Yuendumu - Papunya - Glen Helen

There are two possibilities for Mt Wedge Rd.

The most direct route from Yuendumu goes through an attractive pass in the Stuart Bluff Range near the mountain called Central Mount Wedge. I towed an off-road camper trailer this way on one occasion five years ago. The track over the pass was a bit rough but not difficult.

About 30 Km East is a private track that goes past the homestead called Central Mount Wedge. I have not been this way.

The route from Papunya to Glen Helen goes past Haast Bluff. This route has a few rough sections but is also not difficult.

While in the area I would recommend visiting Newhaven if you have the time. This property is owned and managed by Australian Wildlife Conservancy and Birds Australia. There are two attractive camping areas and excellent opportunities to observe bird life. There is also an extensive network of remote tracks to drive so take plenty of fuel.

The road between Papunya and Yuendumu is one of the most special tracks in Oz. Running north from Papunya it runs through dune and desert oak country. There are some very sandy sections but it is possible to zoom along at 80 if you really need to. The track runs due north and you pass through a low area of salt lakes before slowly climbing toward Mt Wedge. As you approach the impressive line of buttresses look back over the vast expanse ranging from Mt Zeil in the east to Mt Leibig in the west. Straight ahead you will see Haasts Bluff. This is an exceptional panorama and worth the trip to experience.

There is a narrow winding track that leads through a pass at Central Mt Wedge. Its slow but easy going through here as it seems to follow a rocky creek bed before you come out on the flat country to the north of the range.

From here the tracks are flat and smooth. There are magnificent stands of desert oak - always worth a stop for a drink or meal break. Closer to Yuendumu the road is gravel and rocky. You hit the Tanami just west of the track into Yuendumu.

Glen Helen to the Haasts Bluff corner is pretty easy even if the track hasn't been graded for years. The track from the junction north, then west to Papunya is like a big dirt freeway. It can get corrugated between grades, but sees heavy traffic.

The impressive sites out here are Haasts Bluff, Mt Wedge (climbable) and the view looking back from here. Nothing "ordinary" about this area. The tracks are fine.

I am very interested in the track that heads north from Papunya toward Yuendumu but on my Hema Great Desert Tracks North Central Sheet it says that it is a private road and it meets up with the track that leads to Newhaven. It doesn't lead directly to Yuendumu. Any comments?
It really does sound like a wonderful track. Is it signposted at Papunya or anywhere else along the way.
Thanks for any help and advice.
Nats.

One of the ponds we decided not to tackle on the Newhaven property access track.