Karajini to Mt Augustus

Here is a link to a blog post be member Heather MG, who with her now sadly late husband, travelled through the Mt. Augustus area 2013. They came out to Minilya Roadhouse so probably used different roads to the roads that you propose to travel. But I thought you might find the material interesting.

Happy travels,

Kevin

Link to Heather MG's blog post about the Mt. Augustus area

Gryphen

We took that route a few years ago in a period of generally fine weather. It is remote country with no services and not a lot of traffic, at least when we were there in July.

The track surface south from the sealed Paraburdoo road to Ashburton Downs was well graded, as was the continuation generally SE to the Dooley Downs O/S* junction. We stayed o/night just off the road near bore #11, facing the road and on firmer ground in case the threatening rain eventuated. The last section to the turnoff was undulating and reminded us of the country around Coober Pedy, with jump-ups and ocre colouring. However, as with any journey in this area, the road surface and creek crossings would be another matter if much rain had fallen.

The road south from the junction to Dooley Downs O/S was of a lmuch esser standard, with many creek crossings and potential wash-aways. This would be more susceptible to rain. South of Dooly Downs O/S the road standard improved, both wrt alignment, width and surface.

There is a good camp ground at Mt Augustus Station and I would suggest at least a day there so that you can circumnavigate the rock and take the many short walks to viewing spots and Aboriginal carvings, etc.

* Dooley Downs is an O/S owned by Mt Augustus. It is used only during mustering and other stock times so do not expect people to necessarily be there.

Hope that helps

Cheers
Andrew

We did this trip, in the opposite direction, in June 2015 with a Prado towing a Kimberley Karavan.

We found the road from Mt Augustus through the Ashburton River Valley to the Paraburdoo Rd very scenic and generally in very good condition. There were some sections that required some care, due to narrowness, blind corners and steep gulleys, but nothing really challenging.

We found the road following the Southernside of the Ashburton River to be the most challenging. Although generally flat the road surface has been graded to a level below the surrounding terrain( as are many of our outback roads) so when it rains sufficiently the water cuts across and then through the road. The road surface is quite sandy so we found many small and deep washouts across the road that were difficult to see. Some were deep and potentially damaging if hit at any real speed. We were not in a hurry and crawled through the majority of these gulleys but were caught out on a couple.

There are some enticing tracks down to the river off the main road. However if towing I would proceed with caution. We were looking for a riverside camp spot and tried two tracks, at the south eastern end of the river road, but found they ended up in the river flood plain sand dunes and no where near the river. So a few dramas trying to turn around and get out.

There are a couple of nice camp spots near the bores as stated by others.

In summary. A very nice Drive for us at the time we did it. Am planning to do it again and spend some more time. We were not challenged or stressed by this drive. However check road conditions with the locals and take it easy.

Cheers John

Have just returned from the Pilbara, had planned to go from Mt. Augustus to Karijini via Parabadoo. Ashburton Downs road was closed due to recent rain and they had no idea when it would re-open. Would hope it should be ok by the time you head that way. Looks like the local shire was a bit slow off the mark with grading/road repair in the area.

Cheers David

Received advice from the Shire of Upper Gascoyne (very helpful):

You will need to contact the Shire of Ashburton regarding the majority of your travel, as most of the route is in their shire.  From our end Pingandi road at present does have some washouts from recent rain so you would need to drive to the conditions of the road.  I resided in Tom Price for five years prior to coming here and I can advise you that the Ashburton Downs road was usually fairly ruff.  The distance is approximately 350 kilometers, however you will probably only travel about 60 kilometres per hour, less crossing washouts and river beds.  I would allow about 9 hours for the trip.
My advice to you would be to contact Shire of Ashburton 9188 4444, and us prior to leaving for your trip to obtain up to date road conditions.

So I'll contact the Shire of Ashburton Next :)

Well it seems like the Ashburton Downs Road is now open, so just waiting on the Ashburton Downs – Meekatharra Rd to be opened up now.