Be captivated by ancient landscapes and the majestic red desert.
Channel your inner adventurer with a rugged desert experience. The Outback Way is a remarkable 2800km journey through beautiful deserts in the heart of Australia. Beginning in Laverton, this route spans many regions and diverse landscapes, while offering some of Australia’s most pristine night skies – it is a true odyssey.
What To Know About The Outback Way
On the Outback Way, you can travel from Laverton, Western Australia, to Winton, Queensland, which is 2800 kilometres (1600 kilometres of dirt road). There is a maximum of 300 kilometres between food, fuel and sleep stops.
Although regularly maintained, the route is mostly gravel, and it is advisable to travel in a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. Conditions may include corrugations and sand drifts, and can change quickly.
The Outback Way allows you to learn about the ancient Aboriginal culture of the Wongatha and Ngaanyatjarra people, the early exploration of inland Australia and the beauty of Australia’s central desert.
Although sparsely populated, the route is home to iconic places, quirky events, artisans, welcoming communities, mine sites and pastoral stations. It also features some of Australia’s most iconic scenery, including Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), and the Peterman and MacDonnell ranges. The best time to travel the Outback Way is during the cooler months: March to November. Travellers journeying along the Outback Way can enjoy some of Australia’s most remote, interesting and picturesque desert areas.
Required Permits For The Outback Way
To travel the Outback Way, you require Aboriginal Land Permits for the Great Central Road (GCR), Tjukaruru Road, and most tracks leading off the Outback Way between Laverton and Yulara.
Please bear in mind that some permit systems don’t work from mobiles/tablets and need to be completed on a computer. You do not need to print your permit, but we recommend that you do in case your phone or laptop runs out of battery.
Permits For The WA Section Of The Outback Way
When applying for permits for the Western Australian section of the Great Central Road, two permits are required to cover the entire route.
From Laverton to the Tjukayirla Roadhouse
You must obtain an Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority (AAPA) Lands Permit through the Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority Lands Permit System (ALPS).
From the Tjukayirla Roadhouse to the NT Border
A permit is required to visit Ngaanyatjarra Lands or travel alternate 4WD adventure tracks leading off the Outback Way, like the Gunbarrel Hwy, Connie Sue Hwy or the Sandy Blight Junction Road. Permits can be obtained directly from the Ngaanyatjarra Lands Council
Permits For The NT Section Of The Outback Way
A permit is needed from the Central Land Council for transit along the Tjukururu Rd.
Visiting our friendly team at the Great Beyond Visitor Centre is vital – it’s the last place you’ll have phone service before heading off into the great Aussie desert! They’ll help you with permits and any questions you may have before you start your adventure.
If you’re not ready to head off just yet but want some more information, please still contact our team on (08) 9031 1361, visit the centre, or check out The Outback Way site.
Location: 5 Augusta Street, Laverton, WA 6440
