Wednesday, Dec 13, 2017 at 12:38
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
AnswerID:
615497