Be totally prepared to drive the Old Andado Track

Be totally prepared to drive the Old Andado Track

Australia, oceania

Length

200 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're craving a truly off-the-grid experience in Australia's Northern Territory, then the Old Andado Track is calling your name. This outback track offers a wild detour from Alice Springs to Oodnadatta, skirting the edge of the massive Simpson Desert, a landscape of seemingly endless parallel sand dunes (some stretching almost 200 km!).

But fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. Expect a rough and tumble ride with plenty of bumps and potentially slippery sections when wet. The road is seriously unmaintained, with numerous river crossings to navigate. It's mostly unsealed and sandy, so a 4WD is a must, unless you're looking to replace your ride soon! Flash floods can also occur after those quick, heavy storms, even in the dry season.

Stretching 440 km (273 miles) from Alice Springs to Mount Dare, the Old Andado Track is a part of the larger Binns Track tourist route. Picture yourself surrounded by desolate beauty, where even 4x4s can break down.

For those who dare to venture into the heart of the Simpson Desert, this is your chance to experience true isolation and stunning red dune scenery. Do your homework beforehand, and pack more water and spare fuel than you think you'll need. This track isn't heavily traveled, and those rocks are ready to cause serious tire damage. Remember, you're on your own out there, so be self-sufficient with everything from water to communication – cell service is non-existent.

Where is it?

Be totally prepared to drive the Old Andado Track is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -24.4498, 135.2725

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Australia
Continent
oceania
Length
200 km
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
-24.4498, 135.2725

Related Roads in oceania

How long is the road to Mount Kosciuszko?moderate

How long is the road to Mount Kosciuszko?

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, picture this: you're in New South Wales, Australia, ready to conquer the country's highest peak! We're talking about Mount Kosciuszko, a majestic beauty reaching 2,228m (7,310ft). Once upon a time, you could drive almost to the top! Now, the old road is a hiking and biking trail. The adventure starts in the Snowy Mountains, inside Kosciuszko National Park. The Summit Road trail stretches for 9.2km (5.71 miles) – a totally unpaved path of gravel and rocks. This climb is a total must-do. You'll pass the iconic Snowy River and the historic Seamans Hut. Rawson Pass, nestled at the base of the mountain, offers stunning views of the main range. Cyclists, take note: you can ride up to Rawson Pass, but then it's time to park the bike and hike the rest of the way. Oh, and did I mention Rawson Pass is home to Australia's highest public toilets? Pretty cool, right? The road crosses the Snowy River at 4.5 km and then ascends gradually to Seaman's Hut (6 km), Rawson's Pass (8 km), and, finally, to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. Get ready for breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience!

Driving the Narrow Kiwi Road in Taranaki's Most Isolated Countrysidehard

Driving the Narrow Kiwi Road in Taranaki's Most Isolated Countryside

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Hey adventure seekers! Want a taste of real New Zealand? Then ditch the main drag and head to Kiwi Road in northern Taranaki! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking narrow, unpaved, and a little rough around the edges. Think winding tracks where two cars might have to play chicken. Plus, the edges are getting a bit crumbly, so leave the RV at home. But don't let that scare you off! It's a steep climb to 363m (1,190ft), but keep your speed down, and you'll be fine. Seriously, this feels more like a goat track in sections! This 17.9 km (11.12 miles) gem runs from Moki Road to Okau Road, hugging State Highway 3 but offering a totally different vibe. Forget traffic jams – this is pure, isolated bliss through some of Taranaki's most stunning scenery. If you love nature, you'll be in heaven. Trust me, you'll want to build in time for photo stops – the views are insane! The grand finale? The Kiwi Road Tunnel, a seriously cool, narrow tunnel built way back in 1915. At 154m (507ft) long, it's a tight squeeze and a total throwback. Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!

How long is Stockton Beach 4wd Track?moderate

How long is Stockton Beach 4wd Track?

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, picture this: you, your 4x4, and 30km (18 miles) of pure Aussie beach bliss! Stockton Beach, just an hour north of Newcastle in New South Wales, is calling your name. This isn't just any beach drive; it's a proper 4WD adventure through the Worimi Regional Park, stretching from Williamtown to Anna Bay. Get ready to tackle some seriously impressive sand dunes – some towering up to 30 meters! These aren't your average gentle slopes; they're steep, thrilling, and demand respect. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles attempting the climbs! But before you hit the sand, remember to deflate those tires and grab a permit. This track can get busy during peak seasons, so timing is key. High tide can make sections impassable, so aim to travel at low tide – the sand's firmer near the water's edge, making for a smoother (and safer) ride. Avoid sudden movements, and always drive straight down the dunes. Keep an eye out for remnants of WWII defense systems scattered along the beach, and remember you are exploring the largest moving sand dune system in the southern hemisphere. The track can be closed at any time due to the weather. You might even recognize it from the original Mad Max movie!

Top coastal road trips in the South Island of New Zealandeasy

Top coastal road trips in the South Island of New Zealand

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Okay, picture this: you're cruising around the South Island of New Zealand—Te Waipounamu to the locals—where the roads just *get* you. They're like winding ribbons hugging the coastline, leading you through charming fishing villages, right into national parks, and down to hidden beaches. Think fresh seafood, epic wildlife encounters, and landmarks that’ll blow your mind. First up, the Mount Cook Road along Lake Pukaki. This is a MUST. It’s about 55 km of pure turquoise-lake-meets-snowy-mountain magic. It’s an easy drive (apart from one little one-lane bridge!) that should take like 45 minutes, but you’ll want to triple that for all the photo stops! Peters Lookout? Instagram gold. Plus, LOTR nerds, this is Hobbiton-level scenery! Winter drivers, pack those chains just in case. Then there's the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road. Forty-six kilometers of Lake Wakatipu hugging, Southern Alps-adoring goodness. Set aside an hour for the drive, but you'll want longer for the photo ops. Yep, this place starred in movies, too! Next up, Queen Charlotte Drive. It's about 33 km, connecting Havelock to Picton, and the coastal views are unreal. 50-70 minutes of winding, seaside bliss. It's super popular with cyclists, too, so chill and enjoy the ride! Last but not least, the Haast Highway! A whopping 276 km stretch between Haast and Hokitika, carved right along the West Coast. Set aside at least 3-4 hours. Think rugged coastline, secret coves, and views that are straight-up dramatic. Seriously, some people call this one of the most spectacular coastal drives *in the world*.