Adelaide-Broome via Alice Springs

Submitted: Wednesday, Mar 18, 2009 at 13:16

ThreadID: 66941 Views:2661 Replies:6 FollowUps:5

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Western Deserts

The most rugged and remote area in Australia, the Western Deserts region covers a vast area of Western Australia. The last frontier where the challenges to the 4WDer are many but the rewards gained

Dean

Hi,
The boss wants to go to Broome in July. I'm looking at going along the Gary Junction Rd and WAPET Rd.
Anyone have any info on these particular tracks besides the current track reports here.
I've downloaded the permits, are these free ?, it doesnt mention anything on the sites.
We will be travelling solo at this stage.
Anything usefull to add would be appreciative.
Dean

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Reply By: Member - Footloose - Wednesday, Mar 18, 2009 at 13:40

Wednesday, Mar 18, 2009 at 13:40

Hi Dean. The permits can take a while to get back to you, so get them off early.
July should be OK unless it's wet out there or there's a cyclone in the NW.
By the Wapet track, I assume that you mean the Kidson Track?
It's hardly a breeze , so go prepared. If you're by yourself a radio or satphone could be handy.

AnswerID: 354706

Follow Up By: Willem - Wednesday, Mar 18, 2009 at 14:47

Wednesday, Mar 18, 2009 at 14:47

Hi Footy

Cyclone in July is unlikely. But it could still rain!!!...lol

Wapet Road is the name from Kunawarritji up until Benchmark 247 or where it meets with 123°00'00" East . Thereafter it becomes the Kidson Track but some still known it as the Wapet(Western Australia Petroleum) all the way to the GNHwy

Cheers

FollowupID: 622825

Follow Up By: Member - Footloose - Wednesday, Mar 18, 2009 at 15:33

Wednesday, Mar 18, 2009 at 15:33

If there have been cyclones earlier in the season it could prove interesting negotiating the top end of the Wapet Road.

FollowupID: 622830

Reply By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Wednesday, Mar 18, 2009 at 13:58

Wednesday, Mar 18, 2009 at 13:58

Hi Dean,
The permits for both WA and the NT are free and you can go online and apply for both. There is no need to download them, as you fill everything out on line and then just hit the submit button. If you request for the permits to be sent to your email address, the ones for the NT will be sent back to approved in a few hours, as for WA, thy will take longer. I have applied for both sides, received the NT side OK, but only 1 for WA so far.Having said that, I have had to submit a full route plan for WA, as a lost of the places that we wish to travel through are not listed on the internet.

Have a great trip

Cheers

Stephen

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AnswerID: 354711

Follow Up By: Blaze (Berri) - Wednesday, Mar 18, 2009 at 22:21

Wednesday, Mar 18, 2009 at 22:21

LOL Stephen,

"I have had to submit a full route plan for WA, as a lost of the places that we wish to travel through are not listed on the internet." Lost Hey, interesting, no wonder their having trouble with permits.

Now Where Am I certainly suits at present...

FollowupID: 622887

Follow Up By: Dean - Thursday, Mar 19, 2009 at 22:09

Thursday, Mar 19, 2009 at 22:09

Thanks for that info Stephen,
Ive checked out the online application, no fees, seems to easy, whats the catch.
Dean

FollowupID: 623089

Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Thursday, Mar 19, 2009 at 22:36

Thursday, Mar 19, 2009 at 22:36

Hi Dean
There is no catch. They are trying to make it easier for the simple ones. It is only when you want to go to the out of the way places that it get different. I am trying for one special spot in WA for this years trip, and I do not know how I am going to go. It is in the too hard basket for Perth, so it has now been sent off to the Warburton Community for there approval. If I get the green light, it will make me alter my plans for the trip and get to some very special areas in the Great Victoria Desert.

Cheers

Stephen

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FollowupID: 623096

Reply By: Bob of KAOS - Wednesday, Mar 18, 2009 at 14:11

Wednesday, Mar 18, 2009 at 14:11

Excellent track. Lots Of info recently posted. Use search facility

AnswerID: 354713

Reply By: Peter_n_Margaret - Wednesday, Mar 18, 2009 at 14:59

Wednesday, Mar 18, 2009 at 14:59

Where are you in Adelaide Dean?
If you want some pics (2005 and 2008 with a boat) give me a call on 0418804221.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 Motorhome

AnswerID: 354718

Reply By: Member - Mick O (VIC) - Wednesday, Mar 18, 2009 at 15:05

Wednesday, Mar 18, 2009 at 15:05

Dean,

did the tracks last year and year beforee. Their condition varies dependant upon rain and the grader. They are usually always more corrugated around communities due to the extra traffic from locals.

These blog entries might give you an overall impression of the Wapet and GJR inclduing conditions and possible camping spots.

Wapet/Telfor Mine Road
Wapet south to GJR 2008
GJR to Kiwwikurra
GJR east to SBJT

Also Post 60230 has some info on GJR (now 8 months old tho)

Hope it helps. It's a great drive Cheers Mick