Western Deserts Road Conditions Feedback

What is "a outback trailer"?

Generally, however, the GCR is a pretty well maintained gravel road... but it is still a long way to pull a trailer, so you need a well-maintained and robust trailer.

Demus
3 friend's of mine did it in july 07 from perth to Qld round the top & back. Kimberly camper, jayco outback eagle & jayco outback penguin. all got back OK & enjoyed themselves. said it wasn't hard.
cheers Tom

Demus
try these road condition as well :
http://www.4x4earth.com.au/4wdtracks/trails/great-central-road/

cheers Tom

I did the GCR in May last year and it's not that hard a drive, even with a trailer. The bitumen ends about 30 kms out of Laverton and doesn't reappear until you get to the turn off into the NP at the Olgas. The first part of the trip from Laverton, the road is superb - very wide and easily capable of handling 100 kmh. When you cross into Naangyatjarraku Shire, still west of Warburton, the road deteriorates somewhat with more corrugations being prominent. But, if the locals can drive a 1980's vintage Ford Escort along it then it can't be too bad. It was abit rough but it wasn't going to destroy the vehicle

There are reports that once you cross the border into the NT that the Docker River Rd section is awful but I didn't find this to be the case. This is a mainly a sandy road and while some sections did get a bit deep and had a few bull dust holes, simple moderation of speed coped with this. I averaged about 85 - 90 kmh through this section with little discomfort.

Now here is a bonus! To travel the GCR you need two transit permits from Aboriginal land councils, both of which can be obtained via the net. They are free. (See another page on this sitehttp://www.exploroz.com/TripPlanning/Permits/Default.aspx)

One is for the WA side and the other for the Uluru/Docker River Rd section. If you are going to include a stopover at Uluru then this is your free pass. You can stay at Yulara resort (not free) and drive down to Ayres Rock and this permit will get you through the gates to see anything you want. In fact, don't drive through the main kiosk but take the bus lane to the left. If anyone stops you, show them the permit, explain you will be travelling the Docker River Rd and all will be OK.

I really enjoyed my traversal of the GCR. Leaving Perth I stopped at Kal, Laverton and Warburton then crossed the border and spent a night at Curtin Springs as I didn't really want to spend yet another night at the camp grounds at Yulara. You could do this differently and stop at Tjukayirla (Chookhouse to the locals) and Warrakurna instead. Leonora could be substituted for Laverton. Whatever, enjoy the drive and feel free to ask me for further details.

The worst section is a heavily corrugated 200km between Uluru and Docker River. Anything west of the WA/NT border is usually in good condition. May be a bit corrugated around Warburton but generally it's pretty good. Shouldn't have any issues with a good trailer. Passed quite a few 'normal' type vans on the road last year.

Cheers. Mick