Who's done the Gunbarrel?

shaker, would I need to put a treg hitch on the trailer?

Frances

You may be OK with a standard ball coupling, some of the washouts are reasonably deep, so it might be prudent to fit an off road style coupling.

Hi John, I am going to get a satphone but could also buy an epirb. I will find someone at Yulara to travel across with and yes I would imagine there would be less traffic than on Cape York - that was like a freeway when we were there!! thanks for your advice.
Frances

Good post Stephen.

That makes the point: "FOUR DAYS AND JUST ONE CAR!"

Cheers.

Hi Stephen, my goal is the Old Gunbarrel and i will find someone at Yulara to travel with. Do you know about fuel though? What is the longest stretch without diesel being available to purchase?

Frances

Fuel shouldn't be an issue, it is available at Warakurna (Giles), Docker River, Warbuton & Carnegie Station.

Hi Frances
The Old Gunbarrel is a great track to drive and not hard, with the exception if it is wet, then it is another story. As for permits, that could be the sticking point. We we have done it (2 times) we had to state how many vehicles were in the convoy at the time of applying and their names. This permit is not issued straight away and goes to the Communities who's land this passes through and took about 3 weeks to be approved. In this way you may get declined, as you will not know who you will be travelling with and the other people would not have enough time to apply.

You will require 3 separate travel permits for that section, and all are free.
The first one will get you from Yulara to the NT / WA Border and is from the Central Lands Council in Alice Springs and no restrictions on how many are in your party, they just require your make and registration number of your vehicle and the names of all those in your vehicle.

The second permit that does have a time frame of 3 days is from the DIA in Perth, but apply on line. This is for the WA side of the Border for the Great Central Road section, again requiring your Make and vehicle registration number and the names of those in the vehicle. Again no vehicle restrictions and the approval will be sent back, some times immediately by return email, if not by the next day.

The third permit is for the Abandoned Section or the Old Gunbarrel, where they list the requirement (Again from the DIA Web site permit section and free) This section clearly states about safety issues, eg must have a Sat Phone of HF for in the event of an emergency and the number of vehicles.

As for fuel, only you will know how far you can go on a tank full of diesel. Your last chance to refuel will be Warakurna (Giles) and if you have the range, then Wiluna will be your next refuel. If you feel that you will not be able to get through, then after leaving Jackie Junction you head west and about 47 kilometres up this track, head south to Warburton to refuel. This track will bring you about 2 kilometres east of Warburton, turn right and head straight to the Roadhouse to refuel. From here you have 2 options, firstly go back the way you have driven in from and then continue past Mt Samuel, Mt Beadell etc to Wiluna. If you do not want to back track, head out on the Great Central Road for 42 Kilometres, then head north where the sign post reads:Wiluna via Heather Highway and Tjirrkarli 100.

There is some unreal country out there and you will see why it gets you in. In the heavy corrugations, drop your tyre pressure right down (Around the 20 psi range and a couple of psi lower on the camper, slow down and take in the great scenery. There are countless great camping opportunities.

Drive safely

Cheers

Stephen

Thanks Stephen that is useful information. I can usually get 700km out of the Patrol's tanks when I'm towing the camper trailer - I'll just have to do my homework. The second car could be an issue because we like to be independent and do our own thing. (Does anyone actually ASK to see the permits out there??) Also we copped our fair share of corrugations on the Development Road on Cape York on the way south so I'm guessing we won't hit anything worse than what we copped up there - or will we? Also what about food? Can we get anything more than tinned food at the places on the way?

Hi Frances
I have never been personally asked for permits for any of our travels over the years. A few years ago we asked that very question to some Police that we were talking to in Laverton, and their reply was that they have far more important business to do than check permits. The Policeman then went on to say that the only time he had personally changed a person with that offence was when one tourist went into the Warburton Community, which is closed to the public, was very drunk, carrying alcohol, and started a fight with the locals. The Police threw the book at him, including having his vehicle impounded and one of his charges was for not having any permits.

As for your fuel consumption I would not take the chance if that is only your range. It is better to be safe than sorry. You can still access the Abandoned section via the Heather Highway which is a good run and no permit restrictions. The worst of the corrugations are south of Mt Beadell to the Wiluna Shire Boundary, west of Geraldton Bore. From then on the tracks are usually in quite good condition. The best store that we have found is at the Roadhouse at Warburton, which usually has a very good range of supplies, including frozen bread, frozen meat and fresh fruit - just what you crave after some time in the bush.

Some more information for you.

Cheers

Stephen