MUST READ: You are strongly encouraged to read the following articles prepared by the knowledge experts at ExplorOz for your safety and preparation before undertaking any published ExplorOz Trek -
Outback Safety,
Outback Driving Tips,
Outback Communications, and
Vehicle Setup for the Outback.
TIP | Please refer to Road Reports published by the local shire and/or main roads for the area you intend to visit. Road/Track conditions can change significantly after weather events. Travellers must be responsible for their own research on current conditions and track suitability. |
Your vehicle will need to be extensively prepared for remote area travel, with all fuel, water, food and vehicle repair equipment and spare parts. All travellers should read the 4WDriving Topic for related articles and checklists for vehicle setup and driver awareness. The Department for Environment and
Heritage advise vehicles to travel north along the track, due to safety concerns. It is recommended for all travellers to lower tyre pressures to about 60 to 70% of normal highway pressure. This is to avoid damage to the track and consequent track closures.The nearest FUEL stop is at
Ceduna prior to the trip or Glendambo on the Stuart Highway. The recommended campsites are at Googs Lakes and
Mount Finke. Firewood can be collected at intervals along the track and should only be used sparingly. Vehicles are prohibited from driving off track and on the lake.Vehicles should engage 4WD and lower tyre pressures as this helps by making travel easier and protecting the track from becoming severely corrugated.Vehicles should also carry the appropriate recovery gear, including shovel and air compressor.
Mount Finke is the highest landform at 369 metres. Begin the climb from car park and sign the visitors book located beneath the trig point. The view from
the summit is spectacular of the surrounding sea of mallee.Visitors planning to visit Childara
Rock-hole or travel through
Lake Everard station strictly need prior arrangement with station management. Telephone: (?) 8648 1884. Respect Aboriginal Cultural sites and please do not remove any artefacts. Do not bring your dogs, they are NOT permitted. Please contact the
Ceduna Visitor Centre prior to travel for update on road conditions and visitor numbers to the track. Jenny is also very open and willing to chat with anyone about their plans call 0428257035.
Permits
Most of Googs Track is now located within the Yumbarra Conservation Park and the Yellabinna Regional Reserve. Dogs are not permitted. Best camping areas are at Googs Lake and at Mount Finke. You must purchase a camping permit (per vehicle per night) before starting the track. You can get your camping permit online at Parks SA or at the Ceduna Visitor Centre or other SA Parks agents.Vermin Proof Fence Access to Childara RockAll dog fences such as the gate on the eastern perimeter of Yellabinna Regional Reserve and Lake Everard Station must be kept shut at all times. The owners of Lake Everard Station may grant access to Childara Rock but please ask for permission prior. If permission is granted - please do not venture further east from Childara Rock towards the property.
Fuel Usage
Diesel | ULP | LPG |
---|
4cyl 86 litres * | 4cyl 102 litres * | 4cyl 114 litres |
6cyl 86 litres * | 6cyl 115 litres * | 6cyl 100 litres |
8cyl 87 litres | 8cyl 94 litres | |
Usage is averaged from recorded data (* specific to this trek) and calculated based on trek distance.
Best Time To Visit
The track is closed in January & February due to extreme summer heat conditions but travel is possible at any other time. It is best to time your trip for when conditions are dry, and winter is preferable due to temperatures.
Closest Climatic Station
Tarcoola Aero
Distance from Trek Mid Point 94.88km N
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|
Mean Max. °C | 36.8 | 35.1 | 31.4 | 27.1 | 22.4 | 18.8 | 18.8 | 21.2 | 25.2 | 27.9 | 31.4 | 33.7 |
Mean Min. °C | 19.8 | 19.3 | 16.0 | 12.1 | 7.9 | 5.1 | 4.6 | 5.5 | 9.0 | 11.7 | 15.5 | 17.3 |
Mean Rain mm | 12.2 | 28.1 | 16.0 | 10.2 | 11.4 | 13.5 | 10.1 | 12.0 | 10.2 | 17.8 | 19.8 | 23.5 |
Best time to travel Ok time to travel Travel NOT recommended