Great Central Road Camping

Submitted: Saturday, Jul 13, 2013 at 20:41

ThreadID: 103234 Views:5005 Replies:6 FollowUps:10

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Great Central Road

Part of the "Outback Way", the Great Central Road is the main thoroughfare through Central Australia and links WA to NT. It is widely used by buses, trucks, 4WD and occasionally 2WD vehicles.

Great Central Road

Section: Treks

The Great Central Road is the main thoroughfare through Central Australia and links WA to NT. It is mostly unsealed but is widely used by buses, trucks, 4WD and occasionally 2WD vehicles.

Great Central Road - Outback Travellers Guide

Section: Shop

Series 4 - Track 5Eleven stripmaps break the Great Central Road into identifiable sections giving travellers information on regional roads, fuel, water, landmarks, accommodation,

Member - Murray R (VIC)

We are travaling down the great Central road in 2 weeks and are looking for 2 camps before we get to Tjukayirlia road house. Has anyone stayed at either Docker River, Yarla Kutjarra, or Desert Surf Central of recent and can give a report on them. Have heard that Docker River is run down or has this changed. Any info appreciated.

Murray

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Reply By: equinox - Saturday, Jul 13, 2013 at 21:00

Saturday, Jul 13, 2013 at 21:00

Hi Murray,
I stayed at Docker River campground last November.
It was awsome, peace and tranquility.
The view was supurb.
Had to walk a fair way to get any firewood.
Go into town and talk to the locals.
The campground services were not in the best order, however this didn't worry me at all.
Cheers
Alan

Docker River campground

Looking for adventure.
In whatever comes our way.

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Follow Up By: DiscoTourer - Saturday, Jul 13, 2013 at 21:04

Saturday, Jul 13, 2013 at 21:04

What Alan said. His pic is from the viewing platform and the view is great at or near sunset.
Nice desert sheoks.
Toilets destroyed, but just use a shovel.
Dingos will visit you during the night, so don't leave shoes out.

Brett....

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Follow Up By: Member - Murray R (VIC) - Saturday, Jul 13, 2013 at 22:17

Saturday, Jul 13, 2013 at 22:17

Alan
Sounds like things are still the same from yours and Brett's reply. Even worth stopping if only for the view as in your photo.

Thanks Murray

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Reply By: Motherhen - Saturday, Jul 13, 2013 at 21:24

Saturday, Jul 13, 2013 at 21:24

Hi Murray

We did not stay at Docker River Camp - a pretty spot but it was well and truly trashed, which is a common story, and we had made better than expected time. Pity, because good work has gone into creating individual shower and toilet sheds for each camp, but they are usually not in working order.

Yarla Kutjarra is good although we did not stay there either.

Do you need toilets or are you self sufficient?

Where is Desert Surf Central?

PM me if you need more options.

Motherhen

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Follow Up By: Member - ACD 1 - Saturday, Jul 13, 2013 at 21:36

Saturday, Jul 13, 2013 at 21:36

Hi MH

Found this Desert Surf Central

Also gives some other options close by.

Cheers

Anthony

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Follow Up By: Member - Murray R (VIC) - Saturday, Jul 13, 2013 at 22:29

Saturday, Jul 13, 2013 at 22:29

MH
Desert Surf Central is near the Hunt Oil road intersection. Am lookihg towords here or Yarla Kutjarra as are wanting to do Giles which is at 11am from the info you gave me.
We are selfcifient and thanks for reply

Murray

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Reply By: Member - sparra - Saturday, Jul 13, 2013 at 21:26

Saturday, Jul 13, 2013 at 21:26

Like the others said,I have stayed there before,nice and quite and peaceful,I will be camping there again in September on my way back from a trip to the gulf and part of cape York. Cheers,sparra

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Follow Up By: Motherhen - Saturday, Jul 13, 2013 at 22:32

Saturday, Jul 13, 2013 at 22:32

Which camp Sparra?

Mh

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Follow Up By: Member - sparra - Saturday, Jul 13, 2013 at 23:54

Saturday, Jul 13, 2013 at 23:54

The docker river camp mh, it was good when I. Was there last,but then again I am easily pleased,usually traveling solo. Cheers, sparra

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Reply By: Member - Oldbaz. NSW. - Sunday, Jul 14, 2013 at 08:16

Sunday, Jul 14, 2013 at 08:16

We stayed at Yarla Kutjurra several weeks ago, nice spot with a loo & cultural display.
It is also off the main road. Reached there from Curtin Springs in a day. Next night was at Tjukayirla, so cant help with other bush camps. Easily reached Leonora from
there..cheers......oldbaz.

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Follow Up By: Member - Murray R (VIC) - Sunday, Jul 14, 2013 at 09:41

Sunday, Jul 14, 2013 at 09:41

Oldbaz
Thanks for the info, we are taking 4 days to do from the big rod rock to Leonora. Sounds like the road is good in both NT & WA. It was closed last thursday from Laverton due to rain.

Murray

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Follow Up By: Sandman - Sunday, Jul 14, 2013 at 12:17

Sunday, Jul 14, 2013 at 12:17

Docker River campground gets trashed as there is no police presence in the community. My wife flew out there regularly as the midwife and went walking out the great central road. The local kids keep breaking the lock on the campground moneybox so if you want to pay, find another way as your money will get stolen...

Pete

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Reply By: Dean B5 - Monday, Jul 15, 2013 at 08:01

Monday, Jul 15, 2013 at 08:01

We are on the GCR from the 28th, if you spot me say hi
3 FJ cruisers heading east

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Follow Up By: Member - Murray R (VIC) - Monday, Jul 15, 2013 at 18:19

Monday, Jul 15, 2013 at 18:19

Dean
I should be at Laverton on 27th so might see you there.
Murray

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Reply By: andoland - Monday, Jul 15, 2013 at 15:50

Monday, Jul 15, 2013 at 15:50

We camped at Desert Surf Central a couple of years ago. Just follow the track in until you find a spot you like. It is nice there beside the breakaway.

AnswerID: 514836