Outback Way- Australia's Longest Shortcut

10/01/2025

A beautiful part 🛻of the drive along the Outback Way, what a spot anytime of the day💖🌞

We aren't sure about the early bird 🐦 and the worm 🪱, but at Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park we are sure that the early riser catches the sunrise 🌞.
And what a sunrise 😍!
The sun is currently popping up around 6am🕕, and the park opens at 5am, so you have plenty of time to find your perfect view point 🔭 at Uluṟu or Kata Tjuṯa. Why not bring some food 🥐 and coffee ☕and make it a breakfast date?

📸 Thankyou for sharing your Kata Tjuṯa sunrise

06/01/2025

COVER PHOTO COMP:
We are looking for a new photo for February.
Submit a photo of something along the Outback Way below for your chance to be featured as our cover photo for the month. 🤩
The most suitable image with the most likes will be featured.

31/12/2024

The Outback Way Outdoor Gallery showcases art in the picturesque desert landscape of the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia. This project features 28 works by 27 artists from along the Outback Way, on large scale billboards.⁠
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All artists have received an artist fee and % of prints and originals sold in alignment with guidelines set by NAVA⁠
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Artworks are available for purchase and works will be available for print on demand for prints and for other objects like t-shirts, scarves and tote bags.⁠
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Visit https://gallery.outbackway.org.au/shop/ to see the works.

30/12/2024

There are two main unsealed sections of the Outback Way. The majorify of the road between Laverton in WA and Kata Tjuta in the NT is gravel. There are small sections of seal intermittent along this section. The other major section of gravel is between Harts Range in the NT and Boulia in QLD.

Check out our podcast episode on dealing with Bulldust for more info!

27/12/2024

Fabulous pic from Wayne Lord of their Outback Way caravan journey! What a brilliant shot of the big blue skies and seemingly endless straight dirt roads. The epitome of the outback.

Send us your pics and stories from your Outback Way trip, we love to see them and share them!

26/12/2024

This podcast episode is an absolute MUST listen if you are planning a trip on the Outback Way. It’s called “Bulldust: What to expect on the Outback Way” and it was released in 2021.

The Outback Way Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.

24/12/2024

Merry Christmas from the Outback Highway Development Council!

23/12/2024

"The completion of the sealing of the Outback Way will deliver tangible outcomes for the national economy, budget and the people of Australia for years to come." ~ Ngaanyatjarraku Shire President Damian McLean

20/12/2024

Check out these amazing photos of the Outback Way courtesy of

Timothy writes “We started our road trip adventure on the Great Central Road towards Uluru—crossing the red-dirt road, which is >1000km unsealed.”

Send us your pics and stories from your Outback Way trip. We’d love to see them and share them with our followers!

18/12/2024

Planning an Outback Way trip? Don't leave home without the Outback Way Travel Journal!

Find it in our shop at https://www.outbackway.org.au/outbackstore

16/12/2024

The seven principles of Leave No Trace provide minimum-impact practices for anyone travelling.

3. Dispose of Waste properly or take it with you

Plan meals to minimise messy waste and always pack out kitchen scraps.
Refrain from relying on fires for disposal, as half-burned rubbish attracts animals.
Even the most minor trash can harm wildlife, so leave no trace behind.
Use designated toilets or portable waste disposal devices whenever possible.
Be mindful of using personal care products near water sources and minimise their use to protect wildlife.

Remember, it's everyone's responsibility to leave nature untouched.
Carry bags to pack out your trash and help keep our outback beautiful!

16/12/2024

It's been a while since we did an intro post so in case you're not sure, the Outback Way is Australia’s longest short cut: extending Laverton in Western Australia, through central Australia across the Northern Territory, to Winton in Queensland. ⁠
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It's the brainchild of five local governments whose boundaries cover thousands of square kilometres that the Outback Way passes through. ⁠
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The 2700km journey is made up of seven different roads, including the Great Central Road (WA); Tjukururu Road, Lassiter Highway, Stuart Highway and Plenty Highway (NT); and the Donohue Highway and Min Min Byway (QLD).⁠
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In 1997, the five Shires formed the Outback Highway Development Council (OHDC) to promote the development of a “third strategic link” across Australia. ⁠
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The aim was to establish the Outback Way as a transcontinental route, opening up central Australia, bringing social, economic and cultural benefit and effectively linking Australia’s southwest to northeast. ⁠
The Outback Way still has sections of unsealed road that require upgrading to an all-weather gravel surface before it can begin to reveal its potential as Australia’s third strategic link. ⁠
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A long-term aim of the OHDC is for the Outback Way to be—at a minimum—a fully sealed road with appropriate signage, traveler amenities and facilities, increased usage, a national profile and recognition as a vital link across central Australia. ⁠
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An iconic tourism route, the Outback Way has become known as Australia’s Longest Shortcut. It is a journey through the Heart of Australia and The Great Australian Road Trip.⁠
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To support travellers on their Outback Way journey, The OHDC has developed a range of resources, including our podcast, app, outdoor gallery and travel journal.

12/12/2024

Amazing photo of a cattle road train on the Donohue Highway, Outback Way near Boulia from

See more of Ann's works at www.annbrittonphotography.com.au

10/12/2024

A camel train journeying across the Outback Way! Pick up one of these quirky souvenirs for yourself when you stop in Boulia!

09/12/2024

The seven principles of Leave No Trace provide minimum-impact practices for anyone travelling.

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

👉 Recovery from trampling and habitat disruption can take years, impacting vegetation, soil, and wildlife.
👍 Use designated campsites or well-worn areas.
👉 Concentrate gear in one spot on durable surfaces to minimise damage. Choose lightweight gear to reduce the need for on-site structure.
👍 Leave rocks and logs undisturbed to preserve the habitat.

Let's tread lightly and leave no trace!

09/12/2024

Google Maps won't tell you which sections of the Outback Way are sealed and which are gravel! ⁠
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The gravel sections are from Laverton in WA through to Kata Tjuta in the NT, and then again from Hart’s Range in the NT through to Boulia in QLD. ⁠
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The gravel sections can deteriorate quite quickly and pose a very real danger to travellers in unsuitable vehicles or who don’t know how to navigate bulldust. ⁠
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Please take the necessary precautions, we want you to have a safe and wonderful trip on the Outback Way but we also want to ensure that you’re aware of some of the hazards that you may confront when you’re driving such a wonderful route. ⁠
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We want to be realistic about how the road can deteriorate and we want to warn you so can have the best possible trip.

06/12/2024

Cheers to the weekend!

📸Sean Scott

05/12/2024

📷Have a look at this amazing photo taken by Rick Britton.🤩👇

This was snapped over the weekend at his property near Boulia.

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