Mount Meharry/Wittenoom Gorge Trip

Submitted: Wednesday, Jul 15, 2009 at 11:30
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We have just completed a round trip from Onslow travelling the Pannawonica-Millstream Rd, Roebourne-Wittenoom Rd, Wittenoom Gorge, Wittenoom-Munjina Rd, Juna Downs Rd, Mount Meharry (WA's highest peak), Karinjini, Nanutarra-Wittenoom Rd, Hamersley Rd, Tom Price Rail Rd-Millstream & return from 12-14 July 2009. The Mt Meharry trip was one of nostalgia for me having first driven to the summit in a Series 2A Landie 36 years ago while working at Paraburdoo during the construction phase in 1973. Feeling that I personally am running out of time as well as being of the belief that "Environmental & Conservation do-gooders" will eventually ban such 4WD adventures (it being within Karinjini National Park) I have long wished to do the trip to the summit again. (Also because it "is there" and "I can") The Wittenoom journey was due to a similar sentimental reasons as I have also spent many an enjoyable time there in the past and the road down the gorge is so bad now a few more "wets" will make it almost impassable if the WA Govt doesn't close it off before nature does the job for them. The first being for Christmas 1973 when if you wanted to use the phone you paid at the Post Office, went to the outdoor phone box, cranked the handle which with luck raised the Port Hedland exchange who put you through and after 3 minutes the Wittenoom post office person came out to advise your 3 minutes was about to expire. Should you wish to call at night you pre-paid at the post office prior to it closing. Truly another era, no credit or phone cards then. There are some truly remarkable scenic spots there away from the maddening Karinjini crowds (it was school holidays). Without getting in to the asbestos debate because I believe it is a personal choice whether you decide to visit there or not, if anyone requires any up to date road/track/route info regarding the above I would be happy to assist.
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Reply By: Member - Duncan W (WA) - Wednesday, Jul 15, 2009 at 19:50

Wednesday, Jul 15, 2009 at 19:50
Fully concur. I was in the same area over the previous 2 weeks. Drove to the top of Meharry, Mt Robinson, Drillers Ridge and others. All serious fun in a Terracan I can tell you. Didn't get into Wittenoom this trip but went there though as a teenager many years ago. Good memories.

We camped in some magical spots and swam in some amazing water holes. Even had fun catching some of the small freshwater fish.

Dunc
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Follow Up By: blown4by - Wednesday, Jul 15, 2009 at 22:23

Wednesday, Jul 15, 2009 at 22:23
I bet it was pretty "seat of the pants" stuff in the Terracan:-) On one pretty steep narrow pinch part way up there were two "jump ups" about 600mm high and about 10m apart which I did some repairs to using flat rocks on the way down just to ensure I didn't bottom out when the back wheels went down the jump ups and that was in a stock GU4 Patrol. So it must have been you that left that damaged section of the track for me to repair and took a few years off my life on the way up:-) Once you "commit" on the way up you just have to keep going and hope for the best because there is no way reasonably that you could reverse down because put a foot wrong or slip too far and you are over the side. Luckily the "handbrake" was laying back in the reclined passenger seat due to a crook back and she could not see ahead and also knows not to speak at such moments.
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Follow Up By: Member - Duncan W (WA) - Wednesday, Jul 15, 2009 at 23:16

Wednesday, Jul 15, 2009 at 23:16
Those 2 jump ups where to say the least interesting. Just couldn't get traction and the back wheels were spinning and the front end started to slide into a tree. Backed off and then gave it a bit more right foot and popped up onto the first bench. 2nd step was the same so again backed off and then gave it a bit of a shove. The front end reared up and those taking photos and directing us up the jump up thought I was going to go A over T. Inside the car it didn't seem that bad. Thank God for solid after-market bash plates though.

Coming down was interesting as the V6 Auto TC isn't renowned for it's gearing breaking ability. Managed to us the feathering on the breaks to the absolute minimum though.

If you had a good look at the rock cairn I left a rock with some of our names on it. Think from memory it was July 1 when we were there.
Dunc
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Reply By: Blaze (Berri) - Wednesday, Jul 15, 2009 at 20:33

Wednesday, Jul 15, 2009 at 20:33
Totally agree, Mt Meharry makes you feel on top of the world. Even if its not the highest place I have driven to in Australia, it is a view like no other.

Thanks for sharing...


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Reply By: Gone Bush (WA) - Wednesday, Jul 15, 2009 at 21:48

Wednesday, Jul 15, 2009 at 21:48
When I was working for DCA and its many incarnations we went up to Wittenoom a couple of times. We used to be able to stay in the house used for transitting technicians. I always thought Wittenoom was a fascinating place, although I was mindful of the asbestos fibres just scattered around everywhere.

About the same time, but on a separate trip, we also drove to the top of Mt Meharry.

This photo also appears on Google Earth.

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Yes, that's a TLCC QLD T-shirt. A souvenir of a short stint in Brisbane teaching ATC.
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Reply By: get outmore - Thursday, Jul 16, 2009 at 00:55

Thursday, Jul 16, 2009 at 00:55
Didnt make it driving to the top of Meharry in 98 because i was in a 2wd but spent a fair bit of time climbing it and walking over the top of it.

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Follow Up By: Gone Bush (WA) - Thursday, Jul 16, 2009 at 09:48

Thursday, Jul 16, 2009 at 09:48
There's iron ore in them thar hills.

Beautiful country isn't it?

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Follow Up By: Member - Duncan W (WA) - Thursday, Jul 16, 2009 at 14:53

Thursday, Jul 16, 2009 at 14:53
We walked to that far end and the air was a bit thick with the smell of goats. didn't see any but their evidence was very apparant.

Amazing views.
Dunc
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