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Corner Country and More


Tolley

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Hello Russ,

It would be great to catch up with you. When will you know if you will be working there?

Wild dog baiting is an issue. While the baits may be initially dropped away from "public" areas, they are occasionally "redistributed" by birds, especially crows. They pick them up., fly off and then drop them.

Safe travels.

Regards

Colin

Still not sure Colin. We have asked to be considered again this year. Whatever happens we wouldn't start until at least mid March, but would be there when your tour came through. I've also heard about the bird redistribution thing, Colin, but a mate of mine who was in the WA conservation dept. reckons it is a fallacy. Unlike vegetation eating animals, birds have no immunity to 1080 poison. They would be dead within seconds of mouthing a bait. (which they rarely do, apparently.)

Cheers

Russ

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Still not sure Colin. We have asked to be considered again this year. Whatever happens we wouldn't start until at least mid March, but would be there when your tour came through. I've also heard about the bird redistribution thing, Colin, but a mate of mine who was in the WA conservation dept. reckons it is a fallacy. Unlike vegetation eating animals, birds have no immunity to 1080 poison. They would be dead within seconds of mouthing a bait. (which they rarely do, apparently.)

Cheers

Russ

Hi Russ,

That is good to hear as it reduces the risk of non intended consequences. It is one of those "beliefs" that has enjoyed currency for a long time. None-the-less, I am always alert to what the pups are sniffing when we are out there.

Russ, on another matter, as soon as Telstra fix my home internet I will publish in this thread the first cut of our proposed itinerary. I would really appreciate your views on what I am planning.

Regards

Colin

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Hello Colin,

Judging from your itinerary, you must be pushed for time? If so, it looks good.

If not,there is certainly a lot of those places which could warrant extra time there as there is a lot to see and do

Cheers

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Hello Colin,

Judging from your itinerary, you must be pushed for time? If so, it looks good.

If not,there is certainly a lot of those places which could warrant extra time there as there is a lot to see and do

Cheers

Hello Steve,

Yes time is important at least to me and Gayleen as we are still in business, unfortunately. So, it is a bit of a recon of places to visit later!!!

There will be some adjustment to the itinerary as comments and suggestions are taken on board. Do you have any suggestions as to where we should, in particular, spend more time?

Before we get to the start point, Gayleen and I will be on the road visiting clients from Townsville to Mt Isa and Winton, Longreach etc. Then to get from the Flinders Ranges back to Caiirns takes at least a week more like ten days. So, yes, time is of the essence.

Given all that I am pleased that you feel it is a good itinerary. Thanks for your feedback.

Regards

Colin

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Hello Colin

If you are camping at the common at Innamincka, There is a really nice spot called Policeman's Point, We usually camp out of town on the Cullyamurra Water Hole as it is good fishing and nice and quiet with large private areas.It is out on the Dig Tree road about 25-30 kms from Innamincka. If you are there at the right time ....... the yabbies' are massive and plentiful.

Montecollina Bore on the Strzelecki Track is also a beautiful spot and worthy for a lunch break and a swim. The water is lovely and warm.

Muloorina Stn is certainly worth a overnight (if you get time), You turn right about 2kms west of Maree on the Oodnadatta Track andtravel 50 kms (all good dirt roads) It is beautiful. It has a large waterwayand plenty of birdlife. When you get there you will come to the small toilet block, look to your right and you will see a single date palm in the distance.Just past there is a beautiful camp spot at the very end of the road and hasplenty of room to turn the van around. You have to take your own wood for the fire. You will have to back track for this spot too.

Happy and safe travels

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Thanks Steve, that is handy information. Much appreciated.

The timing of our itinerary has changed with departure from Tibooburra set for Wednesday 21 May 14. Nothing else has changed so far. The new itinerary, Edition 2, is attached.

Regards

Colin

Corner Country Itinerary Edition 2.pdf

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Hello Koggers,

I have had it suggested to me that a better route between Cameron Corner and Innamincka is along the Bore Track. The idea interests me, does anyone have any information and experience on the Bore Track? Love to hear from you.

Colin

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Hello Koggers,

I have had it suggested to me that a better route between Cameron Corner and Innamincka is along the Bore Track. The idea interests me, does anyone have any information and experience on the Bore Track? Love to hear from you.

Colin

Good Morning,

We travelled the top part of the Bore Track heading to Innamincka in Sep.2013.from Cameron Corner East towards Omicron up to Epsilon then up the top part of track to Innamincka [bottom part of track was closed]top track DOES NOT GET GRADED it was sandy in places & you swing off main track in places & it is a bit rough in places. When heading back to Innamincka on return trip,217 km south is camp 601 SA Montecollina Bore it is a must. South from Birdsville camp 386 SA only 315 KM plenty of bird life & hot Spa & cold beer. Oodnadatta to Coober Pedy another must is The Painted Desert.

Neville.

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Hello Koggers,

Unfortunately we have had one participant withdraw from our Corner Country Trip due to a clash of dates resulting from our earlier start date. As a consequence we now have one open spot if anyone is interested in joining the group.

I have published the itinerary earlier on this thread and do so again for your information. There will be some minor changes to that published with the addition of a visits to the Painted Desert and slight variation in our route. However, the attached is a good guide if you are interested. Send me a PM if you have an interest.

Sad to hear of the fires in the Flinders Ranges but, thankfully, they are in the southern end while we will be visiting the northern end.

Regards

Colin

Corner Country Itinerary Edition 2.pdf

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Hi Colin,

can you advise as to the intended route from Innamincka to Birdsville? The reason I ask is that the Cordillo Downs route can be problematic. Sure, you will get through, but the going can be very slow due to track conditions. Locals at Birdsville told me that the grader has never been over it! (Not sure if that is true, though.) If the route is via Walkers Crossing, phone ahead and be sure that the road is open. The road northward from Innamincka to the Windorah - Birdsville Rd (Birdsville Developmental Rd), via Arrabury, is much longer but usually in much better nick than the others. This road also goes within 13Km of Haddon Corner, for those who like to put ticks in boxes.

Cheers

Russ

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Hello Russ,

Thanks for your response. I have been looking forward to it given your knowledge of that country.

My intended route, as shown in the current itinerary, is via Cordillo Downs. The distance from Innamincka to Birdsville via this route is 417 km. Via Arrabury it is an additional 100+ km. I am a bit concerned about fuel and, except for those with long range tanks we will need to be carrying at least two jerry cans of diesel.

Naturally we will be talking to locals at Cameron Corner and Innamincka as road conditions are a thing of the moment.

I had not considered the Walkers Crossing route which is the shortest being 353 km between Innamincka and Birdsville. However, yesterday I noticed a report in the Members Section from Col and Den who travelled from Innamincka to Birdsville via Walker's Crossing in March last year. More to think about.

Russ, do you have any other comments of our itinerary as it stands at the moment?

Regards

Colin

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Hello Koggers,

I was delighted to have Colleen and Dennis visit me at home yesterday. They completed the Corner Country trip from Tibooburra to Birdsville in May last year. They travelled from Innamincka to Birdsville via Walkers Crossing so I was keen to hear their story. If Walkers Crossing is open when we are there we will probably go that way as opposed to going via Cordillo Downs.

As a bonus Colleen and Dennis gave me a CD which contains some fantastic photographs. Colleen specialises in wildlife shots and Dennis in landscapes. Great photos.

So, it is a public thanks to them from me and a reminder to us all that there is much more to caravanning than driving!

Regards

Colin

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  • 1 month later...

Hello Koggers and Corner Country Participants,

I have been very silent on this topic recently as my life has been in turmoil. Sold my home, rented another, purchased another, moved house,, Tropical Cyclones business issues, took the van to Brendale for a service (4000 km approx). Sheesh!

At long last the turmoil is about settled. Not long before we all meet in Tibooburra and am I looking forward tom that?

Gayleen and I will depart Cairns about 7 May as we want to call in on a number of local government clients before arriving in Tibooburra.

Got a bit to do between now and them in finalising details but it will get done.

Regards

Colin

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Mate, once you get that van hooked up and on the road and reach the beautiful corner country, all the turmoil will be forgotten I'm sure.

Good luck and have a fantastic trip

Cheers

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Thanks Steve and Kez.

It will be fun, an adventure and all in great company. We escaped to Charters Towers during TC Ita. There is something just relaxing about being out in the Keddie!

Regard

Colin

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Hello,

Did a ring around today ensuring all is good for our trip. Spoke to people in Tibooburra, Cameron Corner, Birdsville, Farina Station, Oodnadata, coward Springs etc. some have had rain while others have not but, as of today, all roads are open.

The big news for me is that the underground bakery at Farina will be operating when we are there. Bit of a fan of a dogs eye and dead horse so I was excited by that!

Regards

Colin

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Hello Colin,

Since you mentioned the bakery at Farina being opened, while you are there could you tell the owners of Farina Station (Kevin & Anne Dawes) that Steve and Kerry said hello for me please.

We were camped there for a couple of night and he offered me a couple of weeks work during muster. 3 months later we finished up. They are fantastic people and they have one of the best camp grounds in SA.

I highly recommend staying there, If you walk up to the war memorial and then walk across to the fence line, you will get phone service at the 2nd wooden post (Telstra only) .................. yes I'm serious.

Once again ........ Have a fantastic trip

Steve

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Well, you guys may laugh, but I assure you that it is true and if the 2nd post is engaged, you will have to wait your turn as the 1st post does not work .......................... but I never tried it for Opus or Vodaphone .....LOL

When you get there, you will see for yourselves.

Also if you have time to spare, I highly recommend asking Kevin (the owner) about a tag-a-long tour of the property as there is some truly amazing scenery and some quirky bits of nature to see that not many people will every get to see.

Cheers

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Hello Koggers,

To get to Tibooburra for the start of our trip we are considering using the Dowling Track from Thargomindah to Hungerford. Along this Track is a camp spot (QLD 724 Camps 7) called Kilcowera Station. Is anyone familiar with the Track and or Kilcowera Station? I have spoken to the lady at Kilcowera and she sounded really nice and welcoming. She said the Track was OK and the Council was doing some work on it.

They had rain in that area about three weeks ago but nothing since but she said they had plenty of feed and the country is looking good.

Any info from those who know would be appreciated.

Regards

Colin

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Hi Colin

We travelled the Dowling Track north from Bourke last year and spent 3 nights at Kilcowera Station beside their lagoon. It was a lovely spot with lots of birdlife. We highly recommend you take the self-guided drive around the station that Toni will give you a map for. Just make sure you have fly nets with you.

Here is our Blog entry for our arrival at Kilcowera and subsequent posts follow on.

The Dowling Track was well worth the trip.

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