What is the Outback Way in Australia?
The Outback Way, or the Outback Highway, is a long road that stretches 2,800km, connecting the east of the country to the west by cutting right through the middle.
Often referred to as ‘Australia’s longest shortcut’, the Outback Way is a popular road trip among backpackers as it lets them explore the heart of the Australian Outback on their travels.
Here's everything you need to know about the famous Aussie road!
Where is the Outback Way in Australia?
The Outback Way begins in Winton, Queensland, and ends in Laverton, Western Australia.
Smack bang in the middle of the road trip, you’ll find Alice Springs - a popular gateway to the Red Centre.
Other popular stops along the way include towns like Boula, Jervis Station, Yulara, and Warburton. Each one boasts jaw-dropping natural landscapes, fascinating indigenous landmarks, and plenty of opportunities to see native Australian wildlife.
How long does it take to drive the Outback Way?
The Outback Way is 2,800km long from start to finish. Since driving through the Outback at night is not recommended, drivers tend to break up the journey day-by-day. Depending on how long you’d like to spend at each stop along the way, driving from one end of the Outback Way to the other can take anywhere from 3 to 6 days.
Do you need a 4WD for the Outback Way?
In general, there are plenty of fully sealed roads in the Outback suitable for a 2WD car or van - but the Outback Way will require the power of a 4WD. Of the 2,700km that the Outback Way goes on for, over 1,300km of that stretch consists of ‘unsealed’ dirt roads. For that reason, it’s highly advisable that you use a 4WD to tackle the full route. If you’re hoping to sleep in your vehicle along the way, consider bringing a camper trailer that can hook onto the back of your 4WD or an off-road van rather than a caravan.
Do you need a permit to travel on the Outback Way?
In Australia, permits are required to access or travel through all areas of Aboriginal land, which is private land. Naturally, the Outback Way passes through some Aboriginal land, so those hoping to make the journey will have to obtain their permits before they set off. Accounting for processing time, this could take up to three weeks.
If travellers are found in or passing through Aboriginal land without a permit, they will be issued a fine.
What permits do I need to travel on the Outback Way?
You’ll need to obtain a transit permit from the Central Land Council (Northern Territory) in order to travel the Tjukaruru Road, which runs from Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park to the Northern Territory/ Western Australia border.
You’ll also need a separate travel permit if you plan on driving down the Great Central Road during your Outback Way road trip. The Great Central Road passes through the Shire of Ngaanyatjarra - the traditional lands of the Ngaanyatjarraku people. A permit to pass through this land can be applied for through the Ngaanyatjarra Council. The permit is only valid for 3 days, which should be more than enough time to pass through.
When is the best time to drive the Outback Way?
You can drive through the Outback Way year-round, but for optimal conditions, save the road trip for the cooler months - that’s March to November. December to February is considered Aussie summer. In the Outback, that means highs of 50 degrees Celsius, intense humidity, and pesky insect bites. If you do plan on travelling through the Outback in the winter months, be warned: although it’s warm during the day, temperatures can drop below zero at night. Pack accordingly - especially if you’re camping!
How much of the Outback Way is unsealed?
Around half of the Outback Way route remains ‘unsealed’ - including a solid 736km of gravel tracks from Laverton, WA to Kata Tjuta, Northern Territory. The time of year, weather conditions, and number of vehicles on the road can alter the terrain too. That’s why it’s so important to plan your trip ahead and research road conditions before you set off in a suitable vehicle.
Plans are currently underway to seal the remainder of the Outback Way, with aims to finish the large-scale job by 2030.
How difficult is the Outback Way?
The Outback Way is an awesome drive so long as you and your crew are suitably prepped. As well as looking at the road conditions ahead of time and getting the necessary permits to cross through Aboriginal Land, it’s important to read up on safety precautions in the Outback. One of the most important precautions to take when driving through the Outback is to bring along extra fuel.
You’ll come across petrol stations the whole way along the Outback Way - but some of them are quite spread out from one another, and many of them close at 5pm. The largest distance between two consecutive filling stations is a whopping 362km. An empty road in the middle of Australia is not exactly where you want to wind up with an empty tank! As well as extra fuel, bringing a toolkit, a satellite phone, physical maps, and a decent supply of water are essential to your trip.
Once you come prepared, you’re guaranteed to have an exceptional trip through the Outback!
If you want to know more about travelling through the Outback, contact our team of travel experts today!
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