Alice Springs to Karjini

Did most of this run but the other direction in mid 2009. Most of the road to/from Karajini are seal and in pretty good nick so no real problem. We travelled from Marble Bar to Carawine Gorge and this road also was in very good condition, as to was the Telfer Mine Rd to Punmu. Punmu to Well 33 was a little more corrugated but still 80kph running for the most part......then things went to custard. The Gary Highway from Well 33 down to Everhard Junction was serious corrugations and we averaged on many days aroun 25-30kph. One day the max distance we covered was 85 km. The Gunbarrel likewise hasn't seen a blade since old Len built it and I'm thinking the Heather Highway is the same. Once down onto the Great Central Road this were all good and the speed could be kicked back up to 80kph without a problem.
A word of caution - if you are running a modern vehicle fitted with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) - like I was - make sure you keep your revs above 1600 rpm for at least some significant parts of the day.....if the vehicle is not able to effect the auto regen of the DPF then it is a hell of a long trip from Well 33 to the nearest dealer for a forced regen in limp home mode. Thankfully I was fully aware of this issue and was able to manage it effectively. Just one of the drawbacks of modern emission control systems and outback travelling.

Hi Ian, Just thought I'd ask whether you really wanted to do the Well 33 to 23 section of the CSR? Some big sand dunes along that section. Via Punmu, Telfer mine and Marble Bar would be much easier.

Cheers, John