Getting to the Start
Reaching the start of the race at Purni Bore can be a challenging trip.
As an absolute minimum (requiring long days in the vehicle) allow three days from Melbourne, three or four days from Sydney, two days from Adelaide and one day from Alice Springs. Those leaving from Queensland often arrive via Birdsville and drive along the course to the start. This does give you a sneak preview of the track but requires you to carry enough fuel and water for an out and back trip.
The quickest approach from the Southern states is via Pt Augusta along the Stuart Highway, turning off the highway at Coober Pedy. This route is sealed until you turn on to the dirt road from Coober Pedy to Oodnadatta. If you have time, the Oodnadatta Track (via Maree) is a nice trip and follows the old Ghan railway line.
Approaching Purnie Bore, the last (limited) supplies available are at Oodnadatta and Mt Dare. Do not expect to fill up with water at these points. Coober Pedy has good water available at 20c/40 litres. Port Augusta has several large supermarkets and a basic bike shop. Birdsville is the last supply point from the eastern side.
Allow plenty of travel time. The track from Dalhousie to Purni Bore can be extremely slow and rough. Check road conditions in the National Park prior to your departure using the Desert Parks Hotline: 1800 816 078. Call Transport SA Road Condition Hotline 1300 361 033 for road updates outside of the National Park. Bulletins are also posted on the www.parks.sa.gov.au website.
Facilities
Coober Pedy - motels, backpacker accommodation, camping, pubs, restaurants, mini-supermarkets, water, fuel, ATM, PO, public phones, mobile coverage. Click for website
Oodnadatta - camping, cabins, pub, meals, fuel, basic supplies, public phone, EFTPOS, limited water.
Pink Roadhouse Oodnadatta 08 8670 7822 Click for website
Maree - camping, cabins, pub, fuel, public phone, EFTPOS, basic supplies, limited water.
Mt Dare Station - fuel (they may have other supplies but ring ahead first) phone 08 86707835 Click for website
Dalhousie Springs - toilets, showers, hot springs (no drinking water)
Purnie Bore - shower, toilet, bore water (no drinking water)
Birdsville - camping, cabins, pub, motel rooms, fuel, water, basic supplies, EFTPOS, phone.
Birdsville Hotel 07 4656 3244 Click for website
Birdsville Caravan Park 07 4656 3214
Note:
UHF Radio on the highway is Channel 40.
UHF Radio in the Desert is Channel 10.
Plan on carrying all your rubbish with you. There are rubbish dumps at Dalhousie Hot Springs and Birdsville.
Fuel
From Oodnadatta take sufficient fuel for at least 800k (to reach Birdsville).
Fuel usage (a rough guide):
- Diesel - 150 litres
- Petrol - 200 litres
*Always allow extra fuel for unplanned detours.
*Dual tank vehicles can usually take enough fuel without the need for jerry cans.
TopCarrying your Bike
Transporting bikes to and from the race can potentially damage the bike. Rough roads, dust and long distances can cause damage if bikes are not packed carefully.
The best method is to pack your bike in a box (available from bike shops) and carry it (upright) inside the vehicle.
A rack mounting on the vehicle roof is also a good option. Be careful using mounts which attach to the front forks with the wheel removed. These have been known to bend the forks. Make sure that the frame is braced so the forks don't take all the strain. Towbar mounted racks can damage the bike through vibration, dust and 'bottoming out' in deep ruts.
Plan to arrive at Purni Bore with plenty of time to rebuild, check and adjust the bike.