The Great Central Road - WA to the Territory

Brownie2 · Senior Member

The Great Central Road - WA to the Territory

dirvine · Senior Member

I did the trip in July towing a caravan. The road from Leonora to the border is fine. Most parts you can sit on 80kph. From the boarder to Docker River the road is VERY corrugated. The main issue you will have is to make sure everything underneath is protected and I mean really protected. All pipework lagged especially any bends in pipe work. I used swimming pool noodles from Clarke rubber and cable ties, and lots of cable ties because when a stone hits one it breaks. Look under the van each night and redo anything that is loose or broken. My main issue was the pipes from my water tanks came out further than the bash plate and were exposed even though covered with lagging. I squeezed some metal between the tanks and the straps on the front leading edge to fix that. Only thing underneath I did not protect was the leading edge of the electric step and the plastic end got broken on both steps. Inside my shower screen door hinge came off because of the self tap screws into an aluminium frame. Fixed by bigger screws and wedging each day with face washers to stiop door movement totally. Also the glass top lid of the inside stove came loose. Luckily this happened on bitumen and I noticed it. Fixed by putting a octopus strap clipped into vent behind stove top and cupboard handle below. My van in Semi off road (whatever that means). It has the off road suspension and bigger chassis but is not 100% waterproof to go through river etc. it stood up well. Other than that we passed towing conventional van (leaf spring) and normal car suspension (I have air suspension) . If you have a basic van and a basic car then take your time and you should be fine. We were on a tight schedule so we travelled longer and faster each day than I probably would have preferred but the van stood up well.

Brownie2 · Senior Member

Thanks David, that's great info.
We're confident the car and van will do the job, (we have traveled some very bad roads this year), but to get your first hand report is good. We have a "Stone Stomper" fitted and that has been great so far in keeping the rocks down. The Kimberley van has airbag suspension, so up it will go for the bad bits.
The link below is one I found on the net. From a bloke that lives on that road. He states that there is a maximum of 300 odd kms between fuel stops so that should be fine. I'll report back when we have finished the road in a few weeks. We are still south of Broome heading down.

Cheers, Bob

http://www.campsaustraliawide.com/locals-guide-guest-blogger/

-- Edited by Brownie2 on Wednesday 4th of October 2017 10:55:17 AM

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

The road has been improved dramatically over the last few years.
Note that if you have the appropriate permits to travel the NT side then you do not need to pay the Uluru entry fee, but you can't dawdle :)

Cheers,
Peter

Brownie2 · Senior Member

Thank you Peter, I wasn't aware of the permit being able to be used at Uluru. smile

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

No, the permit can not be used at Uluru, but you can drive through the park provided you don't stop to sight see.
Same going in either direction. The road is open to free use by through traffic provided the permits to travel the Aboriginal lands to the west are in place.

Cheers,
Peter

dirvine · Senior Member

There is a web site that tells you all about the roadhouses and where you can get petrol. From memory Docker River was the most expensive, My van has two jerry can holders and I filled up at Leonora and drove to Ayres Rock. Petrol was $2.06 to $2.40 per ltr. At either end it was about $1.60. I bought a Jerry can in Perth and the saving in fuel cost paid for the jerry can which I still have. I'm all for supporting local communities, but not at rip off prices.
Links below give you some good info. Food at Warburton was the best.

outbackway.org.au/
http:/warburtonroadhouse.com.au/index.php
tjukayirlaroadhouse.com.au/index.php
warakurnaroadhouse.com.au/

Brownie2 · Senior Member

Thanks for the advice, and the links.

We'll let you know the latest on the Great Central Road in a few weeks. Must add, we have never quibbled over fuel prices. They are what they are. We need it, we pay! I think the dearest fuel we have bought was at Kings Canyon a few years ago. Thought it outrageous until I looked at the map of Australia and realized it was arguably one of the most remote spots in the country. Sure they might capitalize on that, but if we want to see those spectacular places we need to forget about the cost. David, our Jerry Cans have paid for themselves ten fold! It is a good point you make!
Cheers,
Bob

Moonraker · Senior Member

To me there is one big issue with the GCR from Laverton to the Border and thats the size of the road base stones. The road condition is generally very good leading many to drive too fast. This causes these large stones to be thown up by your tug as well as from passing vehicles at very high velosity. So take it steady slow down and keep well to the left when passing oncoming traffic or you will end up with stone damage to your rig or others passing. Its a good idea to cover the back of you tug to prevent broken rear window from stones rebounding off the trailer or van.
I have seen bad stone chips covering whole the front of a fibreglass Jayco and dents in the side of another caravan clading from stones thrown up by passing vehicles as well as broken back windows of tugs. So take it easy when travelling the GCR.

Brownie2 · Senior Member

Good advice Nigel,
We always travel slowly, and where possible, always stop and pull right over when others are approaching. We have plenty of time! smile

-- Edited by Brownie2 on Friday 6th of October 2017 01:58:05 PM