Gunbarrel Highway

Using photography, track notes and mapping, the Outback Travellers Track Guide is a companion to sheet maps, offering a closer look at what is out there, where to find it and how to get there safely.
Not only is the Gunbarrel Highway a legendary track constructed by Len Beadell and his road crew, but is a challenge of endurance in its own right. Much of the track is heavily corrugated and a test bed for your 4wd’s nuts & bolts through vibration and harmonic torture. There are many areas with washouts, heavy sand, gravel and many outcrops of rocky sections. However, this is off-set by great bush camping at places like Geraldton Bore and Camp Beadell. As permits are not being granted by the Ngaanyatjarra Council for the abandoned section of the Gunbarrel, it is currently not accessible. Travel to and from the Great Central Road is via the Heather Highway, which also requires a permit to transit. The view from Mt Beadell is well worth the climb and houses a replica of Len Beadell’s theodolite at the lookout. Many 4 wheel drivers use the Gunbarrel as a short-cut from Central Australia to Wiluna and the Canning Stock Route and many want to drive it simply because of its reputation. What ever your reason, the Gibson desert is a unique environment that any serious traveller will just want to experience.