Oodnadata Track

[chester Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close chester]

Hey guys heading to the GTG from Melb and am planning to do the Oodnadata track on the way up and i had some questions

1 How hard is it i.e a dirt road or more extreme
2 Will a 2 inch lifted TD 120 towing and offroad camper trailer have any problem
3 Are their services on the track as i will not be taking extra tyres or other major parts (Have coopers ATR are these suitable)
4 Was only planning on taking basic spares (fan belts, radiator hoses, fuses etc) as this is about the limit of my mechanical knowledge

Anyone else is welcome to join i will firm up track start dates later on

Ps please let me know if based on the aove i am kidding myself my 4wd experience to date has whilst been varied been short trips only

Mods please move if this is the wrong place

[Malcur Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Malcur]

Re: Oodnadata Track

Chester,

We did the Oodnadatta track (from Maree to Oodnadatta) last August. It was basically a reasonable dirt road. A 2wd car would have had no problems. I have a std 120 series Prado no lift with BFG ATs. We towed a offroad camper-trailer without any problems. My brother-in-law had a 80 series LC and towed a off-road caravan. We didn't do Oodnadatta to Marla as we headed off through the Painted Desert and Coober Pedy. The only places for supplies along the track are at Maree at the start, William Creek and Oodnadatta, each about 200kms apart. I wouldn't want to rely on them for correct tyre sizes, for instance. But they certainly have food & water. When we got to William Creek, there was no-one else in the caravan park. By night-fall there were maybe 2 or 3 other campers. We didn't have any problems along the way, but it could be a long wait if you are unlucky and have 2 flats.

You should try and stay at Coward Springs (about 80kms south of William Creek). It is a great spot, hot (warm) spring, and the toilets made from old sleepers. We spent 2 nights there and enjoyed it immensely.

Mal

[dirttracker Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dirttracker]

Re: Oodnadata Track

I concur but carry two spares. You are still quite remote.

[MickL Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close MickL]

Re: Oodnadata Track

1 How hard is it i.e a dirt road or more extreme

Easy, fast dirt road in most parts (80kmh +) some cut up/loose sections towards the end of the tourist season... we had a VS Commodore ute shadow us for a day when we went through last August.

Most of the track is covered by station UHF channels and repeaters. People live and work along the track and drive along it every day. It's reasonably mantained and quite safe. No one has ever died after breaking down along the track, roll overs are another story... lower pressures and have regular rest stops.

2 Will a 2 inch lifted TD 120 towing and offroad camper trailer have any problem

No sweat.... no need for lift... std vehicles do this run every day.

3 Are their services on the track as i will not be taking extra tyres or other major parts (Have coopers ATR are these suitable)

AT type tyres are fine. Tyre repairs and basic mechanical repairs are available at Maree, William Creek and Oodnadatta. Good luck getting a 17inch tyre out there though. Get an extra spare if you can or risk a long wait and high $$$ getting one ordered in. (Like 3-5 days and twice the price)
Take heed of the locals advice on tyre pressures and drop them (ie: ring the Pink Road House if your not sure) Don't be a 45psi hero...

4 Was only planning on taking basic spares (fan belts, radiator hoses, fuses etc) as this is about the limit of my mechanical knowledge

More than enough, just make sure you have a UHF. There is regular traffic along the track over the tourist season and Marree/WC/Oodnadatta all have basic mechanical/recovery should you have a major mechanical fault.

Ps please let me know if based on the aove i am kidding myself my 4wd experience to date has whilst been varied been short trips only

Don't stress... it's just a long dirt road... enjoy it.


Mick

[Guest Close Guest]

Re: Oodnadata Track

What Mick said, I classed it more a "dirt Highway" when I did it last year.

[ntp Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close ntp]

Re: Oodnadata Track

Chester,

I am doing this trek prior to the PP GTG also. Post your travel dates and I'll see if we might cross paths somewhere. My travel dates are already listed on the PP GTG thread:

PP GTG travelling buddies

We'll also be towing a camper trailer and at this time only have standard suspension (although I am working on an upgrade :wink: ).

Cheers. 8)