Puntawarri Track

This trek is an interesting route from Jigalong heading east towards Puntawarri and then further east to where the track meets the famous Canning Stock Route. This trek requires the correct permits to be obtained and once the traveller reaches the CSR, can visit nearby Canning’s Cairn, Durba and Diebel Springs before continuing on the CSR. Please allow a comfortable two days to travel from Jigalong to the Puntawarri Track and Canning Stock Route jucntion.

The Puntawarri Track is reasonably well travelled and mainly sandy, with patches of gravel and detours around the washouts. The route follows the valley between the low sand dunes and occasionally around the ends into the next valley. The route includes crossing Savory Creek and then exploring about 15km along the eastern bank. Exploring alongside Savory Creek is one of the highlights of the trip before the route swings east again towards the CSR.

Environment

On this little known track one travels through pristine desert country that provides a mixture of washaways, rocky outcrops, dry creek beds, and sand dune driving.

The trek tends to follow the spinifex plains between the sand dunes and goes through or around the belts of trees and shrubs along the route. Savory Creek has some spectacular scenery with a river gorge like environment, but water in the pools at Savory Creek should not be relied upon for drinking, it is used by stock and wildlife and the quality is dubious.

History

The traditional owners of the land are the Mandildjarra people.
Gas exploration in the area has been unsuccessful with Akubra 1 and Boondawari 1 abandoned. The now abandoned Rabbit Proof Fence survey by Alf Canning in 1902-03, cuts across the route south of Jigalong. The CSR also surveyed by Alf Canning in 1906-07 and constructed under his management in 1908-10, is at the eastern end of this trek.

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There is no fuel, water or supplies available on the Puntawarri Track so all of this must be carried. Fuel is only available at Jigalong once you reach the Canning Stock Route, the only fuel stops are Wiluna at the start of the CSR and Kunawarritji Community towards the other end.

Please note: Capricorn Roadhouse in Newman are unable to deliver fuel out to Well 23 this year (2008) as their truck has blown up. There is talk in Kunawarritji Community for plans to set up a temporary fuel depot as a stop gap measure this year due to the termination of fuel deliveries by Capricorn Roadhouse. The temporary dump will not occur as far south as Well 23 and this distance is still to be determined if these plans go ahead. Although, they do not anticipate fuel shortages this season, there is talk on plans for development of a bigger fuel depot at Kunawarritji Community. For more information on the latest developments, please call Graham at Kunawarritji on: (08) 9176 9040

Remote Desert Country

Temperatures can rise to 50°C in summer and it has been known to rise to 60°C. Travel during summer is not recommended. This is remote desert country, so be fully self-sufficient. Keep in mind that this is not a well travelled route and there are absolutely no facilities for travellers, not even stations or aboriginal communities.

Your vehicle will need to be extensively prepared for remote area travel, with all fuel, water, food and vehicle repair equipment and spare parts. All travellers must be totally self-sufficient and should read the 4WDriving Topic for related articles and checklists for vehicle setup and driver awareness. High clearance vehicles recommended, and depending on the season, a spinifex blind is highly recommended.

This is spectacular country but very isolated. You may not see any other vehicles at all on the track. Be well prepared and make all the usual plans and preparations for remote travel. We advise that you refer to the latest information and advice about 4WDriving, 4WD Preparation and articles on Outback Communications, Navigation and Outback Survival. For any dune driving you should fly a dune flag from the front of your vehicle to avoid head on collisions on dune tops. Additionally, the lead vehicle in any direction should periodically make calls on Channel 10 from the top of large dunes on the UHF radio to advise oncoming traffic of your position.

Permits

A permit is required for entry to Jigalong Reserve and is available online from Department of Indigenous Affairs. People need to contact Jigalong if they plan on visiting the Community via the Puntawarri track. The Puntawarri Track and Puntawarri are restricted areas even for holders of a Canning Stock Route permit. As Puntawarri & the Puntawarri Track are restricted, this means that access is not always granted however to request a permit you simply contact the Western Desert Lands Aboriginal Corporation on (08) 9486 9797 or email them directly on chustable@wdlac.com.au.

Fuel Usage

Diesel	ULP	LPG
4cyl 31 litres	4cyl 35 litres	4cyl 44 litres
6cyl 33 litres	6cyl 39 litres	6cyl 38 litres
8cyl 33 litres	8cyl 36 litres

Best Time To Visit

Do not attempt to travel during the summer months.

Sights on the route include: Robertson Range; the upper reaches of Savory Creek; the abandoned Puntawarri out-camp; various wildlife including camels and donkeys and spinifex plains all in a pristine desert environment.

Where to Stay

No Places To Stay available for this trek

Services & Supplies

Limited supplies at Jigalong and Kunawarritju Community (Well 33). Caravan Park and good supplies (fresh food) at Wiluna.

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