Melb - Camerons Corner, via NSW / s. Qld / S.A.

[Barry]

Heading, above, is it in a nutshell, MY05 manual OB, me & 2 kids, about 6 weeks from mid October.
Travelling relatively light (full rear using luggage barrier, roof box but no trailer).

Mostly on road but happy to get off where warranted. Any 'must see' suggestions appreciated. :ebiggrin:

Barry

 

[turborob]

If you're coming down the Strzelecki (sp?) watch the sandy patches at the top of the crests. Also, there's a shortcut from the from Cameron rd to the Strez.?. which is a good fun run.

From there, you can camp at the Monte(something - it's on the map) bore. Warm water bore and small sand hills. Toilets (holes) there and it's free.

To be honest there isn't anything to 'must see'. The must see part is the space and landscape - which is everywhere.

When you're heading South you would be nuts to not have a drive through the Flinders.

 

[Barry]

Thanks Turborob, I will certainly come back via the Flinders Ranges. Am also thinking about 'bagging' Wilpena Pound. If there is still water in Lake Eyre may also detour to Coober Pedy to get airborne for a look.
Probably should fit a metal sump guard as insurance in the sand.

 

[Barry]

Route west from Camerons Corner to Strzelecki Track

If you're coming down the Strzelecki (sp?) watch the sandy patches at the top of the crests. Also, there's a shortcut from the from Cameron rd to the Strez.?. which is a good fun run.

From there, you can camp at the Monte(something - it's on the map) bore. Warm water bore and small sand hills. Toilets (holes) there and it's free.

To be honest there isn't anything to 'must see'. The must see part is the space and landscape - which is everywhere.

When you're heading South you would be nuts to not have a drive through the Flinders.

Neither Google Maps, nor the SAAA, NRMA or RACV show a road link from Camerons Corner west to Murty Murty Station and then on to the 'Outside Track.

All sites show the link as being either north via Iniminka / Coopers Creek, on the inside (old) Strzelecki track, or south, via Peterborough and Broken Hill.
I will be coming back to The Barrier (i.e. Broken Hill) via the southern route, but haven't time for the northern loop.

Does anyone know of an electronic map for the route I want (which I understand is the 'shortcut' Turborob was referring to) AND any comments on its suitability for au unmodified manual series IV Outback (4cyl, N/A) would be appreciated.

 

[El_Freddo]

I wish I was following in your dust!

If you haven't already, a second spare tyre is a must!

Pack the camera and some spare batteries...

Have a great time!

Cheers

Bennie

 

[Barry]

Second spare...

Bennie,

Given your knowledge of 2nd hand parts supplies, do you have any ideas on the best place to pick up another spare?

 

[El_Freddo]

Are you on ausubaru.com/forum? Best guy to ask is AlpineRaven - he's always hanging around in yards and know better ones than I do.

The three that I frequent, but haven't seen an outback in are:

Pick a part Kilsyth
Pick a part Campbellfield and
Centre Road Wreckers (since changed name that I can't remember), Centre Road, Springvale.

Good luck with it, the next challenge will be finding the space to put it!

Cheers

Bennie

 

[Barry]

Thanks Bennie,

I guess I can lash it on top of the water & fuel Jerry Cans on the roof rack!

One of these years I'm going to make a hitch mount 'swing arm carrier' similar in concept to Beige Wagon's design.

Must get myself one of those 'round-to-it' jiggers ...

('Cause once I get a round-to-it lots of things will be getting done! :lol::biggrin::lol

 

[El_Freddo]

One of these years I'm going to make a hitch mount 'swing arm carrier' similar in concept to Beige Wagon's design.

Hehehe... I just posted in your thread from august about a few different designs using a trailer hitch mounted bike carrier...

Must get myself one of those 'round-to-it' jiggers ...

('Cause once I get a round-to-it lots of things will be getting done! :lol::biggrin::lol

Hehehe... I can get you one of them from the Bendigo Pottery! Got dad one but he's still getting a round tuit on a lot of things!

Cheers

Bennie

 

[Kevin]

Neither Google Maps, nor the SAAA, NRMA or RACV show a road link from Camerons Corner west to Murty Murty Station and then on to the 'Outside Track.

Maybe Hema or a topo map?

 

[Barry]

Maybe Hema or a topo map?

Thanks Kevin,

It is definitely on the RACV touring map, and in my Exploring Australia Atlas. Likewise some of the routes from the Flinders Ranges to Broken Hill which by-pass some of the bitumen.

Dont know what the GPS services are like, but I am disappointed with the local car clubs not having it on their electronic maps, especially as it is not as remote, or as circuitous as the 'bore track' route through Coopers Creek. Disappointed in Google, but maybe they don't show them for legal liability reasons. Hopefully the GPS map services are better, otherwise not much point to having them!

 

[Barry]

Route Map

Have prepared a route map, which will only vary slightly if I find more interesting 'roads less taken' such as when crossing the Divide, and will probably follow the Darling on the way to Bourke.

Map doesn't show the Strzelecki Track section, as "Google MAps wouldn't let me". As is it is just over 6,000 km. Will probably be 7,000 +/- by the time I have been the Flinders Ranges.

IF I'm confident about my fuel capacity, and the tracks are dry, I might head to Coopers Creek after Longreach, south along the Bore Track to Camerons Corner, then west to Merty Merty Station and the Strzelecki Track & Flinders Ranges. Will depend how far before Coopers Creek ULP is available.
Anyone have any knowledge of that? (I'll be carrying one Gerry of fuel for my 4 cyl manual OB.)

ALSO,

This 'mexican' would be interested in meeting some of the north coast N.S.W. / s.e.Qld members if any are so inclined.

If anyone is interested PM me your ph. no. as I'll be off the net most of the time while I'm away - i.e. not carrying a lap top. (Will be real withdrawal symptoms, I reccon! )

 

[fredsub]

Bennie,

Given your knowledge of 2nd hand parts supplies, do you have any ideas on the best place to pick up another spare?

I would suggest just taking a spare tyre, and one or two inner tubes - less weight. You have to be really unlucky to get 2 flats before you get to somewhere where you can get repairs. Inner tubes are a good idea, cause out there they might repair sidewall punctures also, well I found they do anyhow (no chance in the city).
Or have your own tire repair kit. If your a beefy fellow you might be able to change tyres using just mallet,carbon or soap and tyre levers and sweat - i'v seen it done, hard work!
theres ways of doing the bead too.

once your just past Flinders Ranges, Farina has a good camp site, cheap fee too.

 

[Barry]

Thanks Fred,

Always used to carry tubes with my Beetle. Have a 'rubber band' repair kit as well.

Have 2 pairs of tyre levers . 1x modern cast & 1x ~ 60 year old genuine steel ones that were my dads. Damn, that kit is getting heavy!

Thanks for the 'oil' about Farina.

 

[El_Freddo]

i.e. not carrying a lap top. (Will be real withdrawal symptoms, I reccon! )

You'll be too busy having a good time IN your subi to remember that you're having withdrawls... The withdrawls will start once you get home

Cheers

Bennie

 

[Barry]

Cameron Corner... "Bagged" it!

Made it to Cameron Corner from Innamincka last night. Got to Broken Hill late this arvo (had to abandon the Flinders Ranges leg this time. Usual story, hadn't allowed enough time for doing stuff! (Especially breaking camp with just me and the kids!)
Only bogged once, between Merty Merty and the Corner. The Bushranger Trax did their jobs. Also grateful for the post hole shovel.
The Outback has performed exceptionally well, despite the views of some judgmental types in Innaminka. (Thought that I was overloaded and shouldn't be in that part of the world...) Extremely pleased I have a manual, as I really needed the low range in the 'glue pot'!

Will post photos and a trip report in a couple of weeks - hopefully before Christmas! Will also up-date comments on camping gear, etc.

Now for another week in out-back NSW :ebiggrin:

 

[Kevin]

Well done! Look forward to hearing more!

 

[El_Freddo]

SOOO Jealous right now!

Imagine if you had the L series low range in there! You'd be very suprised at the difference between the factory EJ low range and that of the L series - they're worlds apart...

All the best in the rest of your trip, can't wait for the write up!

Cheers

Bennie

 

[AlpineRaven]

Are you on ausubaru.com/forum? Best guy to ask is AlpineRaven - he's always hanging around in yards and know better ones than I do.

The three that I frequent, but haven't seen an outback in are:

Pick a part Kilsyth
Pick a part Campbellfield and
Centre Road Wreckers (since changed name that I can't remember), Centre Road, Springvale.

Good luck with it, the next challenge will be finding the space to put it!

Cheers

Bennie

yup!
Cheers
AP

 

[Barry]

AP,
I've had a look at your thread on Ausubaru on modding the low range and am very impressed.
Will definitely fit the low ratio when I need to re-build my engine.
Will probably do a re-build mid/late 2010.Will be looking to pick your brains when I do!