What is Sandover Highway?
Australia, oceania
561 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for the Sandover Highway! This outback track in the Northern Territory is seriously remote – almost 600km (350 miles) of sand hills and corrugations, making it a legendary 4WD adventure.
Starting north of Alice Springs and heading northeast to the Queensland border, this unsealed road cuts through the heart of Australia. It was built to connect a few huge cattle stations, and now it's a popular route for travelers exploring the historical pioneering country of the Alyawarra people.
Expect to cruise through classic scrub and spinifex landscapes, following the namesake Sandover River. The road itself is pretty rough, with bull dust hazards and black-soil plains that turn into a total bog after rain. While the initial section might be doable in a regular vehicle, you'll definitely want 4WD after Ammaroo. Seriously, don't attempt it in a 2WD unless you're looking for an excuse to buy a new car!
Spring and autumn are the best times to tackle this adventure. Just remember, this is serious remote-area travel. Be completely self-sufficient with water, fuel (the longest stretch between refills is around 320km), and communications, because you won't find any mobile service out here. Even 4WDs break down, so be prepared. Also, regularly check your radiator – spinifex can block airflow and cause overheating.
This road demands careful driving. The highway can flood during the wet season. Black soil is extremely nasty after rain, so check local weather conditions. Take plenty of water and fuel, and be aware that the road isn’t heavily trafficked. It's a real test of your vehicle and your endurance.
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 561 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
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