Marble Bar to Lake Auld

Yes, with the appropriate permits (which are no trouble to get and are free).


Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

Russell, the road is usually in good condition. It is bitumen from Marble Bar to Woodie Woodie and known as the Rippon Hills Road. It traverses some beautiful country south west of Marble bar before dropping down into the dunes of the Great Sandy Desert as you head towards Telfer and Punmu.

At Lake Auld, the road takes a bend to the left (north) along the shore of the lake to it’s northern point and then heads west again. There is a great place to camp by the Rocky Knoll at the top of the rise on the eastern side of the Lake. Great place to spend the evening taking in the view and setting sun.

Road is wide and well maintained as it is the main access route to major mines and the communities of Punmu and Kurnawarritji. It can get a bit corrugated on sharp bends and in stretches immediately around communities but otherwise is of good quality. Surface is a mixture of sand and rocky stretches with most of the dune crossings topped with crushed rock. More clay and sand sections down around the Lake edge.

Road can be very much affected by weather events so travelling on it when wet is a no-no.

Also be aware that it will take a few bends right on, or immediately after the crest of a dune. In many cases the camber is just off or the bend can take you by surprise so drive accordingly and slow down for all crests.

The road is suitable for towing caravans and campers although once past the Canning, it can get a bit rougher and is not as well maintained.

Emergency bores are located along it’s length east and west of Lake Auld but not to be relied on unless you have exacting and up to the minute information. Carry your own.

Fuel available at Punmu and Kurnawarritji but at a price (normally between $3-4 per litre).

Hope that helps.

Mick

Great info Mick.

We will be towing some small off road vans so looks to be no worries .

Are the permits from just the aboriginal communities or is a permit required to go on the Telfer mine road.?

Many thanks for your help.

Regards
Russell

Hi Mick, this is great information.....we are also planning to do that track (and the Gary Junction) next June, travellinjg east to west.
Cheers

Thanks Mick. Your knowledge has been very helpful ...much appreciated.

regards

Russell

Hi Russell, I have a My Blog on the Gary Junction Route . You are wlecome to contact me by Member Message if you would like more information.

Thanks Motherhen.