Gunbarrel Conditions and Timing

Not sure myself either and I'll be watching this thread with interest as I will probably be doing the same trip around the same time.

We are doing the same trip the week later and have done the abandoned section before in two days without problems. Make sure you have your permits and worth booking with Giles for a morning tour of the weather station.

Cheers

Clay

Hi xtra,
We did the trip and drove from 80 kms before (western side) of Tchukalira (excuse spelling, I have trouble saying it, let alone spelling) to Warakurna in one day. Got up next day and spent fantastic 1/2 day at Giles weather station.
Of course it depends on road conditions at the prevaing time. We found that the roads through Aboriginal areas far better cared for than other sections.

xtragrouse
From Heather HwyTjunction on the first section of abandoned gunbarrel is ok and then deteriates.Some badly washed out sections with some detours in place.(we towed throughit no worries but just watch out for staking tryes on detours)You then hit the freeway for some way and the general car wreck on the side of the road country then back to a track past million dollar corner and the rawlinson ranges which in my opinion is the probably the best part of the trip , rough with lots of creek crossings and stoney ground .Then its into Giles .You should allow 2 days travel and enjoy as its a section that is quite remote and has its hidden treasures along the way.We camped at million dollar corner and if you read books written by Len Beadell about the making of the road prior to making trip you will enjoy it doubly as much.

I have assumed you are travelling west to n/east to Giles

Darryl

We did it last October.

The abandoed section is an 80kph highway from Warburton to the half way mark (where there's a turnoff to an aboriginal community). The section from the half way mark to Giles is brilliant. Lots of beautiful desert oaks, and travel alongside Rawlinson Ranges. If you've got a bit of spare time, spend it in the north section.

Permit takes a little bit of fast talking to the Naj.................. Council office in Alice Springs. They only allow you infor 3 days, and stipulate conditions like the number of vehicles and either sat phone or HF.

Cheers
Phil

Thanks guys for your responses. I have driven the Great Central road once and bussed it once in the past two years. Am familiar with that section of the road. Your replies re the Gunbarrel are appreciated. We plan to do the Connie Sue Hwy from Warburton to Laverton on the return trip. That should be fun as well - a long no fuel stretch.

Cheers