Permits to drive the Colson Track have not been issued for many years. There was lapse around 2018/9 ish when a new permits officer granted a few before the CLC realised, then ensured they were no longer approved.
This year, 2023, though, CLC have been approving applications. Just go to their permits web page and apply.
Mine came back in a couple of days.
There are no restrictions on the direction you can travel (unlike the Madigan), BUT, your permit does not give you access north of Madigan
Camp 5. You can only reach Madigan
Camp 5 from the West. The head South to the French line, or head North from the French Line, but you must then head West at Madigan
Camp 5 towards the Old
Andado Track, or East along the Madigan.
After many years of it not being (legally) accessible, it it really in great condition. Tracks are easily visible and the only place there may be some doubt is approa hing the Colson
Well from the South. At a 'Y'
intersection, the Colson Track bears right. I am assuming the left
fork goes to whatever remains of the
Well.
The Track wasn't overgrown, though there were the odd bush encroaching over the track. There was also a bit of growth between the wheel tracks requiring a ' bra' to protect the radiator and prevent build up of
debris under the vehicle.
Check for build up regularly.
The distance from the French line to Madigan 5 is 200km and it could be driven in a day. There are no dunes to cross.
Camp spots are few and far between, with us finding one suitable area big enough for maybe 4 vehicles, around 100 km up the track
I'd suggest, if want to tick it off your list, get a permit while they are still on offer