Old Andado Caretaking (Covid restrictions dependent)

Old Andado Caretaking (Covid restrictions dependent)

Some members of our 4WD Club visited Old Andado homestead in June 2021 for a week on our way across the Simpson Desert. We have renewed our enthusiasm to return for a longer period as camp host again as we did in 2017. We intend this to be a club trip again so that you can experience and enjoy this part of the country and spend time with us.
Access roads to Old Andado are either from Kulgera, on the Stuart Highway via Finke, or from Alice Springs via Santa Therese on the Binns Track. Both access roads are normally suitable for semi off road caravans and all camper trailers. Some high clearance cars and vans may also be suitable with lowered tyre pressures. Caravan access is probably best via the Kulgera / Finke Rd. Others may want to travel through from the Simpson, Dalhousie or Mt Dare. Old Andado homestead is also the perfect starting point for the Madigan Line crossing.
Situated on the western fringe of the Simpson Desert, Old Andado is a remote 1920s homestead with heaps of history on the Binns track and is frequented by many travellers passing through. Molly Clark lived there most of her life; has since passed on in 2012 – she is buried nearby.
There is also plenty of opportunity to explore the area making this your base. The sand dunes here are some of the biggest that most have seen and the scenery is spectacular.
The campground provides hot showers as well as flushing toilets for $10.00 per vehicle per night. There is good water available and occasional access to mains power while the generator is running, so campers need to be reasonably self-sufficient. This is a remote location and is located 6 hours’ drive from Alice Springs, therefore you will need to be prepared for your length of stay. Nearby Finke is an Aboriginal Community, 122 kms away or one and half hours’ drive. It has a well-stocked community store and fuel. (Check limited opening hours and Covid restrictions)
There is a microwave landline phone – we request that you call and try and make contact a number of days before you arrive, to check if we need some supplies for you to pick up on the way through via the “Tourist Mail”. Old Andado home phone 08 89560812.
Old Andado suffers from neglect due to the lack of camp hosts and the harsh climate during the year. We may be able to use your skills during your stay, there is always a job to do around the place, you will leave having contributed to a great Australian Icon. Camp fees for volunteers will be waived.

Old Andado Station

This trip follows standard Government protocol. Proof of double vaccination not required.  Participants must complete Club registration form and comply with safe Sars-Cov2 practice according to Government requirements at the time.

 For any further information call David Sutton 0427811484 0r Helen Sutton 0418243198