Hi all, just returned from this trip and advise the following. Stuart Hwy to Katherine good. Victoria Hwy to Kununurra good, to Derby OK. Thefts from caravan parks in Kununurra, Derby and Broome including stolen cars is on the rise. Gibb River road Derby to Winjarna Gorge although there is 70kms of tar the dirt is terrible and near Winjarna turn off dangerous with witches hats marking bull dust holes. The Gorge is wonderful with lots of crocs, however Tunnel Creek is NOT like the brochure. Due to a rock fall the entrance is now large boulders making your entrance very difficult and if the tour buses arrive expect to wait 30 minutes to get out.
Horizontal falls was fantastic, bucket list tick. We did the overnight, yes expensive, as my dad used to say "its the difference between Gold Handles or Chrome on your coffin"so just do it.
80 Mile Beach one of life's joys, Kalbarri beautiful. Turned left at Geraldton into the wheat belt, the roads here and really good all the way to Meriden. To Kalgoorlie and Norseman road ok. Norseman to SA border Nullarbor is fantastic good surface, wide and pleasant road train drivers. SA border to Pt Augusta road is terrible too narrow, undulating, unescorted wide loads something needs to done here and quickly before a major accident. Towing a 19' van you cannot get far enough away to avoid buffeting a trap for inexperienced vanners.
Ayers Rock, seems to be losing it, park entrance fee 2011 $25 per car now $25 per person for 3 days, Diesel $2.12lt, one ablutions block in van park closed for refurbishment during peak season, beer $9 schooner, but the rock still gives me goose bumps.
Greg 1 said
11:18 AM Sep 4, 2019
You missed some of the best bits of WA. The south west corner and along the coast to Esperance and Lucky Bay.
PeterD said
01:57 PM Sep 4, 2019
Greg 1 wrote:
You missed some of the best bits of WA.
Who said he missed them. He is most likely saving that area for next time. I have been around the block twice. The first time we followed the water pipeline to Kalgoorlie, the second time we did a quick trip around the coast. Then we came back for a third trip to cover the southern regions. You are better off seeing things over a few trips.
Macca70 said
08:04 AM Sep 13, 2019
Been there before plus the southwest was having the worst weather and very cold. Don't think we will bother going back again
TheHeaths said
05:53 PM Sep 14, 2019
Sorry Geoff, but I dont think the road from the SA Border is quite as bad as your report.
The road has some sections that are not as good as others, but all in all the road is safe and a reasonable surface. Certainly not the death trap you paint it as.
For those contemplating the trip, dont be put off of going.
Hi all, just returned from this trip and advise the following. Stuart Hwy to Katherine good. Victoria Hwy to Kununurra good, to Derby OK. Thefts from caravan parks in Kununurra, Derby and Broome including stolen cars is on the rise. Gibb River road Derby to Winjarna Gorge although there is 70kms of tar the dirt is terrible and near Winjarna turn off dangerous with witches hats marking bull dust holes. The Gorge is wonderful with lots of crocs, however Tunnel Creek is NOT like the brochure. Due to a rock fall the entrance is now large boulders making your entrance very difficult and if the tour buses arrive expect to wait 30 minutes to get out.
Horizontal falls was fantastic, bucket list tick. We did the overnight, yes expensive, as my dad used to say "its the difference between Gold Handles or Chrome on your coffin"so just do it.
80 Mile Beach one of life's joys, Kalbarri beautiful. Turned left at Geraldton into the wheat belt, the roads here and really good all the way to Meriden. To Kalgoorlie and Norseman road ok. Norseman to SA border Nullarbor is fantastic good surface, wide and pleasant road train drivers. SA border to Pt Augusta road is terrible too narrow, undulating, unescorted wide loads something needs to done here and quickly before a major accident. Towing a 19' van you cannot get far enough away to avoid buffeting a trap for inexperienced vanners.
Ayers Rock, seems to be losing it, park entrance fee 2011 $25 per car now $25 per person for 3 days, Diesel $2.12lt, one ablutions block in van park closed for refurbishment during peak season, beer $9 schooner, but the rock still gives me goose bumps.
Who said he missed them. He is most likely saving that area for next time. I have been around the block twice. The first time we followed the water pipeline to Kalgoorlie, the second time we did a quick trip around the coast. Then we came back for a third trip to cover the southern regions. You are better off seeing things over a few trips.
The road has some sections that are not as good as others, but all in all the road is safe and a reasonable surface. Certainly not the death trap you paint it as.
For those contemplating the trip, dont be put off of going.