Driving the outback way

If you haven't already checked it out, this website could be useful:
Outback Way - Australia's Longest Shortcut

There were a few threads before Christmas. Do a search of th eforum and you will get your answer. Also use "Great Central Road" for your searches.

The Plenty Hwy and most roads East and NE of Alice Springs have been damaged by the recent heavy rains.
Check with local Shires and the relevant States Main Roads, "road conditions" sites, before setting out, as road conditions can change (deteriorate) rapidly.

ABC Rural News - Plenty Highway damaged by heavy rain - January 2015

NT - Road Report website

RACQ Road Conditions report

Main Roads Western Australia oversee, repair and maintain all the roads classified as "Main Roads" in W.A.
However, the Great Central Road is not classed as a Main Road and it is overseen, repaired and maintained by the ?Shire of Ngaanyatjarraku.

MRWA Regional Works and Conditions

Cheers, Ron

You will need a transit permit from the NT Central Land Council to travel from Yulara to the West Australian border.
This permit is free, and can be obtained online, or at the Tourism Office in Yulara (it's near the shopping centre).
If you wish to visit Uluru and Kata Tjuta, you also need a Park pass, which costs $25 and is good for 3 days.

To travel along the Great Central Road from the West Australian border to Laverton, you will need a permit from the West Australian Dept of Aboriginal Affairs.
This permit is also issued free and is available online.
This permit is only for 3 days as well and is issued for transit and refuelling purposes only.
You must not deviate from the main road or approved camping areas.

You have to supply a permit holders name, vehicle make and rego number, and colour.
You are not allowed to enter Aboriginal communities, but you can enter Warburton townsite.
Photography of Aboriginals and community areas is forbidden. Aboriginal culture, in common with many tribal societies, believes you are stealing a persons soul by taking their image. So be careful what you take photos of, and be aware of any Aboriginals that may think they are purposely being photographed, when they are not.

You are advised to avoid taking regular ULP into Aboriginal Lands and even Alice Springs. Petrol sniffing is still a major problem in these areas.
Opal is the only type of petrol sold around Alice Springs and in all Aboriginal Lands.
If you must take regular unleaded petrol with you, you are advised to keep it under lock and key.
Most accommodation points have locked security areas for unleaded fuel carried by travellers.

CLC - FAQ's

DAAWA - Travel Permit for Aboriginal Lands

Cheers, Ron.