A strong start at Tilmouth Well
Tilmouth Well Roadhouse is located 188 km from Alice Springs along the Tanami Track, the shortest route linking the Kimberley in Western Australia to the Red Centre of the Northern Territory. The roadhouse provides fuel, groceries, meals and accommodation to tourists and truck-drivers along the Tanami Track, as well as to surrounding communities like Laramba and Yuelamu.
In 2021 the Ngurratjuta/Pmara Ntjarra Aboriginal Corporation engaged Outback Stores to assist in the management of Tilmouth Well Roadhouse. The challenges of staffing and operating a business in such a remote location had been increasing, particularly whilst COVID-19 restrictions were still having a significant impact. The corporation wanted to ensure that both surrounding communities and travellers could still enjoy a quality service at a reasonable price.
Amy Driver, Business Manager of the corporation, explains the decision to engage Outback Stores as coming down to a “good track-record, buying power and economy of scale”.
Photos
Top: Tilmouth Well Roadhouse entrance
Bottom: Accommodation on lush green lawns
The store looks amazing and we’ve had awesome feedback.
– Amy Driver, Business Manager of Ngurrutjuta/Pmara Ntjarra Aboriginal Corporation
Due to Outback Stores’ extensive retail experience and supply partners, Tilmouth Well Roadhouse now offers a larger selection of fresh fruit and vegetables and grocery products. Amy says this convenience has made a big difference to the community members living nearby, as it saves the time and expense of travelling long distances.
The first ten weeks of trade, post refurbishment, saw the sale of fresh produce increase tenfold. Takeaway sales have also increased with extra staff assisting in the kitchen, bar, and service areas. Sales in general have more than doubled since the refurbishment, with nearby residents making the most of the increased range and opportunity to visit on Sundays, when other community stores are closed.
Recent reviews on Facebook and Google have been positive, with one traveller saying “After a drive down the Tanami the oasis that is Tilmouth Well Roadhouse is amazing. We had the hamburger with the lot. Friendly welcome and clean facilities just topped it off. Do yourself a favour and add this as a stop if you happen to be driving past.”
This story features in the Outback Stores Annual Report 2021-22
Photos
Top: Larger range of grocery items now available
Bottom: Swimming pool for guests
After a drive down the Tanami the oasis that is Tilmouth Well Roadhouse is amazing.
– Traveller review, Facebook