Len Beadell’s Legacy - The Finalé

Join this adventure as members of the Wanneroo Wanderers 4 Wheel Drive club venture into the Australian Outback to drive along some of the original roads and tracks constructed by Len Beadell’s Gunbarrel Highway Construction Crew. These roads were blazed thru the Outback so monitoring of Rocket tests and Atomic bomb tests could be conducted during the 1950’s and 60’s.
In this vid, we complete the notorious Gunbarrel Highway before resupplying at Warburton Aboriginal Community before being pounded on the Connie Sue Highway south to Rawlinna.
Grab ya gear; Lets go!
Music;
Comprehension
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Even if the sky is falling down
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It’s a feeling
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River Serpent
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[@brontarlabta.k.a.briantayl3484]

What a legend Len Beadell was. I’ve read all his books and travelled some of his “highways”. When I mention his name most people say “never ‘erd of him”. Thanks for sharing Steve, great videography once again and appropriate music too. Cheers mate.

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

Len and I became friends due to our Defence Department meetings. He painted watercolours for me.

[@man.i.literally.failed6772]

I've never heard of him too, if it wasn't for KZbin I still wouldn't have heard about him.

[@robertarmbruster5650]

Thanks Steve for another great adventure. We love your attitude and approach.

[@michaeldallimore8590]

Great trip. Very good camera work and editing as well. Good to see the conditions on the Gunbarrel and the Connie Sue.

[@ScottElliott152]

Steve thanks for sharing this adventure. The photography was top class. When I'm in the 4wd or motorbike in remote Western Australia I'm always worried someone's going to get lost. In a convoy I feel all members have a responsibility to know where they are. These days it's not too difficult with topographic navigation apps like Gaia GPS or Backcountry Navigator on your smart phone, tablet or head unit. I create a kml file in Google Earth with the proposed path and POI's and send to all participants to upload to their navigation software. Once underway they can see where they are referenced to the path. It's worked well and helps to manage the risk in an unforgiving environment.

[@ghostrider9978]

Great job mate ,, thanks for your efforts and sharing. Really enjoyed seeing sensible touring without million dollar rigs covered in sponsorship stickers making us average joes feel inadequate. Thanks again mate 👏👍

[@mongreldogproductions]

Glad you enjoyed watching…I’m not about fanfare. It’s not about the gear, it’s all about the journey and the harsh beauty of the Outback. Thanks for watching.

[@maccas44]

how dam true your comment is

[@1life2liveADV]

Love the content of your outback adventures, either by car or motorcycle. I noticed your head popped up on another youtubers channel after riding the Cape recently and wondered, does Steve ever stay put for a long time. Well all I can say is, well done and living the dream that a lot of people would love to do.

[@barrymurphy3554]

Looks great Guys & Girls Very hard to keep everyone happy Thanks heaps Cheers

[@justusgronts3882]

10👍/10👍 Still , Envious, Mate so Envious😎

[@paulinewaugh9122]

Yes, agree that Len was a real Aussie legend. I recall reading somewhere that when he was receiving an award somewhere he was asked why he made these roads so straight. His reply was "He did not want to leave Australia looking untidy" Thanks Steve - a great way to spend a cold, wet and windy saturday morning here in NZ.

[@stevencohen4580]

I always enjoy your journeys two or four wheels thanks for sharing.

[@petercameron8832]

All these punctures, I know I’m old but back in the 60s we put 6 or 8 ply light truck tires on our Holden or ford or valiant cars and seemed to get around okay. Of course we were much more circumspect because of no communication. I note that you do not have as much trouble as some of your fellow travellers- experience.

[@waynerobinson2514]

As always , great video mate ,, the drone footage really shows the landscape in all its natural beauty , cant wait for yr nxt adventure steve ,

[@gsmad9738]

Wow, every vid you do is awesome. I’m so inspired by your adventurous trips. 👍

[@mongreldogproductions]

Thank you…glad you enjoy the Channel content.

[@aw1012007]

Looks like a great trip you had there Steve. Fantastic country. Looking forward to coming on your next adventure

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hopefully you wont have too long to wait. Watch this space.

[@BTBSean0]

Thanks again Steve Great watch mate 👍

[@k.whiking4372]

Two awesome video's Steve, really enjoyed these. I would love to see remote outback W.A but realistically I'll most likely never get to see most of this area. So many fantastic places to see in this world, can't see them all. Keep up the great work.

[@BruceschultzAU]

Great mission, thanks for taking us along for the ride.

[@mongreldogproductions]

You’re welcome…glad you enjoyed the journey.

[@redhammer9910]

That was great guys. Miss the desert regions, beauty all of it's own on a very different level.

[@barrypenrayner9263]

Thanks Steve. great to see the gunbarrel, great adventure. keep it up ,love the flat land ,Barry

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Thanks Steve. I can see you put a heap of effort into filming this adventure. Great memories for the attendees.

[@mongreldogproductions]

Its always rewarding to share the Adventure...thanks for watching.

[@thejackofalltravels8267]

Those corrugations look gnarly especially when you’re talking 120 km of them. what a foreboding and beautiful place thanks so much for the excellent Documentation

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi TJoat, thanks for the positive feedback. See you on the other side.

[@MetalMania3DTV-TAS-AUS]

Thumbs up agent 99 🤫😂👊 cool show enjoy the Aussie outback Cheers 🍺🍻🍺🍻KC Tasmania Australia 🇦🇺🤝🇦🇺😎👍

[@markmakinson1423]

Great series Steve, I enjoyed that one. Keep up the great work. 👍👍👍👍

[@Nicontrast]

Great photography and video work and as always, great story-telling. You really make the journey tangible in your videos. I'd like to think you tell late-comers that you're just putting some garlic bread in the fire pit..! Great to see you utilising kangaroo, we should be eating so much more kangaroo meat in this country. Saw your Cape York comment and very much looking forward to seeing that. Thanks for making and sharing the vid!

[@geoffballe8766]

Thanks again Steve, always a real pleasure

[@johnstaring3210]

Yet again you are providing incentive, this time on four wheels. Thanks. Last did the Gunbarrel back in the mid 1970's, and I think it was in better condition then.

[@niahvail8506]

Cheers Steve amazing country

[@jmsask]

I wish I was young enough to do this. It would be the best way to spend time. I’m eagerly waiting for your next video 🍻

[@jimdoolan2277]

Really enjoy your video Cheers ✔️ 🍻

[@outbacknomad9939]

Beautiful country never seaces to amaze me haven't been to Rawlinna in 29 years love the content good stuff

[@bryan.meijer]

Beautiful! Loving the drone shots!

[@mongreldogproductions]

I flew the drone a bit more on this trip...a lot easier to deploy the drone when you are on a car trip then when you are on the bike. Thanks for watching.

[@rangerover.1971]

Steve, thanks for the fantastic storytelling, content, editing, time and effort to share your travels. Although I’m an off-road driving fan and a GS rider, realistically I’ll probably never make it to the outback (or Oz) so I’m lucky that you bring it to me in your own great style with no BS. Thanks from London. Can’t wait for the next one. See you on the other side 👍

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi RR, thanks for all the positive feedback, glad you enjoy the Channel content. I’m departing in the next day or two on the next adventure so watch this space.

[@robdotcom71]

Awesome series... thanks for sharing....

[@johngrant7979]

Rewatching this series 👍 one thing I noticed Steve … could be wrong but it looks like a bracket that holds your front drivers brake line is broken. Good series 👍

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi John, you are correct about the bracket. I noticed the same thing when Editing. Been fixed now. Thanks for (re) watching lol.

[@kwridgway]

Really enjoyed the trip Steve. I'll echo the comments about your video and editing - top notch. Loved the music as well.

[@GringoLoco]

Excellent finale! Beautiful countryside too.

[@kiwizz2177]

Thanks Steve , love your video’s!

[@glennpettersson9002]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@rodneysippel751]

Great series Steve . Thanks very much . Really enjoy your channel 👍

[@bradsadventures4558]

Thanks Steve for another great mini series. Loved it.

[@mongreldogproductions]

Glad you enjoyed the journey.

[@billcotton1551]

That roast chicken looked great! Really interesting series Steve.

[@wayde4192]

Really enjoyed this series. Not a 4wder ( adventure biker) but you’re going a long way to changing my mind . Thanks mate

[@mongreldogproductions]

Glad you enjoyed the vid(s). Doesn’t matter what the wheels (cycle,motorbike,4WD) it’s all about getting out there. Thanks for watching.

[@nzjatz]

Thanks for that, another top notch production. Almost makes me want to come back and explore some more. Either on 2 wheels or 4.

[@dynamadnessadventures205]

Awesome trip Steve great video stay safe

[@johnshort4405]

Thanks Steve, another great story well told. Looking forward to the next one already.

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hopefully you wont have to wait too long...watch this space.

[@jf7243]

Excellent trip, we were waiting and watching for the expected breakdown or significant mechanical issue on such rugged long distance adventure. Loved the wild horse who wanted to check you all out in his town! Many thanks again!

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi J F, glad you enjoyed the journey...

[@danielpountney8259]

Thanks for sharing Steve, what a great adventure!

[@mongreldogproductions]

Glad you enjoyed the journey.

[@antonycarrison4399]

Thanks for putting the time in to these videos.

[@mongreldogproductions]

You're welcome...hope you enjoyed the journey.

[@darrellmeganfoxall8830]

Excellent, thanks for sharing 👍👍👍

[@mongreldogproductions]

You’re welcome.

[@RGVJ21]

Hi Steve, another great adventure. Thanx for taking the time to take us along with you. A question concerning fuel economy, how much more did the vehicle towing the camper use around about compared to any similar vehicles not towing. Any idea? Thanx Dave

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Dave, glad you enjoyed the journey…I can’t tell you anything about the fuel consumption figures. It was never discussed around the campfire. 😁

[@johnshort4405]

Hello Steve, looking forward to your Cape York trip video. After watching your videos, Google sends me adverts for dog beds! Such is the influence of “The Mongrel Dog”! Hahaha! John.

[@mongreldogproductions]

How bizarre...maybe I should start getting involved with Mongrel Dog merch. The first thing I'd sell are MD beds.

[@RossiTuono]

Another great vid. I missed meeting Len himself by 5 days at the Neil Junction many years ago. So disappointed when I read the visitors book and realized it. Wonder if the book is still there ? I look back at some of the trips I did (4x4 tours, some scientific based) just one vehicle, up to 12 passengers, RFD radio as back up and wonder how I got through it all with out any drama's. Great to see the Conny Sue again. There is so much of it I just don't recall. I do remember the CALM ranger running into our camp one night. He looked shagged. We were meant to meet him at a particular spot. He wasnt there so we set up camp. Unknowingly, we passed him just before the campsite. He had pulled into a bit of breakaway country to check something. His Troopy wouldnt start so he thought he would just walk to our camp. Now at dark, he happened on a camel sleeping on the track. Something they like to do. Well the camel didnt like the look of him and the ranger took off, till he got to our camp. Boy did we laugh ! Miss the desert. Rossguzzi.

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Ross, lots of fond memories there by the sound of it. Glad you were able to go visit Memory Lane. Thanks for watching.

[@SmallWonda]

Interesting jaunt - some of those roads aren't for the faint hearted - I always wonder what happens if you're in the middle of that & the rain comes (see why a snorkel is handy!) Not pretty! Thanks for sharing.

[@mongreldogproductions]

You dont go Outback if rain is forecast...You could get stuck out there for a fortnight. Thanks for watching (again).

[@maccas44]

thank you for another wonderful video...... cant wait for the next one

[@mongreldogproductions]

I’m about to embark on my next adventure…riding to the Tip of Cape York…watch this space.

[@maccas44]

@@mongreldogproductions if ya need a place to stay in Sydney or store anything just give me Buzz. More than welcom

[@terryburnham727]

once again top stuff, Thank you, just have to love the outback .

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Terry, I’m always drawn to it’s (the Outback) harsh beauty. Glad you enjoyed the journey. Thanks for watching.

[@terryburnham727]

@@mongreldogproductions ive seen all your videos and like them all very much , as we live in the Pilbara we get out as much as we can over winter , on the bikes or in the cars , Thanks again .

[@LimestoneCoastCustoms]

"ya see the weirdest shit when ya on the road" Not a truer word said! One of the reasons I miss touring. After a few years, I'm hanging to get back out there but I must say I've never done it in a large group (I've been solo plenty of times & in a small group of 2 or 3 vehicles. It would certainly be interesting) Some country I've wanted to get to for many years, thanks for the insight.

[@wayneschenk5512]

Nice trip.

[@stevebond901]

Great journey MDP. I look forward to seeing all of your travels. Must be almost time to get the BMW out again. Grab you gear.... lets go.

[@mongreldogproductions]

You read my mind...I depart on Thursday 4 Aug to go from Perth to the Tip of Cape York just to buy some milk! Watch this space.

[@lucymooch5821]

Thanks Steve for sharing. Great video and very well put together . Just shows that those that don't listen and fail to stick to convoy etiquette end up lost in bum fuck. Will do that trip one day,🤔🤔

[@mongreldogproductions]

Very harsh environment if you take a wrong turn or make the wrong decision. BF*** is not a nice place to be!

[@suzyamerica4679]

Entertaining and well-shot as always :) thanks for sharing. Edit: the more wheels you have, the more bumps you feel ;)

[@Jeff-yw4wo]

Thx Steve, excellent videography and narration as usual ! “You see the weirdest shit when you’re on the road” … don’t you just 😊 You mentioned the Cape York bike trip when I asked if you were attending the BMW Safari GS Enduro, sounds like you’re leaving next week. Take care and have a great trip, I can’t wait to see the videos from that adventure. I’m heading out on the BMW GS Safari the following week, can’t wait 😊

[@mongreldogproductions]

Enjoy the Safari. when you see Miles and Chris, pass on my regards. Dubbo to Barossa should be a hoot. Glad you enjoyed the vid(s).

[@AndrewCastlemaine]

Thoroughly enjoyed your adventure as usual. Didn't want it to end. Wanted you to turn east along the Anne Beadell and take us to the Emu bomb sites. Maybe another trip...

[@mongreldogproductions]

Been there, done that! 2018. Watch this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHvdhJyIgbGJsJI Glad you enjoyed this journey.

[@AndrewCastlemaine]

@@mongreldogproductions Had to immediately watch it. Another epic trip 👍

[@stanleyj.mitchell4851]

Good video. I wasn’t aware that you could drive on the access road along the trans line. Always wanted to do that road. Thank you.

[@mongreldogproductions]

Open to the public…up to a point. You can get as far as Forrest but the road deteriorates quickly after Haig. Thanks for watching.

[@okaadventures3446]

Loving all your adventures, keep them coming Steve. The yellow moving icon on the map, how do you do that or how do we get it? Great idea.

[@mongreldogproductions]

'The yellow moving icon on the map, how do you do that or how do we get it?' Trade secret...nah, not really. It's a free App called Relive available for download thru the App store. Download it, have a play and see how you go. I crop and zoom when i use it so some of the detail is missing (Elevation graph etc). Glad you like the vid(s).

[@GCL110]

Len is a legend, I've read a couple of his books. 30psi still seems pretty high. Even taking into account the extra weight I'd be more around 18 to 20psi max

[@mongreldogproductions]

I agree...some of these guys are a bit conservative. I was running around 22psi long before the corrugations. Thanks for watching.

[@mckaypaterson2519]

Great video. I've been in the Kalgoolie, Sandstone, Wiluna and Meekathera area on gold exploration activities. I don't know if is true, but I've heard that people have bicycled along the "Gun Barrel Highway". Do you know if this true? Water would be a problem! So, it would have to be vehicle supported?

[@mongreldogproductions]

Funny you should mention that…when I was with the 4WD group in 2016 on the Gunbarrel, we bumped into a solo rider at Geraldton Bore. He seemed disappointed that he bumped into other human beings seeing he was in the middle of nowhere.

[@johnbrown-rm8kc]

Awesome Videos !! what kind of Drone and GO Pro equipment do you use ? Thanks

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi John, the drone is a Mavic Pro, i use a Panasonic HCV 180 hand held camera and two DJI Osmo action cameras. Glad you like the vids.

[@BenMitro]

Excellent adventure Steve. I think we all want to know how the roo tail tasted? If you don't tell me, I'll never know, 'cause I ain't game to taste it!

[@mongreldogproductions]

I didn't use spices or herbs because i didn't want to mask the flavour of the roo...tastes like lamb. Thanks for watching.

[@BenMitro]

@@mongreldogproductions Wow! Not what I expected. OK, I relent, I will try it! Thanks for responding.

[@isnoo1]

You amaze me with your photography - beautiful. However I do feel you need to apologise to the camera you put underneath the vehicle.... poor thing got quite a bashing around! Looking forward to your next adventure!

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi KO'D, yeah, the gear gets knocked around! Still, it beats seeing the same POV all the time. Thank you for the positive feedback. I'm just a schmuck with a camera who likes to share the adventure. Next adventure is not all that far away. Watch this space!

[@martinbatchelor2426]

Hey Steve I have a 2018 gs 1200 so have enjoyed seeing what you get up to with yours. Just wondering if you upgraded your suspesion to cope with the corrugations when your out the back? Cheers Martin

[@mongreldogproductions]

Upgraded….on the Hilux or the R1200? On the Hilux, yes. On the R1200, no.

[@martinbatchelor2426]

Yeah sorry meant the bmw.

[@stealth5959]

Enjoyed your 2 videos, did you need a permit for the rail access road.

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi CG, no, not for that part of the access road. Further east the road deteriorates very quickly and becomes crappy twin track with lots of exposed limestone. Slow going at around 40-50kph. Glad you enjoyed the vids.

[@alasdairhamilton1574]

Steve, does Mrs Bly ❤ ever join you on your adventures? 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@mongreldogproductions]

Yes, she does. But she’s a little camera shy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGLQZa16gLJsfNU Here’s proof. Thanks for watching.

[@alasdairhamilton1574]

@@mongreldogproductions Steve, just been watching 3 episodes Gibb river road, where Jacqui joins you. 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@scottrat3537]

#5:37 you have a brake/abs line loose. love your work. my ocd kicking in sorry

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi SR, it has since been fixed but I didn’t notice it until I was Editing. Glad you liked the vid(s). Thanks for watching.

[@2old2growup]

Great vid Steve would like to know how many k you travelled and roughly how much it cost in fuel. Look forward to your next adventure cheers

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi TBZJ, I'm too scared to add up the tally for fuel. I'm afraid that would be a disincentive to leave the house again. I think the trip was about 3,000km at an average of about $2.75 per litre using 12.5 litres/100km....about $1.031AUD for the trip

[@2old2growup]

@@mongreldogproductions Thank for the info hopefully heading up the Oodnadatta track in a couple of weeks if i can get the troopy finished in time

[@Katov2]

Did you see the bolt or clips missing on ABS wire at 5.38?

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi RK, yeah, noticed that while editing. Its since been fixed. Thanks for looking out for me. Regards

[@meintjiesj]

See a few Isuzu in one of the frames, what is your idea on which 4x4 is best suited for this type of adventure i.e. price, reliability and suitability?

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Johan, I’m the wrong guy to ask…I’m no expert. I chose a Toyota Hilux because they are so widespread here in Oz and are very plentiful. Most farmers would be able to get you going if you broke down because of relatively simple technology and the availability of spares. If you spoke to an Isuzu owner they would probably tell you they are the bees knees. Thanks for watching.

[@1mmickk]

Should take 40 vehicles next time.

[@mongreldogproductions]

Yeah, maybe. We should have done Rock Paper Scissors to decide who cant go. Thanks for watching.

[@colinsimmons2913]

how do you get on these trips or find other people who would do this

[@mongreldogproductions]

Hi Colin, the best thing to do is join a 4WD Club or Facebook Page and start networking with like-minded people. Most Clubs allow you time to get to know them without becoming a Member so you know the Club is right for you and you are right for the Club. Most Clubs are very active with training, social events, and trips away either for weekends or extended trips like this one. Good luck. 😀

[@richardkrenn9542]

How did the J-Pod hold up?

[@mongreldogproductions]

Not sure..I'd have to check with John. It wasn't the first Outback trip for the JPod and i never heard John mention any negatives.

[@warrenlawlor3343]

Also interested in how the J-Pod handled, I have a first model that is smaller and lighter but the current model is more off-road capable, plus a fixed bed for the wife!

[@zarb88]

Hi Steve how was the Roo, taste like chicken?

[@mongreldogproductions]

Nah...taste like lizard (actually it tasted like lamb).

[@kevindesira1298]

Warburton roadhouse where tyres sell for $750 each. What a rip off.

[@mongreldogproductions]

Yeah, nah…you gotta leave home on good rubber. They do have you by the Balls if you are in trouble. What are ya gunna do….walk home??? Even the price of fuel out there is crippling. 😞😞😞

[@alexwood5425]

Legend but disrespectful to name everything after his own family, no mention of the dudes who toiled so hard to actually build it all. The final stage of any project, distinction for the uninvolved.!!

[@rawnature8148]

Len's wife and daughter went on the construction journeys. Read the books.