Hay River Track

G/day JA1. The track is a good scenic route to take and easily followed. In the year we did it we had the diversion at Eyre Creek (we travelled south to north). If coming in from the north via the Plenty Hwy, there is a sign directing you to Batton Camp so hard to miss. The track from the intersection to Batton Camp was horribly corrugated, may have been graded when you do it. When we got to Batton Camp the owners where no where in sight so we continued on instead of camping there.

Overall, the biggest annoyance if you could call it that was the whoopsie doos in the otherwise track, which stopped you getting up any speed. Your estimate of 30km/hr is pretty close to the mark.

In the year we did it the areas around the Hay river river course was like being in a garden it was that green, and small birds flitted here and there constantly. Water is available at Dingo Well/Bore and we saw 2 beautiful dingoes near here.

Lake Caroline is a nice diversion and camping through this section is plentiful.

We really enjoyed the trip and would do it again.

Enjoy.

3 ngts camping will be plenty an not rushing it
Cheers mechpete

Here's the link to the permit system operated by the CLC https://www.clc.org.au/permits/#apply-for-entry-permit. That page also has some contact numbers and other stuff.

We were the second group to travel that track way back when Lindsay Bookie was still the TO and Joe Fleming his offsider was organising stuff and helping to get it all going properly. Having travelled NS and SN it can be a pretty trip but if there's no track maintenance been done the bush pin striping can be pretty horrific as the scrub can and does grow back over the worn tracks after decent rains.

You will need to carry enough fuel to get you from Jervois Station to Birdsville/Mungaranie/Mt Dare.

There was plenty to see around Baton Hill but that was some time back and if it has been wet the track out to Lake Caroline is very soft

Enjoy the journey

Rob

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Hi JA1,
When I travelled north on the Hay River Track a few years back, I asked Jol Fleming about using the track you refer to when continuing to Boulia. He told me quite abruptly that I could not as it was a private road and that I must exit via the continuing Hay River track westward to the Plenty Rd junction near Jervois Station.

It was not marked as "private" on a map I had but I chose not to argue with Jol Fleming. I seem to remember StephenL telling me that it was a station track and permission could be obtained from the station but I have no details. Perhaps Stephen may see this and comment?

Other than that, I would say that the Hay River Track is one of the best drives I have made. A bit twisty through the dry river bed in places and a few soft sandy spots but no problem for the Troopy. 3 days travel for us. Somewhat dissapointing at Batton Hill campground and dealings with Jol Fleming not good but I don't think he is involved anymore.

I drove it solo three weeks ago. It is my new favorite drive in the desert, much more going on than a standard crossing. I have heard from a number of sources that the T.O.'s intend to close it again - not sure how accurate that is.
When you book, you'll be put in touch with Lester Hamiton at Batton Hill. He couldn't have been more helpful and sent me some extra links about track history and running notes etc.
As above, I asked at Tobermorey about the 'shortcut' from QLD too but got similar info, so it was on to Jervois and then 80 KM of character forming corrugations which found a few weak points in my canopy, draw slides and fridge slide - my fault entirely.
We accidentally scored that heatwave which saw up to 43 deg one day, so lazing about wasn't really an option. We got it done in a few cruisey if not a little long, days. We didn't see another soul until the QAA - except a guided tagalong tour who not so kindly closed the bloody gate at Batton Hill while we were waiting for them to faff about and get their brood of not so intrepids through same gate....