Ruby Gap

Submitted: Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 09:56
ThreadID: 44823 Views:2652 Replies:7 FollowUps:3
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Went to Rosehill camping show and bloke at the Alice springs exhibit suggested that Ruby Gap was a must see when doing the East Macs.
What are your opinions and how bad is the road in there. (100 series with no camper).

Thanks all
Mal
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Reply By: Willem - Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 10:09

Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 10:09
Mal

I havent been there for a while but it used to be slow going getting in. You crossed the Hale River and then followed a track along the riverbank over some rocks etc. At the end of Ruby Gorge/Gap there used to be a sign warning you not to travel any further and to walk to Glen Annie Gorge. Not sure if it is still the go or what the rules are these days.

On the way to Glen Annie I managed to get the Landcruiser stuck on rocks with all four wheels off the ground. Underbody damage to your vehicle is possible. There is a nice campsite at the entrance to Glen Annie Gorge. Might have to take your own firewood.

Whatever you do, DO NOT DRIVE up the Hale River on your way to Ruby gap due to patches of QUICKSAND.

Go to my website below and click on 4x4 and scroll down to article on Ruby Gap and Glen Annie Gorge.

Cheers

Enjoy
AnswerID: 236366

Reply By: djam1 - Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 10:10

Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 10:10
Its called Ruby Gorge its out past Arltunga. I dont know how to advise you on road conditions as my good road may be incredibly rough to you.
After Arltunga the road goes from a normal Territory dirt road to a graded track for bit more than 40ks after this you move into the river bed and travel in the sand this is where the 4x4 bit comes in.
After rain quicksand can be an issue and is a pain if you get stuck in it.
Have a look at Site Link
Certainly isnt a challenging trip but rewarding you may be wise to advise the Rangers at Arltunga on your way down to the gorge.
AnswerID: 236367

Follow Up By: Hairy - Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 11:22

Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 11:22
Errr...have a look at your site link...Its Ruby Gap....Glen Annie Gorge
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Reply By: Member - Ian H (NSW) - Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 10:43

Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 10:43
What a beautiful spot. It will be on our next trip to the centre. Thanks.
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Reply By: Hairy - Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 11:06

Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 11:06
Gday,
Everyone else's description is pretty well spot on. The area were Willem was saying about parking your car and walking in is now fairly easy going as a lot of sand has washed down covering most of the rocks, still a little tricky in places but take it slow and you have any problems in a 100 series.
The downside is the sand has also filled the waterhole at Glen Annie but still really nice.
As for the quicksand its really only after rain but don't take any chances ( I've seen a near new Prado stuck there for about 2 months waiting for the water to drop).
The rule is if it rains or even looks like it GET OUT FAST!
You go past a ranger station at Arltunga on your way so its a good idea to call in and let them know were you are going just in case.
The 40 or so Kms between Arltunga and the gates to the park is pretty slow going so allow plenty of time ( couple of hours ). Its definitely an overnighter if not more especially if you've got kids like mine as they will sit in the river for hours finding their fortune in garnets.
Its well worth the drive, have fun

Site Link

Cheers
Hairy
AnswerID: 236377

Follow Up By: Willem - Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 11:35

Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 11:35
Thanks for the update, Hairy.

Our first visit there was in a Suzuki circa 1986. Got bogged big time in the riverbed but after letting the tyres down to about 5spi and lots of digging I managed to drive out. Only got as far as the sign then. In 1993? we drove up to Glen Annie in LC and then the 500 metres from Ruby Gap to Glen Annie was mostly devoid of sand and we bounced like a brahman bull across the rocks in Low Range 1st gear. Camped at GA for a couple of nights. Had the place to ourselves and did a bit of bushwalking up the Gorge and beyond. The Curlews screeched one night. Quite an eerie sound.

Cheers
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FollowupID: 497459

Follow Up By: Hairy - Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 12:16

Saturday, Apr 28, 2007 at 12:16
Gday Willem,
The first time I went out there ( about 1989 ) it took us about 4 hours to drive from the sign to Glen Annie. We had to stack small rocks in the crevices of the big ones to get the car over the top, then move the rocks up to the next step. There wasnt enough loose rocks so we had to cary the bloody things all the way.
We got there though.
Funny you say you drove a suzuki, when we got there, there was a couple of blokes there in a suzuki, they couldnt believe there eyes to se a 60 series get in there. They reckon theyve never seen any long wheel base vehicles make it!
We were quite proud of ourselves until we thought about doing the same shiit ( carrying piles of rocks) all the way back in the morning.
All good fun!

Cheers
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FollowupID: 497463

Reply By: SteveL - Sunday, Apr 29, 2007 at 01:18

Sunday, Apr 29, 2007 at 01:18
There were lots of dingos around when we were there last Sept.Turned our camp upside down looking for fool while we walked to the gorge and back.-Steve
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Reply By: Member - Davoe (Nullagine) - Sunday, Apr 29, 2007 at 07:32

Sunday, Apr 29, 2007 at 07:32
was in 03 but no worries witha 100. might need to drop pressures for the sections accross the hale river.
Another ok place to check out for camping is Johon Hayes Rockhole near trephnia gorge. It is sufficiently rough track in to discorage some but any proper 4by will have no worries
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Reply By: Hunjy - Sunday, Apr 29, 2007 at 09:52

Sunday, Apr 29, 2007 at 09:52
With thanks to all who replied

Mal
AnswerID: 236550

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