Giles Weather Station — Remote Bureau of Meteorology Outpost on the Great Central Road

Giles Weather Station sits out past Warakurna, a short run off the Great Central Road. It’s a Bureau of Meteorology outpost, set up in the 1950s to feed data to the Woomera rocket and Maralinga weapons programs. Len Beadell’s road crews carved the first tracks in here. Staff still send up weather balloons on a fixed schedule, and the little community around it is about as remote as Australia gets. Depending on timing and who’s on shift, you can sometimes see a balloon launch. Check ahead on visitor access, because it’s a working facility and not a tourist attraction.

The Giles turnoff is also a handy marker for the Gunbarrel Highway country and a good moment to think about your fuel and water. Nearby Warakurna Roadhouse is your fuel and supplies stop. The Great Central Road is mostly maintained gravel but gets corrugated and slick after rain, so carry spares, extra water and a recovery kit. Check the road report with Main Roads WA before you go, and sort out any Ngaanyatjarra Lands permit requirements for staying off the roadway. Be respectful, stay on the track, and take your rubbish with you. Have a dirty day.

Outback weather outpost born of Len Beadell's roads