MUST READ: You are strongly encouraged to read the following articles prepared by the knowledge experts at ExplorOz for your safety and preparation before undertaking any published ExplorOz Trek -
Outback Safety,
Outback Driving Tips,
Outback Communications, and
Vehicle Setup for the Outback.
TIP | Please refer to Road Reports published by the local shire and/or main roads for the area you intend to visit. Road/Track conditions can change significantly after weather events. Travellers must be responsible for their own research on current conditions and track suitability. |
The
Montezuma Falls vehicular track is not a difficult 4WD track, however drivers will require constant concentration and care at the numerous river crossings that occur at base of hairpin turns at base of steep sections. Drivers should be wary of oncoming traffic and should use an
UHF radio to warn other drivers of your presence. It is suggested that
UHF radio 10 be used to transmit your callsign followed by "Montezuma" every 10 minutes to notify others in the vicinty of your presence - you should therefore be scanning all stations or at least Channel 10.
The Ring
River Track however is significantly more challenging and should only be attempted by drivers that possess both experience, and a vehicle that has been prepared for deep river crossings. Travel in convoy along this section of track is highly recommended in case of the need for recovery as there is every chance of getting bogged in mud, or having dramas at the
river crossing. During the peak summer tourits season over the Xmas holiday period, there should be sufficient drivers along the track to ensure that those with a
UHF radio should be able to make contact with others nearby if additional help is required.
Trailers of any sort are definately not suitable for this trip - mostly due to the fact that there is no turning bay at the end of the track at the falls and there is very little room on the narrow single lane track for oncoming vehicles to pass one-another.
We have provided an alternative return route from the end of the Montezuma Track - exiting the Montezuma Track along the River
River Track which meets the Murchison Highway. Note - this is much more difficult track and involves the crossing of the Ring River which can hold significant fast flowing water after rain. Much of the track is eroded and rutted and after rain is quite challenging.
There is
no camping or facilities along either of these tracks and drivers should be fully self-sufficient. This should be planned as a day trip only.
Fuel Usage
Diesel | ULP | LPG |
---|
4cyl 6 litres | 4cyl 7 litres | 4cyl 9 litres |
6cyl 7 litres | 6cyl 8 litres | 6cyl 8 litres |
8cyl 7 litres | 8cyl 7 litres | |
Usage is averaged from recorded data (* specific to this trek) and calculated based on trek distance.
Best Time To Visit
All year (avoid particularly wet periods as rain may close
Montezuma Falls track)
Closest Climatic Station
Mount Read
Distance from Trek Mid Point 8.78km E
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|
Mean Max. °C | 14.2 | 14.3 | 11.7 | 8.9 | 6.3 | 4.6 | 3.6 | 4.1 | 5.4 | 7.6 | 10.9 | 11.7 |
Mean Min. °C | 5.7 | 6.3 | 4.8 | 3.4 | 2.1 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 1.3 | 3.2 | 3.9 |
Mean Rain mm | 201.1 | 168.6 | 267.4 | 282.8 | 395.7 | 341.1 | 391.5 | 336.3 | 379.2 | 373.2 | 221.4 | 290.8 |
Best time to travel Ok time to travel Travel NOT recommended