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Gunbarrel Highway

Difficulty: Trek rating 3.5 of 5 - Click for detailsTrek rating 3.5 of 5 - Click for detailsTrek rating 3.5 of 5 - Click for detailsTrek rating 3.5 of 5 - Click for details   Suitable for: 4WD Bike 
The Gunbarrel Hwy is one of Australia's most famous roads being the first of many desert tracks built by surveyor Len Beadell. Today, this track remains isolated and remote - for experienced desert travellers only.
StartClick to Reverse the Dynamic Map and Driving NotesWiluna
FinishYulara
Distance1420.29 kmMinimum Days4
Average Speed56.89 km/hrDriving Time1 day 58 mins
Article By: ExplorOz Team   Updated: 12 Dec 2007
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 Description

The "Gunbarrel Highway" is an isolated desert track of 1400km from Wiluna to Yulara (via Jackie Junction and Docker River). In general, washaways, heavy corrugations, stone, sand and flood plains are all typical elements of the drive, but the track is graded occasionally by the Wiluna Shire Council from Wiluna through to 180km east of Carnegie. There are excellent bush camps, and many sites have bores with water.

You can pick up the Gunbarrel from either Wiluna in the west, or Giles (Warakurna Roadhouse) in the east and so it is usually done as an extension/beginning of a Canning Stock Route Trek Note, West McDonald Ranges Trek Note or The Tanami Track Trek Note.

At the western end of the trek, Wiluna is the launching point for both the Gunbarrel and the Canning Stock Route Trek Note. It is a town quite unlike any other in Australia. Other than the few people who service the passing 4WD explorers, the town is mostly aboriginal and there's just a few dusty buildings, a store, a pub and the camping ground, which is a far cry from the 1930s when this was a prospering gold mining town of 9000 people boasting the southern hemisphere's biggest mine.

At the eastern end of the trek, Giles is actually not a town at all but the homeplace of the Warakurna people and the location of a remote meteorological weather station, known as Giles. Visitors must stay at the Warakurna Roadhouse, where modern campground facilities, fuel and basic food supplies can be obtained as access into the aboriginal community is not allowed. Most people plan a visit to the weather station while they are here, which is little different to any other weather station around Australia. Visits are free, but you need to let them know in advance that you're coming, particularly if you want to observe the launch of a weather balloon.

Conditions vary greatly in this region, depending on how much rainfall has occurred in recent days and the volume of traffic and how long its been since the road was last graded. Please read these notes in conjunction with the detailed and updated WA Road Conditions Report that have been compiled with the assistance from the Wiluna Shire Council, the AN4WDRN and the assistance of ExplorOz users who report actual conditions to us.

In general, washaways, heavy corrugations, stone, sand and flood plains are all typical elements of the terrain. The major trouble spots are around Mingkili Claypan and between the Heather Highway turnoff and Jackie Junction (extreme washaways). The "abandoned section" from Jackie Junction to Giles is deeply rutted and in places quite sandy. During the peak travelling season (late June - Oct), many people make the journey across the Gunbarrel Highway so diversion tracks around major obstacles will be in place and even the abandoned section should not be overgrown unless you are the first group of the season after rains to push through the spinifex.

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Gunbarrel Highway Help

From: Wiluna
To: Yulara

Distance: 1420.29 km
Direction: 84 °
Average Speed: 56.89 km/hr
Travel Time: 1 day 58 mins

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 Permits

You will need to obtain 2 Transit Permits from 2 aboriginal land councils (one in NT and the other in WA) for this trek. These are transit permits and they cost nothing to obtain. Applications can be made over the phone and your permit can be either mailed or faxed back to you. See our permits page for more information, contact details and links.

Central Land Council - Phone: (08) 8951 6320 (WA/NT border to Yulara)
Ngaanyatjarraku Council - Phone: (08) 8950 1711 (Warbuton via Jackie Junction to border).

These permits together cover the area between Warbuton and Yulara, and so you must abide by the restrictions outlined in the permit whilst in this region. For the remainder of the trek, from Wiluna to Jackie Junction, you are on pastoral land.

 Things to See & Do

Giles Weather Station - WA   RatingRatingRatingRatingRating
Point of Interest 
Australias most visited Meteorological Station. See the balloon go up at 9am and learn about life as a weather observer. Giles Meteorological Station is open to public by appointment. Phone: (08) 8956 7358 Please note. Balloon releases are NOT at 9am (or 4pm as mentioned on the Outback Way brochure) The Outback Way web page does have a correction to these times.
Camp Beadell - WA   RatingRatingRatingRating
Camp Free Point of Interest
Camp Beadell is a popular campsite. Do not feed dingos they are becoming a nuisance. Water available from bore (no pump).
Mount Beadell - WA   RatingRatingRatingRating
Mountain,Peak,Hill Point of Interest
Near Mount Beadell is Taratara Rockhole.
Geraldton Bore - WA   RatingRatingRatingRating
Camp Free Point of Interest
Geraldton Historic Society Bore. This is an excellent spot for a campsite.
Lasseters Cave - NT   
Point of Interest 
Lasseter's Cave on the Hull River - no camping. Water tank, picnic tables and shade hut. A lovely spot for a short walk and lunch stop. Lewis Harold Bell Lasseter was a gold prospector in the area who became stranded when his camels bolted in the heat of summer in January 1931 leaving him with no provisions.
Gnamma Rockholes - WA   
Point of Interest 
Gnamma Rockholes are an interesting natural feature. There are some average spots for campsites near here.
Len Beadell's Tree & Plaque - WA   
Historic and Landmark Trees Point of Interest
Len Beadell's Tree And Plaque on the Gunbarrel Hwy. Plaque on tree by the side of the road. Track leads off to campsites and bore pump to the south (468m).
Notabilis Hill - WA   
Mountain,Peak,Hill 
Notabilis Hill area has a rock cairne by the side of the track.
Football Oval (Gunbarrel Hwy) - WA   
Point of Interest 
This is a large claypan that someone has erected a set of Aussie Rules Goalposts at the southern end. The posts are steel pipe at present but I remember them being old tree trunks in the mid 1980's. The posts were set up by members of Len Beadells Gunbarrel Construction Party on one of their road building excursions in the 50's and 60's.
Everard Junction - WA   
Junction,Intersection,Turn Off Point of Interest
Junction of Gunbarrel Highway and Gary Highway. This is also the location of the Len Beadell Plaque.
Yelma Stockyard Ruins - WA   
Point of Interest 
This area reveals ruins of cattle yards. Suitable for a camp or break stop.
Mount Samuel - WA   
Mountain,Peak,Hill 
A cairn of rocks placed on top of Mount Samuel on the abandoned section of the Gun Barrel Hwy, 4.75 km's East of the Gunbarrel Hwy/ Heather Hwy junction.
Mount Everard - WA   
Mountain,Peak,Hill Point of Interest
No description entered. Enter description or photos.
Mount William Lambert - WA   
Mountain,Peak,Hill 
Great views from the top of Mount William Lambert.
Mingol Camp - WA   
Water Body,River,Stream,Falls Camp Free Point of Interest
Mingol Camp (otherwise known as Harry Johnson Water) - camping here is prohibited unless permission is sought by Wongawol Station. On Gunbarrel. Site of stockman camp. Still has shelter with stove and iron beds. Many camping opportunities along the waterhole which was clear and deep in July 2007. Many tortoises and bird life abounds. Few visitors in the 4 days we camped there.
Yulara - NT   
Populated Place Caravan Park Rubbish Bin,Tip Fuel Water Supply Toilet Pub Food,Shopping Aboriginal Lands,Communities Camp Fee Police Station Medical Services Resort,Motel Point of Interest
Yulara is a mixture of pure camping in tents, unpowered and powered camping and carvan sites. It has resort accommodation, food supplies, shopping, a hotel and several other places where you can have a prepared meal or a few beers. It is like a little town, it is well run and the rangers are really helpful. Excellent showers and toilet facilities, with a laundry as well.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre - NT   
Point of Interest 
The Cultural Centre is located inside the Park on the main road to Uluru - 13km from the entry station and 1km from Uluru. Look for the entry signs to the Cultural Centre as you approach Uluru. At the Cultural Centre you can experience art and craft demonstrations, bush tucker sessions, plants walks and cultural presentations.
Mount Gordon - WA   
Mountain,Peak,Hill 
Mount Gordon has good views and lovely campsites at base.
Mangkili Claypan - WA   
Point of Interest 
Mangkili Claypan can flood extensively and block road. Extensive network of diversion tracks, allow extra fuel.
Wiluna - WA   
Populated Place Service Station,Roadhouse Caravan Park Airstrip Rubbish Bin,Tip Fuel Water Supply Toilet Pub Food,Shopping Cemetery,Grave Site Aboriginal Lands,Communities Police Station Medical Services Resort,Motel
Located 949 km from Perth, 185 km east of Meekatharra, Wiluna is an isolated township, which came into existence with the arrival of gold fossickers to the area in 1891.
Thryptomene Hill Bore - WA   
Camp Free Point of Interest
Bore with pump - excellent site. Good area for wildflowers, spinifex, etc.
Uluru Carpark - NT   
Point of Interest 
No description entered. Enter description or photos.
Travel the first of the "bomb roads" made by Len Beadell. Find and locate plaques, original bores and blaze trees. Wild camels, dingoes and birdlife; historic ruins and remote stations.

 Preparation

Technically this is not a hard 4WD trip, but you must be very well prepared and experienced. We would not suggest that you embark on a trip across the Gunbarrel Highway as your first outback camping trip.

There are many bores with water them along this track and we strongly advise that you do not use this water unless there is an emergency. Please do not plan to use this water - carry all your own drinking and washing water. The impact of increased 4WD tourism on these historical areas needs to be considered to ensure that access for all remains. Note - to obtain water, you will need to carry a narrow water vessel (less than 14cm diameter) and about 45m of line! Some bores are very deep.

Fuel Supplies & Usage

Fuel SymbolWiluna, Carnegie, Warakurna Roadhouse, Docker River (Kaltukatjara) Aboriginal Community, Yulara Diesel4cyl 160 litres * ULP4cyl 213 litres * LPG4cyl 284 litres
6cyl 217 litres *6cyl 275 litres *6cyl 250 litres
8cyl 223 litres8cyl 226 litres *
Usage is averaged from TrekFuel (* specific to trek) submissions and calculated based on trek distance.
OPAL unleaded fuel is now available at Warburton, Warakurna, and Docker River. OPAL ULP has similar properties to AvGas and is used to discourage sniffing.

Best Time To Visit

Closest Climatic Station

Warburton Airfield
Distance from Trek Mid Point 95.73km E
 JanFebMarAprMayJun JulAugSepOctNovDec
Mean Max. °C 37.636.433.929.1 24.220.720.422.8 27.631.434.236.5
Mean Min. °C 22.622.019.915.0 10.36.45.57.1 11.215.218.521.2
Mean Rain mm 28.935.730.619.4 16.419.013.811.1 5.214.222.728.9
    Best time to travel      Ok time to travel      Travel NOT recommended

Services & Supplies

The following locations have various services and supplies: Wiluna, Carnegie, Warakurna Roadhouse, Docker River (Kaltukatjara) Aboriginal Community, Yulara
Supplies, medical facilities, some mechanical repairs, accommodation and a Police station is available at Warburton (not shown on this trek note) and is approximately 50kms south of Jackie Junction.

 Camp Sites & Accommodation

Camp Beadell - WA   RatingRatingRatingRating
Camp Free Point of Interest
Camp Beadell is a popular campsite. Do not feed dingos they are becoming a nuisance. Water available from bore (no pump).
Geraldton Bore - WA   RatingRatingRatingRating
Camp Free Point of Interest
Geraldton Historic Society Bore. This is an excellent spot for a campsite.
Carnegie - WA   RatingRatingRatingRating
Populated Place Service Station,Roadhouse Fuel Water Supply Toilet Food,Shopping Camp Fee Resort,Motel
Carnegie Station - popular stopping point. Only refuelling location along route. Good range of packaged supplies - some fresh available depending on availability. Accommodation and showering/washing facilities. The homestead at Carnegie Station can offer homestead accommodation in cabins or you can put up your tent. Visitors can use the kitchen and take a hot shower.
Warakurna Roadhouse - WA   
Populated Place Service Station,Roadhouse Caravan Park Fuel Water Supply Toilet Food,Shopping Camp Fee Medical Services Resort,Motel
Your last chance to stock up on basic supplies and fuel before starting the Sandy Blight Junction Track. Camping is available at the rear of the Roadhouse. Open Monday to Friday 8.30am - 6pm Saturday to Sunday 9am - 3pm. (Central Time) Eftpos facilities. Diesel fuel and Avgas available. Phone: (08) 8956 7344
Mingol Camp - WA   
Water Body,River,Stream,Falls Camp Free Point of Interest
Mingol Camp (otherwise known as Harry Johnson Water) - camping here is prohibited unless permission is sought by Wongawol Station. On Gunbarrel. Site of stockman camp. Still has shelter with stove and iron beds. Many camping opportunities along the waterhole which was clear and deep in July 2007. Many tortoises and bird life abounds. Few visitors in the 4 days we camped there.
Yulara - NT   
Populated Place Caravan Park Rubbish Bin,Tip Fuel Water Supply Toilet Pub Food,Shopping Aboriginal Lands,Communities Camp Fee Police Station Medical Services Resort,Motel Point of Interest
Yulara is a mixture of pure camping in tents, unpowered and powered camping and carvan sites. It has resort accommodation, food supplies, shopping, a hotel and several other places where you can have a prepared meal or a few beers. It is like a little town, it is well run and the rangers are really helpful. Excellent showers and toilet facilities, with a laundry as well.
Docker River (Kaltukatjara) Aboriginal Community - NT   
Populated Place Fuel Water Supply Toilet Food,Shopping Aboriginal Lands,Communities Camp Fee Medical Services
You are welcome to visit the community store, basic supplies and fuel available.
Wiluna - WA   
Populated Place Service Station,Roadhouse Caravan Park Airstrip Rubbish Bin,Tip Fuel Water Supply Toilet Pub Food,Shopping Cemetery,Grave Site Aboriginal Lands,Communities Police Station Medical Services Resort,Motel
Located 949 km from Perth, 185 km east of Meekatharra, Wiluna is an isolated township, which came into existence with the arrival of gold fossickers to the area in 1891.
Thryptomene Hill Bore - WA   
Camp Free Point of Interest
Bore with pump - excellent site. Good area for wildflowers, spinifex, etc.

 History

The Gunbarrel Highway was the first road built as part of Australia's role in the weapons research facility called Woomera. The area of land designated between Woomera and 80 Mile Beach near Port Hedland was chosen as the most suitable area in the world for a rocket range, but it was an uninhabited desert waste-land in the most remote part of Australia.

This weapons research project did not just involve the launching of rockets into waste-land, but complex missile tracking instruments had to be placed in position throughout this vast region and so a massive ground survey was required to determine the earth's shape.

The first task was to construct a road running east-west across the centre of Australia to provide a major service access for the construction of all other linking roads. The Gunbarrel Highway was the first of the Len Beadell roads and so is a very historical journey for people taking the trip today.

Len Beadell, the surveyor for the project, admitted he was " a surveyor who liked to draw neat lines on maps", so he decided to site his roads in areas where long straight tracks could be built. It was Len himself, who light-heartedly named his road gang the "Gunbarrel Highway Construction Party". This was done for distance, fuel and maintenance efficiencies for both his construction team and future users. Which is good for us four wheel drivers because it has meant that with a bit of preparation and a good vehicle setup, there's a whole lot of outback tracks that although are no longer maintained, are still in good condition for travelling.

 Driving Directions

Time
Direction
Distance
Wiluna to Wiluna Community Health Centre 0.46 km SE 151° 4 min
Wiluna Community Health Centre to Millbillillie 10.23 km E 106° 7 min
Millbillillie to Yelma Stockyard Ruins 143.51 km E 86° 1 hr 34 min
Yelma Stockyard Ruins to Banjo Creek, Wongawol Rd 14.83 km NE 46° 10 min
Banjo Creek, Wongawol Rd to Mingol Camp 102.64 km NE 43° 1 hr 14 min
Mingol Camp to Carnegie 68.62 km E 79° 57 min
Carnegie to Football Oval (Gunbarrel Hwy) 123.12 km NE 67° 1 hr 53 min
Football Oval (Gunbarrel Hwy) to Mount William Lambert 11.27 km E 81° 11 min
Mount William Lambert to Gunbarrel Hwy & David Carnegie Rd & Eagle Hwy 15.76 km E 88° 15 min
Gunbarrel Hwy & David Carnegie Rd & Eagle Hwy to Mangkili Claypan 3.35 km E 108° 7 min
Mangkili Claypan to Geraldton Bore 52.52 km NE 58° 55 min
Geraldton Bore to Gunbarrel Hwy & Hunt Oil Rd 0.25 km NE 67°
Gunbarrel Hwy & Hunt Oil Rd to David Wynford Carnegie 17.57 km E 90° 20 min
David Wynford Carnegie to Everard Junction 14.14 km E 90° 16 min
Everard Junction to Mount Gordon 7.53 km E 90° 9 min
Mount Gordon to Mount Everard 0.71 km E 105° 12 min
Mount Everard to Mount Beadell 47.18 km SE 152° 1 hr 3 min
Mount Beadell to Camp Beadell 6.72 km E 104° 10 min
Camp Beadell to Notabilis Hill 25.21 km SE 115° 30 min
Notabilis Hill to Thryptomene Hill Bore 5.07 km SE 140° 7 min
Thryptomene Hill Bore to Len Beadell's Tree & Plaque 24.89 km E 104° 28 min
Len Beadell's Tree & Plaque to Gunbarell Hwy & Heather Hwy 11.66 km E 108° 22 min
Gunbarell Hwy & Heather Hwy to Mount Samuel 5.81 km E 107° 10 min
Mount Samuel to Gnamma Rockholes 0.56 km E 93° 1 min
Gnamma Rockholes to Jackie Junction 75.66 km E 85° 1 hr 43 min
Jackie Junction to Mippultjarra Junction 87.75 km N 1 hr 10 min
Mippultjarra Junction to Len Beadell Plaque No. 1 77.46 km E 70° 1 hr 20 min
Len Beadell Plaque No. 1 to Len Beadell Plaque No. 2 12.26 km E 73° 14 min
Len Beadell Plaque No. 2 to Old Gunbarrel Hwy & Great Central Road 84.15 km E 111° 1 hr 37 min
Old Gunbarrel Hwy & Great Central Road to Giles Weather Station 19.25 km E 77° 16 min
Giles Weather Station to Warakurna Roadhouse 0.66 km S 171° 1 min
Warakurna Roadhouse to Docker River (Kaltukatjara) Access 97.87 km E 76° 1 hr 13 min
Docker River (Kaltukatjara) Access to Docker River (Kaltukatjara) Aboriginal Community 3.2 km SE 119° 6 min
Docker River (Kaltukatjara) Aboriginal Community to Lasseters Cave 40.45 km SE 117° 29 min
Lasseters Cave to Tjukaruru Rd & Kata Tjuta Rd 142.48 km E 104° 1 hr 50 min
Tjukaruru Rd & Kata Tjuta Rd to Lasseter Hwy/Uluru Rd & Kata Tjuta Rd 39.67 km E 89° 29 min
Lasseter Hwy/Uluru Rd & Kata Tjuta Rd to Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre 7.86 km S 164° 5 min
Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to Uluru Carpark 1 km E 79°
Uluru Carpark to Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre 1 km W 259°
Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to Lasseter Hwy/Uluru Rd & Kata Tjuta Rd 7.86 km N 344° 5 min
Lasseter Hwy/Uluru Rd & Kata Tjuta Rd to Yulara 8.06 km N 344° 6 min
Wiluna to Yulara 1420.29 km     1 day 58 min
Distance is GPS recorded driving distance (not straight line), Direction is straight line from start to end, Time is calculated from actual GPS driving data.

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Latest 5 of 11 - View all in Forum

Navigator 1 (NSW) : 21 Jun 09 21:35
I checked with Fuel Prices and couldn't find a listing for Carnegie ...
tonbon : 20 Mar 09 19:31
Hi all, firstly and quickly, what a great site. I have found an abso...
Member - Keith B (QLD) : 18 Feb 09 11:10
G'day everyone, I am contemplating a trip along these routes later ...
equinox : 2 Feb 09 20:35
This trek should be renamed, "Wiluna to Yulara Trek" as it is histor...
kassysimon : 28 Jan 09 22:31
Hi guys. I am heading out with another 4WD from Perth to Ayers Rock ...

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Gunbarrel Groceries Gunbarrel Groceries
New store offering tourists with a good range of suppplies inc. fresh vegetables & fruit, cryovac meats (pending availability), fresh dairy produce, camping gear and outdoor accessories, local art, emu eggs etc. Fuel and driveway service with diesel and UL petrol. Gas bottle refills on arrangement. Open 7 days 7.30am - 5.30pm with 24hr emergency fuel available.
1568 WOTTON STREET  WILUNA, WA, 6646
Phone: (08) 9980 6011
More info | Website | Driving Directions
Gunbarrel Laager Gunbarrel Laager
At the Start of the Canning Stock Route - Gunbarrel Laager Travelers Rest is situated within the Gunbarrel Grapes Vineyard property. Look for the signs 11.8 km east of Wiluna on the western end of the Gunbarrel Highway. We are 180 km east of Meekatharra, 550 km north of Kalgoorlie and 1200 km from Perth.
GUNBARREL HIGHWAY  WILUNA, WA, 6646
Phone: (08) 9981 7161
More info | Website | Driving Directions