Willie replied:

Peter, Taking the route you describe you have to consider HEAT and RAIN. 20% of the route is bitumen and all of the route can be done in a 2wd though corrugations can be a deterrent. Normally our summer rains come in spasmodic thunderstorms. If it rains and the roads are closed then it isn't fun. It will be hot at that time of year although the South Australia section may still have some cool weather. As we are in the grip of an El Nino climatic condition in 2002 there may not be any rain this summer. Best thing is to contact the Weather Bureau and ask for advanced forecasting. Should be an easy trip with warm to hot conditions, high fuel prices and lots of flies. Have fun. Cheers, Willie

liamthepizzaguy replied:

I am also hoping to travel the Great Central Road in late november and would love any info.

ExplorOz Team - Michelle replied:

2 things - I will be publishing a new Gt Central Rd trek note very soon as a result of our recent field trip there AND more specificially, the replies you have already about heat and rain are very true.


Rains are possible in NT, SA and Qld in Nov/Dec, but unlikely in WA, so you only need to worry about tracks that are prone to water damage and how badly...


The GCR is rarely impassable as it is well maintained and graded and there is unlikely to be rain in the WA section at that time of year. The NT section could have water damage but not much to trouble a 4WD.

Coober Pedy to William Creek is prone to rain damage but is not a major problem. From William Creek to Maree along the Oodnadatta Track is also prone to a little water damage.
The northern flinders and sections of the flinders itself can be impassable or even closed for short periods after rain. Without hesitation you could almost bet that the Strzelecki and access to Cameron Corner will be impassable at that time, but the roads do not remain impassable for long, sometimes just a few days so you if you must travel then you will just have to have a good attitude and expect some starts and stops. The northern flinders/Innamincka area has black soil and its extremely slippery when wet. Around Canarvon there is also some black soil so look into that.
Basically, its not the ideal time to be going that way but if you must then be prepared, take it easy, and be very wary of travelling on tracks that are prone to problems if there is sign or rain. Stop if it starts to rain and consider your options. We often have to do this and so we do not ever plan our itinery too tightly.
Hope this has been of some help.