Giles Mulga Park Rd
The Giles Mulga Park Road was built in 1956 by the Gunbarrel Construction Party. It provides access to Jameson, Blackstone and Wingelina Road to the south. About 200m south of the highway you will find a post and replica plaque originally installed by Len Beadell, the great road builder and explorer. Look for a white post near a grove of desert oaks. This is a good place for a rest and short nature walk.
Casuarina Forest
A notable Casuarina forest is located just 2km west of the Giles River. It’s an excellent location to stop and enjoy a picnic and a rest. It is the first major woodland of Desert Oaks when eastbound and the last when westbound. There’s an old grave site on the southern fringe of the forest about 300m in.
Giles River Crossing
This wide sandy riverbed is worthy of exploration. There is no roadside signing for Giles River from either approach. Look for the river gums lining the riverbanks, the Desert Oak forest to the west and the rocky outcropping on southeast flank. Climb the rocky knob with twin ghost gums on summit for a great view – imagine being an explorer. There are lots of birds around the river zone.
Len Beadell Tree
A Len Beadell plaque is embedded in a highly visible ghost gum tree – in fact it is nearly on the roadway. The plaque commemorates the construction of central desert roads and lists crew member’s names. It is dated April 1960.Be wary of on-coming vehicles when on the road.
NT/ WA Border
Congratulations you have reached the Norther Territory and Western Australia border. Found just 5km west of the Kaltukatjara Campground.You now require your Central Land Council permit and there is no bush driving, or off road camping permitted.
Kaltukatjara Campsite
Docker RiverKaltukatjara Campground in a majestic desert oak forest is highly recommended. There are 8 defined camp sites and limited facilities. However, the setting in a magnificent valley of the Petermann Range is brilliant. Don’t miss the lookout platform on the sand ridge just south of the campsites!Drive 2km south along Docker River Road onto the Docker River Community. Here you will find a well provisioned store, a handy stop for food and fuel, located in a spectacular valley of the Petermann Ranges.The Kalturkatjara (Docker) River is located in a broad flood plain with lovely fringing river gums just east of the Docker River Road junction.
Lasseter's Cave
Lasseter's Cave is a notable feature on the Outback Way. It is signed as Aboriginal land with no camping, but day visitors are invited to picnic and walk to the famous cave. Parking is located 60 m from the cave and the facilities include a shelter, table and portal sign to the cave.The sign tells the story of how Lewis Harold Bell Lasseter sheltered in the cave for approximately 25 days during January 1931 after his camels bolted. He later died at Irving Creek as he attempted to walk to Mt Olga to meet up with his relief party.
Armstrong River
500m east of the Armstrong River is a well defined access track off the highway which leads to an attractive riverside landscape on the north side with some shady trees and sandy rises. Wildflowers are likely to abound following rain. The site appears to be well used for short stays and nature study – watch for camels.An attractive Mulga Grove is located immediately on roadside to the south about 15km east of Armstrong River heading east and 5km from Hunt Park heading west. There is a defined road loop into the grove with attractive camping bays and lots of shade. This is an excellent place to stop for a picnic or to enjoy the sandy Gibson Desert landscape.
Uluru/Kata Tjuta National Park & Yulara
Kata Tjuta is coming up....Arriving at the Uluru/Kata Tjuta Highway east bound is a welcome relief – the bitumen begins. There are choices to make - Yulara to the south, Kata Tjuta to the north and WA to the west. Westbound, the adventure begins.Kata Tjuta car park is located 3km from the junction. There is no visitor centre or fee collection. Well presented facilities include toilets, walking tracks, sunrise lookout point, tables, shelters, water, emergency phone and a magnificent range of walking options. The Valley of the Winds walk is highly recommended.Kata Tjuta viewpoint is located 15km east of the junction, towards Yulara. Stop. Don’t even think of passing this lookout. A 200m steel path leads to a summit vista point where you will find shelter and interpretation panels. The view to Kata Tjuta is breathtaking and Uluru (Ayres Rock) is also visible – a first for eastbound travellers.The access highway between Kata Tjuta and Uluru is a visual landscape feast – go slow and enjoy the delights of the changing views to Kata Tjuta and Uluru. The National Park eastbound entry and westbound departure sign requests that visitors do not stop or drive off road. Views to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) are spectacular and stopping is common, but no formal viewpoints are provided.The Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park entry station is located on highway south of Yulara. Fees: $25.00 per adult, children under 16 free - good for 3 days. The Cultural Centre must not be missed – visitors can enjoy the excellent displays, information, crafts, shelters, bbqs, tables and access to nature walks.The road takes you through to Yulara. A full service community catering to all types of visitors and budgets ranging from 5 stars to millions of stars to choose from. Camping is available at $15.00 per head. All the facilities are well maintained but can get very busy during peak seasons. The campground is open all year. There is a wide range of built accommodation at Yulara – from budget to luxury – bookings are essential during May to September.The Connellen Airport is 2km east of Yulara.
