told of where it was, they then said we could not get a permit. I knew the local polly and I rang him and he said it was a public road and that we could go without a permit, he further said he would back me up if there were problems.
So we went. People at Numery were very helpfull as it is a bit trickey getting out from the homestead to the track. We also missed the gate where you go out from the station property to the so called CLC land. We had to backtrack some distance to find it. I do have the co-ordinants for the gate. You will the track which runs with the dunes except for some confused dunes which are quite easy to cross. Interesting country.
Lindsay.

[TwoUp]

Alternatively you can go up the Colson and then head
West near Twin Hills (will need to cross large sand dunes) then head for Matt Clark Conservation area to Bins Track North to The Alice. Good drive, I have done it in reverse of what is said here. Fuel may be an issue as you will have done (suggested) the QAA Line, French Line and Colson PRIOR to say two more days to the Alice. Take your time as this (given you can do it) would have to be one of the best ways of crossing, that gives you more time in the Desert and changing scenery. If Rig Road is open then that may be an alterative to QAA and French Lines, but if you want bang for your fuel buck, do the QAA and French line, it is good driving. Colson is good too and has an Eagles' Nest en-route. I will look for some pictures.
Found the nest pic and Waddy trees at Mat Clarke Conservation Area.

Can provide more info if required.

Just though you may have a trailer...... Rig Road, Colson for that, just getting to Twin Hills may be a bit of a push.

[Grants]

Not wishing to spoil the fun, but ... Access to the Colson from the Alice end means crossing some Aboriginal land, either a little bit via The Twins, or a big chunk via Numery. Whichever track you choose is NOT PUBLIC ROAD (can't always believe what politicans say eh?). Technically, Aboriginal Land is private land (sort of like your back yard) so permit should be sought. It is POSSIBLE to get a permit, but the Traditional Owners are very cautious because there have been too many unregulated 4WDs cruising around on their country (mind you, mostly not nice Landrover folk).

[TwoUp]

Yes permits are required for the area. They are issued from the Alice by the Central Land Council permits@clc.org.au or Tel 08 8951 6211. I used both last year and had the best result by calling. Each vehicle will need a permit and you need to tell them when you will be in the area. I did the Madigan last year and you get a nice map, not that you would use it to navigate though as it has old shot lines et cetera on it. Oh and the permits are free.

You may want to start looking here The Central Land Council represents Aboriginal people in Central Australia | Central Land Council

The people at CLC were very nice to deal with and quite helpful.

Now if you are intending on going from Innamincka to the Alice without stopping for fuel then you would really want to think long and hard about weight and capacity. Birdsville to the Alice would be quite hard. As an alternative you may want to cross the desert going to Mt Dare then on leaving turn Right onto the Binns Track and head to the Alice. Easier on fuel and quite a nice drive. You get to see a lot on this drive. Anyhow food for thought!

Cheers,
PeterW