The Road to Flinders Ranges - Part 4 - We Take on the Echo Camp 4WD Track Challenge at Arkaroola

During October 2022 we travelled a total of 5000 km on a round trip from Brisbane to visit the Flinders Ranges. From Brisbane we first travelled due west on outback roads to end up in Innamincka in South Australia. The wet season provided a unique experience with filled creeks and water holes, green vegetation and colourful wildflowers in the normally arid and dusty areas of western Queensland and South Australia. After driving south on the Strzelecki track, we spent three nights at Arkaroola Village in a bush camp. Here we took on the Echo Camp (4WD) Backtrack. The brochure describes it as a challenging 4WD track requiring advanced driver experience. They classify some sections of the track as “Extreme 4WD”. They do not recommended it for light weight ‘SUV’ type 4WD vehicles as many of the gradients require maximum traction and ground clearance. Low range 4x4 is essential. Our Prado is equipped with bottom protection plates, a rear differential locker and has a 45 mm suspension lift. It coped well with the track. The diff locker helped to control wheel spin in a few difficult spots. We finished the day driving back to camp on the Mt Jacob Backtrack which also requires a 4WD vehicle but is less challenging than the Echo Camp Backtrack.

[@stuartkcalvin]

Great piece thanks. I like the 'no talking' VLOGs.

[@Dustydetours]

That's great feedback. Thank you.

[@peterschurr8087]

I took that track back in early 22. It was great, and great to watch your video. That drop down to the gorge… I also decided not to take it, worried I would not be able to get back out. Speaking with the French driver (Ridge Top Tour)… he said ‘yeah, don’t go down there, it’s not advised’.

[@Dustydetours]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@greatsouthernoverland]

We really enjoyed your travels.Great use of mapping and stills, Thank you for putting in the work 👌

[@Dustydetours]

That is great to hear. Thank you!

[@yamumatittys]

What a spectacular, pictures sights

[@Dustydetours]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@thommostravels9610]

Great video thank you

[@Dustydetours]

Thanks for watching!

[@timeisup6844]

Recently saw your video and you have nice content as am someone who loves to watch Australia through travel vlog videos in youtube..Subbed and bring them more..😀Cheers and God bless!! Love from India!!☺️👍

[@Dustydetours]

Welcome aboard!

[@yamumatittys]

Have you dropped tyre pressure yet, you’ll get a smoother ride

[@Dustydetours]

Yes, tyre pressures were dropped to around 25 - 28 psi (1.7 - 1.9 bar).

[@apolloskyfacer5842]

That track is a sick joke. It's the sort of nightmarish track that gets even worst as wet weather further deteriorates it. They could at least do something with it that'd make it a little more practical to use. And how would they recover a vehicle which had mechanical problems and got stuck on certain parts of that 'goat track' ?

[@Dustydetours]

The Echo Camp Back Track self-guided documentation (as well as the verbal advice we received) very clearly warn that this track requires "advanced 4WD experience". It also states that sections of the track are classified as "extreme 4WD". It requires a heavier type of 4WD vehicle with high and low range lock up and good ground clearance. It is not intended to be easy. We thoroughly enjoyed the natural environment and the driving challenge.