NB: Current COVID requirements will apply. All participants must have no COVID symptoms and show proof of double vaccination before the start of the trip.
Date and time: 9 May 2022 to 26 May 2022, 17 days
Description: This trip will explore the Gawler Ranges,travel along Goog’s track from Ceduna in SA to Glendambo and visit the Bendleby Ranges on the return journey to Melbourne. The plan is to travel to the Gawler ranges via Mildura and Port Augusta, spend a few days there before continuing through Ceduna to Googs track. We would then plan to drive the length of Googs Track from South to North, stopping at Googs Lake for a couple of side trips to Jellabenna rocks and Lois rocks. Then continue north to Mount Finke before finishing at Kingoonya and driving back to Port Augusta and on to the Bendleby Ranges.
Goog’s track is sometimes referred to as the ‘mini Simpson’, but the dunes are nowhere near as steep or high. The track runs north from Ceduna to the Trans Australian Railway Service road 40km west of Tarcoola. The track traverses sand ridges, rocky tracks and clay pans crossing endless scrub country.
Highlights of the Gawler Ranges include spectacular scenery, Lake Gardiner -Australia’s equivalent of the Bonneville Salt Flats, organ pipe rock outcrops, Mt Ive Station –, a working sheep station, some fantastic 4WDing on private tracks,
At the Bendleby Ranges we can stay on the station and do one or two of the “pay to drive” 4WD tracks on offer. From there we would return to Melbourne via Peterborough and Mildura.
Camping: The camping grounds on the Goog’s track have drop toilets with no washing facilities, potable water, or showers – we will need to carry adequate water for drinking and cooking, and plan to cook on a fuel stove. Camping in the Gawler Ranges and Bendleby ranges will either be in the bush or at the station campgrounds.
Sufficient food and water for 6 days. There will be an opportunity to resupply at Port Augusta on both the outward and return legs of the trip. Morning tea and lunches will be on the track each day – byo simple, “on the move” lunches and morning teas (byo thermos).
Weather: Desert conditions - can be hot but cold at night.
Equipment: Recovery gear, snatch strap, shackles and a shovel [if you have MaxTrax (or the like) you can throw them in if you like], sand flag, second spare wheel & tyre Cars should be in good condition and all terrain tyres.
No camper trailers, pets or firearms
Please leave pets and camper trailers at home.
Additional Equipment required: Further equipment requirements will be discussed in preparation discussions closer to the trip departure date.
Trip Standard: Medium - Most of the main tracks will be easy-medium but there may be track sections that are more difficult depending upon weather and sand conditions
Fuel: Longest distance between fuel stops is approximately 650km, i.e. 350km Glendambo to Ceduna PLUS side tracks to Jellabinna Rocks (200km return) PLUS Lois Rocks (100km return).
Duration: 17 days, 3 days travelling to Gawler Ranges, 3 days in the Gawler Ranges and Mount Ive Station, 5 days on Goog’s track followed by 3 days at Bendleby Ranges and 2 days returning to Melbourne.
Convoy limit: 12 vehicles
Meeting arrangements: We will leave Melbourne on the 9/May and meet at Port Augusta on the morning of 11/May where the trip will commence.
Trip Leaders Graeme Carter Members click here for contact details
