has anyone recently gone to Birdsville with a 2011/12 GC

[topspark]

Hello All
Just interested to see if anyone has recently done birdsville with their 2011/12 GC?
If not, is there anyone who has done this at all this year?
cheers

[HighOutput]

I've not done it, but was researching on the net the other day and apparently it is flat as. Maybe a 2wd will get through.

[Richo]

Went last year, although not in a GC. Am meant to be heading to Finke Race shortly then across Simmo to Birdsville to pre-run a dirt bike ride in 3 months, so will get a good look at current conditions soon.

Its and easy enough run from east (Charleville/Quilpie etc), or Maree and Birdsville Track from the south. Birdsville track is open as of last week, but you can check with the roadhouse at Birdsville for local and up to date road conditions, but they are generally flat, wide dirt and well maintained.

Make sure you have JeepAssist and RACV total care, just in case.

[humdingerslammer]

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.

[johnv]

topspark, only a one word answer EASY
- CapeYork via old telegraph track
- Lawn Hill NP
- Gibb River Rd
- Bungle Bungles

Birdsville this year!!!!!!!!!!!