The Gunbarrel Highway
Australia
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.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Where to Eat
- Wiluna RoadhouseLocal Diner
A convenient stop offering hearty meals and refreshments for travelers on the Gunbarrel Highway.
- Warburton RoadhouseLocal Diner
Provides a range of meals and snacks, ideal for a break during your desert journey.
- Docker River RoadhouseLocal Diner
Offers basic meals and supplies, catering to travelers traversing the remote outback.
- Giles Weather Station CanteenCafeteria
Serves simple meals and beverages, primarily for staff but open to visitors.
- Yulara BakeryBakery
Offers freshly baked goods and light meals, perfect for a quick bite near Uluru.
Things to Do
- Wiluna Heritage TrailHistoric Site
Explore the rich history of Wiluna through a self-guided tour of significant sites and landmarks.
- Warburton Arts ProjectArt Gallery
Showcases contemporary Indigenous art from the Ngaanyatjarra lands, reflecting the region's cultural heritage.
- Giles Weather Station TourMuseum
Learn about meteorology and the station's history through guided tours and exhibits.
- Docker River Community Art CentreArt Gallery
Features local Indigenous artworks, providing insight into the area's vibrant cultural expressions.
- Uluru Base WalkHike
A 10.6 km trail encircling the base of Uluru, offering close-up views of the rock's features and cultural sites.
Travel advisory
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.