Gun Barrel Hwy

G'day Steve,

as far as I know, the officical word, is that the Warburton to Warakurna (abandoned) section is unmaintained and you must have between 2 and 5 vehicles in the party. Permits are not given but you put it in writing that you are doing this at your own risk (errrr...better stay home.)

some info here

When we did it about ten years ago we had to get a permit from CLC to do the abandoned section as has been said. Had to be in a group of at least two vehicles and have comms equipment. It was then in better condition than the rest of the Gunbarrel, good graded road from Heather Hwy to the turnoff to the community then a relatively smooth two wheel track east to the northern end of the range where it was better/wider down to the main drag. A very scenic run too, worth taking a slow trip and stopping to look at everything.

Steve

Recently I have heard that someone was refused a permit for the Abandoned Section

When we went that way in 1994 we had permits for Warburton from the west etc but somehow missed the turn-off ended up at Jackie Junction and went the Abandoned Section way. It is a very pretty run. Also went out and drove to Lake Christopher which was dry at that time. Coming back onto the Great Central Road near Giles we saw this huge sign facing the other way stating Abandoned Section No Entry and there was a sizeable culvert to negotiate. Did not see a soul along that route apart from a very large cat-like animal.

I beleve that the area is sensitive to aboriginal culture but they do not mention this in any publication.

Cheers

I think Steve is referring to Len's original road. It is shown inside the cover of "Too Long in the Bush". There are probably sections between Victory Downs and Giles that may be unavailable.

Note in the last few lines of "Too Long in the Bush" Len says that it was the WA government that approved the name GB Hwy, so the bits of his road in NT and SA aren't (and possibly have never been) designated GB Hwy.

I suggest that someone (perhaps just Steve or David from ExplorOz, but not heaps of people) ring Anne and ask her. She is very helpful and knowledgable. Or Connie Sue.

BTW - A DVD to replace the two Beadell videos (with lots more stuff) will be available soon - late June or early July hopefully.