William Creek to Lake Eyre with a Subaru Forester

William Creek to Lake Eyre with a Subaru Forester

by Tim
(Melbourne, Victoria)

Side Track to Peake Telegraph Station

Hi Rita,

I am really impressed with your website and the information that has been posted. I am from Melbourne and will be working in Alice Springs, so I have decided to drive up with a friend of mine via William Creek.

I have the ambition of driving to visit Lake Eyre in 2 weeks time, as I hear there is water in it at the moment, but I am concerned, as to whether my vehicle will make it. It is a Subaru Forester, which is not a real 4WD, are you able to advise me on if this is possible?

I will be making the necessary precautions of additional fuel, water and food.

Many thanks, Tim

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William Creek to Lake Eyre with a Subaru Forester

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Jul 19, 2009

Oodnadatta Track
by: Rita

Hi Tim,

thank you so much for your nice comment about this guide. I am glad you find it useful.

The Oodnadatta Track is a great detour on the way to Alice Springs.

You need to go to Halligan Bay from William Creek, that's the only spot you see the water in Lake Eyre.
From the reports I read recently, the track has corrugations and bull dust holes. There have been many people out there in the past weeks.
The current road report suggests a 4WD for the route. I don't know much about cars, but since the Subaru Forester is an all-wheel-drive, you should make it if you drive carefully.

BTW, the photo is of another side track from the Oodnadatta Track. It is good to have a car with higher ground clearance if you use these tracks. You won't always need the 4WD itself, but the ground clearance if a track is recommend for 4WD.

Road conditions of these tracks can change quickly, so the best thing is to ask the locals when you are there. Or ring the folks at the roadhouse in Marree (Ph: 8675 8360) for advice.

I also heard that Marree and William Creek can be a bit short with supplies sometimes. Fuel up at every opportunity along the way.

You might also consider a scenic flight over Lake Eyre. Most people say this is the best way to appreciate the water.
Wrightsair operates four one-hour flights per day from William Creek for $220 per adult.

Enjoy your trip to my favourite Outback track.

Rita

Recommended maps for your tour:
This map covers the Lake Eyre Basin & the Oodnadatta & Birdsville tracks.

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Jul 19, 2009
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Submitted by: Rita

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Hi Tim, thank you so much for your nice comment about this guide. I am glad you find it useful. The <a href="http://www.ritas-outback-guide.com/OodnadattaTrack.html">Oodnadatta Track</a> is a great detour on the way to Alice Springs. You need to go to Halligan Bay from William Creek, that's the only spot you see the water in Lake Eyre. From the reports I read recently, the track has corrugations and bull dust holes. There have been many people out there in the past weeks. The current <a href="http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/quicklinks/northern_roads/area2.asp" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">road report</a> suggests a 4WD for the route. I don't know much about cars, but since the Subaru Forester is an all-wheel-drive, you should make it if you drive carefully. BTW, the photo is of another side track from the Oodnadatta Track. It is good to have a car with higher ground clearance if you use these tracks. You won't always need the 4WD itself, but the ground clearance if a track is recommend for 4WD. Road conditions of these tracks can change quickly, so the best thing is to ask the locals when you are there. Or ring the folks at the roadhouse in Marree (Ph: 8675 8360) for advice. I also heard that Marree and William Creek can be a bit short with supplies sometimes. Fuel up at every opportunity along the way. You might also consider a scenic flight over <a href="http://www.ritas-outback-guide.com/lake-eyre.html">Lake Eyre</a>. Most people say this is the best way to appreciate the water. Wrightsair operates four one-hour flights per day from William Creek for $220 per adult. Enjoy your trip to my favourite Outback track. Rita <div class="aj-left"><b>Recommended maps for your tour:</b> This map covers the Lake Eyre Basin & the Oodnadatta & Birdsville tracks. <A href="http://www.clixGalore.com/PSale.aspx?BID=74988&AfID=177814&AdID=8689&AffDirectURL=www.travelguideuniverse.com.au%2fAustralias-Great-Desert-Tracks-South-East-Hema-Map%2f9781865001623.htm&LP=www.travelguideuniverse.com.au" OnMouseOver="javascript:window.status='';return true;" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> <img src="http://www.ritas-outback-guide.com/image-files/hema-desert-tracks-se.jpg" width="150" height="208" title="Great desert tracks south-east sheet covers Birdsville & Oodnadatta tracks & more" alt="outback-map"/></a> </div>

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Jul 20, 2009

Thanks
by: Tim

Hi Rita,

That is awesome, and thank you for the feedback and advice. I will be sure to make a fuel stop before I get into William Creek in the Subaru.

All the best,
Tim