Gibson Desert Expedition
DAYS
15
Style
Camping
EX
Perth – Alice Springs
From
$6,585.00
Overview
Next Tour: 21st April - 5th May 2021
As with all Len Beadell’s outback roads the highway tag is very wrong with the majority of them being unkept outback tracks.
The focus of the trip will be the arid zone plants, birds and other wildlife plus the diverse geology and the history of the tracks themselves. Our visits to remote Aboriginal communities and the occasional bores providing water in the heart of the desert country add an other interesting experience.
Join this small group as we experience the country in almost same natural state as the early explorers Carnegie and Giles saw it but without the hardships that they endured.
Itinerary
| 1 | Perth - Mt Magnet Area | We depart Perth around 7.30 this morning for a full day's drive north via the Great Northern Highway to our campsite in the Mt Magnet area. Accommodation: Mt Magnet Caravan Park Campsite LD |
| 2 | Mt Magnet Area - Wiluna Area | Today we travel via Meekatharra to Wiluna, a small outback town and the gateway to the two iconic roads, The Canning Stock Route and the Gunbarrel Hwy. Wiluna is our last touch of civilisation for some time as we will be travelling on the Gunbarrel Highway, which officially started a few hundred km’s further east. After we resupply in Wiluna, we will head east for 12km to our camp. Accommodation: Gunbarrel Laarger Travellers Rest Campsite BLD |
| 3 | Wiluna Area - Mingol Camp (Wongawol Station) | We start our main journey eastwards along the Gunbarrel highway/ Wongawol Road, stopping along the way for arid zone plants and wildlife sightings. Passing Wongawol Homestead, we head towards Lake Carnegie and our bush camp on the western edge of the Gibson Desert. Accommodation: Mingol Camp BLD |
| 4 | Mingol Camp - Carnegie - Mangkili Claypan Area | This morning we visit Carnegie Station where we will fuel up and then travel on the Gunbarrel Highway, where we start our journey into the Gibson Desert and the Mangkili Claypan Nature Reserve (also known as Mungilli Claypan). Accommodation: Mangkili Claypan Area Bush Camp BLD |
| 5 | Mangkili Claypan Area | We will spend today exploring the area that surrounds our campsite. After peak rains in February and March, the pan should still be holding water and will be home to a range of migratory birds. Late summer rains should also bring new life to the vegetation surrounding the pan. Accommodation: Mangkili Claypan Area Bush Camp BLD |
| 6 | Mangkili Claypan Area - Everard Junction | We continue along the Gunbarrel Highway to Everard Junction, which is the meeting point of the Gunbarrel Highway and Garry Highway. Another track made by Len Beadell. Accommodation: Everard Junction Bush Camp BLD |
| 7 | Everard Junction - Lake Cohen - Everard Junction | Today we leave the trailers behind at our camp for a day trip to Lake Cohen on the northern boundary of the Gibson Desert Nature Reserve. After a good wet season when Lake Cohen is holding water, it can be an excellent site for birdwatching and other wildlife. Accommodation: Everard Junction Bush Camp BLD |
| 8 | Everard Junction - Warburton | Travelling on the Gunbarrel and Heather Highways, we continue our journey to the Great Central Road and Warburton, where we will enjoy a well earned hot shower. Accommodation: Campsite Warburton Roadhouse BLD |
| 9 | Warburton - Giles (Warakurna) | Today we have a break from outback tracks and enjoy the well constructed Great Central Road. This afternoon we will arrive at Warakurna and visit the Giles Meteorological station. We will also have a chance to do some laundry and spend some time relaxing at our campsite. Accommodation: Campsite Warakuna BLD |
| 10-13 | Warakurna - Sandy Blight Junction Rd | We will spend the next four days travelling and camping along the Sandy Blight Junction Road, one of the highlights of the trip, with its many ranges, dunes and desert Oaks and spectacular scenery. Len Beadell called this road his Central Australian showcase. The four There will be plenty of time to experience and enjoy this beautiful area. Accommodation: Bush Camps BLD |
| 14 | Sandy Blight Junction - Mt Liebig Area | This morning we will call into Kintore (Walungurra) to refuel and re-stock before we travel on the Gary Junction Road to the Mt Liebig area for our last bush camp. Accommodation: Bush Camp BLD |
| 15 | Mt Liebig Area - Alice Springs | Travelling on the Gary Junction and Tanami Roads we head into Alice Springs. Our outback adventure ends this afternoon with your transfer to your chosen central Alice Springs accommodation. BL |
| NOTE: The above itinerary may be varied according to conditions and advice. |
availability
Places available on 21 April 2021 departure
Inclusions
- Two well-maintained 4WD vehicles;
- 2 crew members – a Naturalist/Driver Guide and Driver/Cook;
- Easy-to-erect tents and camp chairs with armrests;
- A self-inflating air mattress and stretcher bed;
- All eating utensils;
- Meals as per itinerary: B (breakfast), L (lunch), D (dinner);
- Campsite fees;
- Morning teas;
- All national park entrance fees;
- Travel permits as required.
Trip Reviews
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