Great Central Road Feedback

Thanks MLCV...we are keeping a close eye on all feedback on the GCR, as we are heading to the west for a Navy reunion in 2010, and want to either go or come back that way, with a 17 ft van, from the east coast. Thats a wonderfull lot of information there. Thanks mate.
Fred.

Did the GCR in June 07 from the Perth end and thoroughly enjoyed the journey. It is a very interesting stretch of road and not too hard to traverse. Roos are not a problem but larger livestock certainly are. I've got pix from the trip showing both camels and cattle on the road who don't move when they hear you in the distance. They stop and face what they hear coming - not good when you're cresting a rise. As I'm not a member of EO I can't post them. The camels took quite a bit of coaxing (read aggression) to get them off the road.

I concur with the above.
Travelled thru there in mid-August, no problems. Cruised at an easy relaxing 90km/h, was in no real hurry. Was passed by someone doing about 120, so the road is pretty good. Got a bit sandy on the NT side thru to the Olgas, with some soft sandy ruts which made speed a bit dicey (vehicle tended to pull one way or the other). Looks like the WA side is pretty well maintained, and on a good wide formed base. The NT side doesn't seem to have a formed base.
It's a pity that one can't venture off the road, as there are some really magic ranges around Giles and the border. Out of bounds tho without a special permit.
Re fuel, I carried a couple of jerries and filled at Laverton and then Yulara. All the fuel stops have cut-off times for serving fuel, and charge a hefty fee for opening after hours. Fuel at Laverton was about the same price as Leonora.
Cabins are avail at Tjukayirla and Giles (we used them coz it was freezing and it saved pitching the tent) Both were $60 for a twin room - the ones at Tjukayirla were very clean and new, Giles were ok, but a bit tired. Giles had a good kitchen, with TV and both places had quite reasonable shower blocks. Can't comment on Warburton.
If you don't want to spend time (and lots of money) in Yulara, then Curtin Springs east of Yulara has free camping, pay showers and good pub meals.
cheers,
Gerry

Goes to show how quickly conditions changed. The WA/NT border to Kata Tjuta was freshly graded when we went through.

We saw lots and lots of camels on the WA side.

Motherhen

Hi MLCV,
as indicated in post 62897 there are parts of the GCR that can be travelled at speed and others that cannot.
There were two road crews on the GCR, one working on the road up-grade between Yulara and Docker River and the other working from Warrakurna to Docker River.
In the replies todate there is no indication of vehicle types or towing/not towing, to add valid information to the post.
Travel speed to the conditions and to your capabilites and that of your vehicle.

Cheers,
Wayne & Sally.

PS NOT happy that we are home and NOT travelling, otherwise a very interesting trip and one we will do again.

W&S.