I enjoyed the drive to Cameron Corner mostly because it felt like I was really and truly beginning to be in the outback with the desert growing closer. Its quite possible to do the drive in one day but there are plenty of places you can pull over for the night along the journey. The waterhole camp ground at the Noccundra hotel seemed very popular spot with 4x4 towing caravans. However found enjoyed the scenery and remoteness of a couple of road side spots along the journey.
Making the journey twice On my 1st attempt to drive to Cameron Corner I was less than 50kms from the corner when I began to notice a noise under the hood of the Landy that did not sound entirely good (accompanied by a slight burning odour.) Stopping several times iIwas unable to isolate the noise to its source but suspected it had something to do with the belts. Stunning location to camp the night Considering it prudent to stop for the night and evaluate the problem in the morning I detoured off the main track to camp along side Haughton 'Swamp'. Full of water this swamp looked like more like a lake than a swamp and was full of birdlife and the associated bird calls. The photos will show you just how lovely a location it was. Dark sky at night saturated by stars, this location was a great introduction for me to how beautiful the outback is when you take the time to slow down and experience it.
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Carry on or turn back? The Landy was nice and quiet under the bonnet when I began the engine for the morning. Performing all my routine checks (oil, water, brake/clutch fluid, tyres) I looked again for the source of the noise yesterday but was not mechanically knowledgeable enough to isolate its cause.
Thinking I might get away with driving I continued along the little sandy bumpy track towards the Sturt Stony National Park, however I only made it a kilometre or so when the little noise under the bonnet became a howling screeching.... Drat!
Where is the nearest mechanic? - seemed safest to return back the way I had come the day before... 5 hours drive back to Thargomindah. Yes that is correct, 5 hours. Thankfully during the drive the noise abated (good thing or bad?) and was very pleased to re-enter cell coverage and the town safely by 1pm that day. Friendly mechanic, great service Back in Thargomindah Mike the mechanic took one look/listen under the bonnet and informed me I had a seized flywheel bearing on my AC unit. Amazingly he had a flywheel bearing that fit perfectly. I say amazing as this is a very (very) small outback town. i.e. The mail arrives into town once a week, and any parts/general supplies you may need have to be flown in by plane. I guess that explains the high cost of fresh veggies! I had a spare fan belt, but not a spare AC belt, but as I was not using the AC at present we decided to leave the AC belt off and continue on my way without it. I realise of course in hindsight that I needn't have driven all the way back to town for that. It is something I could have done myself on the side of the road, and now after watching the mechanic do it I know how to :). Always learning. I don't regret turning back and the 10 hour drive detour it would total up to as I felt it was better to be safe and sure. Great service, friendly informative mechanic and team - thank you so much! Finally: Cameron Corner There isn't much to see at Cameron Corner: A pub/road house with fuel and a few supplies and the marker on the location where the 3 states meet: NSW, SA & Queensland.
I breezed on through after enjoying a cold ginger beer and some conversation with other travelers in the roadhouse.
Merty Merty Road & Old Strzelecki Track
Enjoyable route to drive, red sand dunes with vegetation and associated wildlife valiantly growing. Profusion of birdlife near the waterways.
Yes, those are flies on my face in the pic above !! :) Old Strzelecki Track
Old Strzelecki Track had apparently been closed for a while, but was open for my journey through, albeit with quite a few detours around bog holes.
4x4 terrain: the track was very narrow and time, single rut tracks for the main route for quite a significant portion of the route, but near the gas fields where trucks used the road it was in better condition.
No other vehicles on the route when I took it, which I enjoyed. As soon as the track met the main route there were suddenly a lot more vehicles and accordingly a lot more dust & noise....
Policeman's waterhole, Innamincka
Not far from Innamincka I saw a sign for a waterhole... Well, that sounds great doesnt it!
Policeman's waterhole on Coopers Creek is a great way to freshen up after long drive. Jump for a swim or if you happen to have a paddleboard with you....
Paddle-boarding up the waterhole & creek for several kilometers is very enjoyable way to pass a sunny afternoon and will provide you with ample close encounters with the Pelicans, Little Corrella and other abundant birdlife.
You may enjoy this little video of the journey;
Recommendations
I really enjoyed driving this route, and would happily drive it again.
Stop your car, get out and walk up into the dunes or to the waterholes.
Stop and listen to the sounds of the desert.
Stay the night along the route and enjoy a star filled sky and the silence of the desert at night.
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