Conditions and time taken to travel Great Central Rd

We went from Ayers Rock to Laverton last Christmas, so don't have any recent road conditions to offer.
As for the time frame, we left the rock mid morning, and got to Laverton mid morning after 2 nights of bush stops, so an earlier start would mean a two day trip is more than possible, but 780k in a day with short daylight hours and wildlife may push the comfort boundaries.
We looked at the more popular tourist places, but no meteorological stops, and generally drove 8 hours a day.
We did the trip straight after the "cyclone" hit the country there, but the conditions were still OK.
I am sure others will say it is a four day trip or more, but like anything, it depends on the available time and how much you want to do it.
Sure, you can spend a few hours watching a weather balloon rise, or take two hours to check out Lasseter's Cave, gold fossicking etc, but that doesn't suit everyone.
Three days would offer more tourist time, but two days could be done without too much vehicle or driver stress.
Cheers

Hi Tony

Check out my blog from 2008 on the Great Central Road. We were returning to WA from Uluru and were lucky the notorious NT side had just been graded so made very good time. Hence first night we made it to Warakurna, where we wanted to stay to do the weather station tour in the morning anyway. Second night past Warburton where we stopped early due to strong headwind, dust and a breakdown. Third night out the back of a rest area, getting to Laverton before mid day.

I hope this gives you some idea.

Motherhen

Hi Tony - sounds like an interesting trip! I can highly recommend BOTH Tjukayirla and Warakurna Roadhouses to stay! Both are very friendly and clean and Warakurna has free Wi-Fi and a fantastic campers kitchen! Tjukayirla has excellent amenities, a good shop and a very good campers kitchen. Thoroughly enjoyed staying both places. Next time, would like to stay longer and explore more of the surrounds. Remember there is the Giles Weather station near Warakurna - well worth a visit.

I did a similar trip with a girlfriend last year in her trusty 80 series diesel - Tom Price to Rockhamnpton through the Red Centre! It was fantastic! My blog: http://acrossoztrek.blogspot.com/

Have a safe and wonderful road trip!

Cheers,
Anne-Marie

Unless tou get special permits to poke around theres not alot to be seen that your permit allows

Id be doing to docker river 1st day to check out the peterman ranges from the campground

then that should give you 1/2 of the next day to check out the rock etc

thanks heaps guys for your quick responses!

Based on the feedback so far and my own research I think I'll split it into 3days as this should make it easier and allow us to check out the Tjukayirla Caves en route.

cheers Tony

Hi Tony
We have travelled the Great Central many times and it is a great road. Take an extra day and you will see some great country. From past experiences, I do the following.

Day 1 Laverton (last also of the Cheap fuel) to Tjukayirla, including a dash up to Empress Springs on the David Carnegie. This is a first class road and will be the best road that you will travel on until you get to the Black Stuff at the Olgas.
While at Tjukayirla, check out the caves, I have done a trek file here on EO for details, check it out.

Day 2 Tyukayirla to Warakurna. While here, a must visit is the Giles weather station to see one on the weather balloons launched.

Day 3 Warakurna to Yulara.

Both Tjukayirla and Warakurna are safe places to stay. If to intend to have a camp fire at either place, make sure you collect some wood before getting there.

Here are a couple of pictures of what it is like.

Have a great trip.


Cheers


Stephen

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