Birdsville Track

We set off bright and early heading down the Birdsville Track. We all felt it was more of a road than a track as it is well formed and not in too bad condition, unlike some of the other tracks we’ve been on. However, we passed very little traffic and actually saw more wildlife which was good. After seeing so many kangaroos around Tibooburra, it was good to see some again - although they certainly  weren’t in plague proportions and looked quite healthy. Luckily the flies are getting less and less - we were a bit over them 😢.

After our morning tea spot, we saw a snake crossing the track and think it’s an inland Taipan - quite deadly!! We have also confirmed that that other snake we saw was indeed a Woma Python, which is quite rare and non deadly. 

       

                                   

Along the way we stopped at a very interesting bore - it was drilled to a depth of over 1,000metres in 1901 and water is still coming from it - at a temperature of 90 degrees! More amazing, were the corellas around this water hole - there were thousands and made for a spectacular show!

   

 

It was here we noticed the van shock absorbers hanging down and discovered the bolts had broken! We limped to the Mungerannie Hotel half way down the track and there the chap told us the RACV man at Copley would be our best bet so here we are in the Copley caravan park and yes, we’re booked in tomorrow morning to be fixed. That’s saved us a trip to Port Augusta and we’ll be soon off along the Oodnadatta track as planned. This is a legacy of the rough traveling we do! The outback characters certainly have a sense of humour!

                          

Meanwhile Dennis and Darryl are under the van, taking off one water  tank ready for access to the shock absorbers. Tops and I think there’ll be some washing to be done!

    

                            

                  

                          

We camped last night in a free spot in the Cooper Creek flood plain which was very picturesque and even had clean flushing toilets and hand basins. Luxury. In times of flood, the Birdsville Track is affected and crossing is made via a ferry. 

Today we completed the trip to Marree and along the way saw several dingoes and even an ostrich. We had lunch at Marree and headed here to set up in this nice little park at Copley. 

              

Following our repairs, we will be once again losing phone contact so there’ll be silence for a while. Hope everyone is well,

Love from Darryl, Marg, Dennis & Tops ❌❌❌❌