Lake Gairdner SA airstrip?
 

I am considering observing the Speedweek event at Lake Gairdner in late February (weather permitting). A good mate has fabricated a very interesting high performance contraption with which he intends to set a speed record (or die trying). As I have not yet visited that particular part of Australia, and would like to see how his machine goes.. I thought I might aviate out for a gander.
Perhaps someone on here may have some local knowledge of places to land near Lake Gairdner.
I have heard there is a strip at the Iron Knob Pub, but maybe there is something closer to the lake?
Any relevant advice greatly appreciated.
I know it gets close to 50 degrees that time of year, and any rain will cancel the event.

Nearest public (sealed) airstrip - Wudinna. Excellent country pub accommodation and an even better bakery - both walking distance (less than 1k) from the airstrip.

Nearest Avgas - pt Augusta (excellent Indian food at the Standpipe), Leigh creek, (if you're staying with them, the caravan park mob will come pick you up), Coober Pedy or Ceduna (excellent oysters, and I think if you are staying at Highway One they will come pick you up - again don't take my word on that)

I have heard tell that you can land a plane on a salt lake but from what I have witnessed, it never ends well.

Thanks Outnabout.
The landing on the lake thing was never considered.

Don't count on that now that the town has been closed!

DF.

so, the lake is dry enough to take the weight of cars doing hundreds of MPH, not to mention tow vehicles, motorhomes etc,
but not a light aircraft?

Unless only new I know of no airstrip at Iron knob pub or even close to it. Google earth does not show it either. What part of the lake do you need to get to? If north end Glendambo roadhouse used to have a dirt strip out back you could check that out. Unless your mate is going to collect you from the strip it is still a fair drive over dirt tracks to the lake so you will need a hire car to do it in. So that means probably Pt Augusta,Roxby Downs or Whyalla. Next problem you will have is getting a car from someone that will allow you to take it off road to a remote area.
As far as landing on the lake I wouldnt either. Even when dry they often have damp soft patches invisable from above. If you came to grief in one I suspect the insurance company would not be too keen to payout on that,and who could blame them.

Only the difference between them driving on a tested track and you landing on an untested piece of surface. You'd probably get away with it.....

Beach King, there is also a privately owned airstrip at Mt Ive Station, which is closer to where the racing happens than Wudinna. Quite good shearer's quarters accomm, BYO tucker (from memory). Bookings for accommodation and landing are essential.


Again, you'd probably need to get your mate to pick you up.


MostlyTossas - I agree with you that the Wudinna Airstrip is nowhere near the Iron Knob pub. Wudinna is about 100nm West of Whyalla, which is close to Iron Knob.

Thanks Outnabout and MT for your wise words.
I never considered landing on the lake as I don't want salt anywhere near my aircraft, as well as the depth perception/getting bogged stuff that happens with salt lakes,

Mt Ive is the go! They have a well maintained strip used regularly by the RFDS, and is not very far from the Lake.
The very nice people there are happy for me to land on the strip and drink beer until my mate picks me up on the way up from Port Augusta. The lady mentioned that there would be a large chance of getting a lift to the Lake as many of the speed type people camp at Mt Ive.

PPrune is a wonderful place!

give these guys a call, they also recommend Mt Ivy for accom, as for landing on the lake, i would do it, but i have Tundra tyres and only land areas heavily trafficked by cars and trucks.

Dry Lakes Racers Australia

The Mt Ives HS has an airstrip and it's the recommended source of meals and drinks for spectators, so I'd be contacting them for permission.

Kaz

Mt Ive has a very good 2 strip airport that is Kincaid capable. All the accommodation will have been booked out a year ago. It will be camping only. The only access to the lake for speed week is via Mt I've. The lake is about 30 km from the homestead, so you will be hitching rides. Speed week gets over 1000 people, so the resources of MtIve are heavily taxed. You should call and speak to Joy or Anita.

Closest fuel is PtAugusta. They have Mobil swipe. It's a nice airport. Stop by the RFDS office and leave a donation.

Just to be clear Port Augusta avgas is not Mobil but it will take credit card.