Mount Augustus

Submitted: Saturday, Sep 01, 2007 at 16:12

ThreadID: 49217 Views:4637 Replies:4 FollowUps:1

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Rowdy6032

Hi
On September 24 my wife and I intend to travel from Meekatharra to Mount Augustus along the Kingsford Smith Mail Run.

From there along the Mail Run to Gascoyne Junction, possibly out to the Kennedy Range, time permitting and back down the Wool Wagon Pathway via Murchison Settlement to Pindar-Mullewa.

Can anyone who has travelled this route recently give me some idea as to what to expect: road conditions, best place to stay- Mount Augustus or Cobra Stn, free camping areas, points of interest, cheapest place for diesel etc.

I'm hiring a Mazda BT50 for a week for a trial run prior to possible purchase. I have a bad back and the trial run is as much for me as the ute.

Is a week feasible to do such a trip or should I be looking at a longer time to see most of what there is to see?

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Reply By: Matt(WA) - Saturday, Sep 01, 2007 at 18:51

Saturday, Sep 01, 2007 at 18:51

Hi Rowdy,
I am doing the same trip leaving perth on the 18th September. We are going up through Meeka to Mt Augustus and then due west to Kennedy ranges. Then south to Gascoyne junction and out to Canarvon. I cant wait. We are going to take two weeks and have a good look around. I will be in a Dark blue 80 series towing a Purple Trailer(Thanks member Steve the Phantom). With EO stickers of course. We have heard that the track isnt too bad. Can get diesel at Meeka then at the aboriginal community and also mt Augustus. Have a look at these sites:
Kingsford smith mail run
http://http://www.drivewa.com/itinerary/base.php?leftcol=viewitin.php&ItinId=142&display=short http://http://www.mwdc.wa.gov.au/uploaddocs/A4_Brochure_Screen%20Res.pdf http://http://www.mwdc.wa.gov.au/uploaddocs/Pathway%20Map%20Final_website.pdf http://http://www.australiascoralcoast.com/en/Suggested+Itineraries/Kingsford+Smith+Mail+Run.htm

If you need any more info email me mattdanica@aapt.net.au
Hope this helps
Matt
ps I also have a really bad back and will be the first trip with stratos suspension seats. So I hope they are as good as they say they are.

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Follow Up By: Rowdy6032 - Tuesday, Sep 04, 2007 at 19:00

Tuesday, Sep 04, 2007 at 19:00

Hi Matt

Thanks to yourself and the others that have replied. I see in today's paper the Mt Magnet Shire chief executive says it could be the worst ever wildflower season.

I'll add a bit of info in case anyone else checks this thread in the future.

Maps
StreetSmart Touring Maps-"The Mid West"
NatMap-Mount Phillips
Glenburgh

Books from Library
Shark Bay-Ningaloo Coast & Outback Pathways by Len ZELL
Gascoyne Murchison Outback Pathways by Samille MITCHELL
A Guide to Priceless Campsites & Rest Areas in the North of Western Australia by Jan HOLLAND

Tourist Bureau
Gascoyne Murchison Outback Pathways Travel brochure

Mt Augustus Tourist Resort Ph: 9943 0527
Tent sites
Power $13 PP
Un-Powered $11 PP
Block Ice
Showers in ablution block

Cobra Station Ph: 9943 0565
All sites unpowered $15 PP
Can have own generator
Can provide ice if you let them know in advance
Showers

Satphone
Pocketphone
U2/12 Kewdale Rd
Kewdale
PH: 9258 4000
$20 day, $1.00 per 30sec block, 50C connect fee, Iridium

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Reply By: Member - Tom V (WA) - Monday, Sep 03, 2007 at 13:09

Monday, Sep 03, 2007 at 13:09

Rowdy
we did the trip in july 07. but we went from Carnarvon to Mt Augustus. stayed @ the "resort", climbed the mount, then went to Parapardoo/Tom Price & Karajini.
roads were OK, light gravel. not many corrugations. we travelled @ 70-80kms. i did deflate tyre pressure to 26, just in case.
camping facilities @ MtA are OK, have powered & non powered sites for tents & c/vans.
u need to bring yr food & water if u cannot drink bore water. they have a small restaurant, which is OK. sell basic items in the store.
have not stayed @ Cobra, so cannot comment.
MtA does sell diesel, not sure of the price as my prado tanks were still full from filling up @ Carnarvon.
seems to be a few camping spots along the river, especially, cattle pool.
the BT50 should handle the job.
good luck Tom

AnswerID: 260064

Reply By: Member - Greydemon (WA) - Monday, Sep 03, 2007 at 13:22

Monday, Sep 03, 2007 at 13:22

Have a look at post 48067. I was up there in July and wrote a bit in that post about conditions etc.

AnswerID: 260068

Reply By: Member - extfilm (NSW) - Monday, Sep 03, 2007 at 14:33

Monday, Sep 03, 2007 at 14:33

Hey Rowdy,
I just came down the woolwagon run 2 days ago and it was fine..... Sat on 100 most of the way. Am in Kal at the moment and the weather is stunning.
road to mt augustus should be good too.

AnswerID: 260086