Holland Track... WA

[james]

G'day,
I am thinking about a trip along the Holland Track during some holidays in October. I've got an '87 75Series and usually throw a double mattress in the back or roll out the swag when I'm on my own.
I'm pretty sure the weather conditions should be good at that time of year, maybe a little cool at night but nothing too bad. I've only just started looking into it and haven't yet asked the boss about it. Hopefully she'll be ready for another holiday by then :P
Anyway, if anyone has any info other than what I have found on the ExploreOz website I would be very grateful.

For anyone that doesn't know the HT, it goes from near Broomehill up to Coolgardie 8)

[Tumbo]

G'day James

My in-laws did the Holland last year, I think it was also around October. They had a great trip - there was a bit of rain at the time (I think they do close the track when it's very wet) but anyway it was open for them.

The driving is pretty straightforward - they had a Subaru in the group and it got through fine, even with a wet track. They had heard from a bunch of people before they went that staking tyres is a common problem on the route, but only one puncture in 6 vehicles for the whole trip, so can't be that bad... Or maybe they were just lucky.

Everything I heard was positive, so I'm sure you'll have a great trip.

[james]

Thanks mate, I have spoken to a guy who lives in Broomehill on another forum and he said much the same thing. He has done the trip twice and had only one puncture in 9 vehicles but has heard the same thing about the stakings. I suppose if you go out there with old tyres and charge through then you'll get what's coming ;)
I'm not sure if we'll be doing the track by ourselves yet, I'd like to have at least a second vehicle but if not then I don't think it'll be too much trouble in the trusty old 75 (touch wood ;D)

[sandgroper]

G'day James
I've travelled the Holland Track on 4 occasions. You'll find it a straightforward and interesting drive, particularly if you know a bit about the history of the track. You'll need to keep an eye out for tree roots sticking out into the wheel ruts - these are certainly a potential tyre staking hazard. Sections are also impassable after heavy rain. Broomehill is now a very small town, situated south of a town called Katanning where I went to school with Graeme Newbey, a Broomehill farmer who re-opened much of the Holland Track in 1992. Although the original track ran from Broomehill to Coolgardie through virgin bush, the section between Broomehill and Hyden is now largely farming country and it's only possible to drive the section between Hyden and Coolgardie.
A very useful little book titled 'Holland Track Map Book' may still be available. It was published by Westate Publishers in Perth Tel. (08) 92918303. I bought mine at Ranger Camping here in Perth but it may also still be available at ARB. Westate will be able to tell you whether it's still in print.
Hope this helps