Leg 9 – the course… 

A record wet weather throughout the Top End over the summer had caused much damage to roads and some were not repaired by the time of the passage of the event and some very rough transport roads were experienced on this long run to Mount Isa. The first and second stages, ‘McKinley’ and ‘Pine Creek’ were deleted.

A long transport of 950 kilometres through Adelaide River, Pine Creek, Katherine, Mataranka, and Roper Bar took the field to Cape Crawford for refuel and service. Then on to the 37km ‘McArthur River’ stage, followed by a three-hour rest break at Borroloola.

Then a further 910 kilometres through Hells Gate to the Barkly Homestead and Gunpowder Resort for the 70km ‘Gunpowder’ stage that was rough and contained numerous creeks and washaways. The stage was run by the Northwest Off Roaders Rally Club from Mount Isa.

Then onto the overnight stop at Mount Isa.