Cox's scrub S.A.

[Bondy]

I also heard the Border Track was closed - we were planning a trip there for last weekend.

[Big_T]

Well we could definately do with more wranglers at the Jeep club.
Most of the TJs there seem to have 31s and a 2 inch lift of some sort.
No extreme mods.

I talked to another TJ owner at the club tent at the Adelaide 4x4 show today.

I know what you mean about Cape Jervis - next time you need to just go straight to Fishery Beach after a rain. Forget the national park.

The border track sounds like it has some closed sections (some of the dunes) but there looked to be (on video) a fair amount of rutted track driving and some sand driving.
I didn't go, so what would i know... if you post a question about it here:
http://ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=15

you will wake up daveSAXJ who organised the whole trip (9 vehicles)

BT

[Tonto]

Hi Bondy (yawn, stretch - thanks for the wake-up, BigT)

The Border Track has had a few sections closed off as BT noted - some of the dunes were getting too hacked up and have been permanently closed (the track now deviates around them) and some of the worse-for-wear mud sections have been closed, presumably until they are repaired somewhat. There's been a bit of vegetation clearing for maintenance access, which will hopefully regenerate soon, but it's a bit open in parts at present.
Ngarkat is definitely worth a visit, but more as a great spot to unwind and enjoy the remote feel of the place than a 4WD challenge as it used to be known, although there are still a few moderate tests along the way. This time of year must be just about the best for a visit - not too hot.
I've heard some grumbles about the loss of access to the tougher track sections, but personally I was happy to find a national park that isn't oppressively over-signposted and prescriptive in the way it's managed. You can bet that if access to the tougher sections hadn't been restricted, access to the whole area to 4WD would be at risk - hopefully this way if people are responsible and don't go overboard in their 'enjoyment' of the track it will stay open. I know the 4WD Association and several clubs are contributing to maintaining the condition of the track.
Look forward to seeing you at the club sometime - the TJ contingent is definitely growing.
Just as an afterthought, if you are looking at going down that way, grab the Mallee Tracks book (Opp Lock have it) - it's got some good tracks other that just the Border track if you have a couple of days.

[Bondy]

I'd love to join the Jeep club and hook up with a few other TJ drivers (as well as others), but I leave for Roxby Downs this Wednesday and will be up there for about 3 months. Believe it or not there is some real good driving to be had up there with some fantastic tracks through the sandhills and desert - and I'm not talking about boring outback graded roads. I'll get some photos and video and send them through.

So I won't be able to get to the border track now until next year.

[Tonto]

Find us some good tracks near Roxby and you might get a club visit! My sister in law's up there at the moment with her Feroza - I've been meaning to ask her to scout around.
If not, look forward to catching up when you're back. There's a few good trips coming up next year.
Cheers
Dave