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Photo by Ulrike Hahnel, Rock Formations on the Lagune Route, Bolivia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ulrike Hahnel,
Rock Formations on the
Lagune Route, Bolivia



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  • 1 Post By farqhuar

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  #1  
Old 24 May 2017
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Birdsville Track
We are considering this (F700GS and V-Storm) as a tour of northern Aust between Zhukov and Oct this year. Only comments we find is that "the road is a good dirt road better than it used to be".

"Used by cattle trucks and tourists"...

Hmmm... any recent experience... corrugations and bull dust.

Thanks
Ursala
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Old 26 May 2017
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Birdsville Track
G'day Ursala, We rode from Birdsville to Marree two weeks ago. There were several small patches of Bulldust, although there was plenty of room to ride around them. The road surface was quite good. Shouldn't be a problem for your bikes.
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Old 28 May 2017
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Hi Sala, which month is 'zhukov'?

The condition of the Birdsville track is very dependent on recent weather conditions.

I have ridden it when it was flooded with many long and deep water crossings (and having to take a ferry across the usually dry Coopers Creek) - at that time the track was very muddy and very slow going.

I have also ridden it when it was dry and recently graded - it was easy to sit on 120kmh almost the whole way, literally a 6 lane dirt superhighway.

On yet another occasion it was dry, had not been graded for some time, and was very soft and sandy.

It is quite unpredictable but you can always make it. When it was wet and flooded I was riding a scooter with 14" wheels and made it through without any real problems - I got stuck in muddy ruts and fell off a couple of times (at low speed) but that was all part of the fun.
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Old 29 May 2017
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The Birdsville track is a very well maintained dirt road. It Can be closed during wet periods ( sometimes for days on end) but is usually in very good condition and you shouldn't have any problems as long s you look out for damaged sections. Take your time, make sure your bikes are in good condition and you have plenty of water.

Also make sure you stop in Mungarannie for a and meet Phil the publican. He is a real character.
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Old 31 May 2017
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Birdsville Track
The comments from Farqhuar and Mcguyver are correct - it can be different if it has rained. Little bit of light rain is good as it keeps the dust down. Can get a bit windy and this can be a bit of a pain with dust. Generally good surface and the comments about stopping at Mungarannie are spot on. There are some characters there. You will be a fair distance from most places so a "once over" on bike and carrying appropriate tools/provisions gives peace of mind and allows you to enjoy the spectacular scenery. The outback is different and a great place to ride motorcycles. Keep an eye on the track ahead to spot any bulldust and also other vehicles.
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Old 31 May 2017
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Birdsville HIGHWAY nowadays. If it rains the authorities just close it until it is dry.

As you can see by the comments, the best, and in fact the only useful time to check the condition of all inland roads is a few minutes before departure.
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Old 31 May 2017
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Smile Birdsville track
Thank you for your helpful responses. It gives me confidence that it will be "do-able" with my level of skill if road and weather conditions are favorable.

Thanks again
Ursala
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