It’s time for the Australian Icon
Gunbarrel Highway
The Gunbarrel Highway
- It is a four-wheel-drive dream route for everyone who loves the Australian outback.
- A Tag-Along Tour with a qualified tour guide
- The tour is a unique combination of a visit to tourist highlights in the Red Center and the attraction of an off-road vehicle tour through the Old Gunbarrel Highway and the Gunbarrel Highway, a uniquely beautiful desert track in Western Australia.
All this can be safely enjoyed as a TAG-ALONG TOUR or as a PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR guided by a very experienced tour guide.
Travel description
From Alice Springs, it goes west via Larapinta Drive to Hermannsburg, south of the West Macdonnell Range. The former German mission is worth a visit.
The first 4WD challenge is Palm Valley. Watarrka (Kings Canyon) is reached via the Mereenie Loop, subject to a permit. A 6 km tightrope walk along the rock edges is unforgettable.
The sunsets at Uluru (Ayers Rock) are uniquely beautiful, and the sunrise promises to be a colourful experience.
After visiting Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), it goes on Tjukururu Road (Docker River Road) past Lasseter Cave and the native place Kaltukatjara (Docker River) to the West Australian border.
It is near here to Warakurna, the first roadhouse in WA. That is where the Old Gunbarrel Highway and Gunbarrel Highway begin. There are uniquely beautiful desert slopes for off-road vehicle enthusiasts.
They are about 1000 km long between Warakurna Roadhouse on Great Central Road and Carnegie Station, about 350 km from Wiluna in Western Australia. The Gunbarrel Highway ends here. There is much to experience and learn: fauna and flora, unique landscapes, Australian history, and unique driving experience.
Travel style
Take-Along Tour is a group tour in individual off-road vehicles for two people. You travel, drive and sleep in an off-road camper for no more than two people, equipped with everything you need.
Alternatively, an off-road vehicle with a roof tent can be organised. Participation in your private car is also possible.
You can book a ride if you don’t want to drive yourself.
In the end, still a long way to Perth – Gunbarrel Hihgway near Carnegie Station
Start or End of The Gunbarrel Highway
Welcome to Carnegie Station – True Australian Outback
Tthe end or beginn of the cosed Old Gunbarrel Highway
Sturt’s Desert Pea growing on the Gunbarrel Highway
A view into the endless expanse of the landscape near Carnegie Station
A kangaroo in a wide landscape near Carnegie Station, 340km East of Wiluna,
A Herd of Camels on the Gunbarrel Highway
Historical signs – Gunbarrel Highway
Mount Beadell, named after Len Beadell, the constructor of the famous Gunbarrel Highway
One of Len Beadell´s Camp during the construction of Gunbarrel Highway
One of many Len Beadeall´s famous markers on the Gunbarrel Highway
Cairns on the Gunbarrel Highway
Victoria Station NT – Start of the Gunbarrel Highway
Indigenous designed sign – Southaustralian part of Gunbarrel Highway
Water Pump on Gunbarrel Highway
As far as the eye can see on the Gunbarrel Highway
The last pub before tackling the Gunbarrel Highway
Back to civilisation after 9 days on the Gunbarrel Highway
Itnerary Gunbarrel Highway | Alice Springs to Perth | 11 Days
(Subject to change)
That participants arrive in time before departure to sleep off any jet lag and to adapt to the local climate is recommended.
Day 1 All participants meet in Alice Springs for this adventure and adventure tour. It is time to make the necessary preparations. The vehicles are loaded and test-driven.
Day 2 to Day 3 Northern Territory
We leave Alice Springs early in the morning via Larapinta Drive, arriving at Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm. The old German town of Hermannsburg is the next stop before our first 4 WD challenge, the Palm Valley. Back on the main trail, after another 43 km, we take the Meerenie Loop towards Kings Canyon. After the ridge walk along the cliffs of Kings Canyon, the ride continues past Mt Conner Lookout to Curtin Springs. After a refreshing break, we continue the Lasseter Highway to Yulara and Ayers Rock for a spectacular sunset.
Day 4 Early in the morning, we enjoy the colourful sunrise. Afterwards, we drive to the Olgas. From here, we return to the Gravel Road towards Docker River, visit Lasseter’s Cave and approach the Western Australian border.
Day 5 to Day 8 Western Australia
From here, the Great Central Road begins. After approximately 90 km, we reach Warakurna Roadhouse for a relaxing break and a refuel. So refreshed, we returned to the road, and after 16 km, we turned right onto the Old Gunbarrel Highway. We have reached the actual Old Gunbarrel Highway. It is 308 km long and left to its own devices. In a big way, we bypass the Aboriginal community of Warburton. In these states, we reached the Gibson Desert, with it came entirely new landscapes. The next junction is Everard Junction, where the Gary Highway branches off to the north. After another 32 km comes the Hunt Oil Road. Continuing southwest, after 53 km, the Eagle Highway branches off to the north, and the David Carnegie Road runs south. After another 150 km, we reach Carnegie Station, the end of the Gunbarrel Highway. Here, we should refuel again to get to Wiluna safely.
Day 9 Carnegie Station to Wiluna
From now on, it’s a formality for Wiluna to be on a well-made gravel road. The flatland covered with spinifex grass is behind us. In front of us are large pastures with nutritious Mitchell grass, the famous cattle country. The Princess and Wellington mountain ranges are visible.
Day 10 to Day 11 Wiluna to Perth.
Those needing fuel can refuel in Wiluna before heading towards Meekatharra on an excellent sandy track, some of which has longer bitumen passing sections where we can safely overtake road trains. From here, we continue on the tarmac Great Northern Highway towards Cue, Mount Magnet and Payne’s Find. The last day we spent in New Norcia, the only Benedictine monastic village in Australia. We reach Perth in the early afternoon.
Exclusive Private Tour
Max. 2 Persons in 1 Car- Request prices: no tour is like another; therefore, we carefully and individually calculate each enquiry.
Mini Group Tour
Max. 4 PersonsA$ 7,174…
- …per car with 1 or 2 people in two 4WD vehicles twin share
- excluding 4 WD hires, Allstar Camper and Bonito – Camper can be organised.
Small Group Tour
5 or more Persons- …with 1 or 2 people in one 4WD vehicle twin share
- excluding 4 WD hires, Allstar Camper and Bonito – Camper can be organised
Services Included
- Guided self-drive tour in the Australian style of a tag-along tour
- There are qualified tour guides from Perth to Alice Springs, or vice versa.
- All campsites accommodation costs campsites
- Carries everything for a refreshing bush shower
- Information material Gunbarrel Highway
- Qualified breakdown assistance
- Free of charge 2. Spare tyres for loaning when needed
- Communication with the Royal Flying Doctor Service via satellite telephone
- All transit permits
- CB radio equipment for every vehicle
Services NOT included
- Rental of the 4WD Vehicle
- Drinks and meals.
- Personal optional activities
- Personal expenses and medication
- Tips
- Fuel
Special Instructions
- A release and disclaimer must be signed before starting the tour.
- For all participants, it is recommended to take out suitable travel insurance that also covers cancellation and termination of the trip.
- For German participants, the conclusion of an ARAG protection letter is also recommended, which is unfortunately not offered in other countries.
Travel Price excludes Vehicle Rental
On request, we can arrange a 4WD camper for you
- 4WD camper with full equipment, 300km per day, liability insurance for the off-road vehicle with a deductible of AUD 8000.00. We recommend Comprehensive coverage.
- On Tag-Along Tours with Otto Tours Australia, insurance coverage is available on all routes.
- We can organize the following vehicle types. (subject to availability)
- Apollo Trailfinder (other vehicles on request)
Surcharges (strongly recommended)
Fully comprehensive insurance with a deductible of A$ 1,000, valid on all Tagalong Tours per day, per vehicle, including prepaid gas bottle refilling, 1 x table, and two camping chairs. (Just with a current rental request, we can determine the costs)
Payment and cancellation conditions
- 20% of the travel price is due when booking
- 80% of the travel price is due 60 days before the start of the trip.
In the event of a cancellation, the following cancellation conditions apply:
- 20% of the travel price is due up to 60 days before the start of the trip
- 40% of the travel price is due up to 40 days before the start of the trip
- 60% of the travel price is due up to 30 days before the start of the trip
- 80% of the travel price is due up to 14 days before the start of the trip
- After that, 100% of the travel price is due
Travel Dates for the Gunbarrel Highway
(The Private Tour Guiding travel dates can be arranged to suit your timeframe)
Gunbarrel Highway | Perth to Alice Springs | 11 days
Gunbarrel Highway | Alice Springs to Perth | 11 days
Gunbarrel Highway | Perth to Alice Springs | 11 days
Gunbarrel Highway | Alice Springs to Perth | 11 days