
Trans Access Road runs through some of the most isolated areas of Australia
Australia, oceania
993 km
407 m
hard
Year-round
Ready for an epic Aussie outback adventure? The Trans Access Road is a seriously long, unsealed track connecting Western and South Australia, clocking in at a massive 993km! Think of it as a rugged companion to the Trans-Australian railway line, built way back in 1917. It's the only way for emergency services to reach the railway along much of its WA stretch, linking eight lonely Nullarbor stations.
Starting just east of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the road heads straight east alongside the railway, right to the WA/SA border, slicing through some seriously remote Aussie landscape.
You'll need a proper 4x4 for this one. Expect thick dust in the dry season and potential boggy conditions or washouts when it's wet. Be ready for corrugations, potholes, and rocky patches! The track can be narrow, with overhanging trees adding to the challenge. Keep an eye on the weather β things can change fast out here. The scenery? Endless red dirt that somehow keeps changing, but mostly it's...nothing.
Elevation tops out at 407m (1,335ft). Services are scarce, so you absolutely need to plan ahead. Stock up on food, water, and fuel like your life depends on it (because it kinda does!). Seriously, carry lots of water and fuel. Night driving? Best avoided. Phone reception is spotty, so don't rely on it.
Where is it?
Trans Access Road runs through some of the most isolated areas of Australia is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -22.8109, 138.4290
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 993 km
- Max Elevation
- 407 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -22.8109, 138.4290
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