Tjukayirla

How do you pronounce Tjukayirla?
There are several ways of pronouncing Tjukayirla, but the most common is “Chook- a –year- la”.

Why is the roadhouse called Tjukayirla?
Tjukayirla Roadhouse takes it name from the Tjukayirla Rockholes which are situated at the south-western end of the campground adjacent to a Paine & Barclay survey marker which was placed by the surveyors in the early 1930’s during the original survey of the route to Warburton. The roadhouse is also known as the Zoo Roadhouse – this is due to the Zoo Breakaway, a good example of desert breakaway country, that is a short walk across the main road from the rockhole. At times dingos, emus, kangaroos and camels as well as a large variety of birds can be seen around the Roadhouse.

Is Petrol available at Tjukayirla Roadhouse?
Standard Unleaded Fuel is not available anywhere on the Great Central Road between Laverton (WA) and Yulara (NT).
BP has developed an alternative low-aromatic fuel called Opal Fuel, which is readily available at all Roadhouses.
Opal Fuel was developed to combat the rising use of petrol as an inhalant in remote indigenous communities, it contains less aromatics or solvents, which are what produces the ‘high’ when sniffed.
For more information on Opal Fuel see the section below.

What is the current price of Diesel / Fuel?
Diesel – $ 3.10 per litre
Opal* – $ 3.10 per litre

What are the road conditions?
Updated 02/10/2024 Open both ways, Drive to conditions.

Is Alcohol permitted at Tjukayirla Roadhouse?
Yes, Tjukayirla Roadhouse is outside the prohibition area for the Ngaanyatjarra Lands. We do not serve or sell alcohol at the roadhouse, so it is strictly BYO! For more information on the Ngaanyatjarra Alcohol By-laws please see the section below.

Is there an Aboriginal Community at Tjukayirla?
No, whilst the Roadhouse is owned by the Blackstone (Papulankutja) Community, there is no community at the Roadhouse. Our closest community is Cosmo Newberry, 200km’s to the West. This makes us the most isolated roadhouse in Australia. For a brief history of the Papulankutja Community and the Blackstone Ranges please click here.

What days/hours are you open?
We are open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm (WST)
Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am to 3:00pm (WST)
Public Holidays – 9:00am to 12noon*
Please phone to roadhouse 08 90371108 prior to travel on public holidays to check opening hours. None of the roadhouses across the Great Central Rd are open in the evenings, and the weekend hours are limited.

Can I get fuel after hours?
We provide an after hours fuel service (excluding ALL public holidays). This is available from CLOSE to 7PM on weekdays, CLOSE to 5pm on weekends. We will not open early in the morning, sorry. The fee for the after hours service is $20 per vehicle.

Can I get water at the roadhouse
If you camp with us you may fill your water tanks at no cost, otherwise the cost is $10 per van to fill with water. 

Is EFTPOS Available
Yes, EFTPOS is Available in the store, however we are not able to offer a cash out facility.

Are there artwork or souvenirs available to purchase?
We stock souvenirs such as t-shirts, stickers, magnets etc. Art work is available from Warburton and Warakurna Art Centres.

Is there mobile phone reception at Tjukayirla?
No, there is no mobile phone reception between Laverton and Warburton except for Optus mobile coverage at Tjukayirla Roadhouse. There is also a public payphone at the roadhouse (uses prepaid cards available at the roadhouse, or credit card). We recommend carrying a Sat phone when travelling along the GCR.

Is there internet available at the Roadhouse?
There is a wifi hotspot available in the camping and accommodation areas of the roadhouse. It is a pay per use service (similar to an airport). It is hosted off site. You must have your own device and a credit or debit card to purchase the package of your choice. The roadhouse does not sell the packages.

Trading Hours

Regular Trading Hours

• Monday to Friday - 9:00am to 5:00pm (WST)
• Saturday and Sunday - 9:00am to 3:00pm (WST)
• Public Holidays - 9:00am to 12:00 noon (WST)*

* Please note that none of the roadhouses across the Great Central Rd are open in the evenings. We advise checking the opening hours of each roadhouse prior to travel, especially if travelling on a public holiday.

Public Holiday Hours

• Good Friday 29/3/2024 – Closed – No After Hours
• Christmas Day – Closed – No After Hours
• New Years Day – Closed – No After Hours
• All Other Public Holidays 9am to Noon – No After Hours

Permit Information

To enter the Ngaanyatjarra Lands visitors require an entry permit. It is also necessary to have a transit permit when travelling through the Lands by road.
The application process is simple and free. You can download a permit information and application pack (PDF format) by clicking on the image below.