 | Home > My Defender > My Camel, the ol Tdci 130 |
 
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| AndrewS Member Since: 10 Apr 2007 Location: Hereford Posts: 3707   
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Fair Play that's stunning
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14th Jul 2014 1:08pm |
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| newhue Member Since: 28 Apr 2014 Location: Brisbane Posts: 351 
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I guess while I'm on a roll, here is a trip we did in 2012.
Well the day had finally arrived. It was the start of our 5 week trip into central Australia. The apprehension of going solo with two kids under 5, and driving the doomed Tdci according to some, had all but evaporated. Joy, freedom, and smiles were the order of the day. The plan was Birdsville, Hay River, Plenty Highway, East McDonnell Range, Alice Springs, Old Andado track, Mt Dare, WAA line, Rig Road, Innamincka home. We had no idea that we would ultimately do 7300km in total with 4700 of them on sand, dirt, or gravel. We knew it would be flat and sparse, but we were blown away just how beautiful, interesting, and amazing the desert regions are. happy campers 
First stop Caliguel Lagoon, Condamine. It is possible to camp here and fish if you like. 
We wanted to visit Welford NP just Nth of Quilpie. We started to find what we came for. 
It has the Barcoo River pass through it which joins the Cooper River and ultimately feeds the Lake Eyre catchment. The bird life if here is prolific with finches and wrens. Camping was pleasant. 
I found Birdsville an interesting place. It has an air of anticipation to it. Probably because it’s on the edge of the desert and is the start or end of many adventures. Perhaps it’s the history and it’s hotels, perhaps it’s just a long way from anywhere. Anyway I discovered they have trees full of Galah’s opposed to bats.  Click image to enlarge  Click image to enlarge 
One of the biggest reasons we stuck at this trip was the run of wet seasons the desert has had recently. Seeing water out here and how green it was, with all you learn at school about how hot and dry it is, was something special for us. 
The wife was a bit concerned about getting lost, I said there is a track and a sign, it will be OK. But no, we had to phone a friend just outside Birdsville to cross check we were reading the GPS and grid references correctly. We were counting km's and land marks, we were doing everything but reading the stars and well, alas....what would I know... 
Camping out here is a dream, anywhere that looks nice will do. The wind blows consistantly most days till around 4.30-5PM, but after that the stillness and silence is just magic. 
We didn’t make a habit of crossing salt lakes, but found it can give you a lunar experience. 
 Click image to enlarge The Hay River track runs for most part in line with the dunes. There is a small section that crosses the dunes, and another section that goes up the centre of the river. But largely it shadows the river and is a windy track with varying desert swale. It took us 4 comfortable days from Birdsville to Batton Hill at the top of the track, some 75km East of Jarvois Station. A permit is required and easy to get. Our days were usually 9.30 to 3.30-4, we did not see anyone for three days. 
Lake Caroline 
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PART TWO We topped out on the Plenty Highway which is just that. Followed it West to Cattlewater pass and into Ruby Gap, East aMcdonnell Ranges. We underestimated the days distance and stayed at Ambalindum Station. A 1.6 million acre station with green grass to camp on, and the best showers in the west. 
The photo is bad and doesn’t show it well, but the property finishes 40km past the horizon. Apparently Central Aus’s biggest beef station. 
Cattlewater pass has some nice scenery, there is nothing 4x4 about the track though. 
Ruby Gap is quite amazing, and we had it all to ourselves. The Northern Territory National Parks suggest you can drive almost all the way to the gorge, but previous floods has put a stop to that. However you can get to with 2km of it though. No shortage of awesome camping. 
The walk up the gorge is pretty speckie and well worth it. 
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PART 3 By now we really into the swing of traveling and had a heart beat of 60, it kids coped with everything we were doing, and we just kept finding stuff that they could work with. 
Of course there was the odd moment of panic, when our 3yr old proudly holds up what he has just found. 
But the land scape kept producing wonder all the way back to Alice. It was quite noticeable once a bit more water and shade was around. The flowers and bird life increased dramatically compared to the Northern Simpson. 
We re-supplied in Alice and stayed at the Gday Mate caravan park. It was pleasant and we would stay there agin, but it is a caravan park after all. We met several other Landy owners and had a good chat. Overall for the whole trip we only came across / saw 10 Defenders, two of which were 90’s. 5 Tdci’s, 3 Td5‘s, and 2 Tdi’s was the count. 4 Disco’s one if which was on a tilt tray unfortunately; and one shinny new Rangie Sport at Leigh Creek mining community. And and one very economical Series 3, a lovely couple from England traveling Aus for 12 months. This thing has a Tdi 300 in it and was regularly getting 500km out of 45lt, wish mine didi that. 
We found information on desert routs varied quite a lot. What is on a web site from a local source that should know varies from what is actually open on the ground, and what people have done. What park rangers thought was open was different to information centres, and various State Government bulletins also conflicted. None the less we made a call not to return to the East via the lower Simpson. Some of this was based on being a solo vehicle and the route we wanted to take, some was road and crossing closures, and some was we didn’t want to get home 1 week early from our trip. So we would follow the Old Anado track out to Andado, then into Dalhousie Springs, and head out onto the Oodnadatta track or should I say highway. All of this was not particularly adventurous but it had plenty of wonder and anticipation to it. 
We arrived at Molly’s house, Andado. A living museum of a remarkable outback woman and her late husbands life. The dream, the drought, the banks, the rebuild. She resides in Alice springs these days but is was not all that long ago she we here. 
PART 4 There is some wide open spaces heading to Mt Dare. The un-expectingly from nowhere it closes in and your in a dry swamp, then opens up again to broad low valleys. Some say it's boring, but if you watch its always changes. 
Mayfield Swamp 
Dalhousie Springs is an oasis, but it is also over crowded and surrounded by muppets who are over eager to get their crossing started, and inconsiderate tossers who use generators. 
Dalhousie ruins are very interesting and a photographers play ground 
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The Oodadatta Track is no track anymore, but following the Old Ghan railway was very interesting. Trying to imagine what it would have been like back in 1880’s, being English, and with their suits on. New land, miles from no where, flies, heat waves. 
I had adopted a new approach to popular camping areas and getting away from generators. Use that car for what it was made for. 
Did a little side trip to the painted desert. Again we were amazed, who would have thought something like this exists out here. 
Found another side trip to Old Peake Telegraph Repeater Station. Part of a network of stations set up in the 1870’s to improve communications between England and the isolated colonies. Oddly enough I did’t have phone reception, or had had any for weeks now, I found that quite comforting in many ways. 
Lake Eyre was calling, this amazing dry lake we had learnt about at school was just down the track. Unfortunately is was the most corrugated road of the trip, but was only 70km worth. I was used to raising and lowering tyre pressures by now, but some roads it just doesn't work on. Getting close to the lake the landscape changed from orange to black and dark browns.
Then, is that water, or could it be snow, no couldn't be.......salt? 
It’s when you get your feet wet or salty the wonder starts. 
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Sunset wasn’t bad 
Sunrise was good as well 
PART 5 The Oodnadatta track rolled on and we stopped at just about all the ruins. I wont bore you with all that, but we found it strange as we looked around taking it all in, just how many people just drive by. I’m sure there are many reasons for this, but why come if you don’t have the time.  Click image to enlarge  Click image to enlarge 
We were still buzzing with our Lake Eyre experience and thought we would have another look at it from the South at 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 warm spring fed pool to soak in. Again bird life was joy. 
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, then 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. 
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 Click image to enlarge 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. There are only 2.75 million of them. 
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. 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. But its nice not having to buy or be cornered into dirking bore water. And driving past $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 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 your trip is as great as ours was. Last edited by newhue on 17th Jul 2014 6:47am. Edited 1 time in total |
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15th Jul 2014 12:35pm |
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| jimbob7 Member Since: 06 Jul 2013 Location: uk Posts: 2055 |
Dude,post of the century,MOAR pics
! Still can't download page 1,lol. Pov.spec,ftw. 2006, 110,TD5. |
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15th Jul 2014 2:39pm |
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| newhue Member Since: 28 Apr 2014 Location: Brisbane Posts: 351
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Supercat, I hope so. My wife had some concerns about weather she would like the "big empty interior" of Australia. Also fear the kids would get bored. Both those concerns we dispersed within a few days. The vast space, silence, empty ness i soothing that really grabs you. Very hard to explain, but it's addictive a bit like the mountains. To answer 1 No not really, I was in warranty so relied on that to be my saving. But basically a well prepared car. Much rather spend the money in the comfort of my own home than be stranded somewhere on holiday when you are meant to be living. No many LR dealers in central Aus, 1 in Alice Springs. And many mechanical shops have no interest in Land Rovers preferring the majority Jap cars. There are a few shops MR Auto, on the East coat, and Triumph Rover Spares in the south which are awesome. If you have their number they will be packing your order while your on the phone to them, and pending how close you are to a pick up facility, it can be as little as 2 or 3 days. One trip I have seen a LT230 transfer box arrive in 3 days. A front prop shaft on another. Tyres are pretty paramount here. The corrugations, the rocks, and dirt out West can easy kill them. I use the 4 psi rule all the time. It was not uncommon for me to have a GVM vehicle at 80-85km/h on 26-28psi. I nailed a fair few cricket ball size rocks because I was to busy looking out the window. But at 35psi I would have now had a destroyed tyre. For what it's worth I run BFG km2, perhaps overkill but with right pressures i haven't had an issue in 70K km. Only have another 10 maybe 15 in them, but thats 1 high country, 2 x desert, countless weekend 4x4ing, at least 3or 4 weeks at 15psi on the beach, and it's my daily trivet as a trade in the city. Suspension is the next biggy, good quality shocks, and good bushes, they work as a team. I prefer to by genuine or high quality as I look mostly for longevity and reliability. 2 no, I try and have two uses for many things, other wise it's just minimal. Perhaps if anything, the high lift jack. I've been hauling that 16kg chunk of steel now for many years for no reason. Sill 50/50 in the end. Give me some time and I'll compile a list of stuff I take. 3 more time and money, one life...live it |
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15th Jul 2014 8:43pm |
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| newhue Member Since: 28 Apr 2014 Location: Brisbane Posts: 351
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want another one....
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
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.
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 beenthere.
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. Th 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.
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.
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. Last edited by newhue on 16th Jul 2014 8:17pm. Edited 1 time in total |
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16th Jul 2014 12:57pm |
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| Maml Member Since: 28 Jun 2014 Location: KZN Posts: 20 
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Awesome Landy - awesome trips - awesome pics!
Thank you...picking up on your stories when I get home in the evening makes my boring day at work fade into the background. Keep 'em coming.  |
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16th Jul 2014 1:24pm |
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| Supacat Member Since: 16 Oct 2012 Location: West Yorkshire Posts: 11018 
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Sounds like you've got the last part sussed  |
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16th Jul 2014 4:37pm |
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| newhue Member Since: 28 Apr 2014 Location: Brisbane Posts: 351
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hope so Supercat. I guess in hind sight the rebound of getting chucked over buy the then fiancé some years ago had a profound effect. I went back to what I love, travel and the outdoors and was lucky enough to find a new partner now wife who lives for the same. Buying the landy and discovering that phrase One Life has been a very good thing.
My first car was going to be a Series2 109, but I got persuaded to buy a Land Cruiser troop carrier. Took me 23 years to discover what I had missed. Land Rover oozes adventure. Keeping them at home is like like us trapped in the concrete jungle. Maml, mate that's great to hear. It makes my day hearing someone else gets a little bit of + from what I love do. |
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16th Jul 2014 8:28pm |
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| Dale Member Since: 14 Jul 2014 Location: Bristol Posts: 79 
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Wow! Stunning photos!
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16th Jul 2014 10:35pm |
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| Tiger Member Since: 06 Jul 2012 Location: Wales Posts: 2265 
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BAN HIM!!!
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17th Jul 2014 6:17am |
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| newhue Member Since: 28 Apr 2014 Location: Brisbane Posts: 351
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No No, come on down, we need to rebuild the empire if you know what I mean. Should we go to the high country next.
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17th Jul 2014 6:19am |
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| newhue Member Since: 28 Apr 2014 Location: Brisbane Posts: 351
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I have a correction to make. I said in a post I did this trip with my current BFG tyres. I was wrong. I had my original Michelin XZL's. Not a bad tyre, but I could only get 25K mile out of 6 so hence the BFG's.
enjoy Martin and I left Brisbane 6am in the rain on Christmas eve, we had no real plan, just knew we had to be in Canberra Xmas day to pick the family up from the airport. Our destination was the highlands around Cooma, and as much camping and 4x4ing as we could muster with small kids in 3 weeks. We had 3 Defenders covering 3 decades; a Tdi 300, TD5, and a Puma. Tod was to hook up with us in a few days. A small trip of around 4500km, and the only thing that happened was the puma window mounting bolts rattled loose and the window fell down into the door. Quick fix and all good again. Our first camp was Nimmo Plains, West of Cooma and sits around 1250m. The entry is bared by a steam perhaps 12m wide, but not quite sill height on a Defer.
Martin knew of a hut (Cessjacks) he wanted to show us. So we would do a little overnight bushwalk to it. It’s only some 2 or 3klm and mostly flat. Huts to a kid is like finding a set of swings in the bush.
Driving on the roads through the snow grass and plains is just magic. We picked up Tod at Cooma and headed to Numeralla, a camp site just out of Cooma by the Numeralla River. To our surprise the land owner next to the camp is a Tdi nut, 110, 130 ute, 130 HCPU, Disco 1. Not surprisingly, a real nice bloke. There are a few tracks around the place, we took a tame one and went to the Cascades for a swim.
Moving on we headed for the Snowy River. It was great following back roads and old tracks. Martin had found an old track that said we could cross the river and continue. Trouble is farmers lock access even though they shouldn’t. So bit of a re think and off again. This farmer said the last car he saw pass was about 10 years ago. [/URL
[URL=https://imageshack.com/i/p1ee04baj]
Only ended up spending one night, camping was not the best due to a fair amount of weeds. Never mind, off to Alexanders Hut near Bibbenluke. It’s quite mainstream here but very relaxing and peaceful if you are lucky enough to have it to yourself. We were in luck and spent two nights. Even had this unusual twilight on evening.
Visited the near by Nunnock Swamp
The decision was made to head to Delegate River. The road down to Devils Crossing said closed for some reason. Well we though best go have a look anyway.
Well the bridge was missing, some motor bikes had made it through, but no cars…..well that was until the Land Rovers showed up. Bit of spade work, little sawing here and there and we had a path. Down the side of the old crossing, along the creek a bit, up the bank and a zig and a zag, and a zig again through the trees and back on track.
Didn’t think much of Delegate River, the camp ground is ok but was busy, the river, well chocked out with some type of invasive tree. Onto Snowy River NP. The trees are big, the elevation is high and the cloud and mist made driving through the trees quite special. Made our way down to Jackons Crossing. Nothing difficult but it’s not often you get to drive 100m down a river.
On the other side is a private hut, but further down the river on the banks made for good camping. Tod was the only one who drove the track in the back ground. It doesn’t look it, but it’s getting close to 45°. Coming down you just hung in the seat belt. The TD5 did it happily.
On the road again, and probably the best part of touring, you never know what you will find along the way.
great views
simple but crystal clear and clean swimming spots
magic places and moments
things the kids will never forget
including the big kids as well
Crikey where was I, that’s right, on our way to Davies hut. We drove the Ingeegoodbee and Limstone Creek Tracks along the way. Just amazing to spend several days with the diff lock on, you just don’t get that in South East Queensland.
Always time for a wave,
Davies Plain Hut, a beautiful 1240m high camp ground
I guess no trip to the high country would not be complete without a crossing of the Murray River at Tom Groggin. This was good as it washed off all the dirt and mud we had collected over the past couple weeks. Sadly it was time for Martin to head for home.
Tod and I moved onto Three Mile Dam just West of Kiandra. This was a good base to do a day trip to some huts and Blue Waterholes along Long Plain Road. All the huts have good camping. Long Plain Hut. Maintained by the Canberra LR club, good work lads.
Cooinbil Hut
Coolamine Homestead, unfortunately no camping
Blue Waterholes
Before long it was time to head for home ourselves.
Still, as we made our way to the low lands the beauty of this place was still present. Though remnants of the 2003 fires, these old snow gums make for an amazing spectacle even still.
Definitely worth a visit to the area, we all had an awesome time. Weeks upon weeks could be spent in the area. The mild weather can change rapidly so we took summer, winter, and wet garb. Parks have been great opening tracks up for the summer, however many are gated sadly, so good topo’s are a must. Also used the guide book 4wd Touring Sth Est NSW and Est Gippsland by Craig Lewis for ideas. All our Landies did what we asked of them with ease, and are basically stock except the Tdi has 33” tyres and 30% reduction gear to adjust for the tyres.  |
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20th Jul 2014 12:34pm |
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| newhue Member Since: 28 Apr 2014 Location: Brisbane Posts: 351
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Supercat ? sorry if that's wrong. Here is that list of prep and parts I said I'd get round to. If you happen to make it down here buy next August you can come to Cape York perhaps.
As mine was in warranty for the trip so far I let the dealer do most of the below, but now I’m not in warranty I’ll be doing this before the next decent on dirt out back trip. Driveline Tyres - 2 spares on rims, must be same diameter as what on vehicle. Bonus if matches others in the group as perhaps one spare can be taken. AT or higher with more than 50% tread. Wheel bearings - check for movement, tighten as required or replace Diffs - check oils and for pinion shaft movement. Uni joints - no movement, grease as required Change pinion seals if leaking Steering No leaking steering box. Repair or replace. Check for movement in all tie rod ends, replace if required Suspension All bushes checked and replaced if looking hard or flogged - they will get a very hard workout Check general condition of shocks, adjust valving if required. Engine Service before trip - new filters and oil Check condition of belts and hoses. If near 2 year cycle, change coolant Transfer and Gbox, check oil levels and for any leaks. Fix if possible Change oils if near milage cycle. Below is not for every trip, but if travelling solo, and definitely if doing a remote desert type trip. If in a group it become model specific for parts, but tools can be divided up. I’m sure I have most likely left something out that would come to mind in the preparation period. LIFE SAVER Sat Phone and charger epirb Adrenalin shots (epipens) Ipad with Tdci manual on it Nanocom phone and charger RECOVERY Long handle shovel 1x 8000kg snatch 6 x 4.5T bow shackles pulley wheel equaliser strap winch extension strap (i run a winch with 30m of dyneema rope) bottle jack (standard kit) high lift jack and base high lift jack adapter for spoked wheels. An adapter that fits into the cut out holes in the rims. tyre repair kit, spare valves and stalks. Box of plugs, tyre levers tyre pressure gauge TOOLS Battery drill, grinder, and hacksaw. Spare batteries and battery charger. open and ring 8mm to 25mm ratchet ring 8mm to 19mm 12” and 6” shifter 3 types of vice grips (large to long nose) 1x multi gips screw drivers flat and round files Stanley knife ball head hammer 2mm wire zip ties flexi magnet (magnet on a long flexible rod) wire stripper small gas soldering iron electrical connections, fuses that fit my vehicle shrink wrap for wiring thread sealant Lock tight medium bond Small multi meter rivet gun SPARES Mass Airflow Sensor 10lt oil, Tdci specific 1x CV and tube of One Shot grease Two spare wheel bearings, 2x Cortico RTC3511 seals (I run oil in the rear splines) spare UHF aerial spare rear spring (mine are custom) 1x ball joint 1x trailing arm (only if very remote and solo) Filters, oil, air, 2x fuel. top and bottom radiator hoses serpentine belt and copy of it’s fitment path from manual various hose clamps silicone stretch tape for wrapping hoses wheel nuts x5 wheel studs x5 for steel rim various bolts and washers from M6 to M12. rivits Plasti weld kit Liquid metal epoxy THE OOPS WHAT HAVE WE  KIT
Cables to link 2 batteries together for welding. Decent set of jumper leads 2mm welding rods Welding glass taken from mask. A mask can be made from a cardboard box. Gloves Small pieces of various plate and angled metal, some tube (can use high lift jack handle), and some 10mm solid rod. My Defender and travels |
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31st Jul 2014 9:37am |
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| tookaphotoof Member Since: 18 Mar 2013 Location: dordrecht Posts: 1279  
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Lovely car, stunning photos. Need to be able to find time to ship the car over for a trip one day!
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31st Jul 2014 10:50am |
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