Docker River (Kaltukatjara) Community — Outback Way Red Centre Fuel and Water Checkpoint

Docker River, known as Kaltukatjara to the Anangu people, sits deep in the Western Desert roughly 490 km northeast of Warburton and around 300 km southwest of Uluru. The community store stocks diesel, unleaded, and basic provisions — but hours are limited and stock is unpredictable. If you’re running the Outback Way, this is your lifeline crossing between WA and the NT, and you treat it accordingly. Respect the community, ask before photographing, and don’t assume anything is open without checking ahead.

Road conditions into Docker River from the west can be rough — corrugations, soft sand sections, and occasional washouts after rain. A EPIRB or sat comms device is non-negotiable on this stretch. Confirm fuel availability with the store or NT government road reports before you depart Warburton. Camping is not permitted within the community itself.

Desert lifeline — fuel, water, respect.