Tanami Road is one of Australia's great outback adventure tracks
Australia, oceania
1,013 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
The Tanami Road: where Central Australia meets North West Western Australia in a blaze of desert glory! This is the most direct shot from just north of Alice Springs to Halls Creek in the Kimberley, cutting right through the heart of the Tanami Desert.
Clocking in at 1,013 km (629 miles), this track – also known as the Tanami Track or Highway, or McGuire Track – stretches from the Great Northern Highway near Halls Creek to the Stuart Highway close to Alice Springs. Picture this: you're traversing the vast Tanami Desert on a road that's generally in decent nick (maintained until the NT border). Just be warned, it's a seriously isolated route and often closes during the wet season. Rain can wreak havoc, especially near the Kimberley end.
While about 20% of the road is sealed, the rest is a mix of dirt, gravel, and sand, with some nasty bull dust holes, mega corrugations, and creek beds filled with sharp gravel. While a two-wheel-drive *can* manage, a four-wheel drive is highly recommended.
But let's talk scenery! This route delivers amazing desert landscapes. Set aside about two days to soak it all in, with plenty of time for photo stops. You'll be sharing the road with road trains, 4WD adventurers, holidaymakers, and retirees all chasing a taste of the outback and a slice of Aussie history from the gold rush days.
Keep an eye on the weather, as rain can shut down sections of the road quickly. And remember, desert storms can turn the track into a muddy mess in minutes, or worse, wash it away completely! Dust storms can be blinding, too. Corrugations can be brutal, making for a slow and bumpy ride. Pack plenty of fuel, food, and water, as roadhouses can be unreliable. This is seriously remote country with limited services: the longest stretch without fuel is a hefty 600km! Water sources along the way aren't drinkable, so pack enough H2O for the entire trip. Driving the Tanami requires patience, experience, and some serious 4WD skills. Be prepared for no food or fuel for 360 miles with temperatures up to 45°C. Caravans and trailers? Probably not the best idea.
Where is it?
Tanami Road is one of Australia's great outback adventure tracks is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -23.1956, 131.7425
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 1,013 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -23.1956, 131.7425
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