Road from Olgas to Pilbara region

Submitted: Tuesday, Jun 21, 2016 at 21:52
ThreadID: 132832 Views:3876 Replies:5 FollowUps:5
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I have heard there are aboriginal roads from the Olgas across NT and WA to the Pilbara region. Can anyone give me information about these roads; what they are called, their condition, suitability for 4WD with camper trailer, permits needed, time taken to travel this route, places to camp etc. Is this route commonly used (will there be others passing by if we need assistance), are they maintained.
Thanks in anticipation.
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Reply By: Member - ACD 1 - Tuesday, Jun 21, 2016 at 22:07

Tuesday, Jun 21, 2016 at 22:07
Scout

Are you talking about the roads labeled Aboriginal Business Roads on the maps?

If you are, good luck getting permission, these are usually roads between communities and are not open for general travel unless you have business (trade or cultural generally) with them.

Cheers

Anthony
AnswerID: 601712

Follow Up By: Scout - Tuesday, Jun 21, 2016 at 22:23

Tuesday, Jun 21, 2016 at 22:23
Not really. I am enquiri g if there are public / aboriginal roads through this area forvwhich permits are easily obtained.
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Reply By: Peter_n_Margaret - Tuesday, Jun 21, 2016 at 22:23

Tuesday, Jun 21, 2016 at 22:23
No drama to get permits to drive to Docker River, Kintore (via Sandy Blight Jn Road) and then the Gary Junction Road to the Pilbara.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA 196 Motorhome
AnswerID: 601714

Follow Up By: Scout - Wednesday, Jun 22, 2016 at 13:55

Wednesday, Jun 22, 2016 at 13:55
We will be travelling on our own. Are these roads suitable for lone travellers? We are not going till August so anticipate the rains will have moved on. Thanks for the information.
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Follow Up By: Peter_n_Margaret - Wednesday, Jun 22, 2016 at 15:53

Wednesday, Jun 22, 2016 at 15:53
I would have no hesitation.
We have driven the Gary Junction Road twice on our own. Quite doable in 2WD.

Sandy Blight Junction Road is a bit harder with some sandy sections but little problem. One evening there was quite a few locals who went past on the way home from a funeral. They included a 2WD Toyota Dyna tray top full of people and a Falcon BA, not that I would recommend either of them for the trip.

Some nice country on both roads.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 Motorhome
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FollowupID: 871262

Follow Up By: LAZYLUX16 - Thursday, Jun 23, 2016 at 18:49

Thursday, Jun 23, 2016 at 18:49
HI Scout you going to Rudall River N.P.?
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FollowupID: 871299

Follow Up By: Scout - Thursday, Jun 23, 2016 at 21:44

Thursday, Jun 23, 2016 at 21:44
It looks very interesting, though not sure if it would be suitable for us on our own. Any suggestions?
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FollowupID: 871310

Reply By: LAZYLUX16 - Tuesday, Jun 21, 2016 at 23:12

Tuesday, Jun 21, 2016 at 23:12
When you going can get permits in Alice .But I be checking weather it appears rain over Pilbara coming East .Check with Newman Tourist Info Centre they are helpful .Good luck I am still stuck in Adelaide
AnswerID: 601718

Reply By: Rick (S.A.) - Wednesday, Jun 22, 2016 at 15:58

Wednesday, Jun 22, 2016 at 15:58
As mentioned by others, Aboriginal roads are not useable.

But from your question, "roads from the Olgas across NT and WA to the Pilbara region", there are two major options:

1. Kata Tjuta (Olgas) via Tjukaruru Road (Docker River) Rd to Sandy Blight Junction road to Gary Highway to Kiwirrikurra to Kunawarraitji to Punmu to Telfer to Marble Bar to Pilbara region.
2. Kata Tjuta (Olgas) via Docker River Rd to Warrakurna to Warburton to Leonora to Wiluna to Mekkathara to Newman in the Pilbara.

Any half decent map will display these routes.

Either way, they are great drives and easy enough with a well driven & prepared camper trailer.

But apart from the Great Central Rd, these roads are not necessarily maintained - although they may be!!! Look at this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcwRAbpaDWc. This road could be anywhere, really.............
AnswerID: 601729

Reply By: Member - Ozymandias - Thursday, Jun 23, 2016 at 12:01

Thursday, Jun 23, 2016 at 12:01
Did the Sandy Blight end of May. There had been a lot of rain through the area so quite a few track diversions. One in particular would have been tricky with a trailer, but things could have dried out by now, although currently in the Pilbara with a lot of rain through. If it's dry the Sandy Blight should be no problem and a beautiful drive. Great camping spot under some desert oaks near the Davenport Ranges.
AnswerID: 601750

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