RoadAtlas
The Gunbarrel Highway — Australia — Desert
Australia & Pacific

The Gunbarrel Highway

Australia

In short: The Gunbarrel Highway is a 1,350 km desert road trip in Australia, typically driven over 5–7 days (4WD essential), best in May–Sep. Highlights: Wiluna, Carnegie Homestead, Warburton.

Distance
1,350 km
Duration
5–7 days (4WD essential)
Best Season
May–Sep
IconicExtreme4WD onlyDesertOff-road sections

The original Gunbarrel, built in the 1950s by Len Beadell with a handful of road builders and a bulldozer so rockets could be launched from Woomera and British atomic bombs tested at Maralinga. Made deliberately straight "to keep Australia looking tidy and neat." From Wiluna through Carnegie Homestead and the Giles Meteorological Station to Uluru.

~2 refuels
~4 charges
Practical notes
One of Australia's most isolated tracks, crossing Western Australia with no services for hundreds of kilometres. Carry extensive fuel, water, and recovery gear, and travel with at least one other 4WD. A satellite communicator is essential as mobile coverage is nonexistent throughout.
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Stops along the route

Wiluna — Departure — The Gunbarrel Highway — Australia
Departure
Wiluna
The last town with fuel before 1,350 km of outback, on the edge of the Gibson Desert. The Canning Stock Route departs north from here; mobile coverage ends at the town boundary.
Hotels
Warburton — City — The Gunbarrel Highway — Australia
City
Warburton
A remote Ngaanyatjarra community at the route's midpoint with a roadhouse offering fuel and limited supplies. The art centre produces exceptional desert paintings from a people on this country for 25,000 years.
Hotels
Docker River — City — The Gunbarrel Highway — Australia
City
Docker River
The Luritja community of Kaltukatjara marks the Northern Territory border and the Gunbarrel's true end. A final fuel stop before the sealed road runs east toward Uluru through ochre Petermann ranges.
Hotels
Uluru — Arrival — The Gunbarrel Highway — Australia
Arrival
Uluru
The sacred Anangu monolith at the journey's end, approached from the west as travellers have arrived for millennia. The rock cycles through deep reds and purples in the minutes around dusk.

Things to Do

Carnegie Homestead — Landmark — The Gunbarrel Highway — Australia
Landmark
Carnegie Homestead
A historic sheep station at the desert's heart, a waypoint since the 1890s gold rush. Explorer David Carnegie named the region in 1896, surviving on camel blood when water ran out.
Giles Weather Station — Landmark — The Gunbarrel Highway — Australia
Landmark
Giles Weather Station
Australia's most remote staffed weather station, recording observations every three hours year-round. Len Beadell named it for explorer Ernest Giles; staff are famously welcoming to passing travellers.
Wiluna Heritage Trail — Historic Site — The Gunbarrel Highway — Australia
Historic Site
Wiluna Heritage Trail
Explore the rich history of Wiluna through a self-guided tour of significant sites and landmarks.
Warburton Arts Project — Art Gallery — The Gunbarrel Highway — Australia
Art Gallery
Warburton Arts Project
Showcases contemporary Indigenous art from the Ngaanyatjarra lands, reflecting the region's cultural heritage.
Giles Weather Station Tour — Museum — The Gunbarrel Highway — Australia
Museum
Giles Weather Station Tour
Learn about meteorology and the station's history through guided tours and exhibits.
Docker River Community Art Centre — Art Gallery — The Gunbarrel Highway — Australia
Art Gallery
Docker River Community Art Centre
Features local Indigenous artworks, providing insight into the area's vibrant cultural expressions.
Uluru Base Walk — Hike — The Gunbarrel Highway — Australia
Hike
Uluru Base Walk
A 10.6 km trail encircling the base of Uluru, offering close-up views of the rock's features and cultural sites.

Where to Eat

Wiluna Roadhouse — Local Diner — The Gunbarrel Highway — Australia
Local Diner
Wiluna Roadhouse
A convenient stop offering hearty meals and refreshments for travelers on the Gunbarrel Highway.
Warburton Roadhouse — Local Diner — The Gunbarrel Highway — Australia
Local Diner
Warburton Roadhouse
Provides a range of meals and snacks, ideal for a break during your desert journey.
Docker River Roadhouse — Local Diner — The Gunbarrel Highway — Australia
Local Diner
Docker River Roadhouse
Offers basic meals and supplies, catering to travelers traversing the remote outback.
Giles Weather Station Canteen — Cafeteria — The Gunbarrel Highway — Australia
Cafeteria
Giles Weather Station Canteen
Serves simple meals and beverages, primarily for staff but open to visitors.
Yulara Bakery — Bakery — The Gunbarrel Highway — Australia
Bakery
Yulara Bakery
Offers freshly baked goods and light meals, perfect for a quick bite near Uluru.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the The Gunbarrel Highway drive?

The The Gunbarrel Highway covers 1,350 km from start to finish.

How long does the The Gunbarrel Highway take to drive?

Most travellers spend 5–7 days (4WD essential) on the The Gunbarrel Highway, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the The Gunbarrel Highway?

The recommended season for the The Gunbarrel Highway is May–Sep.

Where does the The Gunbarrel Highway start and end?

The The Gunbarrel Highway runs from Wiluna to Uluru.

What are the main stops on the The Gunbarrel Highway?

The The Gunbarrel Highway passes through Wiluna, Carnegie Homestead, Warburton.

How difficult is the The Gunbarrel Highway to drive?

The The Gunbarrel Highway is rated extreme and is best handled with 4wd only.

Do I need a 4WD for the The Gunbarrel Highway?

Yes — the The Gunbarrel Highway includes off-road or rough sections that require 4wd only.

How many fuel stops are needed on the The Gunbarrel Highway?

Plan around 2 refuels (or about 4 EV charges) along the The Gunbarrel Highway, based on its 1,350 km length.

Is the The Gunbarrel Highway safe to drive?

One of Australia's most isolated tracks, crossing Western Australia with no services for hundreds of kilometres. Carry extensive fuel, water, and recovery gear, and travel with at least one other 4WD. A satellite communicator is essential as mobile coverage is nonexistent throughout.

What scenic tier is the The Gunbarrel Highway?

The The Gunbarrel Highway is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.