Travel Information

Road conditions

Some roads in remote areas can become difficult or impassable in adverse weather conditions.

Please note that the following telephone numbers are for callers within Western Australia.

• Weather forecasts for the remote areas can be obtained by telephone - 11698.
• State road condition reports (all hours and districts) can be obtained on 1800 013 314.
• Laverton Police Station (08) 9031 1000 may also be able to assist with information on Central Reserves' roads.

Local Government Authorities may also be able to provide advice:

Maps of Aboriginal Lands and Travel Routes

Click on the map region for enlarged maps of Aboriginal Lands and Travel Routes.

Fuel & Supplies

On the road crossing the Central Reserves, roadhouses are located at Cosmo Newberry, Tjukayirla, Warburton and Warakurna, WA. Stopover facilities are available at Tjukayirla, Warburton and Warakurna. Fuel and supplies are also available at Docker River, Northern Territory.

Opal Unleaded Fuel now available at Warburton, Warakurna and Docker River Roadhouses.

In the Kimberley Region, fuel and supplies are available at most Aboriginal communities although the hours of sale may be restricted.

More fuel and supplies information.

Safe Travel

When travelling in remote areas please observe basic safety precautions:

• notify someone of your proposed travel arrangements, in particular your intended/estimated time of arrival at your destination;
• ensure that your provisions include adequate personal medication for your journey;
• always carry sufficient fuel and water;
• drive according to road conditions;
• observe all warning signs and road closure signs; and
• watch for animals on the road, particularly at night.

Travel on Gunbarrel Highway (Warburton - Warakurna)

Permits are not issued by the ALT for travel along the abandoned section of the Gunbarrel Highway. The approved route to Warakurna (Giles) is via the Heather Highway (Great Central Road).

The holder of a permit MUST travel direct between Warburton and the Western Australian border or vice versa. Any deviation from this approved route may result in prosecution.

IF YOU WISH TO TRAVEL THE ABANDONED SECTION OF THE GUNBARREL HIGHWAY (Warburton to Warakurna), YOU DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK. You must adhere to the following criteria:

1. Write to or contact the Ngaanyatjarra Council Aboriginal Corporation acknowledging that you are doing this trip "at your own risk" as this section of the Gunbarrel has been closed for some time and the condition of the road is unknown.
Ngaanyatjarra Land Council
PO Box 644
ALICE SPRINGS NT 0871
Tel: (08) 89501711
Fax: (08) 89531892
2. There must be two (2) or more vehicles travelling, but no more than five (5) vehicles in total;
3. The travelling party must be equipped with effective communication equipment (e.g. royal flying doctor radio, satellite phone, etc.);
4. You must also adhere to all standard conditions attached to any transit permit.

Fines may be incurred for any Unauthorised Entry and Travel through Aboriginal Reserves.