How long is the Tanami Road?
Australia, oceania
1,013 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Want to experience the real Outback? The Tanami Road, linking Central Australia to North West Western Australia, is calling your name! This epic desert track clocks in at 1,013 km (629 miles), stretching from the Great Northern Highway near Halls Creek in the Kimberley all the way to the Stuart Highway, near Alice Springs. You might hear it called the Tanami Track or Tanami Highway, but whatever you call it, it’s an adventure!
The Tanami crosses the vast Tanami Desert and is mostly unpaved. About 20% of the road is sealed, so a 4WD is highly recommended to tackle the dirt, sand, and sometimes nasty bull dust holes and corrugations. Plus, keep an eye out for dry creek beds filled with large, sharp gravel.
This isn't a quick jaunt – plan on around two days to soak it all in. The scenery is amazing! Just be aware that the Tanami can be closed during the wet season, and even a little rain can cause havoc. Storms can turn the track into a muddy mess in minutes.
Fuel, food, and water are essential! Services are limited, with a whopping 600km stretch between Billiluna and Yuendumu without fuel. And don't even think about drinking from any water sources along the way – pack enough for the whole trip!
While road trains and experienced four-wheel drivers regularly travel the Tanami, caravans and trailers are generally not recommended. The corrugations can be brutal, and you might find yourself crawling along at a snail's pace. Temperatures can soar up to 45°C, so preparation is key.
But if you're prepared for an isolated adventure, the Tanami Road offers amazing desert scenery and a taste of the real Australian Outback!
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 1,013 km
- Difficulty
- hard
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