Gun barrel Highway

Geez wizz Broodie H3.
I have never been to either, but from my study of maps and feed back on exploreoz and other travel blogs and you saying " later this month" (temprature increase) , and lessoning of traffic on gunbarrel I would suggest great central highway would be the the easier route and dependant on weather conditions ( summer storms).

Regards alpero

Hi Broodie

The Gunbarrel Highway was originally constructed by the "Gunbarrel Constriction Party" led by the late Len Beadell. This track now is slow going, but a great drive and for most of the ways two wheel, corrugated track.

Today a new Outback Highway (the Great Central Road ) has been constructed and the only real time that the two roads meet is just before Warakurna (Giles) and then out as far as the turn off to the Sandy Blight Junction turn off.

You will find it a great drive with lots to see along the way.



Cheers


Stephen

I’d suggest the Great Central would be the best run for you as a through-fare. The Gunbarrel is an expedition and you can expect much harsher conditions than those of the Great Central. It will also require a greater amount of time to traverse due to those conditions (lots of Corrugations).

The Great Central is a great run but you’ll do yourself a disservice if you don’t allow yourself enough time to take in some of the attractions along the way. There are plenty of native wells and rock holes along its length, most of which are marked on the popular maps. The 70 km drive north on the David Carnegie Road to Empress Spring is well worth it, as is a quick side trip to the caves near Tjukayirla roadhouse (see Stephen L’s blogs or MM him as he is the acknowledged expert on the area). Stop and pay homage to Saint Len at Giles and then a little further on, turn left and take the well maintained road up to Bungabiddy Rockhole for a look see. The drive through the Petermann Ranges is worth the trip alone. Spend the night under the Desert Oaks near Docker River, don’t forget Lasseter’s Cave and of course you then have Kata Juta and Uluru and the choice of the Mereenie Loop to get to Alice.

The great central is a well maintained gravel road. Conditions vary but at any given time you can expect a grader to be at work somewhere along its length, particularly on the WA side. The 200 odd km from the WA border to the bitumen at Kata Juta (The Olgas) is normally the worst of it but still a reasonable traverse. It’ll be getting warm out there at this time of the year so make sure you’re carrying that little extra water and take the precautions that common sense dictate (vehicle service, tyres and comms etc). Most of all, kick back, slow down and enjoy it. A fantastic part of the world.

Cheers Mick

Hi Broodie,

As mentioned the GCR is quicker however the GBH is more attractive from a historical / challenge perspective.

The GBH is currently closed from Warburton to Carnegie due to fire and has been for the last week and several weeks ago as well.

If all goes to plan I will be on it this time next week, also on my way to Queensland. I can't wait to take pictures of all the burnt country so far numbering in the 1000's of square kilometres.

Cash bribes may be required for local Councillors to allow unimpeded access. If this doesn't work there are other alternatives.

If you choose the GBH and can't get through Wiluna, The Glenayle Road may be an alternative. Bear in mind there are more fires burning along that road as well about 25 kilometres south west of Glen Ayle so this road may be closed shortly.

If that doesn't work you may try the the David Carnegie Road mentioned by Mick. Bear in mind that although the road is currently opened there are fires currently burning on both sides of the road about 30 kilometres north of the GCR.

If that doesn't work try the Hunt Oil Road further east. Bear in mind that even though the road is opened there are currently fires burning on both sides of the road about 50 kilometres north of the GCR.

Running out of options now however if you do choose the GCR please bear in mind that there are a "number of small fires" burning between Laverton and Warburton and there is currently a smoke alert for the area.

Might see you out there.

Cheers
Equinox

Don't forget you need permits for the GCR and the road in the NT.

Thank you all for your replies, the research has begun in earest now.
Broodie H3

Up to the end of the Willuna Shire, heading East, the Gunbarrell Highway was nice to drive on.
After that you would probably not want to be there.
having said that !... We did it with campers, in tow, heading to the Canning.
Corrrrrrrrrrrrrrruugatinnssssssssssssssssss !
Holes.........
But apart from that it was a great drive

Cheers
Bucky