I did the Birdsville track a few years (about 10-11years) ago (Year of the Outback 2000) to attend the Birdsville Races. It was the best time away from home me and the misses have ever had, I reckon. The outback S Aust roads are quite good. I did the B'ville in a Magna s/wagon loaded to the hilt and towing a caravan. In the past I have used the same set up along the Stzelecki track, the Oodnadatta track and in the Flinders Ranges. Your vehicle will not be a problem.
In saying this, the only thing that I think is essential for these tracks (esp Bville & Oodnadatta) is to have a at least a 2" lift and good all terrain tyres (definitely take 2 spares rimmed). MT tyres are better still. The swale (I think its called... the hump along the wheel tracks) can be quite high and will hit the underneath of the vehicle for the full distance if its not lifted ( also consider the weight of the vehicle). Parts of the B'ville track are gypcrete and quite flat and hard at this time of year and are able to be travelled quite quickly.... why bother? Enjoy the scenery.
Lower your tyre pressures all round to about 25PSI (cold) for the full length for comfort and to reduce rock punctures. You will be amazed the effect that lower tyre pressures will have.
Take plenty of water, a portable toilet (u could queue for an hour for the caravan park toilet in the morning), toilet paper and try to be as self sufficient as u can. There is plenty of fuel at Marree (where u connect to B'V track) and at Mungerannie. If u can, take one or 2 jerry cans of fuel, only because of the problem of a head wind chewing up fuel, rather than because there is not a supply...there is at Marree, Mungeranni & B'ville but you will pay plenty for it. The Mungerannie r'house makes a ripper burger and steak sandwich and also has wonderful access to the Mungeranie lake/sanctuary with birdlife a plenty. Stay over night.
In B'ville, stay in the caravan park. It has a lovely billabong with birds, swans etc.
Take warm clothing and bedding for the night time and early morning... it will be freezing. Oh, and some firewood.
If u r travelling from Melbourne, why not head to Nhill and take the turn off to the Murrayville track which connects to Murrayville and then left to Pinnaroo and up to Loxton, Barmere etc and the n over to Burra. Much more interesting than going to Adelaide, pt Augusta, Quorn etc (you could come back this way) and follow the map to Marree.
I will be heading up there in a few weeks. Might see you.
Last edited by humdingerslammer; 21-05-2012 at 09:32 AM.
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