Aputula (Finke) General Store opening hours

Fill up at Mt Dare

Vehicle is a diesel. Refueling at Mt Dare still gives 500 km to Kulgera via Old Andadoo-->New Crown-->Finke-->Kulgera. The vehicle range from the 88 l tank is ~600 km at 14 l/100 km. Depending on the wind and my right foot, I get 13-14 l/100 km towing a 1600 kg camper trailer on the black top. Any sand and/or very slow going is likely to increase the consumption, so 500 km is sailing too close to the wind for my liking. Hence if diesel availability at Finke is questionable because of shop closes while people are off attending to cultural matters, I will need to carry a couple of jerries of spare diesel. (There were obviously LR tank options but I've chosen not to go down that route given the approx $2K price tag.)

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The Aputula Community Store hours are.......
Mon to Fri: 9-12am and 2-4pm
Sat: 9-12am
Sun: Closed

However there is never any guarantee with these Community Stores. They can close at any odd time. There is also a possibility that they may be out of fuel when you have arrived. It is not often but I have encountered both and try to be prepared. With the 270 litres of diesel I carry that is not too hard. Touch wood.

I think it is good form to carry extra fuel when outback as you could get a fuel leak, the refueling point may be shut or they have run out of fuel. (have found both) Weather etc can vary access by tanker trucks.

I always carry 2 jerries of fuel as a backup with no plan to use them ( I have suitable racks to carry them) When almost home I tend to empty the jerries into the vehicle so I do not have a storage problem when home