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HomeRoad TripsOceaniaAustraliaWestern AustraliaGunbarrel Highway
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Gunbarrel Highway Road Trip

Meekatharra - Wiluna - Yulara - Uluru

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Security Security
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Wildlife Wildlife
Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
Gunbarrel Highway Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages3 km1,831 h/stage29.1

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Gunbarrel Highway Road Trip in Western Australia?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 540EUR drive & more 250EUR sleep & more 726EUR eat & more 960EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,936EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,476EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 720EUR drive & more 325EUR sleep & more 1,320EUR eat & more 1,440EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 3,085EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 3,805EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,260EUR drive & more 450EUR sleep & more 2,310EUR eat & more 1,920EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 4,680EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 5,940EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 2,250EUR drive & more 500EUR sleep & more 550EUR eat & more 960EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,010EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 4,260EUR
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Gunbarrel Highway Road Trip Itinerary

Embark on an amazing road trip with stunning landscapes and unforgettable experiences! The Gunbarrel Highway Road Trip is a 10-day journey from Meekatharra to Uluru that covers 833 miles of Australia's vast Outback. Along the way, you will pass through Wiluna and Yulara, where you can explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed monuments. The best time of year to take this road trip is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. The roads along the Gunbarrel Highway are mostly suitable for 4WD vehicles, but some sections are only accessible to motorhomes. You should also be aware that some parts of the road are quite narrow. Despite these potential difficulties, the Gunbarrel Highway Road Trip is an incredible journey that is suitable for drivers of all levels of experience. With a moderate budget, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the Outback and create memories that will last a lifetime.
number of days 10 number of days
route length 1,831 km route length
budget fair budget
good for adventurer good for
traffic direction on the left traffic direction
accident level fair accident level

START Meekatharra

Distance 1,831 km Driving time 87.3 h Pace: slow 421.1 kWh Airports MKR
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Meekatharra, situated in the Mid West region of Western Australia, is the perfect starting point for the "Gunbarrel Highway Road Trip". This remarkable town is known for its excellent scenery, wide-open spaces, and abundance of wildlife. With a wide range of attractions to explore, visitors are sure to enjoy the sights and sounds of this unique place. One of the most popular attractions in Meekatharra is the Meekatharra Museum, which showcases the history of the region and its people. Here, visitors can learn about the area’s Aboriginal and European history, as well as its unique flora and fauna. Other attractions in Meekatharra include the Meekatharra Rock Art Gallery, the Meekatharra Lookout, and the Meekatharra Wildlife Sanctuary. For those traveling to Meekatharra by air, the closest international airport is Geraldton Airport (GET). Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to pick up a vehicle and begin the Gunbarrel Highway Road Trip. Meekatharra is the perfect starting point for this unique road trip, with plenty of attractions to explore and plenty of opportunities to take in the beauty of the outback. From the museum to the wildlife sanctuary, visitors are sure to have a memorable experience. So, start planning your adventure today - Meekatharra awaits!

1 Meekatharra - Wiluna

Distance 182 km Driving time 2.1 h Pace: fast 54.5 kWh View map Itinerary
stretches of gravel road sections of narrow road
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Are you ready for an epic road trip? This stage starts in Meekatharra, Australia and ends in Wiluna, covering a distance of 113 miles in less than 4 hours. Along the route, you can visit the Moolooloo Station, a historic homestead built in the late 1800s, and Cattle Pool, a watering hole that is popular among animal life in the area. You'll also pass through the sandstone hills of the Kennedy Range National Park, a beautiful spot for sightseeing and camping, and the historic mining town of Nicholson. As you drive, be aware that parts of the road may be narrow, so take your time and enjoy the journey. At the end of the stage, you'll find yourself in the remote town of Wiluna, where you can enjoy a peaceful night's rest. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, visit the 'Itinerary' of this stage. So, fasten your seatbelt and get ready to explore!

2 Wiluna - Yulara

Distance 1,631 km Driving time 84.9 h Pace: slow 375.2 kWh View map Itinerary
4WD only stretches of gravel road inaccessible for campers inaccessible for caravans limited number of petrol stations scenic road sections of narrow road attractive landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site accommodation options
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Embark on a spectacular 709mi road trip from Wiluna to Yulara! This adventure will take you through the heart of Australia, taking in some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes. With fewer than 74 hours of driving, you’ll have plenty of time to take in the sights and sounds of the Outback. Keep in mind that some sections of the road may require 4WD and are not recommended for campers, while other sections may be inaccessible to cars with camper trailers. There can also be a lack of gas stations in some sections, so be sure to fill up whenever you can. Along the way, you’ll pass by some UNESCO Heritage sites and marvel at the narrow roads that take you through picturesque landscapes. Keep your eyes open for some of the unique wildlife and take some amazing photos of the scenic roads. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, make sure to check out the “Itinerary” of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Australia!

3 Yulara - Uluru

Distance 18 km Driving time 0.3 h Pace: modest 4.6 kWh View map Itinerary
4WD recommended stretches of gravel road dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road junction of road trips accommodation options
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Are you looking for a thrilling road trip? Then look no further than Yulara to Uluru! This 11-mile drive only takes about an hour, but you'll be able to explore the stunning landscapes in between. A 4WD car is recommended, as some of the roads can be narrow. The scenery along the way is breathtaking, so be sure to take some time to enjoy the views. Stop and explore the unique rock formations, and look for the many species of wildlife in the area. Uluru is a sight to behold, with its majestic red cliffs and ancient Aboriginal paintings. After a day of exploring, be sure to check out the nearby accommodation and restaurants for a well-earned rest. For more information about attractions, accommodation, restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary for this stage of your road trip.

  Uluru

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Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is an iconic Australian landscape located in the Northern Territory. The dramatic sandstone rock formation is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It is also the final destination of the Gunbarrel Highway Road Trip, a self-drive tour of the remote Outback. Uluru is the traditional land of the Anangu people. From the base of Uluru, visitors can access the many walking trails that provide stunning views and insight into the culture, history and geology of the area. The Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre is a great place to learn about the local Aboriginal culture, offering art galleries, cultural tours and interactive displays. At sunset, Uluru is a spectacular sight to behold. The changing red hues of the rock are a breathtaking experience and the perfect way to end the Gunbarrel Highway Road Trip. Uluru is within easy reach of Alice Springs Airport (ASP), the closest international airport. From there, the drive to Uluru is approximately 4.5 hours. There are also numerous hotels in the area, perfect for those looking to make a short or extended stay. So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable road trip, why not take the Gunbarrel Highway and end your journey in the remarkable Uluru?

Gunbarrel Highway Road Trip at a glance

Before you set off

The Gunbarrel Highway Road Trip is an epic 10-day expedition covering approximately 1,340 kilometers (833 miles) from Meekatharra to Uluru, slicing through the rugged expanse of Australia's Outback. This route is not just a journey; it's an exploration of Australia’s vast, remote interior, rich with indigenous culture and stark, natural grandeur. Travelers can expect to marvel at the changing landscapes and delve into the history and heritage of the land, including visits to UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

  • Meekatharra: The starting point known for its gold mining heritage, offering a quintessential Outback experience.
  • Wiluna: A historic gold mining town marking the beginning of the Gunbarrel Highway, home to significant Indigenous Australian sites.
  • Yulara: The resort town that serves as the base for exploring the iconic Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, filled with cultural and environmental treasures.
  • Uluru: The majestic, sacred sandstone monolith that is a symbol of Australia, offering insightful cultural tours, breathtaking walks, and the chance to witness spectacular sunsets and sunrises that paint the rock in a palette of colors.

Best Time to Go:

The optimal time to embark on this Road Trip is during the dry season, from May to October, when the weather is cooler and the roads are more passable, making the journey more comfortable and the sights more accessible.

Potential Risks:

  • The trail is designed for 4WD vehicles, with challenging sections that might be too taxing for regular motorhomes.
  • Drivers may encounter narrow and unsealed roads that demand focused driving and proper preparation.
  • The remoteness of the route necessitates thorough planning, as services like fuel stations, food, and water sources can be scarce.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

  • A moderate budget can cover the expenses of the trip, as the main attractions are the natural landscapes and cultural experiences.
  • While 4WD experience is beneficial, the trip is possible for drivers with basic skills willing to take on the challenge with proper preparation.
  • The journey requires careful planning, with essentials such as extra fuel, water, food supplies, and emergency kits being vital for safety in the Outback's unpredictable conditions.

A good choice for:

Embarking on the Gunbarrel Highway Road Trip is to step into a land of legend and lore, where the spirit of exploration meets the vastness of an ancient landscape. This unforgettable sojourn is the perfect blend of adventure and the sublime beauty of the Australian wilderness, destined to leave an indelible mark on the hearts of those who journey through it.

Facts for safer driving in Western Australia

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 60 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 110 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 110 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime on
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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