Kidson Track

Thanks Mick, We wont need water unless the plan fails and we need water but that would be unlikely and we don't have any duco left.
I have been in contact with the Kunawarritji Community and they tell me that a party has left on the Kidson Track about 2 weeks ago and were to provide a track report to them. This hasn't happened. Selfish and irresponsible I say. I will certainly provide a track report if we do decide to have a look but will make that call closer to the day. We plan leaving Perth on or about the 15th of this month. Thanks again for your input.

Cheers Quentin. Enjoy the drive and don't sweat it. It's a very enjoyable piece of outback travel and providing you're taking it easy (which no doubt you are), it will not be an issue for you...unless it rains ;-) Then you'll be one of the rare individuals who's actually experienced inclement weather up there.

Cheers, safe travels and look forward to your report.

M.

G'day Mick,
Just thought I would keep you posted. I spoke with the Punmu Community today and they tell me that they have had significant rain for some time and it continues. The Telfer Rd has just reopened today. We will talk with them again in a couple of weeks but may need to look at the Kidson when things are a bit better, perhaps even next season. We will be disappointed but we will stay safe.
Thanks for your input. Much appreciated.
Regards
Quentin

Thanks for your heads up on this. You know its a funny world we live in. I have always been at pains to ensure that we adhere to local requirements, not because I agree with them but because we have to. I have had ongoing contact with the Kunawarritji community and have raised this issue with them several times however they tell me that they are not aware of any permits that I should seek to drive the Kidson Track. I sometimes wonder who really is behind of all of this nonsense. I have the same experience in many remote areas that we have travelled. It seems to me that city, urban or sub urban dwellers are intent on enforcing things that true local inhabitants are not aware of and don't necessarily support. All they ask is that we respect the land that we travel, and that's reasonable.

Kunawarritji and that section of the Canning Stock Route are under the control of the Martu people, whereas the Permit area of the Kidson Track (now the Nyangumarta Highway) is under the control of the Nyangumarta people. Four Wheel Drive Australia administers permits for both of these.

Yes I'm sure they do. Thanks again.

G'day Andy,
Thanks for your input. Much appreciated.
I have poured over my maps and cannot find Gwenneth Lakes turn off from the Kidson. Can you let me know where this is please.
Regards
Quentin

Hi Quentin

The turnoff to Gwenneth Lakes is shown on the HEMA Great Desert Tracks (NW sheet) map and the 250k NATMAP of that area. From our trip log it is at 21deg 22' 36" S / 123deg 26' 21" E.

Cheers
Andy

Thanks Andy. I have spoken with the Punmu Community by phone today. They tell me that there has been a lot of rain up there and it continues. The Telfer road has only re opened today. I will talk to them again in a couple of weeks and make a call then. Might have to put it off for another time.
Regards
Quentin

I agree. Especially the track through the northern end of Lake Auld can become impassible after heavy long duration rain. The first time we had to return at the turnoff to the Kidson because there was water covering the whole area. The second time we travelled from the coast and hit the same area again with plenty of water on the track. Not wanting to travel back all the way to the coast we continued and nearly got stuck, no good when you travel on your own.

Cheers
Andreas