Gunbarrel Highway

Statement of Significance

The Gunbarrel Highway has some significance as a transport route through the Shire of Wiluna. It has further historic significance for its association with the rocket launching bases in the late 1950s and 60s.

Physical Description

No access was gained to the road.

History

The Gunbarrel Highway was constructed in 1958-59 but was not named as such until a few years later, between 1959-64. It was built as a retrieval road for rockets fired from Woomera and Maralinga. The road was named after the road construction party who built it. Originally named as a joke by Len Beadell, "The Gunbarrel Road Construction Party" was so named because "wherever possible we liked to make our roads straight" (pi 8) The Highway is now an adventure route for 4WD enthusiasts.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.