Cycling from Perth to Brisbane

by Clyde
(Pietermaritzburg)

Hi Rita
I'm cycling from Perth to Brisbane from 22 July 2010. The route takes in the Great Central Raod, Oodnadatta Track and Birdsville track and I'm looking for latest information regarding water sources (drinkable) on these routes.

My research has been pretty detailed, but new info is always appreciated.

Clyde

Hi Clyde,

Hey, that is a real adventure, and certainly one that needs to be planned thoroughly. Cycling through this great country, you'll get a good feeling of the Outback. I am sure there'll be days you love it, and days you'll hate it.

You'll find a lot of info about the Birdsville & the Oodnadatta Track here on the the Outback Guide, but not so much about the Great Central Road. I haven't been there yet.
As you say your research has been pretty detailed, you certainly know already all the towns and roadhouses along your way.

Water sources along the way, that's hard to say. My advice is to ask the locals in every town/roadhouse if there are waterholes, wells or springs on the next leg of your trip. Take a water filter, so you can make nearly all water sources palatable.
A friend of mine cycled the Oodnadatta Track, and if needed he filtered water from cattle watering tanks.

Right now many rivers and creeks are flowing in the Eastern Australian Outback. The Birdsville Track is cut by the Cooper, the first time in 20 years. So you'll certainly find water in the usually dry creeks you are going to cross on the Oodnadatta & Bridsville Tracks. Again ask the locals.

Here is some info about the Great Central Road on my site.
For more info on the Great Central Road check the Outback Way website. On their "Contacts" page they have listed all facilities along the way.

Don't forget that you'll need permits to travel on the Great Central Road for both the Western Australian and Northern Territory side.

Have a safe trip,
Rita

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