My Tdci 130 set up

[newhue]

Fringes of the Simpson Desert part 5

But it’s when you get your feet wet the wonder starts.







Sunset wasn’t bad


Sunrise was good as well




The Oodnadatta track rolled on and we stopped at just about all the ruins. I wont bore you with that, but we found it strange as we were looking around just how many people just go by. I’m sure there are many reasons but why come if you don’t have the time.





We were still buzzing with our Lake Eyre experience and thought we would have another look at it from Level Post Bay. Camping is not allowed here, but good camping is 45km back at Muloorina homestead. If you sniff around the tributary to the lagoon you will find a little spring fed pool to soak in. Again bird life was fantastic.



No water this time. I walked out to the edge of the salt from the shore line, probably 3km. I was told the water starts some 30km from there, so I gave it a miss.



Plan 2 was to head home via the Gammon Ranges, then up the Strzelecki track to Merty Merty, and head East to Sturt NP. Recent rain changed the later half of that plan, so we had to go Plan 3, home via the Flinders Rangers. The really nice thing about the Gammon and Flinders Rangers is that you can see lots of it from the vehicle. It soon become apparent why artist flock to the area.

 

[newhue]

Fringes of the Simpson Desert part 6

Camping was easy, there are numerous spots all through the Flinders. This was Brachina Gorge. Once again to our surprise there is an awesome drive down the gorge. We made a loop out of it and returned via Parachilna Gorge. And since there was no firewood collection in the park we made good use of some Old Ghan sleepers.








Well I hope I haven't bored the crap out of you. From here we headed south through Bunyeroo Gorge which was much broader, and then onto Wilpena. Our daughter was feeling a bit off colour hear so we headed for home in a SE direction to Yunta. From there on the trip was flat, straight, and fairly uneventful. For those who have driven Broken Hill, Wilcannia, Cobra, Bourke, Walgett will know what I’m talking about. Closed roads due to recent rain still dictated how we came home so we had to stick to the black top.

The Tdci performed faultlessly, and I guess it should being under two years old. Don’t ask me how much fuel we used, it used what it used. I do know I was down about 100km a tankful driving on 22 to 28psi at 40 to 80kmh on sandy dirt roads. There seemed to be a fair bit of drag out of the warn tyre paths. We hauled 215lt of fuel, and 170lt of water and the car is at GVM 3500kg. Perhaps if this was all reduced economy would improve. It sure was nice not having to buy or be cornered into dirking bore water. And driving past $2.20 and $2.30 per litre for fuel felt good. Our set up allowed us to go brainlessly where we wanted to for at least 1400km safely, and have 10 days to do it comfortably.
The only collateral we had was a smashed windscreen, and a drivers side mirror housing, both from rocks. It seems to me camper trailers are reluctant to either slow down, move over, or upsize their mud flaps. It also was apparent 9 out of 10 cars on dirt tow a trailer these days, and 99% of them are Japanese brand. Oh, and 1/3 of them use generators.

thanks for reading, I hope yours is as great as ours was.

 

[newhue]

Double Island

Down here on the Empires southern front it was noted the Queens birthday was upon us again. So given we have a long weekend for such a celebration it was decided to head to the beach.

A couple hours north of home and we made the beach. 40km in total but our campsite was only about 1/3 of that away.


Made camp and settled in. The wife loves a good sleep in, but i'm the opposite. Nothing like getting up and greeting the day in.



My set up is pretty simple, nothing fancy. A couple alloy trays that hang of the truck with tent poles welded on for adjustability. The kitchen was close to the source but no luck on this weekend. No fish this time.



Now as luck would have it we were 75 meters from the bins, good for us as we didn't have to stock pile rubbish, and also seemed to keep the neighbours away. But it also had this cool dune. Didn't take long for the boogy boards to come out and a run smoothed out.


I recon it was a 45m drop over 70m. Got a good speed up at the bottom.



But you can't do that all day. So went for a drive to the head land. There was an old light house there but it was being restored and all covered up. Still managed to gat a little walk in and pay a visit to the lee side for lunch. Caught up with some mates while the kids swam yet again.






Back to camp to chuck up the hammock for a snoose. Can't go wrong there.


That was about it for the next few days. Monday came and some storm activity became dominant. But still not with out its beauty.


I sure had a good birthday celebration, hope the Queen had a goodie.

 

[Maxcustody]

WOW, thanks for sharing a truly awesome rig and a great adventure. Great pictures.......

 

[newhue]

Thanks, my pleasure. For some its probably a repeat as I've put a bit up on a UK site as well. But its all about contributing, what is possible, and what I have gained from reading forums.

I love the out doors and travel, it's about all that interest me really.

 

[newhue]

Central Simpson Desert part 1

Well, after the rain in 2012 closed a few routes, and a few mates canceled for various reasons, there was nothing else to do in 2013
but go back and knock over the now dry parts of the Simpson Desert.

The itinerary was out through Goondiwindi, St George, Cunnamulla, Currawinya NP, Sturt NP, Old Strzelecki Trk, Innamincka, Coongie Lakes, Walkers Crossing Trk, Birdsville. Then Inside Track, Warbuton Crossing, Rig Road, WAA line, Alice, Madigan line, Birdsville, home.
To me, it was the Desert Cats tour, as I had plans of catching some ferral cats along the way. However to the other brave souls who came along it was just the annual family holiday. The mob was made up with 6 Defenders, 12 adults (5 families, and two blokes in one truck without children). The 10 children aged from 1 to 8.
I am pleased to say we are still all mates.

For me our first stop was Boobera Lagoon just outside Goondiwindi. Beautiful spot on the banks of Macintyre River. There are Aboriginal graves here so it’s asked to not camp close to the lagoon.






One of the great things about owning a capable 4x4, is when you get to where you think camp will be, and it’s not so good, you just drive down the river to where it is good.
Cunnamulla Weir, baron, boring, and says no camping, but the Warrego River was superb.




Currawinya NP our next stop. Camped on the banks of the Paroo River for a couple days to explore the place. There is some nice history here with an old wool shed and the Old Caliwarro ruins.




National Parks have let the side down here a bit. We approached the park from the North East side of the Paroo. Signage is very vague to terrible and after almost an hour back tracking and a bit of cross country we finally worked out where we should be. The park unfortunately is full of feral pigs that don’t seem phased about your presence.
Furthermore when you drive the hour out to Lake Wyara (salt water), Parks have made the observation area so far away from the lake in the name of conservation it may as well be a mirage. Bit of a wast of time really, but still managed to find something of interest. These Brolgas took flight and quite surprising could be head quite clearly from some distance in the stillness of the desert. They were no where near the lake.


Lake Numalla (fresh water) was better. However the real highlight for us was The Granites. Definitely an afternoon destination.





Pete joined me at Currawinya and our plan was to make our way to Sturt NP via a back road that takes a northern ark from the dog fence west of Hungerford. But Hema Maps have it wrong. No access along the dog fence from Hungerford. A local told us there is a new road that heads West off the Dowling Trk towards Bulloo Downs. However I can verify a road that leaves the Dowling Trk that says Hamilton Gate does not join the road to Bull Downs near Mirintu Bore. So the proper new road must be further north.
So having popped out at Hamilton Gate with had four options, North and East were private roads so that was out, go back the way we came, or West along the fence. The Qld side said nothing, the NSW said not drivable, so we concluded must be OK on Qld.

Quite an interesting drive in the end. It ranged from reasonable to good graded road.







We arrived at Dead Horse Gully camp ground. It’s a nice place and my preferred campground in the NP. The grey skies had settled in so the rich red that the Red Centre is know for became quite drab.



Unfortunately, this section of the park was heavily populated by goats.


Never mind, we travelled the Gorge Loop Road on our way to Forte Grey. Stopped in at this old homestead site, and it never ceases to amaze me the ingenuity of early settlers. Rig a couple horses or camels up to the arms, walk them back and forward around in a circle, and up and down the buckets of water go from the well.



speaking of old machinery

 

[newhue]

Central Simpson Desert part 2

There is not much left to Fort Grey. The fort was a stockade that was built to protect Charles Sturt's supplies from Indigenous attack. Furthermore prevent the exploration party's sheep from wandering away.
The best part was just out the back is Lake Pinnaroo. I could easily spend time here.






Well we finally made it to Cameron Corner, and the junction of the dog fence that we had followed for days before. For me it was one of those places that when you get there.......well hard to see what all the fuss is about. You know, corner country, Cams Corner this iconic place between Qld, NSW, and SA...well it’s just a bollard near a shop.




Innamincka kind of struck me the same. However this little town is a surviver, as it’s never been much from it’s beginnings, even closing in 1951. It then re-opened in the 60’s however it seems to be built on the wrong side of the dusty road. The prevailing wind makes sure everything is covered in dust. Still the beer was cold, and hot chips kept the kids busy.


Camping on the common just outside town.



From here we took the opportunity to spend a couple days at Coongie Lakes. Once a cattle station, now known for it’s birdlife, it had been closed for the past 3 years due to floods. So it was something we didn’t want to miss. Cat score still zero.










We left Coongie Lakes and took advantage of another track being open, Walkers Crossing. I’m not exactly sure why Walkers Crossing has been closed for 3 years. It seems a bridge is there but closed, the place is quite dry, and the mining trucks have been in there for sometime. pats of the track got vague in places and it seemed mining interests change the road, and perhaps forget to put a sign back for the occasional passer by. It’s almost like they will tolerate you being there, but prefer if you were not. The track is nothing more than an access path, however it did become quite nice approaching the Birdsville track.




Not sure what birds made these as no one was home, buy very clever I thought.


Well we hit Birdsville and this is where the trip really started. Pete (rar110) and I would meet the rest of the mob here before heading out. Marting, Rimmer, Inside, and Doug (not sure of forum name) were all crazy enough to join me. We had a rest day here. Baked a cake for my sons birthday and had another crack at catching cats as they were hanging around the camp ground. Pete discovered his fuel tank was riddled with rust. A big disappointment to him as it was only 5 years old and new when it went in. Out it came for emergency repairs by the local mechanic, and back in ready for the Inside Track.

 

[newhue]

central Simpson Desert part 3

The Inside track had also just opened. It was in good condition and would lead us down to The Rig Road via Warbuton Crossing.







We made it to the start of the Rig Road. For many of us it was our first real bash at some decent dunes. Unknown to the group, the first 3 or 4 dunes were absolute crackers. Coming from the East they were steep with soft crests. One dune had a good 500mm step up right on the very top which caught out one or two of us. The wind was doing it’s thing however, and it would be no more than 30 minutes before there was no trace of us having ever been there.




Didn’t worry the kids one bit what the adults were up to. It was a fun and energizing end to our first day as a big group.



The Rig has some awesome clay pans that have to be seen to really appreciated. The cracked earth fads away into the distance before the mirage.






The track is straight forward, but you do have to be mindful of people out here who don’t have a radios, or can’t speak english, or are scanning and listening but wont say where they are, or just say vehicles heading ? with no real indication of location. All of which we found. Still hard to put you off your day.






Of course a Simpson Desert crossing is perhaps not complete with a stop at Dalhousy Springs. It’s a couple olympic swimming pools in size, at about 23deg, and fed by an artesian spring. To my amazement it was virtually empty, a complete opposite to last year.





From here we all made our own way to Alice Springs. Pete was heading to Uluru (Ayres Rock). Some took the fast route via Mt Dare. Myself and Andrew took the track from Bloods Creek, Abminga, Charlotte Waters and onto Finke.

Abminga ruins






The old Ghan rail siding where Madigan’s supplies were picked up by Tom Kruse and trucked to Old Andado.


The Finke Rd, Northern Territories worst road and particularly after the Finke Desert Race. So of course that is exactly when we arrived to drive it. 140km of huge corrugations littered with old rail track spikes ready to spear your tyre. We ran at 15psi, and maintained 80km/h which made little difference. There was nothing to do but put up with the noise and vibrations. Well that was until I couldn’t cope anymore. So time for a little rest, let the hearing return, stretch the legs, and make a cup of coffee.




We all had a few days to ourselves in Alice Springs. Basically as a breather from each other and preparation for the Madigan crossing for our return route. It didn’t really work like that however, we all seemed to drop in on, run into, or go to dinner with each other.
It was here Pete decided to pull the pin on his crossing. The truck had been suffering from clogging fuel filters from his rusty tank, and the tanks stability was still questionable. With Madigan recovery starting at $10 000, he reluctantly made the call. We all missed his families company.

Mark (strangy) from AULRO was kind enough to give us a tour of the Royal Flying Doctors.
Two things I took from the night besides a great tour of a great service. My wife think’s his a bit of alright. And his co worker convinced my son to keep saying “I want a Land Cruiser”.


Please give to the RFDS if your going anywhere near central Australia, or just because. It’s cost a bomb to keep these planes and great people in the air. If not for you, the good folk who live in regional Australia. Good on you Mark it was well appreciated.

 

[newhue]

Central Simpson Desert part 4

Well the time had come. We all carted 240Lt of fuel, up to 170Lt of water, and enough food to keep the family going for the next 11 days. We had enough crap amongst us I think we could almost rebuild a Defender. We had prepared for this over the past year so there was nothing else to do but go.
Rimmer and Inside took off for Old Andado the day before. Marting and I left the next day, and Doug was held up in Alice awaiting a new transfer case. His mid shaft bearings had failed. It was concluded work done to the box 18 months earlier re-sleeving the rear output shaft, may have had something do to with overtightened bearing.

Old Andado road was good for most part, every one likes a bit of bull dust.



The Madigan line starts at Mac Clark Conservation Park. These weird trees look like they belong in the Lorax flick. A type of Acacia unique to this part of the world. An estimated 2000 are all that remain. They burn really well. only joking.



It wasn’t long before we were in the thick of it. Our guide book said there is a track to Madigan’s camp 1. However it seems most if not all of the few who venture out here go straight to camp 1A. Having a surveyor in the group, a few bushwalkers, some keen eyes, and a dam good sense of adventure we were not about to let Camp 1 go past.




Of course if there is a trig, a surveyor can’t resist. And a bushwalker is always up for a decent view from a high point.
Marshall Bluff




Camp 2 was our bed for the night, again near a little peak. Madigan picked each camp site for Camel feed mostly, not for spectacular location.
It was very interesting to have a copy of Cecil Madigan’s book “Crossing the Dead Heart” with us. Trying to imagine what it was like back in 1939. 9 men on an adventure into the unknown, 17 camels that their lives depended on. Traveling with all the right gear to survive navigating by stars. In comparison we had wives and children, Defenders, GPS’s, fridges, sleeping mattresses, and so on. All the right gear just totally different.


I won’t bore you with a blow by blow camp by camp description, just some images of the crossing instead.
But before I do remember Doug. Well I had been keeping details of our movements and specific track changes, I had relaid these to him via sat phone.
Doug was now 4 days behind us, but he and his traveling mate Fito drove huge hours through the nights and days into the desert. We as the lead group had been challenged enough getting to camp 6 with the network of tracks that now exist. Doug did it via head lights.











Now we had a little incident. Couple things were learnt here. Don’t set your choofa up next to dry grass with the prevailing wind blowing across towards that grass. It’s doesn’t look big but it went from a smoldering bit of grass to 1m2, then 3 or 4m2 fire in maybe 60 to 90 seconds. If it wasn’t for a frenzy of fire extinguishers we may have burnt down the desert. And here is another thing, chuck that 1kg extinguisher away and replace it with a 3kg. It took 3x1Lt extinguishers to put it out. There is no time to run back for another extinguisher if you have another in the car, you need it all there right now.
It was funny in hind sight I have to say, but a bit of an eye opener.

 

[newhue]

Central Simpson Desert part 5

Madigans Claypan. There were also the Gidgee forrest on the crossing, they are awesome to camp in.








It all seemed to pass to fast and we were over Big Red, the last sand dune of the Eastern edge of the Simpson Desert. Time to air up to make our way into Birdsville, and to find the last marker.


Well Inside found the last marker, at the pub where it should be. You will have to go there yourself to find out where though.



Now to date I had tried my best to catch some feral cats. By god there out there and in large numbers. It had been a spectacular failure no matter what I tried. I had become the target for all sorts of jokes. And I was accused of making the cats fatter out there than they already were. It was the only let down of the whole trip.

Well that was until we camped on the banks of Coopers Creek. How does 5 cats in 2.5 hours sound, and a 6th in the morning. Suddenly the Desert Cats tour had had total success. It was only 6 cats but who knows how many they would have bred into over the passing months or years. Even got two in the one trapping...HOWZZZAATTTTTTT!!!




So lastly I have to thank my fellow travelers. The dynamics were huge, and just about every one I mentioned it to before we went gave me a raised eye brow, a concerned look, and a word of caution. But we did it, the desert was bigger than us all and we just worked on cup half full. I look forward to the next adventure around the camp fire.

 

[DividingCreek]

Wow. Incredible photo's. I really enjoyed them. Thanks for sharing

 

[Arlo]

Very impressive pictures!
Thank you very much for sharing.

 

[newhue]

Fraser Island part 1

My pleasure, I get so much from other peoples travels, I hope mine inspire someway somewhere as well. Life is too short, kids grow too fast is all I can really say.

The mid year school holiday arrived and we took a punt, that going to Fraser Island in winter would see the crowds significantly reduced. Turns out we were right. However winter is a great time of year in South East Queensland. Days have a high in the low to mid 20’s, and lows of about 14˚C. The days are clear, water is still warm from summer, but people think its freezing at the beach.

Fraser Island is the worlds biggest sand island. Its length is about 120 kilometres (75*mi) and its width is approximately 24 kilometres (15*mi). Like it or not it has World Heritage Status these day, but has always had some pretty cool stuff.

So off we went for our fourth visit to the island. It is only 3.5 hours North from home before we made the short crossing on the ferry.



Once you hit the beach you just can’t help but relax. And seeing the familiar sea birds make one feel at home.



It wasn’t long before another local arrived. The native dingos have been vilified for some years now because of dumb humans. People get all warm and fuzzy over them thinking they are similar to a domestic dog, often feeding them to try and get a good pic. Really it’s a matter of stopping and observing, and with a bit of luck you get a reasonable shot, which makes you look like you fed it. And No I didn’t.
Dingo numbers have been culled over recent years. With no natural enemy, plenty of lazy campers with bad habits, made for plenty of camp sites full of easy food, which created bad dog behavior, and ended with lots of breeding and rouge dog and pack behavior.
The catalyst for the culling was a child eventually died, after several close call attacks. With the dogs running more wild than usual, and with kids walking around with food in their hands something had to give. So now the number are much smaller, rangers drive it home about feeding dogs, and things are much safer and better really. We camped for two weeks this time in several remote spots, with two children and had no issues at all. We did the same a few years earlier with the same results.



So time to find a quite camp on top of the dune and settle in


Not a bad view hey


Now Fraser Island has some big trees. It has a huge amount of vegetation types, and logging for hard wood stopped in 1991.





It also has some gorgeous lakes. All a bit different, all perched, all fresh water.







Of course it would not be a beach holiday without a few fresh fish in the pan. I am no fisherman and these are only scabby Dart. But less than an hour old and with a bit of butter they tasted as good as it gets.


Here is a lesson for you, don’t go exploring tight bushy tracks with the rod on the roof. Because eventually you hear something else crack besides the branched on the shrubs.

 

[newhue]

Fraser Island part 2

Anyway enough East coast camping, we headed to a nice sandy tidal inlet on the West. We really got into this spot. Plenty for the kids to see, Turtles, Sting Rays, birds, various crustaceans, and small fish in the tidal pools. Plus it was so quiet, relaxing, and beautiful.







The ol Dingo is hard to spot sometimes, but they always let you know they are around.



We wanted to visit Sandy Cape at the tip of the island as we have never been there.
We knew we were in for a treat once we made the point.


Gee I love this car, the ol camel does well for itself. The places it takes us, the crap it carries, the effortless capability, and relative comfort.


So we set up camp, found another nice quiet spot.




There are many sand blows on the island. Many make for good sand boarding, many have nice walks to them, many are just magical to walk across. We were lucky our camp had a huge blow right beside it.




quite amazing how they slowly march across the island consuming every thing in their path.


I don’t know about you, but I find it inspirational, or why one does things when you drive a virgin bit of sand, or a remote rack. Just the feeling of being the only one on that day is quite special.


We were on our way to the light house. The stiff short walk up the hill got the heart started again for the day. Built in 1870, 33m (108ft) tall, 2.5 times over budget to build it, and a range of 23 nautical miles. No longer manned sadly. Converted to batteries on solar it still stands silently and proudly. Something about light houses.

 

[newhue]

Fraser Island part 3

We spent a few days up here, and felt like the only people on earth at the end of the earth. I run the risk of trashing the place letting it out of the bag about this place I guess. But I can tell you a Defender was made for this stuff so it can’t be all that bad. I’ll leave you with some more images of our time at the top. We did finish off the trip with a few days in the Kingfisher Bay Resort. And though nice, my heat remans with the tent, the defender, and the wild places it takes me.