Day Trip to the York Pen.
- Thread starter shane 45
- Start date
millsy
4x4 Earth Contributer
Well I can't wait either. That's why I am heading off in about 5 minutes!
Going to have a drive down one of the options and see what it looks like and how long its going to take. Depending on time I will come down through the Dangalli Park as planned and see how the sand is for Wilkat and the camper. But I might have to turn back early as I have to be back for Open Day at work by 10am Sunday.
That will also give me an idea of which route to take, as far as views go. There are two main choices from Burra Gorge. Both using main tracks as shown in the photos above. Both are about 330 km from Burra Gorge to the homestead in the middle of the Dangalli Park.
I might sus out the possibility of taking some minor tracks, cutting across from major track to the other. But that would depend on me meeting up with the locals before I go charging into the bush all alone!
Going to have a drive down one of the options and see what it looks like and how long its going to take. Depending on time I will come down through the Dangalli Park as planned and see how the sand is for Wilkat and the camper. But I might have to turn back early as I have to be back for Open Day at work by 10am Sunday.
That will also give me an idea of which route to take, as far as views go. There are two main choices from Burra Gorge. Both using main tracks as shown in the photos above. Both are about 330 km from Burra Gorge to the homestead in the middle of the Dangalli Park.
I might sus out the possibility of taking some minor tracks, cutting across from major track to the other. But that would depend on me meeting up with the locals before I go charging into the bush all alone!
WILKAT
Member
Hi all,it all sounds good millsy.
I we can't get the van down or up some the tracks we'll just take our tent,but we'll see what you think when you get back from your tour of tracks.
Lucky we didn't have our York trip this weekend,we would not of been able to come.Went down to Middleton Beach yesterday for a surf,& got washed up on the reef! Ripped my big toe nail off & gashes around my foot,dislocated toe.Got deep gashes up my leg & lumps & bumps all over my body,BUGGER!!!
Out of 20 odd years of surfing,this has never happened before.It was the way the freak wave came in & doubled up,never seen it do it over hear before. I think it was a one off wave & I had to be in the wrong spot!!!!
I we can't get the van down or up some the tracks we'll just take our tent,but we'll see what you think when you get back from your tour of tracks.
Lucky we didn't have our York trip this weekend,we would not of been able to come.Went down to Middleton Beach yesterday for a surf,& got washed up on the reef! Ripped my big toe nail off & gashes around my foot,dislocated toe.Got deep gashes up my leg & lumps & bumps all over my body,BUGGER!!!
Out of 20 odd years of surfing,this has never happened before.It was the way the freak wave came in & doubled up,never seen it do it over hear before. I think it was a one off wave & I had to be in the wrong spot!!!!
geoffsa
Member
Hey Millsy,
I think you need to start a new thread for this trip. Give it it's own title, maybe 'Eastern South Oz Tracks' or similar, you'll think of something I'm sure.
As for the sand in Danngali, unless you have a large caravan Wilkat, you should be okay on the tracks. We take our camper trailer through without any effort.
I think you need to start a new thread for this trip. Give it it's own title, maybe 'Eastern South Oz Tracks' or similar, you'll think of something I'm sure.
As for the sand in Danngali, unless you have a large caravan Wilkat, you should be okay on the tracks. We take our camper trailer through without any effort.
geoffsa
Member
Millsy, the 'out of districts' sign means you are in an aea where there is no council management.
WILKAT
Member
Hi again,
Our campertrailer is a Jayco Hawk it about 16ft long travel length,width about 7ft,travel hight about 5.5ft & it weighs about 1040kg unloaded,it is a outback/4wd make.
We have had it across Aust about 6 times,on corrigated dirt & sandy rds/tracks. We haven't done any sand dunes before so that might be interesting!!
Im hoping that this would be ok to take ,if not we'll have to use our 8 man tent (its not to bad for kath & I, its Kelli & all her stuff you have to lug around.)
But if you can find those pix of some of the places that'll be great.
Also whats the safety of all our gear,while at some of these camp spots?
Also do you know how many ks it'll be?
We would like to camp or see the Murray River at some time,would be good,just an idea?
I suppose when you've had time to research these areas,we'll know more at what to expect. Its sounds like a very interesting trip,we looked at the proposed tour in our 4wd map & looks like mostly dirt rds
Hi Geoffsa,
As my post above says, Im hoping it will be ok.
Having done sandy tracks before,they haven't been boggy sandy tracks.
I just don't want to get bogged,I suppose its all another learning experience.
Thanks for your help & input.Wilkat.
millsy
4x4 Earth Contributer
Reco 'round the back blocks
You poor b....t! Trying to have a bit of fun and that's what you got instead. I guess its better than the 'big fish' having a go at you. Any stitches needed, or are you going to get Kath to 'kiss it better' instead of waiting in the emergency room for hours.
I had my mum put the stitches in once, when I had slashed through three toe tendons when I jumped on the base of a broken beer bottle. Dad was happy to help too. He sat on me - all twenty stone - so I wouldn't move while the needle went in! Ouch! Its great when you get it all fixed in the family! Actually there was no choice apparently, mum being a nurse, and us being out bush. They sent for the Flying Doctor a day or two after, and then her handiwork was sliced open so the surgeon could tie reef knots in the tendons. Or that's what they told me at the time. Surely not!
Hope it all heals quickly and 100% for you. Going to be some battle scars by the sound of it!
Just got home from another big trip on the road. About the same length as last weekend all up, but at least I did the first 160km or so late Friday night. Had to have a 45 minute sleep mid afternoon though because I missed a turn and ended up going all the way to Burra on back roads. Hit the sack about 1.00AM this morning in the Burra mine site.
The scouting proved useful. I did a big loop, going up one of the choices and then back down the other. When I reached the Dangalli northern most entrance I went in, read the info at the little entrance shelter and noted that you need to let the ranger know if you go through the park for safety reasons. This being due to it being about 50km in length, and the possibility that you might be the only visitor for days. So if the car breaks down . . . I did not see one other vehicle between hitting the dirt just out of Burra at about 7.30 and reaching the bitumen 3km north of Morgan at 5.00pm. I had about 500km and 9.5hours worth of dirt tracks all to myself!
So I just went about 5km into the park to have a sticky beak and then came out again. Thick scrub basically - Black Oaks and other trees. Plenty of wildlife. Nearly hit an emu. All together today, I just about collected the flush as far as near misses are concerned. I just missed a kangaroo, a sheep, an emu and a goat ( followed closely by its kid ). Did not see a wombat, but I think I gave a few wombats a heck of a fright, and myself, when I just clipped the edge of one of their burrows at about 70km/hr!
I went up through Mongolata, finding an interesting alternative route that bypasses about 6 farm gates that I had to open and close last time. The bypass sent me down a 3 km track that kept me on my toes. Some dramatic, large erosion gullies to negotiate and admire. I visited my favourite haunts on the way up to Lillydale Station, about 70km east of Yunta. But instead of turning west at the T junction at Lillydale, I turned right to head across to Dangalli. This is the route that I think I have settled on, as I originally planned.
I wanted to check the other route, through Koomooloo and Cane Grass stations. So I came back down the Morgan Mail Road on the way home to do just that. A nice drive, but a bit monotonous in two respects. A long road, no turn-offs required in the whole 2.5 hours, and 150km or so. Heaps of vegetation, just like that in the Dangalli, but a bit less dense of course, being sheep station land and the new growth being chewed off by the stock. I think if we went that way we would not only be 'treed out' by the time we got to the 'real' bushland at Dangalli, but we would not get to appreciate the stark contrast in landscapes just a little to the west. I think its nice to see the contrasts as you travel.
The other purpose was to test the timing, and whether my plan of doing 'Back of Burra' (How does that sound Geoff?), 'Dangalli Gamboling', 'Chowilla Wetlands' and the 'Sunset Sands', all in one weekend was trying to do too much at once!
I left Burra at 7.30 ( shop opens at 7.00am actually ). I had breakfast/lunch at 12.00 midday at the northern most point, about halfway across the top of the rectangle ( 30km esst of Lillydale HS ). An hour after lunch, at 1.30pm, I reached the northern entrance of Dangalli on the Morgan Mail Road. But on an actual trip with several vehicles, spaced about 1km apart to allow the dust to settle in between each, and stopping for rests, photos, etc. I reckon we would most likely reach Dangalli at least 1.5 hours later than that. That would give us enough time to drive down to one of the camp sites in the middle of the park and set up camp just before the sun sets. So reaching Chowilla in one day is not really possible.
Then the next morning we can continue south, through the kangaroos and emus, and goats, into the Chowilla park, and also decide what everyone would like to do. Three choices I think.
1. Take our time exploring the wetlands, starting up at Lake Litra and working our way down to the southern end - maybe 1.5 - 2 hours at a leisurely pace, and then heading down to Renmark and head for home. We could head down the bitumen towards Tailem Bend, being the quickest way home for the 'southerners' and the northern people can do the same if they want, and then cut across to Mannum on a nice dirt road I know and come home through Kersbrook. Or straight down the Sturt Highway of course.
2. Some might have had enough after two nights camping and a big day on the road, so they could head for home as explained above, while the others head out to Yamba Roadhouse, on the Sturt Highway, and then dive into the Sunset Country to get to a camp ground before dark. Maybe Pheeney's. But I think there is one at some shearer's quarters on the north west corner, not too far from Yamba. Then on the Monday, more wheeling. But this time on some nice soft white sandy tracks. ( Depending on the recent weather - sand only being very soft if it has been dry for a few days/weeks ). And then head for home when the urge arises.
3. If most of the group wants to spend another night under the stars, then we could make it a bit snappier exploring the Chowilla tracks so that we can maybe get over to the Sunset a bit earlier and do a few tracks before dark. Then the next morning some might head for home after breakfast so they can unwind before work the next day, and some might want to make another day of it on the sand, and get home later!
Wonder if they will let this book of a post go through? Let's find out!
You poor b....t! Trying to have a bit of fun and that's what you got instead. I guess its better than the 'big fish' having a go at you. Any stitches needed, or are you going to get Kath to 'kiss it better' instead of waiting in the emergency room for hours.
I had my mum put the stitches in once, when I had slashed through three toe tendons when I jumped on the base of a broken beer bottle. Dad was happy to help too. He sat on me - all twenty stone - so I wouldn't move while the needle went in! Ouch! Its great when you get it all fixed in the family! Actually there was no choice apparently, mum being a nurse, and us being out bush. They sent for the Flying Doctor a day or two after, and then her handiwork was sliced open so the surgeon could tie reef knots in the tendons. Or that's what they told me at the time. Surely not!
Hope it all heals quickly and 100% for you. Going to be some battle scars by the sound of it!
Just got home from another big trip on the road. About the same length as last weekend all up, but at least I did the first 160km or so late Friday night. Had to have a 45 minute sleep mid afternoon though because I missed a turn and ended up going all the way to Burra on back roads. Hit the sack about 1.00AM this morning in the Burra mine site.
The scouting proved useful. I did a big loop, going up one of the choices and then back down the other. When I reached the Dangalli northern most entrance I went in, read the info at the little entrance shelter and noted that you need to let the ranger know if you go through the park for safety reasons. This being due to it being about 50km in length, and the possibility that you might be the only visitor for days. So if the car breaks down . . . I did not see one other vehicle between hitting the dirt just out of Burra at about 7.30 and reaching the bitumen 3km north of Morgan at 5.00pm. I had about 500km and 9.5hours worth of dirt tracks all to myself!
So I just went about 5km into the park to have a sticky beak and then came out again. Thick scrub basically - Black Oaks and other trees. Plenty of wildlife. Nearly hit an emu. All together today, I just about collected the flush as far as near misses are concerned. I just missed a kangaroo, a sheep, an emu and a goat ( followed closely by its kid ). Did not see a wombat, but I think I gave a few wombats a heck of a fright, and myself, when I just clipped the edge of one of their burrows at about 70km/hr!
I went up through Mongolata, finding an interesting alternative route that bypasses about 6 farm gates that I had to open and close last time. The bypass sent me down a 3 km track that kept me on my toes. Some dramatic, large erosion gullies to negotiate and admire. I visited my favourite haunts on the way up to Lillydale Station, about 70km east of Yunta. But instead of turning west at the T junction at Lillydale, I turned right to head across to Dangalli. This is the route that I think I have settled on, as I originally planned.
I wanted to check the other route, through Koomooloo and Cane Grass stations. So I came back down the Morgan Mail Road on the way home to do just that. A nice drive, but a bit monotonous in two respects. A long road, no turn-offs required in the whole 2.5 hours, and 150km or so. Heaps of vegetation, just like that in the Dangalli, but a bit less dense of course, being sheep station land and the new growth being chewed off by the stock. I think if we went that way we would not only be 'treed out' by the time we got to the 'real' bushland at Dangalli, but we would not get to appreciate the stark contrast in landscapes just a little to the west. I think its nice to see the contrasts as you travel.
The other purpose was to test the timing, and whether my plan of doing 'Back of Burra' (How does that sound Geoff?), 'Dangalli Gamboling', 'Chowilla Wetlands' and the 'Sunset Sands', all in one weekend was trying to do too much at once!
I left Burra at 7.30 ( shop opens at 7.00am actually ). I had breakfast/lunch at 12.00 midday at the northern most point, about halfway across the top of the rectangle ( 30km esst of Lillydale HS ). An hour after lunch, at 1.30pm, I reached the northern entrance of Dangalli on the Morgan Mail Road. But on an actual trip with several vehicles, spaced about 1km apart to allow the dust to settle in between each, and stopping for rests, photos, etc. I reckon we would most likely reach Dangalli at least 1.5 hours later than that. That would give us enough time to drive down to one of the camp sites in the middle of the park and set up camp just before the sun sets. So reaching Chowilla in one day is not really possible.
Then the next morning we can continue south, through the kangaroos and emus, and goats, into the Chowilla park, and also decide what everyone would like to do. Three choices I think.
1. Take our time exploring the wetlands, starting up at Lake Litra and working our way down to the southern end - maybe 1.5 - 2 hours at a leisurely pace, and then heading down to Renmark and head for home. We could head down the bitumen towards Tailem Bend, being the quickest way home for the 'southerners' and the northern people can do the same if they want, and then cut across to Mannum on a nice dirt road I know and come home through Kersbrook. Or straight down the Sturt Highway of course.
2. Some might have had enough after two nights camping and a big day on the road, so they could head for home as explained above, while the others head out to Yamba Roadhouse, on the Sturt Highway, and then dive into the Sunset Country to get to a camp ground before dark. Maybe Pheeney's. But I think there is one at some shearer's quarters on the north west corner, not too far from Yamba. Then on the Monday, more wheeling. But this time on some nice soft white sandy tracks. ( Depending on the recent weather - sand only being very soft if it has been dry for a few days/weeks ). And then head for home when the urge arises.
3. If most of the group wants to spend another night under the stars, then we could make it a bit snappier exploring the Chowilla tracks so that we can maybe get over to the Sunset a bit earlier and do a few tracks before dark. Then the next morning some might head for home after breakfast so they can unwind before work the next day, and some might want to make another day of it on the sand, and get home later!
Wonder if they will let this book of a post go through? Let's find out!
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millsy
4x4 Earth Contributer
Can not wait till october long weekend start planning I want to know all the details, Millsy. So I can get Shane to take me on the trip. I will make him bring his cameras along.
Hey Glenda, sounds like you enjoyed the trip last weekend! Maybe we have another 4x4 convert. Or is it young Shane! Woo Hoo!
millsy
4x4 Earth Contributer
Yeah Wilkat. I don't think there is anything as far as track issues that would be a problem with the camper. There is a shallow ford to cross if we go through the Mongolata station. I reckon it was only 20cm deep, but looked a bit worrying this morning because the sheep had stirred all the mud up. Last time I put my old shoes on and started walking across to test the depth. After two steps in I could see that it was concrete, but because of the reflections it was impossible to see that until I had waded in and looked vertically down. Bugger.
There were a few bulldust patches scattered through the whole trek. But only between 50m and 150m long, and not very deep. Maybe ranging between 5cm and 15cm at the most. Enough to sprinkle a layer of dust through the car! Also various little ruts and holes in the tracks, as usual, and two or three steeper descents and climbs in and out of dry creek gullies. I guess if you like the challenge of all these in a fourby, it would be double the fun towing a camper!
I guess you just have to do the usual 'balancing' trick. Weighing up the advantages and dis-advantages of taking the camper rather than the tent. Only thing I would say is that we will only be at the two ( or three ) campsites for a fairly short time in each case. Maybe a little longer at Dangalli if we get there well before dark. So will you get your conveniences of having a camper for long enough to make it worth dragging it over such a long distance in a short time. I did about 800km from leaving home to arriving home, and that did not include going down and across to Renmark. So including that you are looking at about 1000km (from Elizabeth) - plus the city towing from your place. And if you were coming out to the Sunset, more km plus soft sand to cope with. Decisions, decisions!
I was actually thinking that maybe doing the Sunset on top of the other two areas is probably overdoing it, and spoiling a good adventure for another weekend. So I was thinking of starting up a thread called Weekenders from Adelaide. The Sunset being another 'weekender', where we can devote all our energy and time to it, rather than trying to enjoy it when our energy levels are low. Would be a lot more enjoyable I think.
There is also another 'day and a halfer' trip that could be done in the hills north of Burra. It would include some of the sights on the 'Back of Burra' trip, but also the new Caroona Conservation Park, and some historic sites around Mount Bryan East. One of these being the restored stone hut where Australia's most famous polar explorer was born - Sir Hubert Wilkins. He was also an aviator, cinematographer, soldier, geographer, ornithologist, . . . . Hardly anyone remembers him! Amazing character - worth a look on the Google. So this would be either a Saturday afternoon trip to Burra Gorge, and then head out from there on Sunday morning, or a Friday afternoon start, up to Burra Gorge. Other possibility being a day trip. But a lot of driving in one day when you consider the 5/7 hours just spent getting out and back to/from Burra, depending where you live.
There were a few bulldust patches scattered through the whole trek. But only between 50m and 150m long, and not very deep. Maybe ranging between 5cm and 15cm at the most. Enough to sprinkle a layer of dust through the car! Also various little ruts and holes in the tracks, as usual, and two or three steeper descents and climbs in and out of dry creek gullies. I guess if you like the challenge of all these in a fourby, it would be double the fun towing a camper!
I guess you just have to do the usual 'balancing' trick. Weighing up the advantages and dis-advantages of taking the camper rather than the tent. Only thing I would say is that we will only be at the two ( or three ) campsites for a fairly short time in each case. Maybe a little longer at Dangalli if we get there well before dark. So will you get your conveniences of having a camper for long enough to make it worth dragging it over such a long distance in a short time. I did about 800km from leaving home to arriving home, and that did not include going down and across to Renmark. So including that you are looking at about 1000km (from Elizabeth) - plus the city towing from your place. And if you were coming out to the Sunset, more km plus soft sand to cope with. Decisions, decisions!
I was actually thinking that maybe doing the Sunset on top of the other two areas is probably overdoing it, and spoiling a good adventure for another weekend. So I was thinking of starting up a thread called Weekenders from Adelaide. The Sunset being another 'weekender', where we can devote all our energy and time to it, rather than trying to enjoy it when our energy levels are low. Would be a lot more enjoyable I think.
There is also another 'day and a halfer' trip that could be done in the hills north of Burra. It would include some of the sights on the 'Back of Burra' trip, but also the new Caroona Conservation Park, and some historic sites around Mount Bryan East. One of these being the restored stone hut where Australia's most famous polar explorer was born - Sir Hubert Wilkins. He was also an aviator, cinematographer, soldier, geographer, ornithologist, . . . . Hardly anyone remembers him! Amazing character - worth a look on the Google. So this would be either a Saturday afternoon trip to Burra Gorge, and then head out from there on Sunday morning, or a Friday afternoon start, up to Burra Gorge. Other possibility being a day trip. But a lot of driving in one day when you consider the 5/7 hours just spent getting out and back to/from Burra, depending where you live.
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WILKAT
Member
Hi Millsy,
Thanks for the thoughts of my injuries,toe nail is getting better(I think!),not sure if toe is properly dislocated yet until swelling go's down,but rest of the bumps seem to be getting better.
You also sound like you have been through all this before??,in your life. I suppose we all end up doing injuries to our selves at some time in our lives,unfortunately.
I've only just read your last post (10.46pm) sounds you had a big few hours of travel,you have done a fair bit of info gathering,good on you!
So much to think of at the moment,as in taking van,which way to go,2 nights or 3,but Kath & I will be thinking about we can do,will work it out some way or another.
If Kath wasn't working this weekend,I might of tagged along for the day trip today/lastnight,to suss out the place.
Thanks for the thoughts of my injuries,toe nail is getting better(I think!),not sure if toe is properly dislocated yet until swelling go's down,but rest of the bumps seem to be getting better.
You also sound like you have been through all this before??
,in your life. I suppose we all end up doing injuries to our selves at some time in our lives,unfortunately.I've only just read your last post (10.46pm) sounds you had a big few hours of travel,you have done a fair bit of info gathering,good on you!
So much to think of at the moment,as in taking van,which way to go,2 nights or 3,but Kath & I will be thinking about we can do,will work it out some way or another.
If Kath wasn't working this weekend,I might of tagged along for the day trip today/lastnight,to suss out the place.
millsy
4x4 Earth Contributer
Hi Millsy,
Thanks for the thoughts of my injuries,toe nail is getting better(I think!),not sure if toe is properly dislocated yet until swelling go's down,but rest of the bumps seem to be getting better.
You also sound like you have been through all this before??
I've only just read your last post (10.46pm) sounds you had a big few hours of travel,you have done a fair bit of info gathering,good on you!
So much to think of at the moment,as in taking van,which way to go,2 nights or 3,but Kath & I will be thinking about we can do,will work it out some way or another.
If Kath wasn't working this weekend,I might of tagged along for the day trip today/lastnight,to suss out the place.
Your turn will come! Meanwhile you have a good 12 to 14 years of fun watching your little girl grow up! It will go too quickly by far. Then you will have to make do with other less fulfilling past times - like spur of the moment dashes into the bush.
millsy
4x4 Earth Contributer
Hey Geoff, I hope that "we can start the planning" means you are keen to join us. Not too far across to the Burra from Port Pirie. I reckon you are closer than us!
Would be great to see you, and hopefully Jean, again. Anyway, have started that new thread - at last. Thanks for the shove!
If you are interested, there are a couple of questions in the first post - which weekend - June long weekend or October weekend. And which-ever one - Friday evening start at Burra Gorge, or Saturday evening start at Burra Gorge?
Hope I don't wear out the old truck before July!
The stink
New Member
Hi guys , Sorry to hear about your surf probs, that might keep you out of the water for a while ? but i dont think for to long...
Myself and Anna-Marie got home around 10pm and spoke to her the next day and she said she loved it and is keen for another trip including camping so ill keep an eye on whats happening and jump on when i can
Stinky
geoffsa
Member
Yeh, we are keen to do that trip, it is an area we don't mind doing.
About 1 3/4 hours to Burra Gorge for us. See your new thread for our preferred timing.
millsy
4x4 Earth Contributer
Can not wait till october long weekend start planning I want to know all the details, Millsy. So I can get Shane to take me on the trip. I will make him bring his cameras along.
Hey Glenda, a BIG WELCOME to the forum. I just noticed that it was your first post!
Look forward to catching up again October. Hope we have another fun day out on the tracks, and that Shane dials in the magic weather again!. There's no sandy beaches unfortunately. They were definitely a highlight on the Yorkes trip! But you won't see any wheatfields out there, and we will see plenty of animals running around. Roads are a lot smoother also - no corrugations since such little traffic.
Or maybe you can talk Shane into coming out to the Sunset Country in August? Friday night start could be the challenge again.
WILKAT
Member
Thanks for that Stinky,all I can say is it really f**ken hurt!!!!!!!!!
Still not that good yet,only just starting to bend my toe forwards,luckely my toe nail was bandage as soon as I got back to the car (thanks to my lovely wife,who's a nurse
)& has grown back on!
Have to play it by ear,at when I'll be back in the water.
YOU KNOW THE FUNNY PART IS THAT THE ONLY TIME KATHY VIDEO TAPES ME GOING OUT & I GET WIPED OUT!! SO YES SHE HAS IT ON FILM!!!
It would be good if you go to the October Long Weekend trip,looks interesting,also good to catch up.Wilkat
glenda194
Member
thanks millsy talk to u soon