A Great Central Road itinerary is not simply a way to travel from Western Australia to Central Australia. It is a remote 4WD adventure across red dirt, desert ranges and vast horizons, where wild camels wander through the spinifex, dingoes cross lonely roads, wildflowers colour the landscape after rain and the clear outback sky seems to stretch forever.
There are road trips, and then there are journeys that take you directly through the wild heart of Australia.
The Great Central Road forms the western section of the legendary Outback Way, known as Australia’s Longest Shortcut. The full route connects Laverton in Western Australia with Winton in Queensland, travelling through remote Aboriginal lands, the Northern Territory’s Red Centre and the vast Channel Country of Outback Queensland.
This is the road less travelled to some of Australia’s most iconic destinations.
Why Take the Great Central Road?
Instead of arriving at Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon and Alice Springs along the usual sealed highways, you approach them across open desert plains, rugged ranges and long stretches of remote road where diesel stops can be hundreds of kilometres apart.
Days are filled with enormous landscapes, weathered roadhouses, clear blue skies and the unmistakable feeling that you are travelling somewhere genuinely remote.
You may see wild camels moving across the plains, dingoes disappearing into the scrub, emus striding beside the road and wedge tailed eagles circling overhead. Travel during the right season and delicate purple, yellow and white wildflowers can appear against the deep red earth.
At night, the sky takes over.
With almost no artificial light around remote camps and roadhouses, the Milky Way can stretch from one horizon to the other. The silence is immense, the stars feel close enough to touch and the scale of the Australian outback becomes almost impossible to describe.
This Great Central Road itinerary focuses on the remote section between Laverton and Winton. However, the adventure begins well before you reach the Great Central Road and continues long after you leave the Outback Way.
Allow at least two to three days between Perth and Laverton and at least another two to three days between Winton and Cairns. Travellers wanting to explore the Wheatbelt, Goldfields, Queensland dinosaur country, Gulf Savannah, Chillagoe or the Atherton Tablelands should allow considerably longer.
The complete Adventure Rentals journey from Perth to Cairns or Cairns to Perth should take at least 28 days. This allows enough time to cover the distances safely, enjoy the major attractions and include rest and preparation days without rushing remote roads.
Travellers continuing through Outback Queensland and Tropical North Queensland can also use our Savannah Way 4WD Itinerary to help plan the eastern stages of their adventure.
Travellers with less time can divide the adventure into separate journeys, such as Perth to Alice Springs and Alice Springs to Cairns.
It may be called Australia’s Longest Shortcut, but this trip is not about finding the fastest way across the country. It is for travellers who believe the journey should matter just as much as the destination.
Great Central Road Quick Answers
Is a 4WD required?
Yes. A fully equipped, high clearance 4WD camper is required for this complete route.
How long does the full Perth to Cairns trip take?
Allow at least 28 days. Longer itineraries are available for travellers wanting additional sightseeing at either end.
Can the trip be divided into smaller sections?
Yes. Perth to Alice Springs is an excellent shorter option. The Alice Springs to Cairns section can be completed as a separate journey.
Are permits required?
Yes. Separate permits are needed for the Western Australian section of the Great Central Road, Tjukaruru Road in the Northern Territory and the Mereenie Loop.
Is diesel available?
Yes, but distances are significant and availability should be confirmed before departure. Adventure Rentals vehicles have long range diesel tanks.
Can road conditions change quickly?
Yes. Rain, grading, roadworks and traffic can change conditions within hours.
Contents
Journey duration and route options
Why a fully equipped 4WD camper is required
Laverton to Winton itinerary
Road conditions
Road reports and community updates
Diesel stops
Where to stock up
Permits and park passes
Camping and accommodation
Wildlife, wildflowers and night skies
Visitor information centres
Planning checklist
Adventure Rentals depots
Frequently asked questions
How Long Do You Need for the Great Central Road and Outback Way?
This guide focuses on the Laverton to Winton section of the Outback Way, but travellers must allow enough time to reach and leave these remote gateway towns.
As a minimum, allow:
- At least two to three days from Perth to Laverton
- Approximately 15 days from Laverton to Winton
- At least two to three days from Winton to Cairns
- Additional time for sightseeing, rest days and changing road conditions
For the complete Perth to Cairns or Cairns to Perth adventure, we recommend allowing at least 28 days.
A longer journey gives you time to experience the Western Australian Wheatbelt, Wave Rock, the Goldfields, Uluru, Kings Canyon, the West and East MacDonnell Ranges, Alice Springs, Diamantina National Park, Winton, Queensland’s dinosaur country, Cobbold Gorge, Talaroo Hot Springs, Undara, Chillagoe and the Atherton Tablelands.
Travellers who do not have 28 days can divide the route into separate trips, including Perth to Alice Springs, Alice Springs to Perth, Alice Springs to Cairns or Cairns to Alice Springs.
Why You Need a Fully Equipped 4WD Camper
A fully equipped, high clearance 4WD camper is required for this complete Great Central Road itinerary.
Although sections of the Outback Way are progressively being sealed, substantial unsealed sections remain. Conditions may include deep corrugations, loose gravel, soft sand, bulldust, washouts, floodways, sharp stones and road surfaces damaged by rain or heavy vehicles.
The route also incorporates the Mereenie Loop, the Plenty Highway, remote sections of the Donohue Highway and high clearance 4WD access within Diamantina National Park.
A standard city rental vehicle or basic SUV is not an appropriate substitute for a properly equipped remote travel vehicle.
Adventure Rentals Toyota Hilux 4WD campers include important remote travel equipment such as:
- High clearance and genuine 4WD capability
- All terrain tyres
- Two spare tyres
- An onboard air compressor
- Long range diesel tanks
- 4WD recovery equipment
- UHF radio
- Garmin inReach satellite communication
- Starlink from 01 April 2027
- First aid equipment
- Fire extinguisher
- Reliable refrigeration
- Independent battery and solar capacity
- Drinking water storage
- Camping and cooking equipment
A properly equipped camper gives you the freedom to carry your accommodation, food, drinking water, diesel, refrigeration, recovery equipment and emergency communication system through some of Australia’s most remote country.
All travel remains subject to current road conditions, written route approval, permit conditions and Adventure Rentals terms and conditions.
Great Central Road Itinerary: Laverton to Winton
Day 1: Laverton to Tjukayirla Roadhouse
Approximately 306 kilometres
Laverton is the western gateway to the Great Central Road and the ideal place to complete your final preparations.
Before leaving, visit the Great Beyond Visitor Centre for maps, permit assistance, current local advice and information about travelling through the desert.
The visitor centre can help travellers organise the appropriate Great Central Road permits and answer questions before departure.
Fill the long range diesel tanks, water tanks and fridge before leaving Laverton. Check tyre pressures, inspect both spare tyres and download maps, permits and road reports for offline access.
Travel east to Tjukayirla Roadhouse, your first overnight stop on the Great Central Road.
Tjukayirla provides diesel, meals, snacks, basic groceries, drinks, accommodation and camping.
Overnight: Tjukayirla Roadhouse campground or accommodation
Day 2: Tjukayirla Roadhouse to Warakurna
Approximately 460 kilometres
Depart early and continue east through the Great Victoria Desert and Ngaanyatjarra Lands.
Stop at Warburton Roadhouse to top up with diesel, enjoy lunch and replenish basic supplies.
Continue through vast desert country toward Warakurna. This is a long remote driving day, but it allows travellers to complete the Western Australian transit section within the standard permit timeframe.
Warakurna Roadhouse provides diesel, basic groceries, takeaway food, drinks, camping and accommodation.
Overnight: Warakurna Roadhouse campground or accommodation
Day 3: Giles Weather Station and Warakurna to Yulara
Approximately 350 kilometres
Wake early and drive to Giles Weather Station, approximately 1.5 kilometres from Warakurna Roadhouse.
One of the most unusual experiences along the Great Central Road is watching the daily weather balloon release. Confirm current release and visitor times locally before visiting.
After Giles, continue east and cross the Western Australian and Northern Territory border.
Travel along Tjukaruru Road through remote desert country toward Kaltukatjara, also known as Docker River.
Diesel may be available at Docker River, but travellers should confirm supply and opening hours before relying on it.
Continue to Yulara and arrive with enough daylight to settle into camp.
Overnight: Ayers Rock Campground at Yulara
Day 4: Explore Uluru and Kata Tjuta
Start early and drive into Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park.
Begin with sunrise at Uluru before exploring the Uluru Base Walk, Cultural Centre and Kata Tjuta.
At Kata Tjuta, choose between the Valley of the Winds, Walpa Gorge or one of the shorter viewing experiences.
Purchase your park pass through the official Uluru park pass page.
Overnight: Ayers Rock Campground at Yulara
Day 5: Yulara to Watarrka National Park and Kings Canyon
Approximately 300 kilometres
Leave Yulara after breakfast and travel east along the Lasseter Highway.
Stop at Curtin Springs for diesel and refreshments before continuing toward Kings Canyon.
Pause at the Mount Conner lookout for views across the desert and Lake Amadeus.
Continue to Kings Creek Station or Kings Canyon Resort.
Overnight: Kings Canyon Resort or Kings Creek Station
Day 6: Explore Kings Canyon
Begin early to avoid the hottest part of the day.
The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is a six kilometre circuit through sandstone domes, spectacular lookouts and the Garden of Eden.
Travellers wanting an easier option can complete the shorter Kings Creek Walk.
Check the Watarrka National Park page before setting out.
Overnight: Kings Canyon Resort or Kings Creek Station
Day 7: Kings Canyon to the West MacDonnell Ranges via the Mereenie Loop
Approximately 330 to 380 kilometres
Depart early with your Mereenie Loop permit organised and the diesel tank topped up.
The Mereenie Loop is an unsealed section of the Red Centre Way. There are no diesel stops or facilities along this section.
Watch for wild camels, dingoes, brumbies, birds of prey and desert wildflowers.
Stop at Tnorala, also known as Gosse Bluff, before continuing into Tjoritja West MacDonnell Ranges National Park.
Overnight: A designated campground in Tjoritja West MacDonnell Ranges National Park
Day 8: West MacDonnell Ranges to Alice Springs
Approximately 120 to 180 kilometres
Spend the morning exploring the West MacDonnell Ranges before travelling into Alice Springs.
Recommended stops include Ormiston Gorge, Ellery Creek Big Hole, the Ochre Pits, Serpentine Gorge and Simpsons Gap.
Arrive in Alice Springs during the afternoon.
Use the afternoon to fill the long range diesel tanks, restock fresh food and water, complete laundry, inspect your tyres and check upcoming road conditions.
Overnight: Alice Springs
Day 9: Explore Alice Springs
Allow a full day to experience Alice Springs rather than treating it only as a supply stop.
Visit Alice Springs Desert Park, the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre, local Aboriginal art galleries, Araluen Arts Centre, the Telegraph Station or one of the town’s other attractions.
The Kangaroo Sanctuary and Earth Sanctuary are also excellent options and should be booked in advance.
A second night in Alice Springs provides time to rest after the Great Central Road and prepare properly for the Plenty Highway.
Overnight: Alice Springs
Day 10: Alice Springs to Gemtree
Approximately 140 kilometres
Leave Alice Springs with full diesel tanks, full water tanks and enough food for several days of remote travel.
Travel north along the Stuart Highway before turning east onto the Plenty Highway toward Gemtree and Harts Range.
Gemtree is a relaxed outback campground and roadhouse known for garnet and zircon fossicking, seasonal camp oven dinners and bush hospitality.
Overnight: Gemtree Roadhouse and Caravan Park
Optional Three Day East MacDonnell Ranges and Binns Track Add On
Have a little more time? Instead of travelling directly from Alice Springs to Gemtree, take the adventurous route through the East MacDonnell Ranges, Trephina Gorge, Arltunga and sections of the Binns Track.
This optional itinerary adds approximately two days to the overall journey and gives you another taste of remote Central Australian 4WD touring before joining the Plenty Highway.
Optional Day 1: Alice Springs to Trephina Gorge
Leave Alice Springs and travel east along Ross Highway.
Recommended stops include Yeperenye Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park, Corroboree Rock and Trephina Gorge Nature Park.
Trephina Gorge offers red cliffs, river gums, rocky creek beds and a choice of walking trails.
Check the Trephina Gorge Nature Park page before travelling.
Overnight: Trephina Gorge campground or East MacDonnell Ranges accommodation
Optional Day 2: Trephina Gorge to Arltunga and Gemtree
Continue east to Arltunga Historical Reserve.
Arltunga was Central Australia’s first official town and preserves stone buildings, mining sites and ruins associated with the region’s early gold rush.
After exploring the reserve, continue north toward Gemtree using the approved Binns Track route.
The Binns Track travels through some of the Northern Territory’s lesser visited 4WD country.
Overnight: Gemtree Roadhouse and Caravan Park
Optional Day 3: Gemtree Fossicking and Harts Range
Spend the morning on a guided garnet or zircon fossicking experience at Gemtree.
Use the afternoon to explore Harts Range, relax at camp or join one of Gemtree’s seasonal camp oven dinners.
Stay for a second night before continuing east along the Plenty Highway.
Overnight: Gemtree Roadhouse and Caravan Park
Why add it? This detour combines gorge country, Aboriginal cultural landscapes, gold rush history, remote 4WD touring and gemstone fossicking while connecting naturally back into the Outback Way.
Day 11: Gemtree to Tobermorey Station
Approximately 450 kilometres
Depart early and continue east along the Plenty Highway.
Potential diesel stops include Gemtree, Atitjere or Harts Range, Jervois Station and Tobermorey Station.
Always confirm availability and opening hours before departure.
Overnight: Tobermorey Station when open and confirmed
Day 12: Tobermorey Station to Boulia
Approximately 320 kilometres
Continue east along the Plenty Highway and Donohue Highway into Queensland.
Arrive in Boulia and refuel with diesel. Visit the Min Min Encounter and Visitor Information Centre for current local advice.
Overnight: Boulia
Day 13: Boulia to Diamantina National Park
Leave Boulia with full diesel tanks, drinking water and enough food for your national park stay.
There is no diesel, food or drinking water within Diamantina National Park.
Camping options include Hunters Gorge and Gum Hole.
Book camping through the Queensland National Parks booking service.
Overnight: Diamantina National Park
Day 14: Explore Diamantina National Park
Spend a full day exploring wetlands, floodplains, sand dunes, gibber plains, waterholes and Channel Country landscapes.
The park is also an excellent birdwatching and wildlife destination.
Check Queensland Park Alerts before entering.
Overnight: Diamantina National Park
Day 15: Diamantina National Park to Winton
Travel through Channel Country toward Winton as floodplains gradually give way to Mitchell grass downs.
Winton provides diesel, supermarkets, mechanical services, camping and accommodation.
Visit the Winton Visitor Information Centre before continuing east.
Winton is also a major gateway to Queensland’s dinosaur experiences. Visit Outback Queensland Dinosaur Experiences for ideas and attractions throughout the region.
Overnight: Winton
Great Central Road and Outback Way Road Conditions
Conditions can change within hours due to weather, grading, traffic and roadworks.
Expect corrugations, loose gravel, sand, bulldust, washouts, floodways, stones, roadworks, wildlife and livestock.
A road marked open does not necessarily mean it is smooth.
Adventure Rentals customers must not exceed 80 kilometres per hour on unsealed roads and must always reduce speed further to suit the conditions.
Never enter a closed road or attempt an unsafe water crossing.
Adventure Rentals vehicles must not be driven outside towns at night.
Road Reports and Community Updates
Shire of Laverton Road Conditions
Shire of Ngaanyatjarraku Road Reports
Main Roads Western Australia Travel Map
Northern Territory Road Report
Boulia Shire Council Road Report
The Great Central Road Facebook Group
The Great Central Road Facebook group is an extremely useful resource for real time traveller reports.
Members regularly post current information about corrugations, graders, road closures, floodwater, diesel availability, roadhouse hours, tyre problems and conditions experienced that day.
These traveller reports are often more current and detailed about the actual road surface than government reporting websites.
Always use the group alongside official reports. An official road closure takes priority over community advice.
Diesel Stops from Laverton to Winton
All Adventure Rentals vehicles use diesel.
Our 4WD campers have long range diesel tanks, providing valuable flexibility when travelling through remote Australia.
It is still best to top up regularly rather than driving past reliable diesel stops.
You can often save money by filling most of the long range tank in larger centres such as Laverton, Yulara, Alice Springs, Boulia and Winton, then purchasing smaller top ups at remote roadhouses.
Saving money should never take priority over keeping a safe diesel reserve.
Main Diesel Stops
- Laverton
- Tjukayirla Roadhouse
- Warburton Roadhouse
- Warakurna Roadhouse
- Kaltukatjara or Docker River, subject to availability
- Yulara
- Curtin Springs
- Kings Creek Station or Kings Canyon Resort
- Alice Springs
- Gemtree
- Atitjere or Harts Range
- Jervois Station
- Tobermorey Station when open
- Boulia
- Winton
Always confirm remote diesel availability before departure.
Where to Stock Up on Supplies
Laverton
Complete your main food, water and diesel shop before beginning the Great Central Road.
Great Central Road Roadhouses
Tjukayirla, Warburton and Warakurna provide meals, drinks and basic supplies, but selection depends on remote freight deliveries.
Yulara
Yulara has a supermarket, diesel, camping supplies and dining options.
Alice Springs
Alice Springs is the most important major restocking point between Laverton and Winton.
Boulia
Boulia has diesel and basic supplies, although remote freight can affect availability.
Winton
Winton has full regional town services and is the best place to restock before travelling further through Queensland.
Great Central Road Permits and Park Passes
Western Australian Great Central Road Permits
Two permits cover the Western Australian section of the Great Central Road.
For the first section, use the Western Australian Aboriginal Lands permit system.
For travel through Ngaanyatjarra Lands, obtain a Ngaanyatjarra Council transit permit.
The Great Beyond Visitor Centre in Laverton can also assist travellers with Great Central Road permit information.
Central Land Council Permit for Tjukaruru Road
A separate Central Land Council transit permit is required for Tjukaruru Road between the Western Australian border and Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park.
Apply before travelling through the Central Land Council transit permit application.
Mereenie Loop Permit
A separate permit is required for the Mereenie Loop.
Check current permit information through Discover Central Australia.
Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park Pass
Purchase your pass through the official Uluru park website.
Northern Territory Parks Visitor Pass
Check whether you require an NT Parks Visitor Pass.
Where to Camp and Stay
Recommended overnight locations include Tjukayirla Roadhouse, Warakurna Roadhouse, Yulara, Kings Canyon, Kings Creek Station, designated West MacDonnell Ranges campsites, Alice Springs, Gemtree, Jervois Station, Tobermorey Station, Boulia, Diamantina National Park and Winton.
Transit permits do not provide unrestricted permission to camp on Aboriginal land. Use approved roadhouse campgrounds and designated camping areas.
Wildlife, Wildflowers and Outback Night Skies
Wildlife sightings are one of the great rewards of travelling through Central Australia.
Keep watch for dingoes, wild camels, emus, kangaroos, wallaroos, brumbies, wedge tailed eagles, budgerigars, parrots and the extraordinary birdlife of Diamantina National Park.
After rain, the desert can transform. Purple, yellow and white flowers appear among the red dirt, spinifex and rocky ranges.
At night, much of the route has almost no artificial light. Turn off the camp lights, allow your eyes to adjust and look up.
Visitor Information Centres
Great Beyond Visitor Centre, Laverton
Yulara and Alice Springs Visitor Information Centres
Min Min Encounter and Visitor Information Centre, Boulia
Winton Visitor Information Centre
Essential Great Central Road Planning Checklist
- Organise all required permits
- Save electronic permit copies offline
- Carry printed copies
- Book national park camping
- Download offline maps
- Check official road reports
- Check the Great Central Road Facebook group
- Confirm remote roadhouse opening hours
- Confirm diesel availability
- Fill long range diesel tanks
- Fill drinking water containers
- Carry additional food
- Inspect tyres and both spare tyres
- Check recovery equipment
- Test satellite communication equipment
- Allow spare time for road closures or changing weather
Complete the Outback Way from Perth to Cairns
The Great Central Road and Outback Way create an extraordinary connection between Western Australia, the Red Centre and Outback Queensland.
With Adventure Rentals depots in Perth, Alice Springs and Cairns, travellers can turn this route into a complete Perth to Cairns or Cairns to Perth 4WD camper journey.
After Winton, continue through Queensland’s dinosaur country before exploring Cobbold Gorge, Talaroo Hot Springs, Undara, Chillagoe and the Atherton Tablelands.
For dinosaur experiences and attractions, explore Outback Queensland Dinosaur Experiences.
For more ideas through Outback Queensland, the Gulf Savannah and Tropical North Queensland, explore our Savannah Way 4WD Itinerary.
The complete Perth to Cairns or Cairns to Perth adventure deserves at least 28 days. Allow longer if you want to slow down and spend more time exploring either end.
Explore Adventure Rentals 4WD Campers
All remote travel is subject to vehicle availability, written route approval, road conditions, permit conditions and Adventure Rentals terms and conditions.
Start or Finish Your Outback Way Adventure
Adventure Rentals has depots at three key points along this journey, making it possible to complete the full route or divide the adventure into shorter one way trips.
Perth 4WD Camper Hire
Begin your journey in Western Australia and travel through the Wheatbelt and Goldfields before reaching Laverton and the Great Central Road.
Explore our Perth 4WD Camper and Car Hire depot
Alice Springs 4WD Camper Hire
Alice Springs is an ideal starting or finishing point for travellers who want to experience the Great Central Road, Uluru, Kings Canyon and the Red Centre as a standalone adventure.
Explore our Alice Springs 4WD Camper and Car Hire depot
Cairns 4WD Camper Hire
Begin or finish in Tropical North Queensland and combine the Outback Way with Outback Queensland, the Gulf Savannah and the Atherton Tablelands.
Explore our Cairns 4WD Camper and Car Hire depot
Travel the entire Perth to Cairns route in one adventure, or divide it into Perth to Alice Springs and Alice Springs to Cairns journeys and experience the Outback Way at your own pace.
Great Central Road Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Great Central Road suitable for a standard rental car?
No. A high clearance 4WD is strongly recommended for the Great Central Road and required for this complete itinerary.
How long should I allow for Perth to Cairns?
Allow at least 28 days for the complete Perth to Cairns or Cairns to Perth journey. Allow longer if you want additional sightseeing and rest days.
Can I complete only half of the trip?
Yes. Perth to Alice Springs is an excellent standalone adventure. The eastern section between Alice Springs and Cairns can then be completed separately.
How long should I allow between Perth and Laverton?
Allow at least two to three days. More time allows you to include the Wheatbelt, Wave Rock, Kalgoorlie and the Goldfields.
How long should I allow between Winton and Cairns?
Allow at least two to three days for a relatively direct trip. Allow considerably longer for Queensland’s dinosaur country, Cobbold Gorge, Talaroo, Undara, Chillagoe and the Atherton Tablelands.
Can I get Great Central Road permit help in Laverton?
Yes. The Great Beyond Visitor Centre can assist with Great Central Road permit information and preparation.
Do I need a permit after crossing into the Northern Territory?
Yes. A Central Land Council transit permit is required for Tjukaruru Road between the Western Australian border and Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park.
Can I camp anywhere along the Great Central Road?
No. Follow your permit conditions and use approved roadhouse campgrounds and designated camping areas.
Do Adventure Rentals vehicles have long range diesel tanks?
Yes. Our 4WD campers have long range diesel tanks, but we still recommend topping up regularly throughout the journey.
Is the Great Central Road Facebook group useful?
Yes. It is extremely useful for recent reports from people travelling the road. Always check it alongside official road information.
Can the itinerary be driven from Cairns to Perth?
Yes. The complete journey can be travelled in either direction.
