Yarla Kutjarra: A Great Central Road Camping Experience

Yarla Kutjarra is a Great Central Road camping experience not to be missed. Find out about the location, getting there and the facilities there. It’s hard to describe the sense of vastness you get driving along the Great Central Road where the landscape stretches out forever. And Yarla Kutjarra with its remote beauty was the perfect place to camp for the night.

If you’re planning a camping trip along the Great Central Road or just love reading about the bush let me tell you about camping at Yarla Kutjarra. It’s a spot that deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.

Our Camp On The Great Central Road Camping At Yarla Kutjarra

Why Great Central Road Camping At Yarla Kutjarra?

Yarla Kutjarra sits along the Great Central Road. A legendary track that links Western Australia with the Northern Territory. The drive itself is a journey through the heart of the Aussie outback. With landscapes that change from red dust to scrubby bush and back again.

We camped at Yarla Kutjarra because it’s not just any old campsite – it’s one of the best campsites on the Great Central Road. With hardly anyone else around it felt like we had the whole outback to ourselves. No road noise, just pure unfiltered nature.

Travelling From Docker River To Yarla Kutjarra

We started our journey from Docker River. Docker River is about 250 kilometres from Yarla Kutjarra. Docker River is known for its scenery but the drive between these two places is even more spectacular. Once you hit the road it’s just you the open track and the sprawling outback.

Along the way you’ll pass salt lakes and patches of desert bush. You’ll also pass the wrecks of loads of abandoned cars. It seems as if when they cark it out here they just get rolled off into the bush and left. It’s the kind of drive where you feel completely isolated in the best way possible. There’s an eerie beauty to the emptiness. You won’t see too many other cars (other than the previously mentioned dead ones) but every now and then a wedge-tailed eagle swoops overhead to keep you company for a bit.

There are also a few small ridges and hills dotted along the way that offer incredible views. Make sure to pull over for a moment or two to soak it all in. The Great Central Road isn’t about getting somewhere fast – it’s about enjoying the journey.

Ghost Gum With The Len Beadell Plaque On The GCR

What You’ll See On The Way

On the drive between Docker River and Yarla Kutjarra there’s no shortage of natural beauty. Some highlights of the trip include,

• Salt Lakes: You’ll pass several of these, shimmering in the distance like mirages. They’re surreal and strangely beautiful.
• Red Sand Dunes: The rich, red sand dunes look like something from another world. Every so often, the road cuts right through these, making you feel like you’re truly in the heart of the desert.
• Wildlife: Keep an eye out for kangaroos, emus, wild brumbies and dingoes. You might even catch sight of a camel or two if you’re lucky.
• Gum Trees and Scrubland: The landscape might seem repetitive at times, but there’s something meditative about the endless stretches of gum trees and scrub. It’s Australia at its rawest.
• Abandoned Cars: Normally dumped and abandoned cars aren’t that exciting. But along the Great Central Road they are almost an artform of their own. Try counting them and see how many you can find.

Abandoned Car On Great Central Road just One Of Hundreds

Is It Safe to Camp at Yarla Kutjarra?

You might be wondering is it safe to camp at Yarla Kutjarra? The answer is yes as long as you’re prepared. It’s remote no doubt about that, but that’s part of the beauty. We never felt unsafe. It’s a good idea to let someone know your plans before you head out as phone reception is almost non existent. We occasionally had 1 bar of 4G on the Great Central Road camping at Yarla Kutjarra but it was usually a br or two of 3G at best.

As with any bush camping you’ll want to keep your wits about you. The local wildlife usually won’t bother you but don’t leave any food out to tempt them. Dingoes can be curious critters and while they’re not usually aggressive. However it’s best not to attract them to your camp. Also watch where you step – snakes do love a bit of sunbaking.

Another thing that we saw plenty of while camping at Yarla Kutjarra were wasps. Great big bastards. We ignored them and they ignored us. They seemed to disappear later in the day and into the evening. Or maybe they didn’t disappear, maybe we just couldn’t see them?

Information Board At Yarla Kutjarra

Things to Do While Great Central Road Camping At Yarla Kutjarra

You might think there’s not much to do in a remote campsite like Yarla Kutjarra, but you’d be surprised. Here’s a list of things we enjoyed while camping there,

• Star Gazing: The night sky out here is something else. With no city lights for hundreds of kilometres, the stars are so bright they feel almost close enough to touch. If you’re into astrophotography, this is the place to set up camp.
• Bush Walks: There are loads of informal tracks around the campsite where you can take a wander. It’s a great way to spot local wildlife and take in the peaceful atmosphere. We went for a walk down to the central area where the information board is. There’s also an old tractor that was used for construction and maintenance on the Great Central Road. We also went for a walk up behind where we were camped and found some caves as well as a rock maze labyrinth thing. I doubt it was all that old but it was still cool to look at.
• Campfire Cooking: We brought out the camp oven and cooked up a damper and dinner. There’s something satisfying about cooking your dinner over an open fire. If you’re a fan of camp cooking this is a fitting place to give it a go.
• Photography: The scenery is incredible. Whether you’re a legend with a camera or just snapping pics on your phone,the outback sunsets and the red dirt landscapes look good in any shot.

Camping at Yarla Kutjarra: Facilities And Basic Information

Great Central Road camping at Yarla Kutjarra is as basic as it gets. There are no formal campsites or facilities so you’ll need to bring everything with you. Food, water, firewood, the works. It’s true bush camping so be prepared to rough it.

If you’ve got a portable dunny that’s a bonus as there aren’t any toilets on site. We set our caravan up the back on the left as you come in. It was a great spot with a view across the rest of the camp. We had the escarpment right behind us and that was a good spot to go for a walk and a look around.

Remember to pack all your rubbish out with you – leave no trace. The outback is pristine and we want to keep it that way for the next lot of travellers.

I Climbed The Rocky Escarpment Behind Yarla Kutjarra Camping Area

Weather At Yarla Kutjarra

Weather at Yarla Kutjarra can be a bit of a mixed bag, depending on the time of year. During the summer months, it gets scorching hot, with temperatures well into the 40s. Winter, on the other hand, brings cool nights and mild days – perfect for camping.

We visited during late winter and it was pretty much ideal. The days were warm but not too hot and the nights were chilly enough to make the campfire welcome. If you’re visiting in winte, make sure to bring warm clothes – the temperature can drop close to freezing at night.

A Bit of History: Yarla Kutjarra

Yarla Kutjarra, meaning “Two Spears” in the local Indigenous language, is a culturally significant place for the local Aboriginal people. The area has been used for millennia as a meeting place and its history is steeped in tradition.

There aren’t many physical markers of this history at the campsite itself, but knowing you’re camping on land that has been significant for so long adds a bit of reverence to the experience. We made sure to tread lightly and respect the land.

Fuel And Supplies Between Docker River and Yarla Kutjarra

The only fuel stop between Docker River and Tarla Kutjarra is Warrakurna Roadhouse. So unless you have a super long range tank don’t miss it! As well as fuel Warrakurna Roadhouse has basic grocery supplies, basic car repair/maintenance items and some souvenirs. They also have a good range of takeaway food items. We got some chips and spring rolls and they were bloody excellent. We also grabbed a few souvenirs as well as a few photos.

Fuel was priced at $3.20 a litre when we filled up. This was in late August of 2024.

Warrakurna Roadhouse

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Yarla Kutjarra is during the cooler months, from May to September. During this period, the daytime temperatures are mild, typically ranging from 20°C to 30°C, making it comfortable for outdoor activities like camping and bushwalking. Nights can be chilly, so pack some warm clothes.

Avoid visiting during the summer months (December to February), as the temperatures can soar above 40°C, making it tough to enjoy the outdoors and potentially dangerous without proper preparation.

So for an ideal outback adventure aim for the winter or shoulder months.

Rock Labyrinth Behind Camp Area At Yarla Kutjarra

Conclusion: Why Yarla Kutjarra Is Worth the Trip

All in all, camping at Yarla Kutjarra was a brilliant experience. The remoteness, the tranquillity and the raw beauty of the outback make it one of the best camping spots we’ve been to. Whether you’re an experienced bush camper or just dipping your toes into the world of off-grid adventures, Yarla Kutjarra is worth the effort to get there. So, if you’re planning a trip along the Great Central Road, make sure to stop by Yarla Kutjarra. Bring plenty of supplies, a good sense of adventure and maybe even a bit of patience for the long drive. You won’t regret it!

Great Central Road Camping At Yarla Kutjarra Photo Gallery

FAQs Frequently Asked Questions About Great Central Road Camping At Yarla Kutjarra