Australia So Much to See

Local work crews and contractors are working hard to roll out the $125 million into sealed sections along the Outback Way. Sealing is underway but wet weather this summer has caused delays.

Shire of Laverton has sealed twenty kilometres and is working on the next twenty kilometres, then another ten kilometres so fifty kilometres in the Shire of Laverton section of the Great Central Road will be sealed by November 2018.

Boulia is spending $6.25 million on further seal.

Gem Tree to Harts Range seal is being completed.

Eight kilometres seal from Kata Tjuta towards Docker River is also being completed.

Docker River to WA border will also be sealed.

See previous report on this Outback Way sealing news.

Since 1997, The Outback Highway Development Council Inc has secured $230 million for the upgrade and sealing of the Outback Way. This shortcut spans 2,700 kilometres. 1,300 kilometres has already been sealed and 1,400 kilometres upgraded to good formed gravel. The funding has enabled these upgrades as well as the progressive sealing. 1,600 kilometres is expected to be sealed by the year 2021.

The Outback Highway Development Council Inc will continue to secure further funding for the Outback Way sealing programme to ensure its completion by 2025/26.

This benefits not only tourists, but the communities that are accessed by the roads that form the Outback Way.

24th March 2018

Gibb River Road OPEN

The Gibb River Road is OPEN with caution. The north west section is open to high clearance 4wd vehicles. Some side roads, including to Lennard Gorge, remain CLOSED.

The road to Mitchell Falls is OPEN but the Kalumburu Road beyond the Mitchell Plateau turnoff is OPEN. High Clearance 4WDs and trucks only and proceed with extreme caution.

3rd May 2018 and last updated 28th May 2018

Kakadu - what is OPEN?

Kakadu Highway and Arnhem Highway are OPEN, but Old Jim Jim Road remains CLOSED. Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls are CLOSED.

Gunlom is OPEN for day visits. Maguk is still CLOSED.

Magela Creek and S-bends are passable with caution and Ubirr is OPEN. Cahills Crossing is open to high clearance 4wds.

Malabanjbanjdju and Merl campgrounds are OPEN. Mardugal tent campground is OPEN but Mardugal caravan campground remains CLOSED.

2nd May 2018

The just released 2018-19 Budget provides a further $160 million for continuing sealing the Outback Way. On completion this will leave only 900 kilometres unsealed.

9th May 2018

Gimbat day area is now OPEN. Mamukala Wetlands is now OPEN to the bird observation deck.

10th May 2018

Maguk is now OPEN. Four wheel wheel drive only on access track.

28th May 2018

Jim Jim Falls is now OPEN. Four wheel wheel drive only on access track.

8th June 2018

Bilkbilkmi (Graveside Gorge) is now OPEN, 4WD essential for access into this visitor site. For permits to access this area please visit Kakadu Permits or phone on 89381140

18th July 2018

Twin Falls is due to OPEN in two days time, 24th August 2018. Four wheel wheel drive only on access track.

Note: The Twin Falls boat is out of service temporarily due to a maintenance issue commencing 28th August. The six kilometre return walk to the top of the falls from the car park is the only way to view Twin Falls in the interim. This is a moderately difficult walk, commencing with a climb to the top of the plateau. Allow six hours and take plenty of water. Not recommend on very hot days.

Boats will be back in the water at Twin Falls to shuttle visitors into the gorge from 8am daily.
Tickets for the Twin Falls boat shuttle remain unchanged at $12.50 per adult (children under 16 are free).

They are available from the following outlets:
• Bowali Visitor Centre (8:00am to 5:00pm daily)
• Garnamarr Campground (7:00 – 9:00am and 5:00pm – 8:00pm daily and other times when the campground manager is on site)
• Mary River Ranger Station (8:00am to 4:30pm, except Tuesdays and Wednesdays)

Please note, tickets will need to be pre-purchased, no ticket sales at Twin Falls!

The Jim Jim Creek crossing is currently 0.8m deep. Access is strictly by high-clearance 4WD with snorkel.
Estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles are present in this area, adhere to all warning signs and do not enter the water.

22nd August 2018 and updated 18th September 2018

Due to a movie being filmed in Kakadu, Gunlom will be closed to the public for the anticipated dates of 22nd to 30th October 2018. Other filming will be taking place during September and October away from tourist areas.

10th Septemnber 2018

North West of Western Australia Bushfire warnings

There are a number of fires burning in the vicinity of roads in the Kimberley region. These include the Great Northern Highway, Mitchell Plateau, and the Tanami Road near Balgo. Be aware of smoke hazards.

The Great Northern Highway was closed on 18th September 2018 between Roebuck Plains Roadhouse and Sandfire Roadhouse due to a fire. It was re-opened to traffic with caution late in the day.

The northern section of the Purnululu National Park will be CLOSED from 19th September 2018 as a precaution due to a fire near Warnum. Those in the area are advised to leave now.

18th Septemnber 2018