Outback Way- Australia's Longest Shortcut

02/09/2024

The Outback is a harsh place, so if you're planning a trip on the Outback Way in 2023, make sure you're properly prepared.

We have a range of resources to help you, including our podcast which you can find on Apple or Spotify, and you can grab the Travel Journal from our shop on our website. Plus of course check out the Visitor Information Centres along the route.

Photo credit: Sean Scott Photography

30/08/2024

We are proud that the Outback Way is a truly collaborative bipartisan project of national significance!

"The Outback Way is an excellent example of an alliance of local governments working together, across State and Territory borders, with QLD, NT, WA and Federal Governments, over sustained period of time, to deliver an extraordinary project for the nation." ~ Linda Scott, President, Australian Local Government Association

29/08/2024

The Outback Way crosses 3 states, from Winton in QLD, through the NT and across to Laverton in WA. So QLD is on Australian Eastern Standard Time (with no daylight savings), NT is 1/2 hr behind QLD and WA is 2 hrs behind QLD. Please note Warakurna, WA operates on NT time – so don’t wind your clock back until you leave Warakurna!

⁠Want more answers to your questions? Grab a copy of our Travel Journal, available on our website outbackway.org.au/shop

27/08/2024

"The story of the Outback Way and how a team of tiny councils managed to turn it from a dusty and often dangerous track to one of rural Queensland's most vital economic assets is one of grit, determination and persistence."

Great write up in InQLD from the Local Government Association of QLD Bush Councils Convention in Barcaldine in 2022, featuring our very own Rick Britton

26/08/2024

“When I drove down the Plenty, I couldn’t believe what I saw after driving past the first 2 billboards, I had to stop, reverse the car and get out to have a good look at the artwork. I thought it had been placed there just for me to see - just wonderful! Love the concept and the bold vision!” ~ John, from Pathways NT

Visit https://outbackway.gallery/ to see the works.

23/08/2024

Experience the essence of Central Australia at Curtin Springs!

Owned by the Severin family for almost 7 decades, this pastoral and tourism haven promises offers an unforgettable mosaic of experiences and services to travellers.

🛌 With 27 rooms, powered and free camping, there is an accommodation to suite your needs.
🧑‍🍳 Indulge in mouth watering homestyle meals at Curtin Springs Wayside Inn, sit under the historic Bough Shed and enjoy the atmosphere and the well kept gardens.
🧍 Immerse yourself in the essence of Central Australia, spend time with a local!
😌 You could decide to stay a little longer....

https://www.curtinsprings.com/

22/08/2024

The Sturt Peas are out in full bloom this year, have you seen them along ?

You may have heard our Manager talking to ABC’s Andrew Collins about the stunning display of wildflowers in the Laverton area, especially the Sturt Peas that are carpeting the desert at the moment.
If you have been thinking of exploring the Goldfields or venturing on the Outback Way, now is a perfect time to do it!
Warning: Flower spam coming up over the next few weeks.

21/08/2024

Absolutely stunning photo of the Milky Way from the Outback Way, taken by Sean Scott Photography!

20/08/2024

4 days ago, a couple of cyclists left Laverton heading east. Mick & Peter are experienced long distance riders riding with GPS trackers and all their own gear. You can follow where they are and some pics they post on the link below. (Using tracking devices is a good idea regardless of type of vehicle used)

Thanks to Kevin for the information about Mick and Peter's journey along

https://z6z.co/the-longest-shortcut

19/08/2024

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!

16/08/2024

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!

15/08/2024

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.

10/08/2024

Citroen 2CV's are travelling along

09/08/2024

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!

07/08/2024

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

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

05/08/2024

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.

05/08/2024

Take care on the roads!

Issued at 5pm on Thursday 25 July 2024. Report will be updated when conditions warrant any changes. This report shall remain current until reissued by the Shire of Ngaanyatjarraku. 

04/08/2024

Always make sure to check the road conditions before leaving for your trip.

ROAD CONDITION UPDATE - Issued 3pm on 03 August 2024

All roads in the Shire are closed to heavy vehicles but will remain open to 4WDs only (closed to caravans).

Please exercise extreme caution and drive to the conditions. Refer to updates from the Shire of Laverton for current conditions on the Great Central Road from Laverton to Tjukayirla Roadhouse.

This report will be updated when road conditions warrant any changes however you can refer to the 'Road Conditions' tab on the Shire's website for confirmation of current road conditions.

https://www.ngaanyatjarraku.wa.gov.au/road-conditions/road-conditions.aspx.

02/08/2024

Did you know there are postcards of the amazing artworks of the Outback Way Outdoor Gallery? These are now available at Gemtree Caravan Park NT

If you're in the Plenty Highway area, be sure to drop in and pick up a few!

01/08/2024

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

30/07/2024

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

29/07/2024

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.

27/07/2024

Great way to travel safely along
Credit: Tony Kurowski

26/07/2024

Cheers to the weekend!

📸Sean Scott

25/07/2024

FAQ What towns are on the Outback Way? From West to East, the stops on the are: Laverton in WA, Tjukayirla Roadhouse, Warburton, Warakurna, Docker River, Yulara, Curtin Springs, Erldunda Roadhouse, Stuart’s Well, Alice Springs, Gemtree, Harts Range, Jervois Station, Tobermorey, Boulia, Middleton, Winton in QLD.

24/07/2024

Experience the essence of Central Australia at Curtin Springs!

Owned by the Severin family for almost 7 decades, this pastoral and tourism haven promises offers an unforgettable mosaic of experiences and services to travellers.

🛌 With 27 rooms, powered and free camping, there is an accommodation to suite your needs.
🧑‍🍳 Indulge in mouth watering homestyle meals at Curtin Springs Wayside Inn, sit under the historic Bough Shed and enjoy the atmosphere and the well kept gardens.
🧍 Immerse yourself in the essence of Central Australia, spend time with a local!
😌 You could decide to stay a little longer....

https://www.curtinsprings.com/

22/07/2024

The Outback Way project was initiated by Mr Patrick Hill – Shire of Laverton, who has been the driving force behind this national project for over two decades, supported continuously by representatives from the other 4 Councils in the Alliance.

The OHDC Inc secretariat is managed by Mel Forbes, as the General Manager.

The aim is to establish the Outback Way as a transcontinental route, opening up central Australia, bringing social, economic and cultural benefits and effectively linking Australia’s southwest to northeast.

The Outback Way is being sealed from an 80% funding commitment by the Federal Government and 20% funding from the State /Territory governments ( Qld, NT, WA).

Sealing the Outback Way will advance Australia’s national development.

The Outback Way is an iconic tourism route and it has become known as Australia’s Longest Shortcut. It is a journey through the Heart of Australia and The Great Australian Road Trip.

19/07/2024

Check out this fabulous shot of one of the car wrecks on the Great Central Road from on Instagram. ⁠
These are a common sight and people tell us they become a bit of a feature of their trip. Back in Season 2 Episode 13 of the we interviewed Martin Chambers, who has even written a book about them! ⁠

You can find the Outback Way Podcast in your favourite podcast app!