Great Northern Highway is a Western Australia highway extending from Perth to the Northern Territory border. At a distance of 3250 km, it is the longest stretch of the National Highway. It is signed National Highway 95 until Port Hedland, about 1640 km from Perth and National Highway 1 (part of the Highway 1) for the remaining stretch until Northern Territory border. It is completely sealed all the way.
This highway is the longest intrastate highway in Australia and also the longest Australian highway in absolute terms. However it is also among the remotest stretch of bitumen in the world, with roadhouses being the only settlements on many streches. Economically it is a vital link as it provides access to the resource rich regions in the Pilbaras, the Kimberleys and the interior as well as providing access for cattle. The highway also provides acess to many natural attractions pulling in many local, interstate and overseas tourists.
The present alignment between Newman and Port Hedland was only constructed and sealed in the 1986 as part of the Australian bicentenary roadworks. The previous alignment was an unsealed stretch through Roy Hill , Nullagine and Marble Bar (among the hottest place on earth).
From Perth to Port Hedland it passes through former gold towns, mining outposts and aboroginal settlements. The scenery changes from the relative greenery of Perth's outskirts to reddish, dry, dusty and arid country in the interor. From Port Hedland onwards, it heads toward former pearling port of Broome and onwards to the Kimberleys' cattle country. Road hazards include livestock, wildlife such as kangaroos, emus and feral camels, remoteness plus a climate which ranges from over 50 degrees Celsius summer temperature to flash floods capable of sweeping away vehicles.
Towns
Towns, settlements and significant roadhouses on and slightly off this highway include:
See also