Great Central Road
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| Great Central Road | |
|---|---|
| From | Laverton () |
| To | Yulara () |
| Length | 1126 km |
| State(s) | Western Australia, Northern Territory |
| Region(s) | |
| Permit | 2 required |
| Fuel supply | Laverton (), Cosmo Newberry, Tjukayirla Roadhouse, Warburton (), Warakurna Roadhouse, Docker River and Yulara () |
| Facilities | |
The Great Central Road is a mostly unsealed Australian outback highway that runs 1126 km from Laverton, Western Australia to Yulara, Northern Territory (near Uluru/Ayres Rock).
Though still recommended only for four wheel drive vehicles, the road is now graded to a standard suitable for two wheel drive vehicles and caravans if used with care. It is the most direct route from Perth to Uluru, and the number of vehicles travelling the route each year is around 10,000.
When heading from the Northern Territory to Laverton there is a Amnesty Bin for Quarantine WA 20 km outside of Laverton, All passenger vehicles are to stop and dispose of all Quarantine Risk Material that is stated on the sign, Including all Fresh Fruit, Vegetables, Honey, Seed, Potatoes, Onions and Plants etc. This area has a mobile inspector from time to time and there is risk of fines if you are stopped and Quarantine Risk Material is found.
There are fuel supplies at the following locations along the route (distances east from Laverton): Cosmo Newberry (85km), Tjukayirla Roadhouse (300km), Warburton (560km), Warakurna Roadhouse (786km), Docker River (890km) and finally Yulara (1126km). Opening hours vary at these roadhouses so check with a visitor centre before you go.
It is recommended that you carry communications equipment with you. The route also passes directly into Aboriginal Reserves and it is a legal requirement for travellers to hold a valid Transit Permit at the time of travel, even if you are staying on the Great Central Road. Two permits are required and they are available from the Department of Indigenous Affairs. The permits are free.
[edit] Attractions
The most notable attractions on this road are in the Northern Territory and these include Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and Uluru, both within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
Other attractions include Lasseter's Cave, the Petermann Ranges, Giles meteorological station, the ochre bluff of Giles Breakaway, Lake Throssell, Lake Yeo Nature Reserve for wildflowers in spring, Beegull Waterhole and Caves, and Empress Spring. The Gunbarrel Highway coincides with the Great Central Road around Warakurna for a short distance too.
