Billy Goat Ridge - Bendleby

[R32GTR]

Hey guys, we are heading off to the flinders in a couple of weeks and plan on staying at the Bendleby Ranges. We have a stock NW Exceed that has 18" highway tyres, would we be able to do the Billy Goat Ridge track or will we need better tyres to make it up? Will be getting bash plates before we go but budget won't stretch to new tyres.
Cheers.

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[old Jack]

We have done Billy Goat 3x in the last 5 years and the last time was about 18 months ago and it was very, very rough. So much so the majority of the groups attempting the climb turned back after witnessing some highly modified Patrols and Jeeps have huge problems. Our group of Gen 4 Pajero's and a Challenger made the climb without too much trouble but it did require multiple spotters and the group all run 10ply AT/MT tyres, underbody protection, lifted suspensions and a very experienced.

I recently heard that they have done some track work so it could have improved but it is still a long steep multi pitch climb.

If you are travelling with experienced people and have spotters you trust then a stock NW will make it if driven carefully but there is always a chance of doing a tyre and a rim as the rocks in the Flinders Ranges are large hard and sharp!
20psi, low range, rear diff lock engaged and just the right amount of speed is required.

Best to check with Bendleby Homestead on current track conditions.

OJ.

[NK3500]

Our club went to Bendleby this year(2018) at Easter, i have done billy goat 3 times in the past 5 years with a 3 year break before this time. Billy goat is very chewed up compared to 3 years ago, shale, rocks and dusty with rock steps.The maps they provide had a piece of paper stapled to it saying they could "only approve vehicles with lift, large tyres and locking differential" to do Billy Goat. Having said that they didn't inspect our vehicles or even ask who was going to do Billy Goat when we signed out to go to Hungry Ranges which is where Billy Goat is. Only 4 out of 15 vehicle did Billy Goat, a 60 series, 80 series and a 105 series all lifted and locked and my NK Paj 2 inch lift 33"s and twin locked. No one had any problems, just big grins . Its just about picking the right lines, stop get out and walk up the track finding the best lines. Personally i wouldn't do it with highway tyres, if you roll a bead or get a flat while your committed to the climb there is nowhere to change it until your at the top. The Gnarliest section is only about 60 - 70 metres long but its steep,rocky,dusty and technical.

Cheers

[dean]

The first time we went there 10 years ago the owner Warren would check out the vehicles if you asked. A Suzuki Vitara with us was a no but our standard Paj was a yes.
Dean

[R32GTR]

Thanks for the advice guys. We have decided to give it a miss at the moment, not worth the risk. Plus there's plenty of other nice tracks that will be fine for our Paj.

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[NK3500]

Roothy Doing Billy Goat

Part 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWFOXkYeDfY&t=98s

Part 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgr09rp6_0M

[cooperplace]

went to Bendleby 5-6 yrs ago in our bog-standard NS, with b/s 694 tyres. Did the biilygoat no trouble at all. Was probably in better nick then -the track that is. Used everything the car had to offer: 4LLC, rear diff lock, etc. Didn't let the tyres down. It did seem a bit steep at times. Had a bit of air under the tyres a few times.