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Highest Point between Adelaide & Darwin

Just north of the Tanami junction on the Stuart highway is an interesting feature. A large cairn with a small plaque on the east side of the highway that marks the highest point between Adelaide and Darwin. You are now 726 metres above sea level. See for yourself how high that is, although don’t expect a mountain range.

30km north of Alice Springs

A small rest area on the west side denotes the ‘imaginary line’ of the Tropic of Cancer. A shelter, tables, wood fireplace and interpretation signs are provided within a small fenced area.

58km north of Alice Springs

A memorial on the west side of the highway commemorates the first recorded trek from the centre of the continent to the WA coast. Peter Warburton and his party crossed the Great Sandy Desert in nine months from April 1873. Peter Warburton is a controversial historical figure.

The turning point for the Eastern Arm of the Outback Way.

Plenty Highway, Northern Territory

140km NE of Alice Springs

Gemtree is the gateway to the ancient gem fields of Central Australia. Experience the thrill of fossicking for your own gems - hidden by mother nature for millions of years! Gemtree sits on Gillen Creek, a sandy creek bed with majestic river gums.

At Gemtree there is a full service visitor facility that provides fuel, camping, powered caravan sites, a brilliant guided nature trail (ask at the shop), gem tours, gem sales, gem cutting and a haven for wildlife.

Gemtree is a welcome port of call for young and old. Your hosts Aaron and Kate McMaster’s sons are fifth generation Plenty Highway kids. Come and meet the family and enjoy an extensive range of activities and attractions, including the award-winning Campoven Kitchen. Cabins, On-site Vans and Caravan Park Accommodation available – bookings essential! Ph: (08) 8956 9855

The Entry/Exit of the Outdoor Art Gallery being installed in 2020.

Just off the Plenty Highway

Engawala is an indigenous community with an active art centre and strong community activity. Pop in and have a look at the artwork. Later in 2020 there will be large billboard displaying artworks from across the Outback Way in the world's longest outdoor art gallery.

Engawala is the start point and will also have a hot spot to boost the phone signal in this remote part of Central Australia

About 1.7km west of the Ongeva River crossing there is a highly visible rocky ridge about 200m from the highway on the southside.Coordinates: 23.00’26s 134.27’37e

A small track provides access to a couple of nice bush camping sites at the base of the hill with a distinctive bloodwood tree at the mouth of a small gorge. Take a nature walk – inspect the geology, look for wallaby scats and enjoy the resident reptiles and birds. Seasonally there may be water in the gorge pools.

If you are travelling east you be greeted by Welcome to The Outback Way and Outback Way Upgrade signs. There is a windmill and cattle yard on the north side of the highway. Be cautious, as there are usually cattle present and they may be crossing the road.

The road to the Atitjere Community, 1.2k to the south, is located two km east of the police post.

The Atitjere community services Harts Range, and there are many notable features and attractions in the area worth exploring. A dirt track just west of the Police Post heading south leads to the Mt Hart Racetrack 5.5km away. The racetrack is home of the legendary Race Day held annually in August, where you can join the bareback open, bullride, lizard race, ute gymkhana, swag rolling or calf scrubbing. How about the bush ball where a country dress code applies – blokes must wear a tie! Listen to our Podcast

The Atitjere community offers a store, fuel, an art and craft centre and has a fascinating information display on the local mica mining history. The community store has fuel and refreshments