Gunbarrel Highway
About this track
The Gunbarrel Highway is Len Beadell's legendary 1350 km route across the Gibson Desert, linking Western Australia and the Northern Territory through one of Australia's most isolated and unforgiving landscapes. This is a hard 4WD expedition, not a tourist drive: the track is deeply rutted, often overgrown, and demands full self-sufficiency, convoy travel, and genuine desert survival skills. It's iconic because it's genuinely remote and genuinely tough — a test of vehicle, preparation and nerve across some of the harshest country on the continent.
Highlights
- Extreme remoteness: 500+ km between resupply points
- Severe corrugations, ruts, sand drifts and overgrown sections
- Aboriginal-land permits essential; cultural respect non-negotiable
- Warburton and Carnegie are only fuel stops; plan meticulously
- Dry season (May–Sep) only; winter nights bitterly cold
- Recovery-ready convoy travel; EPIRB and dual battery mandatory
What to expect
Relentless corrugated track with deep ruts, sand drifts and spinifex encroachment. Vehicle damage is routine; punctures, suspension wear and bogging are near-certainties. Water crossings are rare but can be treacherous after rain. Driving is slow, exhausting work in low range, often 15–20 km/h over the worst sections. Absolute isolation means no phone coverage, no fuel, no help for hundreds of kilometres. Landscape is flat to gently undulating desert scrub—beautiful but merciless.
Permits, prep & good to know
- Permits: Yes — Aboriginal-land permits — confirm current details before you go.
- Surface / hazards: Severe.
- Remoteness: Extreme — travel self-sufficient, ideally in convoy.
- Carry an EPIRB or satellite communicator, recovery gear, extra fuel and water.
Aboriginal-land permits are required; apply well in advance through the relevant land council. Track conditions vary; check with authorities before departure. May–September only; wet season closes the route. Carry all water (200+ litres minimum), extra fuel, full recovery kit, sand tracks, high-lift jack and skilled recovery crew. Convoy travel is non-negotiable. Dual battery, UHF radio and EPIRB are essential. Tyre pressures must be adjusted for sand and corrugations. Leave no trace: pack all rubbish, respect sacred sites, camp away from waterholes.