Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ing with little water and with sections that are very infrequently used. Signs of human
habitation are rare and facilities are few and far between.
Finke & Old Andado Tracks
The Finke Track (the first part of which is the Old South Rd) follows the route of the old
Ghan
railway (long since dismantled) between Alice Springs and the Aboriginal settle-
ment of Finke (Aputula). Along the way you can call into Chambers Pillar Historical
Reserve to view the colourful sandstone tower. From Finke the road heads east along the
Goyder Creek, a tributary of the Finke River, before turning north towards Andado Sta-
tion and, 18km further, the homestead. At Old Andado the track swings north for the
321km trip to Alice. The Old Andado Track winds its way through the Simpson Desert
to link the Old Andado Homestead with Alice Springs. On the way you pass the Mac
Clark Conservation Reserve, which protects a stand of rare waddy trees. A high-clear-
ance 4WD is definitely recommended and you should be equipped with high-frequency
(HF) radio or emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB).
Simpson Desert
The route crossing the Simpson Desert from Mt Dare, near Finke, to Birdsville is a real
test of both driver and vehicle. A 4WD is definitely required on the unmaintained tracks
and you should be in a party of at least three vehicles equipped with sat phones, HF radio
and/or EPIRB.
