G'day.

I have been fortunate enough to have started travelling this vast island since 1960. Late 1960's and me and a few other young blokes were doing oil rig shift and supply, SA, NT, WA. The road was then known as the "Warburton track" It slowly improved, and in the late 80's and two of us were driving an express bus service, Perth/Alice Springs. Some months later, and I was taking a 40 foot tour coach across what then became "The Warburton Road".

I have used this road quite a lot over the last few years, and have just completed the trip again. In round figures, it's about 1000 klms. Not trying to sound dramatic, but I do think that one day, before it is fully sealed, it may be one of this countrys last great drives. Many years ago, other tracks were, "The Birdsville Track" "The Tanami Track", and "The Gibb River Road" etc. These, like the Warburton Road, now known as "The Great Desert Highway/Drive"?, have been greatly improved.

The WA side of the road is, at times, almost perfect. The NT side is in need of improvement? Keeping in mind, the following information is only the opinion of a much travelled of fart. (73) Here it is. Food and fuel available. Tjukayirla, Warburton, Warrakurna and Docker River indiginous communities. Each of these places has fuel and tucked available. Please respect the privacy of the communities, and go to the shop only.

Before you go, keep in mind that this is a well travelled road, and you won't be lost in a desert, never to be seen again, if you stay on the road.

At this point, I am not trying to insult anyones intelligence, but know your vehicle. The nearest servo will be a long way away. The normal spares are essential for any long distance travel. Fan belt, hoses, 10 litre extra fuel, good tyres and spare tyre/wheel, jack X two, a CB radio, tow rope. (Not a "stretch strap", unless you know exactly how to use it, as they can be very dangerous in the wrong hands.) Read up and understand tyre pressures. The less air pressure, less damage to your vehicle. (NOTE. You will see signs that ask you to lock up your unleaded fuel!)

My partner, Jennifer, and I left Laverton mid morning. She has a "Winnebago, Leisure Seeker" where I have a 25 year old Mazda T3500 ex school bus, motorhome. Neither vehicle was set up to be a purpose built "off roaders." Speeds varied from 40 to 80 kph. It started to rain!!? Jennifer was worried as to the wet road. Within reason, I was glad of of it, as it tends to "iron out" the corrugations. Tyre pressures were dropped by 15 lbs on COLD tyres. Quite satisfactory.

You will need to get a permit to travel across indiginous country. Many times I have heard folks say, "Why should I, I'm an Australian, and this is Australia!!??" It's free, and a matter of courtesy. You and I wouldn't cross large cattle properties with out getting pemission, a!? In SA, you can be fined up to $250 for travelling without a permit on indiginous land.

Experienced bush drivers can travel up to 100 kph on gravel road. Please don't try it, if you are not experienced. We did pass several private cars and station wagons, apart from 4x4s, and quite a few passed us, at speed.

Anyway, the rain was just a slow drizzle. There was long stretches of water. Jennifer asked if we should drive around it. Unless there is a reflective triangle in the middle, indicating a deep wheel rut, simply drive through it, slowly. If in doubt, stop and walk through it. The water stays there because the ground is hard. The sides of the road are usually very soft. There are marked parking areas to camp o/night. Other than that, all the fuel stops have caravan park facilities. Talked to a couple who were draggin' a single axle caravan. Low tyre pressure, and all other gear inside their ute. No worries. The country is undulating, so when approaching a crest, always stay to the left in case of vehicles travelling the opposite way. The country is very beautiful, and very green. Jennifer expected to see nothing but desert, and was amazed by all the growth. We saw few 'roos, and only half a dozen camels and emus. On the NT side of the border, the road is in need of an upgrade. (That's putting it mildly) Yes, it is a bit rough in places, but isn't that part of getting off the sealed roads and trying, the road less travelled. (It's only one old blokes opinion.)

Regards.

Pipes