Duncan Road - 2WD Possible?

by John Childs
(Adelaide, South Australia)

In both of your guides you state that the Duncan Road is an alternative for Halls Creek to Kununurra. As we will be covering the Highway as part of a packaged Kimberley 4WD Tour, to prevent duplication we would like to use the Duncan Rd.

Time of travel would be late June. Our vehicle is 2WD and I have had a reasonable amount of 2WD dirt road experience (eg Lake Argyle to Perth in 1969, Perth to Mt Tom Price via Roebourne in 69, Perth to Adelaide 64).

Many thanks

PS - your publications are informative and easily read. Our trip will be 'proof of the pudding'.

Comments for Duncan Road - 2WD Possible?

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Jan 20, 2009
 A dry Duncan Road is fine for 2WD
by: Birgit

Hi John,

Thanks for the kind words. Much appreciated.

With your experience that should be fine. Just make sure you allow enough time, as for anything else.

There is one caveat.

Both in 2008 and 2007 we had unexpected out of season rains in June. The amount of rain we received in June 2007 was considerable. Some unsealed roads had to get closed altogether. If you hit something like that then it could mess up your plans.
(Update: 2010 was even worse. It appears that these out of season rains are becoming the norm...)

I certainly would not expect it or worry about it. I myself would not hesitate to plan that drive for that time, especially since you say late June. I just have to point out that I can't give a rock solid guarantee that it will be open for 2WD.
Jun 01, 2009
 Motorhome on Duncan Rd
by: skye

Hi,
would Duncan Rd be okay for a 9m long 5.5 ton motorhome Isuzu truck. Cheers, Skye
Jun 14, 2009
 Depends
by: Birgit

That depends on the time of the year and the driver. If the creeks are dry and you drive to the conditions, maybe. If you are in a hurry you'll get yourself into trouble.
Personally, I don't think I would take anything that size.
Jun 14, 2009
 Hi Birgit
by: Anonymous

Hi Birgit
thanks for your comment, the time we would be traveling on Duncan road with the motorhome would be late July, hope that helps in your reply of advice.
Cheers Skye
Sep 03, 2012
 Duncan Road Access
by: HWP

The Duncan Road north to the Victoria Highway is not suitable for 2wd or large recreational vehicles. There can be relatively deep wheel tracks with large rocks on the road or hidden in the grass at the side of you come up out of the wheel tracks. There is at least one concrete crossing which can be washed out requiring a very rough and rocky river crossing.

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