Strzelecki Track

Outback track in South Australia From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Strzelecki Track

Strzelecki Track is a mostly unsealed outback track in South Australia, linking Innamincka to Lyndhurst.

Quick Facts Strzelecki Track South Australia, Coordinates ...
Strzelecki Track

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The Strzelecki Track (blue and white) and the old part of the track at the northern end
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Transferring mail from a camel-drawn coach to a motor truck at Carraweena, near the mid-point of the Strzelecki Track, about 1920
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Coordinates
General information
TypeTrack
Length472 km (293 mi)[1]
Major junctions
Northeast endCordillo Downs Road
Innamincka, South Australia
 Adventure Way
Southwest endThe Outback Highway
Lyndhurst, South Australia
Location(s)
RegionFar North[2]
Restrictions
Fuel supplyLyndhurst, Innamincka, Cameron Corner
Close
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History

In 1870, the 472-kilometre (293-mile) track was pioneered by stockman, drover and cattle thief Harry Readford.[3] He stole 1,000 head of cattle from a remote cattle station in Queensland. He drove them down the track, and sold them at Blanchewater Station. He then fled to Adelaide. Pastoralists then used the track as a stock route in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. [4]

After gas was discovered by Santos in the 1960s, it started carrying more traffic as a route to Moomba. Some sections were sealed.[4]

Description

The track links Innamincka to Lyndhurst through the Strzelecki Desert. It is mostly unsealed, but with a few short sealed sections to facilitate overtaking.[5] It is passable to conventional vehicles during the dry season, although caution is required.[3]

The track is prone to flooding after heavy rains. At other times the surface can be corrugated, with loose stones and dust.[4]

The Strzelecki Track is linked with the Birdsville Track via the Walkers Crossing Track. It is closed in summer and only traversable in dry weather.[4]

A shorter route is available via a public access road between Moomba and Innamincka, making the distance 458 kilometres (285 miles).[6]

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Heritage listings

A number of isolated heritage-listed sites are located nearby to the Strzelecki Track:

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See also

icon Australian roads portal

References

Further reading

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