Question: Great Central Road

Hey Jimmie, I believe a 4WD is almost a must nowadays to do that trip

If its dry you can easily do the GCR in a 2wd. All the local communties out there either drive commodores or falcons. Just have to drive to the conditions and take it easy, let some air out of your tyres.Take an extra spare if you can. My last time out there I saw quite a few onroad vans bieng towed along. Even saw a really nice old holden 1 tonner towing a silimar vintage van. 3 or 4 graders work on that road year round.

wizzer

Hi Jimmy

It depends on conditions at the time - particularly if there has been rain as has been occurring recently. We did not need to engage 4wd in very dry conditions, nor needed our high clearance, but corrugations over long distances can be damaging. We were lucky as the NT side had just been graded. Prior to that there was a report of a road train sand bogged in the middle of the road and waiting for help.

If it all looks reasonable from replies, go as far as Kata Tjuta (end of the park) as call travellers coming in on the two way and get up to date news and be prepared to turn back.Tjukayirla Roadhouse is a member here and keeps us informed of changes.

Alternatively, the Gary Junction Road is a nicer and easier drive. See My Blogs from 2009 for part of this route (complete trip not yet loaded).

Motherhen

HI,

Drove from Kata Juta to Docker River last week and back. Road was being graded although only a few kms on Kata Juta side had been done. Rest was pretty corrugated and sandy - was glad I was driving 4wd.

Yes, locals often drive Holdens and commodores and such 2wd vehicles - you see them littered by the side of the road - broken down and too expensive to recover. In fact from Docker to Warakuna there are some great works of art by side of road as cars deteriorate decoratively.

Would suggest 4 wd a safer option.

Inish

G'day Jimmy, yes it certainly is doable if you take care and drive to the conditions. Most of the road is in excellent condition, although be prepared for some areas of heavy corrugations.
If you do come through, drop in and say G'day.

Cheers
Al