Kata Tjuta to near Puta Puta (on Gunbarrel) track - info?

Techedge, In my Hema Atlas, it is just listed as Private Road, and doesn't go all the way to Kata Tjuta. My guess would be that it is access into Aboriginal Land, and you may not be able to get a permit. There is also another Private Road that runs from just west of Kalka on the Gunbarrel north to Docker River, I suspect the same would apply for access to this road as well.

Macca.

That's a private track on APY land so I would not expect a yes but no harm in asking. Check with the Central Land Council in Alice Springs and expect a referral to the APY Board

That area is extraordinarily remote and having had a look at parts of it around 10 years back very overgrown but the recent fires may have fixed that. No water, lots of dunes and nobody for miles in any direction.

Still quite beautiful in its own way

Rob

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On my map that track is marked as "Mantanur", presumably "Mantanur Track".

It passes through what I assume are settlements Mantapayika, Umutju and Walytjatjata before joining the Gunbarrel Hay about 10km west of Puta Puta.

I know nothing about it, or permits, and do not know if the marked settlements are inhabited.

The Giles - Mulga Park Road (also referred to as the Old Gunbarrell Hwy) in my humble opinion is one of the finest and most picturesque drives in Outback Australia. The Mann and Musgrave Ranges in particular are spectacular (Mt Woodroffe, SA’s highest peak sits in the Musgraves also).

The southern end of the track you are seeking info on lies within SA’s APY lands and as such a permit will be near impossible. The track is simply that, a track. It is irregularly maintained and rarely used. The northern end sits in the Uluru-Kata Juta National Park so again almost a zero chance of getting a permit. Both ends of the track still get use but the middle, less so. It’s used as a thoroughfare by the locals but there are better business roads are available for that purpose.

You may have some luck getting a permit for the Giles Mulga Park Road but would need to exit after Wingellina on the Mt Davies Road which takes you up to the Great Central Road just east of Warakurna Roadhouse. If you are caught on the GMPR without a permit, there are numerous abatements that can be applied not the least of which is being escorted back to the main road. The APY lands are one of the few areas under Native Title individually protected by a specific act of parliament.

It’s a shame as it’s magnificent country that could provide a real tourism boost for many APY communities.

Permits applied for through APY (office in Alice Springs). Form available on line. Anything above the border in NT, Central Lands Council in Alice Springs. West of the SA/WA border, WA Dept Aboriginal Affairs permit application through DAA website. Apply months in advance as it could take some time unless you are going for a specific purpose (helping out at a community etc).

Cheers

Mick

I,ve driven the track a few times when I was a remote area tech for Telstra. We had a special permit for all roads in W.A. , N.T. and Qld. Great drive and yes it is not open to the public. I dont know how you would go about getting a permit though.If you do not get a permit do not attempt to pedal/drive it. Penalties can be severe. It is isolated with lots of camels and sandy roads. Some very sharp corners as well (I know of a Telstra chap who came unstuck! Luckily satphones are carried and essential. I drove some other roads in the area that are off limits as well. Those days are gone now but still a highlight of my life.
Cheers