I am planning my next trip and would like to do Birdsville, via Broken Hill going up, and coming out through Quiplie.
I will be driving a Nissan Patrol (4.8 Petrol) pulling a Jayco Starcraft Tourer, NOT Off Road.
Would I be in need of "Psychiatric assistance" to attempt such a trip with this combo, or should I consider a little more suitable to such a fragile combination.
I have been to Quilpe, coming in from the east, but ventured no further west.
I do appreciate the wisdom of those who have done it previously. Thanks in advance. Cheers, KB
blaze said
07:14 PM Nov 30, 2019
keep the speed down and an eye on the weather. very doable
cheers
blaze
keiron said
07:23 PM Nov 30, 2019
Many thanks for your comments. I will continue planning. KB
Peter_n_Margaret said
07:24 PM Nov 30, 2019
I presume that you plan to go via Innamincka?
Yes dowable with lots of caution and sensible (low speed). Don't get impatient!
I suggest you avoid the Cordillo Downs road (it can be very hard on tyres) and go via Beetoota Pub which is open again.
Cheers,
Peter
keiron said
07:32 PM Nov 30, 2019
Thanks Peter, your suggested route is appreciated as I have, at this stage, only a start and finish point.
I will take your suggestions seriously. Thanks again. KB
erad said
07:48 PM Nov 30, 2019
I haven't been to Birdsville with my caravan, but I have been Tiboorburra, Innaminka etc with the my 16.5 ft Jayco poptop van (NOT off-road type). I didn't have any stoneguards etc and the front of my van had been peppered with stone dents. Luckily, none of the stones rebounded back onto the rear window of my Pajero, but I have since seen many examples of rear windows being smashed. Invest in some decent stone protection for your tug and the van as well.
You can expect to experience corrugations and dust, but other than that, in reality, it is only a gravel road. At times, we could not even see the caravan - the dust was so bad (that was Nocundra to Tiboorburra). Drive to conditions and you will be OK. Obviously if it rains, things can go screwy then, but drive to conditions. Enjoy this magnificent country.
TheHeaths said
08:03 PM Nov 30, 2019
Kieron,
Anything is doable! Sensible is another thing.
Just be aware that the Strezlecki and Birdsville Tracks both have warnings regarding corrugations at present. I can assure you it is well earned, and the corrugations can be severe.
We came down the Birdsville Track in late September, BEFORE the warning, and our average speed was 50kmh. The corrugations were bad and no warning in place. Our van is a Starcraft Outback, and while no tyre damage, did lose our plumbing with rocks going under the van even with the increased height.
I am not saying dont do it, but if warnings are in place, seriously consider your trip. Perhaps in from Winton to Boulia and down via Bedourie (80kms of reasonable dirt) could be an option.
All the best.
-- Edited by TheHeaths on Saturday 30th of November 2019 08:04:45 PM
keiron said
08:13 PM Nov 30, 2019
Thank you Ian for the advice.
On an earlier trip I did the run from Menindee Lakes to Willcannia, on an un-sealed corrugated road, and on arrival needed to re-swing cupboard doors, Re-fit drawer runners, hang curtains / shower screen, all after I repaired my dentures (?).
I am thankful for you comments. KB
keiron said
08:43 PM Nov 30, 2019
As I consider all the advice I am receiving, and ponder the adventure ahead, I was wondering if there were any like minded persons who might consider joining moi on the journey.
Departure expected to be late Jan early Feb 2020, no strict time schedule, but expect to budget about 3-4 weeks from the Hill to either Quilpie or Winton.
Loose itinery but just to comfortable in the knowledge that some like minded travelers are close by in times of need, and to chin-wag at dusk etc.
If any interest please PM.
Iva Biggen said
11:10 PM Nov 30, 2019
keiron wrote:
As I consider all the advice I am receiving, and ponder the adventure ahead, I was wondering if there were any like minded persons who might consider joining moi on the journey.
Departure expected to be late Jan early Feb 2020, no strict time schedule, but expect to budget about 3-4 weeks from the Hill to either Quilpie or Winton.
Loose itinery but just to comfortable in the knowledge that some like minded travelers are close by in times of need, and to chin-wag at dusk etc.
If any interest please PM.
Sounds like a great adventure.
I have not been in any of that country for many years although I have been out around Menindee Lakes and Lake Tandau in mor recent times.
For what it is worth my advice would be to be very watchful of the weather in late Jan and through Feb as this is or at least can be the time frame of heavy thunderstorms and rain in that station country.
Back in the 90s I remember heavy rains in February which caused all the creeks and rivers to flow and it actually ran down and closed the Barrier highway and the railway line at OLeary. At that time the rain was quite widespread extending a great distance further north.
Having said that I guess many can only hope of rains that would be that extensive these days but you never know.
Good luck with finding a fellow traveller and I think it is a good idea to travel with another vehicle when in that country.
Enjoy your adventure.
Warren-Pat_01 said
11:17 PM Nov 30, 2019
Hi Keiron,
I haven't done the hop you're thinking of but I've been up & down the "Tracks" several times (Oodnadatta, Birdsville & Strzelecki, Plenty). These roads can change from highways to roads to tracks as quickly as changes in the weather & the amount of traffic.
You need a good vehicle (I've just changed from my third Patrol that had 454,000 kms on it) that is sound mechanically, GOOD tyres - at least 50% tread & if possible LT rated on both the car & van. Don't be like the bloke we saw three years ago trying to get his 80,000kms out of his Coopers - he didn't & caused others grief trying to help him - the loads he had on his car & camper trailer were EXCESSIVE! Carry a set of tools that can get you out of trouble if needed. Consider carrying a thermostat (they're cheap & easily replaced).
Keep your loads down within reason & as the others said - drive to conditions & add a stone guard of some description. I made something like a set of Rock Tamers - not as good but far cheaper & bolted to three parts of the rear cross member of the Patrol (two existing bolts, one square U-bolt around the tow bar). Check your van regularly (I've lost a few shock absorbers on rough roads). If they aren't already fitted, add nyloc lock nuts to the van's spring U-bolts.
I added good insurance to my GU (4.2LTDi) by putting on a fluid loss alarm ($100) - both my bottom radiator hose & bottom LHS of the radiator were very exposed. A friend recently cooked his Navara due to a cracked overflow hose & not being mechanically minded, did not keep an eye on his temperature gauge.
NOW - the most important point - when to travel. I would NOT travel in any of these areas in summer or autumn - it is TOO HOT! Sure you might have air conditioning but your engine, tyres have enough to cope with, let alone temperatures in the high 30s, low 40s. If possible, I prefer to travel in this part of the country from late April to no later than mid October.
HandyWalter said
02:29 PM Dec 3, 2019
I did the following Burke and Wills trek and saw dual axle road caravans being towed across the Walkers Crossing Track. I have an semi off road van, and they passed me like I was standing still. Mind you when they pulled into Birdsville they were under their vans doing a lot of repairs. So anything is doable. The biggest thing to watch is the stones do damage to you van or back of your car unless you have a stone stomper or similar. Also dust is a big enemy unless you have taken precautions. I close off all vents and open my scupper vent and only have a very little dust near the door. The road into Inaminka is bone jarring but slow speed will result in little damage. The Noccundra Hotel is well worth a visit as well.
Peter_n_Margaret said
04:10 PM Dec 3, 2019
Innaminka to Birdsville via the Walkers Crossing track would be a viable alternative rather than via Beetoota, if it is open. It tends to be more affected by rain or flooding from Cooper Creek though, so check that before departure. It also has some pretty nasty corrugations from time to time that will require VERY slow speeds, but the surface will also be kinder on tyres with less stones than the alternative route. The country traversed is quite different. Pics from 2018, travelling SE.
On an earlier trip I did the run from Menindee Lakes to Willcannia, on an un-sealed corrugated road, and on arrival needed to re-swing cupboard doors, Re-fit drawer runners, hang curtains / shower screen, all after I repaired my dentures (?).
I am thankful for you comments. KB
Hi Keiron, the trip you are proposing is more harsh & much longer than this trip you've already done. So expect more of the same, but in much bigger doses.
As others have said, it's doable, BUT................... mate, you're on holiday! At the end of every day's travel, you'll be looking to sleep in the van, not spend hours cleaning the red dust out of it & repairing any damage.
I've been up through from Broken Hill to Tibooburra & then up to Noccundra & also up to Cameron Corner & Innamincka. I've also been out from Quilpie to Windorah & then onto Betoota & Birdsville more than once.
It doesn't matter how you drive, nor tyre pressures, nor any other sage advice you may get; all that will do is lessen the damage to the van. It's going to be a very stressful trip towing an on road van, no matter what you do.
I'm not guessing, I've actually tried doing this stuff that we choose to do, towing an on road van.
Personally, with your set up, I'd go Broken Hill - Cobar - Cunnamulla - Charleville - Winton - Camooweal - Boulia - Bedourie (all bitumen so far) - Birdsville (some dirt road, but good dirt road along that section) - and then back out via the dirt road to Winton. A lot more KM's, but a lot better holiday IMO.
If you really want to see Quilpie, you could do the Natural Sciences Loop, which is a cracker of a trip on it's own!
Hi.
I am planning my next trip and would like to do Birdsville, via Broken Hill going up, and coming out through Quiplie.
I will be driving a Nissan Patrol (4.8 Petrol) pulling a Jayco Starcraft Tourer, NOT Off Road.
Would I be in need of "Psychiatric assistance" to attempt such a trip with this combo, or should I consider a little more suitable to such a fragile combination.
I have been to Quilpe, coming in from the east, but ventured no further west.
I do appreciate the wisdom of those who have done it previously. Thanks in advance. Cheers, KB
cheers
blaze
Many thanks for your comments. I will continue planning. KB
Yes dowable with lots of caution and sensible (low speed). Don't get impatient!
I suggest you avoid the Cordillo Downs road (it can be very hard on tyres) and go via Beetoota Pub which is open again.
Cheers,
Peter
Thanks Peter, your suggested route is appreciated as I have, at this stage, only a start and finish point.
I will take your suggestions seriously. Thanks again. KB
I haven't been to Birdsville with my caravan, but I have been Tiboorburra, Innaminka etc with the my 16.5 ft Jayco poptop van (NOT off-road type). I didn't have any stoneguards etc and the front of my van had been peppered with stone dents. Luckily, none of the stones rebounded back onto the rear window of my Pajero, but I have since seen many examples of rear windows being smashed. Invest in some decent stone protection for your tug and the van as well.
You can expect to experience corrugations and dust, but other than that, in reality, it is only a gravel road. At times, we could not even see the caravan - the dust was so bad (that was Nocundra to Tiboorburra). Drive to conditions and you will be OK. Obviously if it rains, things can go screwy then, but drive to conditions. Enjoy this magnificent country.
Kieron,
Anything is doable! Sensible is another thing.
Just be aware that the Strezlecki and Birdsville Tracks both have warnings regarding corrugations at present. I can assure you it is well earned, and the corrugations can be severe.
We came down the Birdsville Track in late September, BEFORE the warning, and our average speed was 50kmh. The corrugations were bad and no warning in place. Our van is a Starcraft Outback, and while no tyre damage, did lose our plumbing with rocks going under the van even with the increased height.
I am not saying dont do it, but if warnings are in place, seriously consider your trip. Perhaps in from Winton to Boulia and down via Bedourie (80kms of reasonable dirt) could be an option.
All the best.
-- Edited by TheHeaths on Saturday 30th of November 2019 08:04:45 PM
Thank you Ian for the advice.
On an earlier trip I did the run from Menindee Lakes to Willcannia, on an un-sealed corrugated road, and on arrival needed to re-swing cupboard doors, Re-fit drawer runners, hang curtains / shower screen, all after I repaired my dentures (?).
I am thankful for you comments. KB
As I consider all the advice I am receiving, and ponder the adventure ahead, I was wondering if there were any like minded persons who might consider joining moi on the journey.
Departure expected to be late Jan early Feb 2020, no strict time schedule, but expect to budget about 3-4 weeks from the Hill to either Quilpie or Winton.
Loose itinery but just to comfortable in the knowledge that some like minded travelers are close by in times of need, and to chin-wag at dusk etc.
If any interest please PM.
Sounds like a great adventure.
I have not been in any of that country for many years although I have been out around Menindee Lakes and Lake Tandau in mor recent times.
For what it is worth my advice would be to be very watchful of the weather in late Jan and through Feb as this is or at least can be the time frame of heavy thunderstorms and rain in that station country.
Back in the 90s I remember heavy rains in February which caused all the creeks and rivers to flow and it actually ran down and closed the Barrier highway and the railway line at OLeary. At that time the rain was quite widespread extending a great distance further north.
Having said that I guess many can only hope of rains that would be that extensive these days but you never know.
Good luck with finding a fellow traveller and I think it is a good idea to travel with another vehicle when in that country.
Enjoy your adventure.
I haven't done the hop you're thinking of but I've been up & down the "Tracks" several times (Oodnadatta, Birdsville & Strzelecki, Plenty). These roads can change from highways to roads to tracks as quickly as changes in the weather & the amount of traffic.
You need a good vehicle (I've just changed from my third Patrol that had 454,000 kms on it) that is sound mechanically, GOOD tyres - at least 50% tread & if possible LT rated on both the car & van. Don't be like the bloke we saw three years ago trying to get his 80,000kms out of his Coopers - he didn't & caused others grief trying to help him - the loads he had on his car & camper trailer were EXCESSIVE! Carry a set of tools that can get you out of trouble if needed. Consider carrying a thermostat (they're cheap & easily replaced).
Keep your loads down within reason & as the others said - drive to conditions & add a stone guard of some description. I made something like a set of Rock Tamers - not as good but far cheaper & bolted to three parts of the rear cross member of the Patrol (two existing bolts, one square U-bolt around the tow bar). Check your van regularly (I've lost a few shock absorbers on rough roads). If they aren't already fitted, add nyloc lock nuts to the van's spring U-bolts.
I added good insurance to my GU (4.2LTDi) by putting on a fluid loss alarm ($100) - both my bottom radiator hose & bottom LHS of the radiator were very exposed. A friend recently cooked his Navara due to a cracked overflow hose & not being mechanically minded, did not keep an eye on his temperature gauge.
NOW - the most important point - when to travel. I would NOT travel in any of these areas in summer or autumn - it is TOO HOT! Sure you might have air conditioning but your engine, tyres have enough to cope with, let alone temperatures in the high 30s, low 40s. If possible, I prefer to travel in this part of the country from late April to no later than mid October.
Innaminka to Birdsville via the Walkers Crossing track would be a viable alternative rather than via Beetoota, if it is open. It tends to be more affected by rain or flooding from Cooper Creek though, so check that before departure. It also has some pretty nasty corrugations from time to time that will require VERY slow speeds, but the surface will also be kinder on tyres with less stones than the alternative route.
The country traversed is quite different.
Pics from 2018, travelling SE.
Cheers,
Peter
Hi Keiron, the trip you are proposing is more harsh & much longer than this trip you've already done. So expect more of the same, but in much bigger doses.
As others have said, it's doable, BUT................... mate, you're on holiday! At the end of every day's travel, you'll be looking to sleep in the van, not spend hours cleaning the red dust out of it & repairing any damage.
I've been up through from Broken Hill to Tibooburra & then up to Noccundra & also up to Cameron Corner & Innamincka. I've also been out from Quilpie to Windorah & then onto Betoota & Birdsville more than once.
It doesn't matter how you drive, nor tyre pressures, nor any other sage advice you may get; all that will do is lessen the damage to the van. It's going to be a very stressful trip towing an on road van, no matter what you do.
I'm not guessing, I've actually tried doing this stuff that we choose to do, towing an on road van.
Personally, with your set up, I'd go Broken Hill - Cobar - Cunnamulla - Charleville - Winton - Camooweal - Boulia - Bedourie (all bitumen so far) - Birdsville (some dirt road, but good dirt road along that section) - and then back out via the dirt road to Winton. A lot more KM's, but a lot better holiday IMO.
If you really want to see Quilpie, you could do the Natural Sciences Loop, which is a cracker of a trip on it's own!