Davoe replied:

depends what you want to achieve I did the gcr 11 months ago and it was very rough till 100 k out of ulara heading west until I hit the grader and it was fine (still stuck to 80k because it was a bit variable) so should be plain sailing all the way to laverton so this would be the quickest easiest way. now the gbh i understand is a bit more of a 4by experience so will take longer and be more what we are all about - up to you. Must sees along the gch are limited due to most of it being aboriginal land so about all that is accesable is lassesters cave peterman ranges and giles meteralogical station. Time your departure from ulara so you camp at the docker river campgrounds (nominal fee and bush camping is not permitted along most of the road) because when you get up in the morning walk to the back of the campgrounds and on top of the small hill is a lookout you can climb that overlooks the campgrounds with its big desert oaks and onto the peterman ranges illiminated by the rising sun. 2 permits required for the gcr get them at alice they are free but allow a bit of time coz they can work funny hours the 2 places are close to each other and the tb at alice can give you the address and phone number and you can also get your moorinie loop permit there (sorry i have assumed you are going to alice)

Member - Bob replied:

The GCR is a big dirt freeway. OK it can be a bit rough at times. One of our group sustained a broken windscreen from a car going the other way at 110 kph. Don't go this fast.
On the other hand the GBH hasn't ever been graded and is severely corrugated. I vowed I would never drive along it again after crossing from Maroochydore to Carnarvon in 1998. The ARB steel roof rack fractured but the Pajero survived. Luckily was able to buy second hand tyres in Meekatharra.
So only go via GBH if you don't have fillings and don't mind a very unpleasant drive.

maverick replied:

as with the other replies - the great central road is almost a 'highway'. the graders should be working now tghe rains have stopped. the gunbarrel is 'interesting'. take your time and be prepared for a few repairs either along the way or at the end. both offer pleasant scenery if this type of country does it for you (it does for me). enjoy the trip whichever you choose. rgds

Crackles replied:

Matt. The Gunbarrel is one of Australia's great remote camping experiences where as the GCR is more of a transit route. The question you probably need to ask -
Are you, the GU & your trailer prepared to be punished on arguably one of the roughest of Len Beadel's Historic outback rds or do you prefer to play it safe on your own and drive around the long way?
Personally I love the GB. Lookouts, monuments and rockholes are scattered along the route.
Must see- The old GB from Giles to Heather Highway (need a second car)
Mungilli claypan.
Mt Beadel.
Cheers Craig..............(the rougher the better)