Quote:
Originally Posted by eksjay
Great idea to put it on a map.
It doesn't look like you have missed any spots.
Which track is your favourite?
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For sheer difficulty and beauty, probably the Anne Beadell. Like all of the tracks, u can't rely on the info provided by others because everything changes with the wind and the rain. It is the only track that I got bogged on. Gone in 20 seconds with 2 sets of maxi track thingies. The spinifex country thru which it runs is spectacularly beautiful and of course I passed thru/visited the old atomic bomb testing areas along this track. This is amazing.... dead flat and the signs of an intense thermoevent every where. Some of the spinifex rings have been dated at 1000 yrs old. U can check my posts for photos/trip reports.
Beware of the absolutely deadly inland Taipan and the Western brown snakes in the warmer months throughout central Australia...
The Gary Junction Hwy (larf...) the Great Central Road (larf) and the Rudall River NP and roads to and from are also very beautiful to see. I have done the TanamiTrack in a Magna S/W (now deceased) but I hear that this track has deteriorated quite a lot. A 4WD should be OK with it.
Who knows whether these will be closed off soon but they r accessible ATM and worth doing. None of these tracks re really that difficult... just prepare well, don't overload, MT tyres are best with 2 spares on rims. Lowere tyre pressures to better cope with corrugations and the sand that is everywhere. Keep your speed down because track surfaces can change in an instant. Those who tell u to speed over corrugations are complete dicks in my opinion. Take 2 weeks supply of water and fuel in addition to your daily usage and don't burn the wood etc lying around... it is habitat. Use gas instead... cheap and cleaner!
My favourite area to visit is definitely the Kimberley. Done the GRR a few times now with and without a trailer. Lots of places to see from off the road. Take your time and enjoy. Fly over this area if u can afford it. A completely different perspective. Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek worth seeing though becoming more commercialised and expensive. Carawine Gorge near Marble Bar is also very pretty... don't hear much about this but a favourite with bird watchers.
The Cape York road was the first one I traversed...a bit of a doddle really but I suppose one must do it.
For all these tracks and treks, time is the critical factor. Plan to have plenty and don't aim to do everything in a week or two because it just doesn't work.
The journey along the track, though an achievement in itself, is not always as good as the end point so plan to stay a few days here and there. Also, the coast of Australia, wherever u r & especially Western Australia's, is just so spectacular. ALWAYS have side trips... u won't b disappointed.
I also love Alice Springs and surrounds... always worth at least 5 days... similar with Darwin.
The Nullarbor... all bitumen and, well, just nullaboring!
In terms of my set up... pretty standard really...JKU Rubi with 2" lift, Lovell springs front and rear, rear air bags, MT tyres, 2nd battery, solar panel, roof rack, NO BULLBARS, CB radio, driving lights. I either camp with swag, take home built camper trailer or take a caravan and do day strays from the bitumen. I take spares of course but make sure I do oil change/ filter changes B4 I leave. Too many tools. I also take a sat phone & EPIRB with me whenever I leave the vehicle.
Have a great day... reading this has a positive effect... it has helped covid lockdown go just that little bit faster!