Travel to Lake Eyre following the Jan rains 2011

Travel to Lake Eyre following the Jan rains 2011

by Peter Hiley
(Melbourne)

Painted Desert

As a pom and grey haired traveller it is great to use our site. I have found a lot of useful stuff but conditions must vary with the weather, so after all the rains that have caused such devastation in Queensland what is the Oodnadatta Track like currently? We are in a 1988 well maintained Toyota Hiace camper and feel we ought to be able to make it to Williams Creek but feel the link across to Coober Pedy would not be a good idea. Are we correct? Doc P

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Travel to Lake Eyre following the Jan rains 2011

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Jan 18, 2011

William Creek Road
by: Rita

Hi Peter,

First, I am glad you find the Outback Guide helpful :).

As of today, the road from William Creek to Coober Pedy (William Creek Road) is open for all vehicles, while the Oodnadatta Track from William Creek to Oodnadatta is only open for 4WD. But this could change tomorrow.

The William Creek Road goes across the ground of Anna Creek station and the Woomera Prohibited Area. It is a short cut to Coober Pedy, however if you have some time, the route from Oodnadatta to to Coober Pedy might be more interesting. You can do a little detour to the Painted Desert, this is really a great trip.

With the recent rains it is very hard to say which road in this area is in good condition, and which section is closed. Everything is soaked, so a light shower change conditions rapidly.

The access routes to Lake Eyre are certainly rough, drive safely.

I have added an info box on the driving tips page with links and phone numbers to check road conditions (see box on the right).

Have a safe trip.

Rita

Jan 19, 2011

PS re travel to Lake Eyre following the rains jan 2011
by: Peter

I have read the coments, great, thanks. Things changing by the day.

Our Toyota Hiace is a 2 wheel drive and we don't plan to go up to Oodnadatta but is Maree to Williams Creek track "normally" passable with a 2 wheel drive? We will of course check when we get there but it would help to know to allow us to plan prior to ariving.

Thanks guys (and girl)

Peter

Apr 02, 2011

Oops!
by: Rita

Sorry Peter, I missed your question.

Yes, Marree to William Creek is normally fine for 2 wheel drive vehicles. I always found this part of the Oodnadatta Track in good condition.

Since your initial submission the area had much more rain, and the entire Oodnadatta Track has been closed a few times.

When the SA road report says open to all vehicles you'll be fine. Just drive carefully.

A note to everyone with a hired car: Even if the road reports state "open to all vehicles" you should know that you won't be allowed to drive on these unsealed Outback roads with a hired normal car.

Rita

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