The Great Australian Desert Loop – Cocklebiddy to Birdsville
RRCV Jaunt September 2019
Monday 7th September 2019 to Wednesday 23nd September 2019
Call for Expressions of Interest
The trip will commence in Cocklebiddy and finish in Birdville, the planned route is shown below, and should take about 17 days.
The object of not starting and ending in Melbourne is to accommodate some flexibility so
that those with time on their hands can tack trips on to the start and end of this trip– these are good points to plan additional trips.
Sherry and I plan to continue south to Innamincka via the Birdsville Track and Walkers Crossing, and on to Broken Hill and Melbourne and welcome anyone who wishes to join us.
Melbourne – Cocklebiddy 2,272 km
Cocklebiddy - Rawlinna 148 km
Rawlinna – Warburton 634 km (via Connie Sue Hwy) Permit
Warburton – Docker River 339 km (via Great Central Rd) Permit
Docker River – Kintore 317 km (via Sandy Bight Junction Rd) Permit
Kintore – Alice Springs 521 km (via Gary Junction Rd) Permit
Alice Springs – Jervois 333 km (via Plenty Hwy)
Jervois – Birdsville 620 km (via Hay River Track) Permit
Birdsville – Innamincka 364 km (via Birdsville Track & Walkers Crossing)
Innamincka – Broken Hill 677 km (Silver City Hwy)
Broken Hill to Melbourne 838 km
Total 7,063 km
Those wanting to read more information may find it in “Great Desert Track – Atlas & Guide” HEMA Maps Pty Ltd, 2013. Trips 5, 19, 16, 12, 3, and 13.
This is not a trip that should be undertaken without very serious consideration given to all of the topics covered in this expression of interest document. There will sections of dune driving in addition to the endless kilometres of brain jarring corrugations. All of that said it’s likely to be an interesting trip for those capable and with a totally prepared rig.
Please read through the following expedition requirements carefully and if you feel as though you'd like to be a part of the discussion and possibly join the trip let us know. By its very nature this cannot be a club trip where it's 'first in best dressed'- careful and serious consideration needs to be undertaken by the trip leader with regard to the safety and capabilities of the eventual final group so as to ensure that everyone enjoys a wonderful and safe adventure. This as yet is not a call for sign-ups – we need to see the level of interest first to see if the trip is doable.
As with the Canning Stock Route we did in 2018 we plan to rotate the lead vehicle and TEC with all those wishing to lead having the opportunity to do so.
Personal Considerations
You ought to be free of health concerns (as much as any of us can be!) and have a clear understanding right from the outset that this will be a physically demanding trip. This is rugged terrain, very hard on anyone with back complaints etc, not to mention anyone with a low tolerance of flies! A sense of humour and sense of adventure is paramount for this trip, as would be a willingness to take direction when necessary from the trip leader and to go with the flow if plans have to change for whatever reason. You would also need to understand that in the event of a major breakdown to one of the vehicles the group may be unable to complete the trip.
Driving and skill level required:
If you haven't travelled in the deserts before then this trip is not for you unless in the interim you undertake proper sand driving 4wd training. There's nothing more frustrating for yourself or the rest of the group that long and unnecessary delays waiting continually for one car to complete an obstacle. We'll all be caught out by a dune here and there, that's understood, but it's vital for the enjoyment by all that all drivers are at a level. At any rate, once the final group has been determined, we may look to stage a sand driving weekend in Wyperfeld National Park to enable us to all brush up on sand driving skills.
Supplies/Catering
You would need to be able to comfortably carry food and supplies for a minimum of 8 days away from services, in hot daytime conditions and cold nights. Be prepared to cook on fuel stoves only as we will not be able to have fires at all camps.
Vehicle and Vehicle Preparation
On similar trips in past years on trips in desert trips we've had several mechanical issues even though our vehicles were all thoroughly prepared. Broken coil springs, blown shock absorbers, reversing lights rattling loose and causing electrical issues, shattered rear quarter windows, broken torsion bar mounts, bothersome turbo charger hoses and umpteen tyre failures to name a few. As such it's vital that your high-clearance, low range equipped 4WD undergoes a thorough pre-trip inspection and major service before setting off. Your car needs to be in top-notch condition.
Wheels/Tyres
Rim size no bigger than 18 inch. Your tyres, ATs at a minimum, need to be new or near new, and two full spare wheels need to be carried. A tyre repair kit, good quality air compressor and your willingness and ability to assist with tyre changes a must. You'll also find a good quality tyre deflator a godsend and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring system is great for peace of mind on long corrugated stretches. A jack and jacking plate so that you can easily jack your fully loaded rig in sandy conditions
Suspension
A suspension upgrade where possible (eg Kings Springs/ Koni Shocks) is highly advisable. A spare Rear (and front where applicable) spring should be carried. Spare rear and front shocks (comparable to your updated ones) should be carried. 1 of each is usually sufficient unless left and right are different.
Fuel Capacity
Sufficient fuel for 1000 km (Minimum 180 litres of diesel for a 3.0 litre Toyota Prado – you must know your fuel consumption in sand driving).
Roof Rack Loads
Must be within vehicle manufacturers limits, taking into account the weight of your roof rack.
Spare Parts
Filters, Hoses. belts, fuses and oils should be carried.
Other considerations
RACV Total Care a must as is a comprehensive tool kit to suit your vehicle
Be aware that paintwork scratches are almost inevitable.
All items in your vehicle need to be securely tied down
A Solar Charge option for layover days is a really good idea - No generators
You'll need an in car UHF aerial plus a 5W hand held
You'll be required to attend pre-trip planning meetings and pre-trip vehicle inspection.
Enquiries/expressions of interest to mark.bown@csiro.au or phone 0437251645
