The Great Central Road (part of the The Outback Way), runs for more than 1,100 kilometres from Laverton in Western Australia to Yulara in the Northern Territory.
Along the way, you will see a range of great outback attractions. Check out the ochre bluff of Giles Breakaway, Lake Throssel, and the wildflowers at Lake Yeo Nature Reserve, Peegull Waterhole, Caves, Emperor Springs, Petermann Ranges, Lasseter's Cave and the Docker River. Keep a lookout in the distance as Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and Uluru (Ayers Rock) appear on the horizon.
The road is generally well-formed; though expect corrugations, bulldust, potholes, rocky outcrops, and soft sandy riverbeds along the way. Supplies, accommodation and camping are available at roadhouses along the way, though it is best to check availability and opening times prior to departure.
THE GREAT CENTRAL ROAD PERMITS
You will need 2 permits for travelling 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).
Aboriginal Entry permits are required to travel on the Great Central Road.
Ngaanyatjarra Council issue 3-day transit permits for the following roads:
- 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 is currently CLOSED to the public.
For more information visit The Outback Way website.