Perth to Alice

Gday,
You might need to give us a bit more info......
There is more than one way to go. ( dirt or black top?)

Cheers
Hairy

Perth to Kalgoorlie, then up to Laverton, Warburton etc.
Never done this route before... not sure whether we should tackle it.... or should we?

Doable but will be very very hot. Currently the GCR has some very soft paches on the NT side so in the hight of summer the sand will be very soft. Take plenty of water for you and coolant for the car.

Some helpful advice....

http://www.outback-hwy.org.au/travel_tips.html

Cheers,

I will let you know where we camped when i get back - You get good and bad reports about the roadhouses. We heard yesterday that the free camp set up near Docker River has been trashed - showers and toilets not working.

Niagara dam near Kookynie is a nice spot to free camp before leaving civilisation.

Motherhen

Currently at expensive Yulara CP - too windy, dusty and cloudy to walk around the Rocks.

Also

There are trek notes on this route here on Explorz. You also need permits from the respective aboriginal groups for both the WA and NT sections through 'aboriginal' land.

Mh

I did this in May last year and the weather was mild. There is bitumen all the way to Laverton. Just past there it becomes gravel/dirt and is in excellent condition until you get to Ngaanyatjarraku shire where the road deteriorates somewhat. However, I did see a number of 2wd vehicles driven by locals so with care this section is passable for 2WD. However, there is a section from Docker River to the NT border that is very sandy. While the sand is not deep overall it can be in specific places so once again care is required. I would not like to drive that section if it is wet.

I'd say give it a go but be well prepared! There are roadhouses you can stay at Warburton and Warakurna as well as Docker River. I did the trip in my NP Paj starting out from Laverton, stopping at Warburton (got there early afternoon) and went through to Curtin Springs the next day so only one stop is necessary on the journey (there isn't much to see). Make sure you get the permits. These will allow you to get to the Olgas (you'll see them on the way through anyway) and the Rock without paying. When going to see Uluru, don't join the queue at the ranger station, drive through on the left hand side. If someone stops you then show your permit. At that time of year there won't be many people there anyway.

Personally, the flies alone would put me off doing this trip at that time of year (let alone the heat!)