National Oka Gathering

A fairly accurate assessment Deano but a good excuse to once again read Kayes and Davids journals on that trip.

Dean and Kaye Howells wrote:

Holmz wrote: Old mate at work mentioned the dragon tree soak, and said some Okas were there a few years back.
A few hours away from the centre........................

A bit more than "a few hours away" ............................

Kayes Great Sandy Desert Journal

Deano

You're roight!

I think I got a misrepresentation of where it was...
As I see now it is over a closed border.

Back in reality now...
The Binn's track has access from the top,and the bottom.
There is a semi swish Hale River Homestead is north of Ross River Homestead, that may be worth a squiz.

The chambers pillar, Finke, and other sights for people coming up from the south.

I think of "Binns Track" as a marketing name.
It goes from Mt Dare in the Simpson to Timber Creek in the NT.
I think we are only considering the southern bit?
Cheers,
Peter

Peter_n_Margaret wrote: I think of "Binns Track" as a marketing name.
It goes from Mt Dare in the Simpson to Timber Creek in the NT.
I think we are only considering the southern bit?
Cheers,
Peter

Well then, just let me know if there is some specific you want done locally.
Cheers.

And the southern bit of Binns Track north of Mt Dare towards Old Andado is closed until further notice.
Cheers,
Peter

Well, after the success of the east coast 'Australia Day' get together on the 20/21 March at Wompinni Station I guess it's time to revisit the National Oka gathering agenda.

Covid put paid to all of 2020 basically including a National Oka Meet. There were other issues to be resolved such as is the Eringa 'camp ground'/old Kidman station still Hamilton Station property or has it been excised and now SA govt. responsibility ? I've had differing reports so have emailed Hamilton Station but with no response which is a bit disappointing so am unsure of whose responsibility/permissions etc. need to be obtained. SA tourism was equally vague/unhelpful.

Another issue is that there are no facilities which raises the question is it really a good idea to have a gathering of perhaps 40+ vehicles and maybe 100 people or so without proper toilet, shower and rubbish facilities ? Previously I'd considered 'free camping' to be top of the agenda but post Wompinni I'm not so sure.

The concept of a 'Transit Camp' sort of get together with people coming and going on whatever overall journey they have planned with a central weekend as the primary 'National Gathering' is still what I have in mind.

I'm certainly open to further suggestions for a post Covid/ post Wompinni National get together but need direction as to the right mix of facilities/cost that will best serve our purposes.

We'll be heading 'up the centre' in a couple of months so can do a bit of a scouting run but am still keen on the Central Australian area as the focus for a National Gathering.

All views and contributions gratefully accepted ...................................


Deano

Old Andado has showers and toilets but no rubbish removal
Davenport Ranges ( Old Police station waterhole ) Is also a nice place with Drop toilets and a river , just to name a few
But you guys living up that way might know a few place and might be able to help Dean out a little
Show us southerners your back yard

I'm in for the center anytime 2022 before June
agree with experienced words of wisdom from Harry and Deano above

Let's get all the Wompinni crew there plus those who could not make it
especially all those from the OKA home state in WA.

Cmon all OKA ers put in your 2 bobs worth....

Harry wrote: Old Andado has showers and toilets but no rubbish removal
Davenport Ranges ( Old Police station waterhole ) Is also a nice place with Drop toilets and a river , just to name a few
But you guys living up that way might know a few place and might be able to help Dean out a little
Show us southerners your back yard

Maybe I need to do some homework.

Saw an new(ish) OKA InTown today, forgot to look at the state on the plates.

Plenty of camping space at Old Andado.
Last time we were there was 2016. We were giving a Dutch couple a look around the desert. They were towing a hired 23ft caravan with a 200 Series Toyota. We came in from Oodnadatta via Hamilton, Eringa water hole (a great spot, but no facilities on private property), Abminga and New Crown. A nice drive and no difficulties with the van (except the dust getting in). It has a very remote feel and zero traffic.
We went out via the Old Andado Track to Alice. Again, a nice drive.
Pics if you want them.
Cheers,
Peter