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Gunbarrel Highway
Difficulty:
Suitable for:
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.
Start
Wiluna
Finish
Yulara
Distance
1420.29 km
Minimum Days
4
Average Speed
56.89 km/hr
Driving Time
1 day 58 min
Article By: ExplorOz Team Updated: 12 Dec 2007
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Description
History
Interactive Route Map
Driving Directions
Permits
Trek Feedback
Things to See & Do
Related Pages
Preparation
Recommended Reading
Camp Sites & Accomodation
In this Trek Note
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.
Interactive Route Map
Wiluna
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.
Features:
Position: 120.2240ºE 26.5921ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Wiluna Community Health Centre
Distance:
0.46km
Average Speed:
6.72km/h
Wiluna Community Health Centre
Channel: 3 Callsign: NGA03
Features:
Position: 120.2253ºE 26.5942ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Millbillillie
Distance:
10.23km
Average Speed:
82.5km/h
Millbillillie
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 120.3264ºE 26.6195ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Yelma Stockyard Ruins
Distance:
143.51km
Average Speed:
90.96km/h
Yelma Stockyard Ruins
This area reveals ruins of cattle yards. Suitable for a camp or break stop.
Features:
Position: 121.6913ºE 26.5322ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Banjo Creek, Wongawol Rd
Distance:
14.83km
Average Speed:
81.79km/h
Banjo Creek, Wongawol Rd
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 121.7882ºE 26.4498ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Mingol Camp
Distance:
102.64km
Average Speed:
82.22km/h
Mingol Camp
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.
Features:
Position: 122.3548ºE 25.9091ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Carnegie
Distance:
68.62km
Average Speed:
72.1km/h
Carnegie
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.
Features:
Position: 122.9755ºE 25.7966ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Football Oval (Gunbarrel Hwy)
Distance:
123.12km
Average Speed:
65.34km/h
Football Oval (Gunbarrel Hwy)
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.
Features:
Position: 123.9786ºE 25.4154ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Mount William Lambert
Distance:
11.27km
Average Speed:
58.6km/h
Mount William Lambert
Great views from the top of Mount William Lambert.
Features:
Position: 124.0863ºE 25.4003ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Gunbarrel Hwy & David Carnegie Rd & Eagle Hwy
Distance:
15.76km
Average Speed:
62.12km/h
Gunbarrel Hwy & David Carnegie Rd & Eagle Hwy
Intersection reached after a couple of good days travelling north on the DCR. We approached the DCR from the south turning onto the track and heading north from the Great Central Road (GCR) 15 km west of the Tjukayirla Road House.
Features:
Position: 124.2413ºE 25.3944ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Mangkili Claypan
Distance:
3.35km
Average Speed:
27.24km/h
Mangkili Claypan
Mangkili Claypan can flood extensively and block road. Extensive network of diversion tracks, allow extra fuel.
Features:
Position: 124.2654ºE 25.4014ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Geraldton Bore
Distance:
52.52km
Average Speed:
56.58km/h
Geraldton Bore
Geraldton Historic Society Bore. This is an excellent spot for a campsite.
Features:
Position: 124.6618ºE 25.1751ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Gunbarrel Hwy & Hunt Oil Rd
Distance:
0.25km
Average Speed:
56.58km/h
Gunbarrel Hwy & Hunt Oil Rd
Hunt Oil Road - overgrown track to the south leads off behind camp at Geraldton Bore.
Features:
Position: 124.6648ºE 25.1739ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
David Wynford Carnegie
Distance:
17.57km
Average Speed:
52.44km/h
David Wynford Carnegie
David Wynford Carnegie passed nearby this location heading in a Northern Direction
Features:
Position: 124.8397ºE 25.1742ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Everard Junction
Distance:
14.14km
Average Speed:
50.52km/h
Everard Junction
Junction of Gunbarrel Highway and Gary Highway. This is also the location of the Len Beadell Plaque.
Features:
Position: 124.9794ºE 25.1745ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Mount Gordon
Distance:
7.53km
Average Speed:
47.64km/h
Mount Gordon
Mount Gordon has good views and lovely campsites at base.
Features:
Position: 125.0555ºE 25.1741ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Mount Everard
Distance:
0.71km
Average Speed:
3.54km/h
Mount Everard
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 125.0623ºE 25.1758ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Mount Beadell
Distance:
47.18km
Average Speed:
44.24km/h
Mount Beadell
Near Mount Beadell is Taratara Rockhole.
Features:
Position: 125.2745ºE 25.5348ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Camp Beadell
Distance:
6.72km
Average Speed:
37.57km/h
Camp Beadell
Camp Beadell is a popular campsite. Do not feed dingos they are becoming a nuisance. Water available from bore (no pump).
Features:
Position: 125.3322ºE 25.5477ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Notabilis Hill
Distance:
25.21km
Average Speed:
50.19km/h
Notabilis Hill
Notabilis Hill area has a rock cairne by the side of the track.
Features:
Position: 125.5537ºE 25.6427ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Thryptomene Hill Bore
Distance:
5.07km
Average Speed:
42.66km/h
Thryptomene Hill Bore
Bore with pump - excellent site. Good area for wildflowers, spinifex, etc.
Features:
Position: 125.5860ºE 25.6770ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Len Beadell's Tree & Plaque
Distance:
24.89km
Average Speed:
51.76km/h
Len Beadell's Tree & Plaque
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).
Features:
Position: 125.7819ºE 25.7224ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Gunbarell Hwy & Heather Hwy
Distance:
11.66km
Average Speed:
30.79km/h
Gunbarell Hwy & Heather Hwy
Heather Highway turnoff - this tracks heads south off the Gunbarrel. Most popular access into Warbuton, but road is very corrugated. If you are travelling from the East, continuing past this junction onto the Old Gunbarrel Highway requires a permit.
Features:
Position: 125.8832ºE 25.7515ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Mount Samuel
Distance:
5.81km
Average Speed:
32.48km/h
Mount Samuel
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.
Features:
Position: 125.9271ºE 25.7636ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Gnamma Rockholes
Distance:
0.56km
Average Speed:
23.4km/h
Gnamma Rockholes
Gnamma Rockholes are an interesting natural feature. There are some average spots for campsites near here.
Features:
Position: 125.9327ºE 25.7639ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Jackie Junction
Distance:
75.66km
Average Speed:
43.89km/h
Jackie Junction
When heading east, turning left continues on towards Docker River/Yulara via the abandoned section of the Gunbarrel Highway. To travel this section, you must contact the Ngaanyatjarra Council first to obtain a permit and transit conditions.
Features:
Position: 126.6631ºE 25.7088ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Mippultjarra Junction
Distance:
87.75km
Average Speed:
74.81km/h
Mippultjarra Junction
Heading North, there is an Aboriginal community turnoff to the left (no access). Continue straight on towards Docker River. This is the 'Abandoned Section' of the Old Gunbarrel Highway and conditions deteriorate at this junction.
Features:
Position: 126.7059ºE 25.0584ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Len Beadell Plaque #1
Distance:
77.46km
Average Speed:
57.47km/h
Len Beadell Plaque #1
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 127.3412ºE 24.8421ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Len Beadell Plaque #2
Distance:
12.26km
Average Speed:
51.3km/h
Len Beadell Plaque #2
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 127.4461ºE 24.8133ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Old Gunbarrel Hwy & Great Central Road
Distance:
84.15km
Average Speed:
51.61km/h
Old Gunbarrel Hwy & Great Central Road
Abandoned section of the Old Gunbarrel Highway ends and meets up with good graded section of Great Central Road from Laverton to Giles.
Features:
Position: 128.1600ºE 25.0660ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Giles Meteorological Station
Distance:
19.25km
Average Speed:
71.42km/h
Giles Meteorological Station
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
Features:
Position: 128.3021ºE 25.0374ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Warakurna Roadhouse
Distance:
0.66km
Average Speed:
32.45km/h
Warakurna 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
Features:
Position: 128.3032ºE 25.0434ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Docker River (Kaltukatjara) Access
Distance:
97.87km
Average Speed:
80.04km/h
Docker River (Kaltukatjara) Access
You are welcome to visit the community store where you will find some basic supplies and fuel available.
Features:
Position: 129.0614ºE 24.8637ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Docker River (Kaltukatjara) Aboriginal Community
Distance:
3.2km
Average Speed:
30.86km/h
Docker River (Kaltukatjara) Aboriginal Community
You are welcome to visit the community store, basic supplies and fuel available.
Features:
Position: 129.0826ºE 24.8744ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Lasseters Cave
Distance:
40.45km
Average Speed:
82.51km/h
Lasseters Cave
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.
Features:
Position: 129.3975ºE 25.0195ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Tjukaruru Rd & Kata Tjuta Rd
Distance:
142.48km
Average Speed:
77.33km/h
Tjukaruru Rd & Kata Tjuta Rd
Looking back at the Olgas from Tjukaruru Rd & Kata Tjuta Rd intersection.
Features:
Position: 130.7014ºE 25.3038ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Lasseter Hwy/Uluru Rd & Kata Tjuta Rd
Distance:
39.67km
Average Speed:
80.33km/h
Lasseter Hwy/Uluru Rd & Kata Tjuta Rd
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Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 130.9977ºE 25.3010ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre
Distance:
7.86km
Average Speed:
92.13km/h
Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre
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.
Features:
Position: 131.0156ºE 25.3589ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Uluru Carpark
Distance:
1km
Average Speed:
65.58km/h
Uluru Carpark
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 131.0238ºE 25.3574ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre
Distance:
1km
Average Speed:
65.58km/h
Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre
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.
Features:
Position: 131.0156ºE 25.3589ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Lasseter Hwy/Uluru Rd & Kata Tjuta Rd
Distance:
7.86km
Average Speed:
92.13km/h
Lasseter Hwy/Uluru Rd & Kata Tjuta Rd
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 130.9977ºE 25.3010ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place:
Yulara
Distance:
8.06km
Average Speed:
72.91km/h
Yulara
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Features:
Position: 130.9805ºE 25.2453ºS (GDA 94)
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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
Camp Beadell
Camp Beadell is a popular campsite. Do not feed dingos they are becoming a nuisance. Water available from bore (no pump).
Mount Beadell
Near Mount Beadell is Taratara Rockhole.
Geraldton Bore
Geraldton Historic Society Bore. This is an excellent spot for a campsite.
Lasseters Cave
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.
Giles Meteorological Station
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
Len Beadell's Tree & Plaque
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
Notabilis Hill area has a rock cairne by the side of the track.
Football Oval (Gunbarrel Hwy)
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
Junction of Gunbarrel Highway and Gary Highway. This is also the location of the Len Beadell Plaque.
David Wynford Carnegie
David Wynford Carnegie passed nearby this location heading in a Northern Direction
Yelma Stockyard Ruins
This area reveals ruins of cattle yards. Suitable for a camp or break stop.
Mount Samuel
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
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Mount William Lambert
Great views from the top of Mount William Lambert.
Mingol Camp
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.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre
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
Mount Gordon has good views and lovely campsites at base.
Mangkili Claypan
Mangkili Claypan can flood extensively and block road. Extensive network of diversion tracks, allow extra fuel.
Wiluna
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.
Gnamma Rockholes
Gnamma Rockholes are an interesting natural feature. There are some average spots for campsites near here.
Thryptomene Hill Bore
Bore with pump - excellent site. Good area for wildflowers, spinifex, etc.
Yulara
No description entered.
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.
Len Beadell Plaque #1
No description entered.
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.
Len Beadell Plaque #2
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.
Uluru Carpark
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.
Camp Beadell
David Wynford Carnegie
Mangkili Claypan
Mount Beadell
Yelma Stockyard Ruins
Wiluna
Geraldton Bore
Mount Samuel
Gnamma Rockholes
Lasseters Cave
Mount Everard
Thryptomene Hill Bore
Giles Meteorological Station
Mount William Lambert
Yulara
Len Beadell's Tree & Plaque
Mingol Camp
Len Beadell Plaque #1
Notabilis Hill
Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre
Len Beadell Plaque #2
Football Oval (Gunbarrel Hwy)
Mount Gordon
Uluru Carpark
Everard Junction
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
Wiluna
,
Carnegie
,
Warakurna Roadhouse
,
Docker River (Kaltukatjara) Aboriginal Community
,
Yulara
Diesel
4cyl 160 litres *
ULP
4cyl 213 litres *
LPG
4cyl 284 litres
6cyl 217 litres *
6cyl 275 litres *
6cyl 250 litres
8cyl 242 litres
8cyl 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 120.77km E
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Mean Max. °C
37.6
36.4
33.9
29.1
24.2
20.7
20.4
22.8
27.6
31.4
34.2
36.5
Mean Min. °C
22.6
22.0
19.9
15.0
10.3
6.4
5.5
7.1
11.2
15.2
18.5
21.2
Mean Rain mm
28.9
35.7
30.6
19.4
16.4
19.0
13.8
11.1
5.2
14.2
22.7
28.9
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 & Accomodation
Camp Beadell
Camp Beadell is a popular campsite. Do not feed dingos they are becoming a nuisance. Water available from bore (no pump).
Geraldton Bore
Geraldton Historic Society Bore. This is an excellent spot for a campsite.
Carnegie
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.
Mingol Camp
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.
Docker River (Kaltukatjara) Aboriginal Community
You are welcome to visit the community store, basic supplies and fuel available.
Warakurna 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
Wiluna
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
Bore with pump - excellent site. Good area for wildflowers, spinifex, etc.
Yulara
No description entered.
Enter description or photos
.
Camp Beadell
Mingol Camp
Wiluna
Geraldton Bore
Docker River (Kaltukatjara) Aboriginal Community
Thryptomene Hill Bore
Carnegie
Warakurna Roadhouse
Yulara
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
3°
1 hr 10 min
Mippultjarra Junction to Len Beadell Plaque #1
77.46 km
E
70°
1 hr 20 min
Len Beadell Plaque #1 to Len Beadell Plaque #2
12.26 km
E
73°
14 min
Len Beadell Plaque #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 Meteorological Station
19.25 km
E
77°
16 min
Giles Meteorological 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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What Others have Posted
Member - Derek D (QLD) : 27 Apr 08 17:32
We are doing the Gunbarrel Hwy in June but starting out at Glen Hele...
We are doing the Gunbarrel Hwy in June but starting out at Glen Helen Gorge and going along the Gary Junction Rd then down Sandy Blight Junction then on to Warburton. Are then any camping spots along this route to stay.
Cheers Derek
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Member - Andries D (QLD) : 11 Apr 08 22:17
Is any one planning a trip early May?...
Is any one planning a trip early May?
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Member - Derek D (QLD) : 14 Jan 08 09:26
We will be doing the Gunbarrel Hwy in May/June. Like feedback on the...
We will be doing the Gunbarrel Hwy in May/June. Like feedback on the different camping sites - will be towing a campertrailer after upgrading from a tent.
Cheers Derek.
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Member - John R (QLD) : 7 Jan 08 20:23
I noticed the revamped EO Gunbarrrel trek write-up still says you ca...
I noticed the revamped EO Gunbarrrel trek write-up still says you can get a good range of supplies at Carnegie Station. When we were there in August 07 though, they had no supplies whatsoever (apart from fuel & camping), and the staff said they were not going to keep supplies in future, as sales were too unreliable.
There also seems to be some doubt whether you can do the bit of the original Gunbarrel between Jackie Junction west to Mt Samuel, part of the "abandoned" section. This is what our Ngaanyatjarra Council permit conditions for the "adandoned" section said:
"Entry to the Abandoned Section of the Gunbarrel Highway must be through
Warakurna at the East end or Warburton at the West end. Entry into the
Abandoned Section of the Gunbarrel Highway is not allowed through Jackie
Junction (see attached map)".
The WA DIA website has a map that appears to say exactly the opposite though. Anyone able to clear this up?
Cheers, John
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Qoukka57 : 23 Dec 07 23:18
It’s interesting to note that this article on the Gunbarrel Highway ...
It’s interesting to note that this article on the Gunbarrel Highway mentions that it starts (heading East to West) at Giles. We did the trip way on back in 1992, and at that time the only access to the Gunbarrel was via Warburton. We were told that the section from Giles through to where we then joined the GB Highway via Warburton was strictly closed to tourist traffic. We were also told that the Giles/junction section of road had not been graded since 1965 due to some aboriginal land rights deal. I gather that that situation has changed now?
In ’92, the ‘rules’ were that you rang the police station in Laverton to signal your intent of crossing the Gunbarrel, then rang them again from Carnegie Station to let them know you had arrived safely. If the Laverton Police did not hear from you within 48 hours or your ETA, rescue operations were launched.
On our trip, Warburton was the first place in Australia that I had ever seen petrol bowsers locked up within mini cyclone-fencing. The owners of the store seemed friendly enough – the locals did not. We spent overnight in the Warburton camp-ground. After a refreshing sleep, we attempted our trek to joining the Gunbarrel. I’m guessing here that the junction would have been ‘Jackie Junction’ (??). Looking at the map on this site, I get the feeling we traveled a fair way south-west of Warbuton, then North West, which would put our intersection point to the Gunbarrel closer to Camp Beadell. Instructions back then were rather feeble, and needless to say, we promptly got lost. We ended up in some kind of settlement; occupation 1 (we’ll, I’m assuming 1-3, as the curtains seemed to move in only place that looked like it was inhabited). The rest of the ‘town’ was numerous open ended shed-like structures that I assume were modern ‘humpies’ for whatever the town was constructed for. It looked for all intents and purposes like a ‘rodeo’ town – or perhaps the place existed for some kind of annual ‘shindig’ ?
Anyway, we managed to find a phone-box up near what looked like a rather substantial aircraft runway – the kind you could land a Herc on (or bigger). We got through to Laverton, and they kindly helped us to back-track and get on the correct ‘track’ that finally led us to the Gunbarrel. The trip across the Gunbarrel-proper was interesting to say the least. We over-nighted at some kind of T-intersection. Life-count so far: 5 Brumbies, 3 Camels, and 1 car. Cyclone Olivia was well and truly forming by that stage, and one could feel that storm so far away sucking the air out of the desert. I recall getting up in the middle of the night for a pee. I got out of the tent with my torch (a must-have when venturing out in the desert after dark) and I was stunned by the amount of scorpions and other nocturnal creatures that were very active at that time of night. The ‘desert’ really does come to life after the stone-bleaching heat of the sun has dissipated.
After a few hours driving into the new morning, we encountered what in desert-terms would be classed as a mountain ‘range’. From the hundred or so feet above the prevailing surrounds, one could see forever in any direction. A short time later, we negotiated a T-intersection: Darwin thousands of km’s to the north, Perth (via the coast) thousands of km’s to the west, and where we had come from thousands of km’s behind us. I can still remember that feeling of total isolation at the point. Like a pin-prick in a very large sheet of white paper. One really has to admire the courage of the pioneers such as Len Beadell. And or course our Indigenous people. Just to be there was a very humbling experience. The sheer vastness of the central western desert is truly awe-inspiring.
When we finally exited the Gunbarrel, it was stinking hot, so we refueled at Carnegie Station, and decided to press on towards Gascoyne Junction. That’s when I finally decided to use the fuel in the 6 jerry-cans I had kept up on the roof-racks as insurance. And we finally had a good wash from the 40lt of fresh drinking water we had been advised to take as backup. What an oasis Gascoyne turned out to be. Some green grass, a ‘camp ground’ at the rear of the pub, and plenty of cold beer. The local ‘copper’ doubled as a bar-keep, and it was great to be back in ‘civilization’ once again. I think I almost drowned in the shower. Officially, the trek across the famous ‘Gunbarrel Highway’ was complete.
My (then new) ’92 Landcruiser handled the trip most admirably. The unique thing about the Gunbarrel was that I could not find a speed that the car would travel comfortably at. From 2 kmh to 120, I couldn’t find that ‘sweet spot’ where the car would just shimmy over the ruts. The poor old girl just shook and rattled her way across one of the most desolate yet beautiful sections of road in this vast land called Australia. Oh, and special thanks to the people at Giles and Warburton, who kindly pointed out that if you anything, and I mean * anything * on the road in front of you, slow down. There was an old tyre carcass with a branch chokked-up vertically like a tent pole – signaling the single deepest and widest road wash-out I have ever seen. It would have gobbled-up my 4WD like an oyster. Then there was a car-battery that alerted me to another deadly chicane. A big thankyou to those that had trekked-on before me and left subtle hints of potentially harmful road conditions.
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