Road surface - Oodnadatta track

Road surface - Oodnadatta track

by Kevin & Jan

Oodnadatta Track

We are planning a trip to Darwin mid 2010 and would dearly love to travel the Oodnadatta track.

Presuming weather conditions are OK, would the road surface be suitable for a 4WD towing a 25ft caravan?

Thank you in anticipation of your reply.

Kevin & Jan

Comments for
Road surface - Oodnadatta track

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Sep 05, 2009

25 ft caravan not recommended
by: Rita

Hi Kevin & Jan,

Perhaps it is possible to manage the Oodnadatta Track with a 25 ft caravan, but I wouldn't recommend it. Sorry to disappoint you.

Although the Oodnadatta Track is a good Outback road in most parts, it certainly would take its toll on your van.

The road surface is corrugated in places, and there are lots of loose stones and gibber.
A common caravan doesn't have the under body protection, strong tyres and heavy duty suspension needed to handle such a road.

Another problem is the ground clearance. There are quite a few creek crossings on the Oodnadatta Track, and even if you cross them slowly, you could hit the ground and get stuck with such a huge van.

I saw quite a few of these off-road trailers on the track, they seem to be okay.

Whatever you tow, you'll need to protect the rear window of the towing car, and the front window of the trailer/campervan (if there is one).

You need to fix everything inside the van, cupboard doors, drawers, otherwise you'll have a mess after a day on a bumpy road. Also make sure that your fuel and water tanks are protected against the stones, if they are underneath the car.

Take essential tools to fix anything that might go loose during the day, and check the caravan closely each night. Carry at least one spare tyre for the towing vehicle and the van. Two tyres for each vehicle would be even better.
Don't forget, it is a long way for any towing service if you break down.

The Oodnadatta Track is one of my favourite Outback routes. The old railway sidings, the history and the landscapes are beautiful. There are many highlights along the track. It is really worth to do the trip.

Maybe you can rent an off-road camper for your trip? That would be the best thing for an enjoyable journey without too many worries.

Rita

Sep 07, 2009

After some advise,like everyone else :)
by: Jamie

Hi Rita,
We're planning to do the Oodnadatta Track in about 3 weeks. we'll be towing a Jayco Outback Eagle, another party will have a Goldstream 'offroad' and I'm not sure what the 3rd member of the party will have, a small caravan I believe.
We're planning to take 2-3 days from Marla to Marree. Your thoughts would be appreciated as to whether it will be suitable.
I've talked to various people and everyone gives me a different answer.
Cheers
Jamie

Sep 07, 2009

Oodnadatta Track
by: Kevin & Jan

Hi Rita,

We just wanted to thank you for for your response to our question regarding towing our 25ft van on the Oodnadatta Track. We are most grateful for your comments and have decided to heed your advice. Thank you again.
Kevin & Jan

Sep 08, 2009

Off road trailer/campervan
by: Rita

Hi Jamie,

although I am not an expert on the different kinds of trailer, campervans etc., I'd say every vehicle designed for off-road use can be towed on the Oodnadatta Track when the conditions are good.

As you said, ask 10 people, and you'll get 20 opinions. :) When you have some experience towing your caravans on rough roads, you should be fine.

Ask about road conditions on the track in Marla. Look around the caravan park and ask people with similar vehicles about their experience on the track.

Have fun.

Rita

Sep 08, 2009

Track conditions
by: Jamie

Thanks Rita,
Great advise, we will be sure to be chatting with other campers about road conditions. We're looking forward to heading away next week.
Cheers
Jamie

Oct 06, 2009

Road Conditions
by: Jamie

Hi All,
Just back from our marathon shake down trip. Did the Oodnadatta Track last week and found it to be in quite good condition.
we did the section from Marla to Oodnadatta first and one of our group in a Prado blew a tyre in the first 50 km's, we had dropped pressure when we first got on the Track, but this section is very rocky. The rest of the drive was not challenging at all and could easily be done with a standard car. In fact we saw a couple of standard vehicles at Oodnadatta campground with on-road caravans.

Oct 07, 2009

Thanks for the feedback
by: Rita

Hi Jamie,

good to get your feedback. So you had no problems with the caravans? What's your opinion about towing a 25 ft caravan, now that you done the trip?

Rita

Oct 12, 2009

Towing a big van
by: Jamie

Hi Rita,
i don't think I'd like to tow a 25ft van on the section between Marla and Oodnadatta because of the rocky conditions experienced and a couple of sections were chopped up after the rains the fortnight before.
I'd also be considering the ability of a van that size getting through the number of river crossings all along the Track, while most were dry when we went through, they can be quite steep and I would be concerned with the van grounding and possible damage. A shorter van, no probs.
Cheers

Jamie

Oct 13, 2009

I fully agree!
by: Rita

Thanks again for your thoughts, Jamie.
I agree that the steep creek beds would be the problem with a long van.
And as I said before, taking the creek crossings slowly is essential. I remember we sometimes hit the crossings with a big bang when they were deeper than we thought. The (mostly) good conditions on the track tempt one to drive too fast.

Cheers, Rita

Dec 04, 2009

december trip
by: Ory

hi rita
Im looking at the possibility of driving the track between 14 and 17 th december. Is this doable? I will be checking weather conditions and if it looks like being in high 30s to low 40s of course i wont do it. I have a suzuki vitara (no radio). Is there any traffic on the track in summer? is there any breakdown service? is there any track registration? I would prefer to do this in the cooler months but work requirements only allow me this time of year for holidays?

Dec 04, 2009

Be well prepared
by: Rita

Hi Ory,

it is certainly doable to travel the Oodnadatta Track in December, but you need to be well-prepared.

When you look at other reader's submissions here on the Outback Guide, there are quite a few people who intend to travel during the summer months. Of course, there won't be as much traffic as in the cooler months.

How much heat you can bear is up to you. You'll find weather buttons on all Oodnadatta Track pages (in the right column). If you click you can check a 7 days forecast.

It is highly recommended that you take some kind of communication device, either CB radio, or a satellite phone.

There is no official track registration. Police and locals prefer that you make arrangements with family or friends about how long you intend to be out there, and when you'll check back with them. If they don't hear from you on a certain day, they can raise the alarm then.

The Pink roadhouse in Oodnadatta (Ph: 1800 802 074) offers towing and breakdown service. You can ask about the latest track conditions before you head on the track as well.

Take plenty of water and some tools to be able to help yourself. Check my Outback safety and Outback driving tips for more info to prepare your trip.

Have a safe trip, and tell us how it went.

Rita

Nov 28, 2010

Caravans across road
by: Anonymous

Hi Rita,
WE are looking at doing this track in june,we have a windsor ,offroad ,rapid471.Would the corriagation on the road be too much for a caravan or are we better taking a tent?Any info would be great.

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