David Carnegie Road

Submitted: Friday, Jul 13, 2012 at 11:10

ThreadID: 96844 Views:2270 Replies:4 FollowUps:5

This Thread has been Archived

Member - G G 4 7 W A

Hi
I will be doing the David Carnegie road soon has anyone done it in the last few months if so any comments.

Member
My Profile Send Message

Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator Share

Reply By: rocco2010 - Friday, Jul 13, 2012 at 11:27

Friday, Jul 13, 2012 at 11:27

Gidday

There was this report on the Wesprint site last week:

"David Carnegie Road - Well graded and maintained from Great Central Road north to Empress Springs (60km). Between Empress Springs and Gunbarrel Hwy it has not been maintained and therefore has many washouts, shrubs encroaching and spinifex growing between the wheel tracks. This section of the David Carnegie Road appears little used since I last travelled it in 2006."

Cheers

Rocco

Member
My Profile My Position Send Message

AnswerID: 490807

Follow Up By: Member - G G 4 7 W A- Saturday, Jul 14, 2012 at 19:06

Saturday, Jul 14, 2012 at 19:06

thanks Rocco

GG

Member
My Profile Send Message

FollowupID: 766344

Reply By: Member - Anthony W Adelaide - Friday, Jul 13, 2012 at 13:53

Friday, Jul 13, 2012 at 13:53

We drove that road with our 80s and camper trailer last October. From Great Central Road to Empress Springs is easy going. After that the track narrows a bit and has a few washouts but is very do-able, just take it easy. It took us a total of 7 hours driving split over 2 days to travel the 220kms(aprox)

I am sure you will enjoy it. The desert was in fantastic condition when we went with lots of new growth.

If you have time you should have a look at the Hunt Oil Road as well. Similar length and condition to the Carnegie Road with lots of things to look at along the way.

AnswerID: 490827

Follow Up By: Member - G G 4 7 W A- Saturday, Jul 14, 2012 at 19:10

Saturday, Jul 14, 2012 at 19:10

thanks Wooly

GG

Member
My Profile Send Message

FollowupID: 766346

Reply By: Member - David G (WA) - Friday, Jul 13, 2012 at 16:27

Friday, Jul 13, 2012 at 16:27

Hi The wife and I accompanied by another vehicle with friends from SA did the DCR 4weeks ago, we started from the GCR end and found that the track had deteriated somewhat in the last 2 years even the first 60kms to Empress Springs has multiple washaways and the washed out sections in the northern part can be a challenge if your centre of gravity is a little high.
The spear grass is quite high and prolific so some radiator protection dosent go astray
A sensible and slow approach is what I would advise and you will have and enjoyable and memorable trip the scenery is still as good as ever apart from the camels that have been shot and left lying on the track.

Cheers Dave

AnswerID: 490840

Follow Up By: Member - G G 4 7 W A- Saturday, Jul 14, 2012 at 19:12

Saturday, Jul 14, 2012 at 19:12

Thanks D I
It has been a good response from all

Cheers G G

Member
My Profile Send Message

FollowupID: 766348

Follow Up By: Mick O - Sunday, Jul 15, 2012 at 12:09

Sunday, Jul 15, 2012 at 12:09

Dave, why didn't you tell me. We were also on it four weeks ago. Must have beaten you by a day or two as we didn't see any gtracks and your name wasn't in the Empress Spring Visitors book. It has deteriorated significantly since my last trip in 2009. There is a lot of slow going around washaways and Dave's description is acurate particularly in respect to the spear grass. The road up to Empress from the GCR is still in reasonable condition but flora is encroaching. It is a slower and more challenging trip than it once was but worth it never the less. Allow a good 2-3 days to complete.

Cheers Mick