LATEST INFORMATION ON COVID-19, 22 JULY 2021
Interstate travel and restrictions and changes to WA border arrangements
We encourage everyone to stay up-to-date with the changing conditions as a result of COVID-19, here's some useful sources of information about travelling to Western Australia.
THE GREAT CENTRAL ROAD PERMITS
Restrictions are in place for entry into Remote Aboriginal Communities.
Ngaanyatjarra Council only issue’s 3-day transit permits. There are NO EXEMPTIONS.
The following roads are now open to the public:
- Abandoned Section Gunbarrel/Gunbarrel Highway
- Connie Sue Highway
- Giles Mulga Park Road
- Great Central Road
- Heather Highway
- Ngaanyatjarra Southern Road
- Sandy Blight Junction Road
- *Surveyors General Corner and all Ngaanyatjarra Communities are CLOSED to the public*
Ngaanyatjarra Council does NOT issue permits for the following roads. To obtain a permit please apply online through the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage:
- Anne Beadell Highway*
- Gary Junction/Gary Highway*
- Neale Junction*
- Entry permits for the Kiwirrkurra Community*
Aboriginal Entry permits are required to travel on the Great Central Road.
You will need 2 permits for travelling for the WA section and 1 permit for the NT section. For the WA section apply online through the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage. Select permits for 'Great Central Road Laverton to Tjukayirla Roadhouse' and 'Great Central Road Tjukayirla Roadhouse to NT Border'. For the NT section, travellers driving along the Tjukaruru Rd between Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park and NT/ WA border can apply for a transit permit from the Central Land Council (NT).
For more information visit The Outback Way website.
The Outback Way is one of Australia’s great four wheel drive odysseys. Known as ‘Australia’s Longest Shortcut’, the route runs from Perth, Western Australia to Cairns in Queensland.
Embark on your Outback Way adventure by purchasing The Outback Way Atlas and Guidebook from outbackway.org.au or from The Great Beyond Visitor Centre Laverton in Western Australia's Northern Goldfields.
The western half of The Outback Way travels from Perth and Alice Springs and below is an itinerary starting from Kalgoorlie in the wild west, across the desert to Uluru, offering a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Aboriginal Entry permits are required to travel on the Great Central Road.
You will need 2 permits for travelling for the WA section and 1 permit for the NT section. For the WA section apply online through the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage. Select permits for 'Great Central Road Laverton to Tjukayirla Roadhouse' and 'Great Central Road Tjukayirla Roadhouse to NT Border'. For the NT section, travellers driving along the Tjukaruru Rd between Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park and NT/ WA border can apply for a transit permit from the Central Land Council (NT).
For more information visit The Outback Way website.
Download the Free Outback Way App
Download the Outback Way App on GooglePlay or Apple App Store.
Day 1: Kalgoorlie to Laverton via Lake Ballard
(470 kilometres/5 hours)
Stock up on fuel and water supplies before starting your adventure on The Outback Way. Head north to the historic gold rush town of Menzies, detouring en route to take in Lake Ballard and the remarkable Antony Gormley sculptures. Visit the ghost town of Gwalia and see historic Hoover House, once home to the former American President, Herbert Hoover, who managed the local mine. On the way to Laverton, view remnants of mine shafts, try your hand at fossicking for gold and admire the colourful wildflowers in spring time.
Accommodation options: Stay overnight in Laverton at the local hotel, motel or caravan park.
Day 2: Laverton to Warburton (Aboriginal Land Permits required for travel)
(570 kilometres/7 hours)
Take the Great Central Road and journey across the Great Victoria Desert. Along the way you’ll encounter vast salt lakes, scenic nature reserves, waterholes, natural springs and caves. You’ll need transit permits to pass through the Indigenous community of Warburton, where you’ll find stunning works of traditional Indigenous art.
Accommodation options: Warburton Roadhouse.
Day 3: Warburton to Yulara (Aboriginal Land Permits required for travel)
(560 kilometres/7 hours)
The drive across the Gibson Desert and over the border between Western Australia and the Northern Territory is outback adventure at its best. The first 200 kilometres has tracks leading to Indigenous communities. Here the epic Gunbarrel Highway joins the Great Central Road. Keep watch for wild camels and other wildlife. You’ll be amazed by the rich desert terrain, with its scenic ranges, vivid red soil, spinifex, mulga and desert oaks.
Stock up on food and fuel at Warakurna Roadhouse before continuing across the border to the Northern Territory. The journey takes you over a number of creek crossings and past Petermann Ranges. Check out historic Lasseter’s Cave, a popular place for picnics.
Accommodation options: There’s a good selection of accommodation in Yulara – the gateway to Uluru.
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Day 4: Yulara to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Entry
(25 kilometres/30 minutes)
The massive figures of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and Uluru rise over the horizon as you enter Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Spend time bush walking around these amazing feats of nature.
Parts of the track are only suitable for high clearance four wheel drive vehicles and should only be attempted by confident drivers. Supplies and services are limited and road conditions can vary, so plan ahead, stock up on food, water and fuel and contact the local visitor centre for up-to-date track information.
Before heading off into the remote desert areas of Australia, you will need to obtain permits, enabling you to travel through private and Aboriginal Lands. Get more information about permits for Aboriginal Lands or visit the Australian National Four Wheel Drive Council. And to ensure you enjoy a safe and well-planned journey, be sure to take a look at Road safety and Important travel tips.
Driving times and distances are intended as a guide only and may vary depending on the exact route taken. Accommodation options are indicative as to what is available in the area.
The above map is not to scale and is intended as a guide only. It is highly recommended before heading out on your journey, you purchase the Hema Outback Way Guide and Atlas.