Rain can make tracks impassable, stranding travellers.
Official closure of tracks and public routes occur throughout the year due to local rain.
Rain can make tracks impassable, stranding travellers.
Official closure of tracks and public routes occur throughout the year due to local rain.
The areas covered by travelling members of the FWDSA is vast, and this association site does not attempt to duplicate what others are already performing in terms of road/track conditions. Rain is a major factor in causing track closure (and stranding) - be informed and be prepared for all weather conditions, and make yourself aware of safety precautions for remote travel.
Please always check for up-to-date information before travelling on 4WD tracks in the Flinders and outback. Regular up-dates are available from the following (links open a new window):
Warning: Most states now have large fines for driving on closed tracks. The South Australian unsealed road network is one of the state's greatest assets. These roads are often closed after rain to prevent damage and to ensure the safety of road users. New legislation has increased penalties for motorists travelling on closed roads. The fine is $1250 if caught travelling on a closed road. |
To divert from public roads, much of South Australia's outback requires either one or more of Pastoral leasee, Aboriginal council, National Parks, or Commonwealth approval to do so. A further complication are the interests of oil/gas/mining exploration companies who may control leases.
If you believe that you have been unreasonably denied access to a pastoral lease, please pursue this via the FWDSA and/or your local member of parliament.
Woomera Prohibited Area. The WPA (127,000 square kilometres) is declared under the Defence Force Regulations as a Prohibited Area and with the exception of the easements created for the Tarcoola/Alice Springs Railway line and the Stuart Highway, a permit is required from the Department of Defence to enter the area. This includes travelling on the Anne Beadell Highway (Coober Pedy to Vokes Hill Corner via Emu). Permits are free and obtainable from the address shown in 
this document.
The Royal Automobile Association of South Australian (RAA) provides maps (free to its members or can be purchased) in the “RAA Regional Map Series” - the Outback and the Flinders Ranges versions are useful. These indicate general “permission required” areas. Sufficient time must be provided when planning trips to obtain these permissions (with no certainty they will be provided).
A number of publications aimed at the 4WD traveller list addresses for seeking permission. Also, if you are a member of a FWDSA club, your Trips Coordinator will have contacts for leasees.
Please note that some National Parks charge $6 (or more) entrance fee for daily visits, which is being confused with a camping fee. Make sure you check carefully to cover yourself. The Desert Parks Pass is required for crossing the Simpson Desert.
Please read the comprehensive guide for SA and for the other states on our page Heading Outback - Do I Need a Permit? - Can I drive that track?
Also see the list of Publications and newsletters issued by Natural Resources Advisory Unit of this association which also describe access changes.
The Natural Resources Advisory Unit also advise that the following tracks are not open for public access:
If in any doubt about outback tracks in SA consult the RAA Outback Map. If the track is not on this map its not open for public access.
Please check with local bodies, road authorities, or national parks prior to travelling and stay aware of weather forecasts. This site does not repeat the information available from those authorities noted above.
Information status (pdf file) on the lake (eg birdlife, water coverage or not) can be dowloaded from NPWS site (www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/).
There are two access tracks to the lake. One, a Public Access Route (PAR) goes North from Marree, through Muloorina station (94km) to Level Post Bay; the other turns off the Oodnadatta track 7km south of William Creek (64lm) to Halligan Bay. Good views can also be obtained of Lake Eyre South from the Oodnadatta track where the lake joins the road 90km west of Marree.
Permits A permit is required if you are actually entering the National Park. Day (24hr. incl camping) visit permits to Lake Eyre are $20.00 per vehicle, can be obtained from the Marree store. (Ph: (08) 8675 8360) A Desert Parks Pass is also available, priced at $90 (or $95 if posted) and is valid for 12 months, and applies to all S.A.’s desert parks. The pass can be purchased from Marree store, Copley Tourist shop, DEHAA in Port Augusta and Adelaide and the RAA, all branches. State Wide Passes (all inclusive) are $170. (Fees may have changed since this section was written).
Please check for latest conditions before you go to these areas. These areas require a Desert Parks pass or a day pass, and can be obtained from the same sources.
The Simpson Desert Regional Reserve and Conservation Park will be closed from December 1 2008 to March 15 2009.
Day and/or camping passes are required.
Please check with NPWS for latest conditions.
Further detailed information see the Desert Parks Bulletin or contact the Rangers Office at Innamincka on (08) 8675 9909.
Kudriemitchie Outstation (about 20km from Coongie Lakes) is available for members of affiliated Clubs to use (for a nominal $1 per night!). The building has been maintained by the Toyota Landcruiser Club, South Australia. Being right next to the NW Branch of the Cooper Creek, it provides a location for canoeing, fishing and relaxing. It contains several rooms, a kitchen, a flyproof verandah, short drop toilet. For more information checkout www.tlccsa.asn.au/kudrie/kud00.htm.
REMEMBER ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHEN TRAVELLING IN REMOTE AREAS.
The Flinders Ranges have long been a drawcard for campers and bushwalkers. But now there is a third major focus, four wheel drive treks. Several station owners have placed increase emphasis on the 4WD tourists and opened up vast tracts of new land for exploration. The range of four wheel drive treks in the Flinders Ranges covers areas from near Wilmington in the Southern Flinders, to Arkaroola, in the rugged Northern Flinders. Camping is also available (of varying facilities) on some stations.
A brochure ‘4WD Tracks & Trails’ with details and a map of 19 PARs and 18 4WD pay for use areas, is available by contacting Flinders Ranges & Outback South Australia Tourism.
Here are some details of a few treks (Most fees as at 2005, fees and details below are subject to change without notice).
A trip to Mt Horrocks is available with spectacular views overlooking the northern Spencer Gulf. Bookings David and Heidi Freeman, (08) 8667 5057.
Starts following the foothills of Chace Range and end on the top of the ABC Range. Keys for the trek can be hired from Rawnsley Park Station. About 40km taking 3 hours. The cost is $15.00. Several new tracks have also been opened. The Arkapena contact is Steven Gregory (08) 8648 0034.
Bendleby Ranges has a range of 4WD trips, varying from 1-5 hours. The scenery and ridge-top views are spectacular. Drive-yourself-tours can be matched to your experience. 4WD up a Hill Tag-along tours, or self-drive tours. Maps supplied. Terrain varies from hills to plains, excellent views towards Lake Frome & Wilpena Pound.
This trek goes to the top of Mt. Caernarvon (932m). It is a full days drive to the second highest self drive accessible peak (923m) in the Flinders. Willows Spring Station is run by Brendan & Carmel Reynolds. Bookings can be made on (08) 8648 0016. Directions are given when the keys for the route are hired, cost $35.00. Camping is also available.
This tour starts from the Prairie Hotel at Parachilna and goes to Ross & Jane Fargher’s Nilpena Station and then to Lake Torrens. It takes about three hours and costs $30.00 a vehicle. Bookings can be made on (08) 8648 4844 including maps which are available from the hotel.
This track is on Ian & Di Fargher’s Angorichina Station east of Blinman. There are two loops, and a day should be set aside to see some of the best country the Flinders has to offer. The cost is $30.00 a vehicle and bookings can be made on 8648 4863.
Run by the Sprigg Family, Arkaroola resort offers some of Australia’s toughest 4W driving. There are a number of self drive treks to various places, there is also a catered tour in 4W drive called the Ridge top tour. All details can be obtained from the resorts visitor Information centre.
Run by Dean and Lizzie Rasheed. This trek runs through the hills of Arkaba with views of the Elder Range. Tours start from $30 a vehicle. Bookings on (08) 8648 0048 or (08) 8648 4195.
This trek is well worth the trip, and provides access to Mt. Arden, highest point in the Southern Flinders Ranges (1,000m). The trip to the top is not for the inexperienced or faint hearted. Camping areas are available, (no facilities). Signposts and detailed maps keep you on the trail. The cost is $15.00 per day & bookings can be made by calling Lucy Smart on (08) 8648 6210.
John & Jan Henery offer two trips. Mt. Samuel is a self drive track which offers a real challenge and covers about 70k. The cost is $45.00 a vehicle. Tag-a-long station tours are also available at $30.00 a vehicle. Bookings can be made on (08) 8648 4864.
A specially constructed 5.5km walking trail is now a feature of the Aroona Dam Sanctuary near Leigh Creek. The trail traverses wetlands below the dam, mountainous terrain, rocky outcrops, saltbush rangelands and red-gum lined creeks. The sanctuary itself represents 44 sq. km of restored natural Flinders ranges beauty and following a major pest animal and pest plant eradication program, is home to Yellow-footed rock wallabies, other animals and birds, and a vast range of native plant species. (1)
Along the Birdsville track, note that Kalamurina is currently closed to the public. It was acquired in December 2007 by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy to become a nature reserve (Kalamurina Sanctuary) for biodiversity conservation and wildlife management. They are in the process of assessing a visitor program.
Etadunna Station allows four wheel driving but seek permission. From Etadunna, there is a 20k track to the old Bethseda Mission,
situated on the shores of Lake Killapaninna which fills with water when the Cooper floods.
Keys have to be collected from the station and access/camping costs apply. Contact Debbie Graf on (08) 8675 8308.
These are public routes that cross private property to an area of public interest (eg historical sites). Do not assume they are accessible either by 2WD or 4WD - permission is not required per se, but note that PARs can be closed for a variety of reasons (eg stock movement or weather). Assume that pets not allowed. Allow roads to dry out after rain before traversing them.
The following is a guide. Please refer to The Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation > Land Management > Rangelands > Public Access > Regulations for the general conditions of use and requirements (Camping, Wet Weather Use, Station Improvements, Heritage Sites etc).
Camping is permitted anywhere within 50 metres of the track along all routes except the Copper King Mine route and the Tallaringa Route. On the Copper King route camping is only allowed along the gum creek. No camping is allowed on the Tallaringa PAR while traversing Mabel Creek Station.
On other routes, camping is not permitted within one kilometre of any house or occupied dwelling, or within 500 metres of a constructed stock watering point. Please ensure that only dead wood is used for campfires, and do not use fires during the fire-ban season. All rubbish is to be taken out, not buried.
If the PAR terminates at an historic or natural feature of interest, camp only where indicated.
Do not pollute waterways with soap etc. Do not bath in troughs, tanks. Do not interfere with stock. Carry out your rubbish.
These include Nuccaleena, Artimore, Mount Hack, Hannigans Gap, and Patawarta.
As at early 2008, there are 20 PARs (many as a result of the focus created in 2002 by the Year of The Outback). The following are amongst the earliest created:
PAR tracks are signposted as such. Unless otherwise specified a PAR is a corridor 100m in width; and with the track as a centre line camping is allowed only within this corridoor.(1)
The Pastoral Board identifies and formally delineates public access to points of interest on and through land held under pastoral lease (as needs and resources permit). The process of identification involves consultation with lessees, conservation interests, tourism, operators, 4WD vehicle clubs, and other interested groups. Tracks are signposted before being formally gazetted.(1)
Visit the The Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation > Land Management > Rangelands > PAR details at www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au where you will find details on the 20 PARs. Due to occasional website redesign the link may no longer be current.