The Outback Way – Australia’s Longest Shortcut

Spanning 2700km between Winton in Queensland and Laverton in Western Australia is The Outback Way - the longest shortcut you will find in Australia. It connects the east of the continent to the west, straight through the middle.

The journey along The Outback Way is not just a beautiful, eye opening, culture filled road trip (not to mention also the world’s longest Geocache trail) – its existence and upkeep is highly important to the livelihood of many Australians. It is a passage way that creates economic opportunities, improves the quality of life for rural and remote Australians and helps to ensure the long term sustainability of numerous communities across the nation.

The Outback Highway Development Council (OHDC) Inc. is the body behind the route that lobbies for its ongoing development and promotes its tourism. Thanks to combined Commonwealth, State and Local Government funding and in kind support, the OHDC Inc. has been able to secure over $400 million in funding since 1997 for the upgrade and sealing of the route and continues to advocate for further funding to try and ensure its completion by 2025/26.

The Boulia Shire Council continues to work in partnership with the OHDC Inc. to campaign for this essential piece of national infrastructure.

To learn more about the route or plan your trip along central Australia, visit The Outback Way website and don't forget to tune into The Outback Way Podcast.