Eagle Hwy

The Eagle Hwy is a very isolated track in the Gibson Desert. At the northern end it can take you to the Gary Highway or the Talawanna Track and the southern end finishes at the Gunbarrel Hwy.

Leaving the Eagle Hwy track junction with tracks to Gary Hwy or the Talawanna Track, an abandoned 2040 metres deep oil well, Eagle Dragon No 1, drilled in late 1982 is the first stop.

Further south of Eagle Dragon No 1 is an abandoned 1.34 km long airstrip and further south again is a turn off to the right to what is known as the Warri Site. It was at this site the Eagle Oil Company had its camp. The remains of a shed, water tank and windmill in a picturesque grove of trees are still evident.

Further south is the turn off to the Karrarinarri Claypan. It was at this site that the last two aboriginal nomads in this part of the desert were found and then relocated. There is a cairn and plaque commemorating the event.

Next stop is Eagle Hussar No 1 oil well (abandoned) and a nearby, another abandoned oil company shed and airstrip.

The track improves as you head south, allowing speeds of 10 to 45 kph and occasionally higher.

Mungilli outstation, (abandoned), is an interesting stopping place with the remains of many buildings, sheds and concrete pads.

Upon reaching the end of the Eagle Hwy turn left to Mungilli Claypan. When we visited it had a large sheet of water that attracted camels and birds.

Once at the bottom end of the Hwy the options are to travel east along the Gunbarrel Hwy to Warburton, south on the David Carnegie Road to Tjukayirla Road House or west along the Gunbarrel to Carnegie Station/Wiluna.

On the track there was the odd washaway and rocky outcrop; however it was mainly low scrub with belts of mulga and spinifex flats and very few sand hills.

Environment

The desert environment is pristine except for the remains of oil exploration camps, wells and airstrips. Recent rains had promoted a very green look to the spinifex. Although spinifex is the main vegetation, belts of mulga and low scrub are frequently encountered. It is very likely that Camels will be seen; they often frequent this part of the desert.

History

In the early 1980’s the Eagle Oil Company carried out a significant exploration and drilling programme in the area. The Eagle Hwy, as it has since become known, was put in by them.

Karrarinarri Claypan is the site at which the last two aboriginal nomads in this part of the desert, Warri and Yatungka, were found and then relocated to Wiluna in 1977. There is a cairn and plaque at this site commemorating the event.

This is spectacular country but very isolated. Be well prepared and make all the usual plans and preparations for remote travel, it is essential you be totally self sufficient. Fuel needs are a critical factor. Careful planning and making allowance for soft and difficult terrain is crucial. Our Diesel 80 Series Toyota Landcruiser average fuel consumption was 16.51 litres per 100 kms.

There are no fuel, water or supplies available on the Eagle Highway so all of this must be carried. The nearest limited fuel and supplies are available at Tjukayirla Road House (Great Central Rd), Carnegie Station (Gunbarrel Hwy) and Kunawarritji Community which is further north of the Gary Hwy. If you need unleaded fuel - this may be available at Kunawarritji Community by ordering a fortnight in advance.

Remote Desert Country

Temperatures can rise to 50°C in summer and it has been known to rise to 60°C. Travel during summer is not recommended. This is remote desert country, so be fully self-sufficient. Keep in mind that this is not a well travelled route and there are absolutely no facilities for travellers, not even stations or aboriginal communities.

Your vehicle will need to be extensively prepared for remote area travel, with all fuel, water, food and vehicle repair equipment and spare parts. All travellers must be totally self-sufficient and should read the 4WDriving Topic for related articles and checklists for vehicle setup and driver awareness. High clearance vehicles recommended, and depending on the season, a spinifex blind is highly recommended.

We advise that you refer to the latest information and advice about outback communications in the Communications Topic. For any dune driving you should fly a dune flag from the front of your vehicle to avoid head on collisions on dune tops. Additionally, the lead vehicle in any direction should periodically make calls on Channel 10 from the top of large dunes on the UHF radio to advise oncoming traffic of your position.

Fuel Information

Please note that unleaded fuels have long been unavailable in the region in an attempt to combat petrol sniffing issues in nearby Aboriginal communities. Recently, a new fuel from BP called Opal Unleaded, has been introduced to better serve travellers interests, whilst combating petrol sniffing problems. BP Opal Unleaded is available at Warburton, (and also Warakurna Roadhouse and Docker River along the Great Central Road).

Permits

None unless using the access and/or exit via the Great Central Road.

Fuel Supplies & Usage

Fuel is available at Tjukayirla Road House (Great Central Rd) and Carnegie Station (Gunbarrel Hwy). Limited fuel at Kunawarritji Community. None of these shown on this trek note.

Diesel	ULP	LPG
4cyl 28 litres	4cyl 33 litres	4cyl 41 litres
6cyl 31 litres	6cyl 37 litres	6cyl 36 litres
8cyl 31 litres	8cyl 34 litres

Best Time To Visit

Services & Supplies

Limited supplies and facilities available at Tjukayirla Road House (Great Central Rd), Carnegie Station (Gunbarrel Hwy) and Kunawarritji Community. None of these shown on this trek note.

Pristine desert environment, abandoned oil wells, most likely camels and Karrarinarri Claypan, the site were the last two aboriginal nomads in this part of the desert we found and then relocated.

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