In this episode of The Outback Way Podcast, Robin McConchie speaks with Roxy Highfold, an enterprise development officer with the Central Land Council. Roxy brings deep personal and professional insight into the landscapes, stories, and cultural significance of Central Australia.
The conversation covers the many ways visitors can engage meaningfully with the region—from geocaching and fossicking at places like Gemtree Caravan Park, to exploring the Outback Way’s outdoor gallery and Aboriginal-owned campgrounds like Spotted Tiger. Roxy also shares practical advice for travelling the Plenty Highway safely and respectfully.
Robin and Roxy explore the power of Indigenous storytelling, the importance of respecting traditional owners and songlines, and the impact of intergenerational trauma caused by colonisation and the Stolen Generations. They also discuss the opportunities for economic development in Central Australia.
From stunning night skies and rich histories to the road ahead for Aboriginal-led tourism and cultural connection, this episode is a powerful reminder of the resilience, knowledge, and opportunity that lives along the Outback Way.
From across the Outback Way we acknowledge the Koa People, Pitta Pitta People, Wangkayuju People, Wangkamahdla People, Arrernte Nation, Anangu People, Yarnangu People, Wangkatja People as traditional custodians and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands The Outback Way traverses.
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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
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You can find more information about this podcast 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 Instagram @OutbackWay1
Send your questions, comments and travel stories to info@outbackway.org.au 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.
In this episode of The Outback Way Podcast, Robin McConchie speaks with Danial Rochford, CEO of Tourism Central Australia, about the Northern Territory leg of the Outback Way and the rich cultural, natural, and community experiences that await travellers.
Danial shares insights into what makes Central Australia such a compelling destination, from the vast desert landscapes and dramatic geological wonders to immersive Indigenous tourism and quirky local events. The conversation highlights everything from stargazing strategies and iconic walks at Uluru and Kata Tjuta, to lesser-known gems like the Outback Way Outdoor Gallery on the Plenty Highway.
Robin and Danial also explore the importance of cultural connection and community engagement, the growth of dark sky tourism, and why meaningful travel through this region leaves a lasting impact. This episode is a vibrant celebration of Central Australia’s character, culture, and creativity.
From across the Outback Way we acknowledge the Koa People, Pitta Pitta People, Wangkayuju People, Wangkamahdla People, Arrernte Nation, Anangu People, Yarnangu People, Wangkatja People as traditional custodians and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands The Outback Way traverses.
___________
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
____________
You can find more information about this podcast 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 Instagram @OutbackWay1
Send your questions, comments and travel stories to info@outbackway.org.au 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.
In this episode of The Outback Way Podcast, Robin McConchie is speaking with Rex Ryles, founder of Desert Sands, a transport and earthmoving company based in Laverton, Western Australia. Rex shares his deep connection to the Australian bush and his decades of experience travelling and working along the Great Central Road.
The conversation explores the unique beauty and ever-changing landscape of the road and highlights the practical realities of maintaining and navigating this iconic route.
Robin and Rex also discuss the importance of community support in remote areas, tips for safe and respectful travel, and how the Outback Highway connects people, places, and economies across inland Australia.
Whether you’re planning to drive the route yourself or just want a peek into life on the red dirt roads of inland Australia, Rex brings warmth, wisdom, and a healthy dose of common sense.
From driving advice and breakdown support to local history and cultural insights, this episode offers both inspiration and practical guidance for anyone planning a journey along the Great Central Road.
From across the Outback Way we acknowledge the Koa People, Pitta Pitta People, Wangkayuju People, Wangkamahdla People, Arrernte Nation, Anangu People, Yarnangu People, Wangkatja People as traditional custodians and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands The Outback Way traverses.
___________
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
____________
You can find more information about this podcast 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 Instagram @OutbackWay1
Send your questions, comments and travel stories to info@outbackway.org.au 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.
In this episode of The Outback Way Podcast, Robin McConchie is speaking with Sue Hanson, CEO and Chief Linguist at the Goldfields Aboriginal Language Centre in Kalgoorlie. Sue shares powerful insights into the role of language in preserving culture, strengthening identity, and supporting the wellbeing of First Nations communities across the Goldfields region.
The conversation explores the long-term impacts of colonisation on language and culture, and the emotional and cultural significance of reconnecting people with even a few words of their language, including how this connection builds resilience, agency, and pride.
Robin and Sue also discuss the growing potential for cultural tourism along the Great Central Road—how meaningful engagement with local languages, stories, and art can empower communities, boost local economies, and deepen visitors' connection to place.
From bilingual early education and the need for 20-year program commitments, to the innovative new mobile Men’s Shed project supporting men’s wellness, this episode is a compelling look at what it means to invest in community-led, culturally grounded futures.
Connect with the Goldfields Aboriginal Language Centre at https://wangka.com.au/
From across the Outback Way we acknowledge the Koa People, Pitta Pitta People, Wangkayuju People, Wangkamahdla People, Arrernte Nation, Anangu People, Yarnangu People, Wangkatja People as traditional custodians and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands The Outback Way traverses.
___________
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
____________
You can find more information about this podcast 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 Instagram @OutbackWay1
Send your questions, comments and travel stories to info@outbackway.org.au 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.
In this episode of The Outback Way Podcast, host Robin McConchie takes listeners on the first leg of an epic eastbound journey from Laverton, Western Australia, along the Great Central Road. Covering 1,100 kilometres of mostly unsealed terrain, this stretch of the Outback Way offers a rich mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and practical travel advice for anyone planning the route—ideally over three days and with the correct permits in hand.
The episode features insights from Laurinda Hill, General Manager of the Great Beyond Visitor Centre in Laverton. Home to the Explorer’s Hall of Fame, the centre is a must-stop for permits, travel advice, and excellent coffee. Laurinda shares how the centre supports travellers with Aboriginal land permits, national park access, and local tour bookings, and reflects on the pride she and her team have in showcasing Laverton’s unique place in Australia's history.
From across the Outback Way we acknowledge the Koa People, Pitta Pitta People, Wangkayuju People, Wangkamahdla People, Arrernte Nation, Anangu People, Yarnangu People, Wangkatja People as traditional custodians and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands The Outback Way traverses.
___________
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
____________
You can find more information about this podcast 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 Instagram @OutbackWay1
Send your questions, comments and travel stories to info@outbackway.org.au 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.
In this episode of The Outback Way Podcast, host Robin McConchie shares five essential tips for traveling the Outback Way in 2025.
Known as Australia’s longest shortcut, the Outback Way is a 2,700km road trip stretching from Winton, Queensland, to Laverton, Western Australia. Whether tackling the full route or exploring it in sections, this journey offers breathtaking landscapes, iconic sites like Uluru and the Age of Dinosaurs, and even the world’s longest geocache treasure hunt.
Robin is joined by Outback experts Rick and Ann Britton. Rick, a cattleman and Mayor of Boulia Shire, has been instrumental in the push to fully seal the route by 2032. Ann, known for her stunning night sky photography and insights into Outback life, shares essential driving tips—including how to safely navigate road trains stretching up to 55 metres long.
The episode also supports Podcastathon, raising awareness for charities dedicated to positive change worldwide.
Tune in to discover:
If you’re planning an Outback adventure, this episode is packed with must-know insights to make your journey safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable.
Connect with Ann on her website https://www.annbrittonphotography.com.au/
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The Outback Way is Australia’s great self-drive experience, full of adventure… but if self-drive isn’t for you, Casey Australia Tours offers end-to-end accommodated safari coach tours!
Join their experienced, knowledgeable guides and enjoy the Outback Way from the stress-free seat of a luxury Casey Tours coach.
For more information or to book your tour, visit www.caseytours.com.au or call our West Australian office on (08) 9377 4400 today!
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Ever dreamed of unearthing your very own gemstone? At Gemtree Fossicking & Caravan Park, located 130km north-east of Alice Springs on the Plenty Hwy, adventure and serenity collide! Take a guided tour to sift through nature’s sparkling treasures —garnets, zircons, and more await your discovery.
After a day of fossicking, unwind at our peaceful caravan park. Enjoy spacious powered and unpowered sites, furnished cabins, pool, bathroom and laundry facilities, and starry nights around the campfire. Perfect for families, solo explorers, or retirees craving a uniquely outback escape.
Pack your sense of adventure—and don’t forget your hat! For more info or to book your stay head to gemtree.com.au.
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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
This is a replay of an interview that Mel Forbes recently did for the FRRR’s Tackling Tough Times Together podcast – about how people in remote, rural and regional Australia helped one another pull through the harshest droughts in living memory.
You can listen to the whole FRRR podcast here.
***
In this episode, we find out how an Outback Gallery featuring artworks on billboards has transformed communities along the isolated Plenty Highway.
We chat to community leaders about the challenges they faced, how they responded, what impact their project had and the legacy it left. They share their stories and lessons learnt, as we all learn how to cope with an increasingly dry climate.
For more than a decade Melanie Forbes dreamed of what it would be like to drive vast remote highways through Australia’s outback and see a series of stunning billboard artworks along the way.
But it took devastating bushfires and drought to hit the region for the artist to bring that dream to a reality.
Now General Manager of the Outback Highway Development Council, and director of the Outdoor Billboard Gallery, Mel oversees the creation of paintings that dot the landscape around the highway.
Fourteen double-sided billboards now punctuate a 110 kilometre stretch of the Plenty Highway, around 170kms east of Alice Springs, in what Mel hopes is just the beginning of even more outback galleries and income for creatives in her region, across the extensive Outback Way.
This project was funded by FRRR - the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal– thanks to partnerships with philanthropy, government and business, and the generosity of individuals, all of whom share the vision of a vibrant, resilient, sustainable and empowered rural Australia.
FRRR acknowledges the Dja Dja Wurrung people as the Traditional Custodians of Jaara country at Bendigo, where the organisation is headquartered. We also acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations around this vast country, and pay respect to their Elders past and present, and to the continuation of the custodial, cultural and educational practices of Australia’s First Peoples.
GET IN TOUCH
The Tackling Tough Times Together podcast was produced for FRRR, the only charity focussed on building the social and economic strength of remote, rural and regional Australia. It was funded in partnership with the Australian government.
For further information on anything shared in this podcast, or if you have a project and would like to apply for funding, or you would like to support these kinds of projects, head to www.frrr.org.au or call 1800 170 020.
CREDITS
Host: Nance Haxton
Production Assistance: Michael Adams
Interviewee: Melanie Forbes, Outback Billboard Gallery Director
RESOURCES
FRRR - www.frrr.org.au
Outback Billboard - outbackway.gallery/
Outback Highway Development Council - www.outbackway.org.au/
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
