Helen speaks with Carol James, the manager of Tjukayirla Roadhouse in Western Australia. The Tjukayirla Roadhouse is an important stop on the Great Central Road, Outback Way, located 305km from Laverton and 264km from Warurton.

Carol tells us how she came to be managing the roadhouse and what brought her to the very isolated part of Western Australia, a bit about her background and what she likes most about it. Helen and Carol discuss the art, crafts and souvenirs that they stock in the roadhouse from the Blackstone Aboriginal Community, as well as the caves with artworks in them and the nearby Emperor Springs.

A few things to note about travelling on the Great Central Road:

•A permit is required. You can get one online and it is free.

•Most of the Great Central Road is unsealed. Ensure you have spare tyres, you really need two through here. Low profile tyres are NOT suitable.

•You must have a working Jack, twice as much water as you think you will need and some cash, as eftpos machines do go down and then you will have to wait for it to be back up.

•Be aware there are many camels on the road.

•Phone ahead for accommodation. All roadhouses close at 5pm weekdays and are only open 9am - 3pm weekends.

Tjukayirla Roadhouse has Opal and Diesel Fuel, food, 10 motel rooms (which you need to prebook) and a large camp grounds with camp kitchen, bonfire area and neat and tidy bathrooms. Get in touch with Carol at the Roadhouse on 9037 1108, check out the Facebook page @tjukaroadhouse and all the info on the website https://tjukayirlaroadhouse.com.au

Thank you for tuning into the Outback Way podcast. If you are enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review. And if you're really enjoying our podcast, you may like to become a contributor: through our Outback Way store for $5 you can help with the production of our podcast.

Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter @OutbackWay1

You can find all notes and links on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Twitter @OutbackWay1

Send your questions, comments and travel stories to [email protected] and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.

The Outback Way Podcast is produced by Perk Digital.

The Outback Way has become a symbol of resilience, connection, and progress, weaving together the diverse landscapes and communities of Australia's heartland.

 In celebration of the  25-year journey of advocacy and lobbying to the funding announcement to complete the seal, the Outback Highway Development Council is proud to present ‘From Bulldust to Bitumen – 25 Years of the Outback Way’. A book that captures the spirit, history, and future vision of this transformative project.

Order your copy and be part of the journey that continues to shape Australia's outback, it’s people and the nation. 

Head over to our website and order yours today  W: outbackway.org.au