Tanami Track 4WD Road Trip Itinerary
The Tanami Track 4WD road trip is a classic Australian drive, taking travelers from Alice Springs to Halls Creek. Along the way, you'll pass through the small town of Yuendemu and the Tanami Desert, and witness beautiful desert landscapes. The entire journey is around 653 miles long, and it's recommended to take 4 days to complete. The best time of year to take this trip is during the dry season (June to September).
The road conditions along the route can be poor, so 4WD vehicles are recommended. Some roads may be closed seasonally due to weather conditions, and many roads are narrow. However, this road trip is suitable for all drivers, and can be done on a moderate budget. So, if you're looking for an unforgettable journey through the Australian outback, the Tanami Track 4WD road trip is the perfect choice!
4
number of days
1,051 km
route length
fair
budget
explorer
good for
on the left
traffic direction
fair
accident level
START
Alice Springs
Distance 1,051 km
Driving time 16.3 h
Pace: fast
315.3 kWh
Airports
ASP
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Alice Springs in Australia is the perfect starting point for the legendary Tanami Track 4WD road trip, offering a wealth of attractions to explore before you even hit the track. Located in the geographic heart of the continent, Alice Springs is surrounded by incredible landscapes and natural wonders.
If you’re arriving by air, Alice Springs Airport (ASP) is the closest international airport, and car rentals are available here. Once you have your wheels, make sure to check out the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, Anzac Hill, and the Alice Springs Desert Park. Here you can learn about the local flora, fauna, and culture, plus take in breathtaking views of the surrounding desert.
Alice Springs also offers plenty of outdoor recreation. Take a hot air balloon ride, explore the outback on horseback, go camel riding, or try your hand at fishing the nearby creeks. There are plenty of pubs, restaurants, and cafes to explore, too. The town is also home to a vibrant Aboriginal art scene, so make sure to take in the galleries and markets.
Alice Springs is the perfect place to begin your Tanami Track 4WD adventure and explore the wonders of the Australian outback. With so much to see and do, you'll be sure to have an unforgettable journey.
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Alice Springs
- Yuendemu
Distance 291 km
Driving time 4.4 h
Pace: fast
87.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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Get ready for an amazing road trip from Alice Springs to Yuendemu! Just 181 miles and less than 4 hours of driving, this journey will take you through the most interesting places of the Outback.
You will be able to admire the picturesque landscapes and the cultural heritage of the area, like the historical sites of Alice Springs Telegraph Station and the Yuendemu Town. Moreover, you will have the chance to see the majestic MacDonnell Ranges, along with the Krichauff Ranges and the Finke River.
In some sections, the road will be narrow, so be sure to drive carefully and pay attention to the surroundings. Make a few stops along the way to take pictures and enjoy the scenery.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage.
So, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable road trip from Alice Springs to Yuendemu!
Yuendemu - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - Pixabay
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2
Yuendemu
- Tanami
Distance 256 km
Driving time 3.9 h
Pace: fast
76.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a road-trip that will take you from Yuendemu to Tanami, a 159 mi journey that will take you less than 7 hours. Along the way, you will be able to explore the most interesting places in these locations. 4WD is required for some sections of the route and camper trailers may not be able to access some roads. There may be a lack of gas stations and some sections may be closed seasonally. Narrow roads may also be encountered along the way. Keep an eye out for the amazing scenery, as you cruise along. Remember that more information about attractions, accommodation, recommended restaurants, and campsites can be found in the itinerary of this stage. So, hop in the car and enjoy your road trip from Yuendemu to Tanami!
Tanami - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - Pixabay
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3
Tanami
- Halls Creek
Distance 504 km
Driving time 8.0 h
Pace: fast
151.1 kWh
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Itinerary
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Start your road trip adventure in Tanami, Australia with a 313mi journey to Halls Creek! This drive will take you less than 13 hours, so be sure to bring your 4WD as the route may be inaccessible for cars with camper trailers. As you travel, be sure to pay attention to the scenic roads. Be mindful that gas stations may be scarce, some sections may be closed seasonally, and the roads may be narrow in some sections. Make sure to plan ahead and bring all the supplies you need for the journey! Once you've arrived in Halls Creek, you'll find plenty of attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites. For more information, be sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Happy travels!
Halls Creek - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - Halls Creek Tourism
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Halls Creek
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Halls Creek is the final destination of the Tanami Track 4WD, a road trip that takes travelers through the remote outback of Australia. Located in Western Australia, Halls Creek is the perfect spot to end a journey through the beautiful desert landscapes and unique wildlife.
The town of Halls Creek provides great access to the nearby Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater, the second-largest crater in the world. The crater is a natural monument that can be viewed from the nearby viewing platform. Additionally, the town is home to a number of Aboriginal art galleries that display the traditional artwork of the local Nyikina people.
For those wishing to explore further, the nearby Bungle Bungle Range is a must-see. The range is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to an array of unique and spectacular sandstone formations.
For those traveling by car, Halls Creek is best accessed via the Tanami Track 4WD, a journey that begins in Alice Springs in the Northern Territory and takes travelers through the remote outback of the Tanami Desert.
For those flying in, the closest international airport is Broome International Airport (BME). From Broome, travelers can hire a car and use the sealed highway to reach Halls Creek.
Halls Creek is the perfect destination to end a journey through the remote outback of Australia. With a number of great attractions and activities, it is an ideal spot to explore the unique wildlife, stunning desert landscapes, and traditional Aboriginal art.
Halls Creek - Australia - Oceania - Road Trip - Wikiwand
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Tanami Track 4WD Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Alice Springs
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End:
Halls Creek
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Distance:
1,051 km
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Stay:
4 days
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Getting there:
Alice Springs Airport (ASP)
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When to drive:
June, July, August, September
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The Tanami Track is an epic 4WD adventure through the remote and rugged heart of Australia, connecting Alice Springs in the Northern Territory to Halls Creek in Western Australia. This challenging route covers roughly 1,053 kilometers (about 654 miles) and is a true testament to the Australian Outback's spirit. The journey, which often takes a minimum of 4 days to complete, immerses travelers in the stark beauty of the desert landscape and offers a taste of the solitude and expansiveness that the continent is known for.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Alice Springs: The quintessential Outback town, Alice Springs is steeped in Aboriginal culture and surrounded by stunning natural attractions like the MacDonnell Ranges. It's not just a starting point but a cultural touchstone for visitors.
- Tilmouth Well: An oasis along the Tanami Track where you can refuel and rest.
- Yuendemu: A significant indigenous community known for its Warlpiri artists and the local art center, showcasing authentic Aboriginal art.
- Wolfe Creek Crater National Park: Close to Halls Creek, this park is home to the second-largest meteorite crater in the world, a sight not to be missed.
- Tanami Desert: Traverse one of the most isolated and arid regions on the planet, home to unique wildlife and breathtaking night skies.
Best Time to Go:
The optimal time to embark on the Tanami Track Road Trip is during the cooler dry season, typically from June to September. This period sees less rain, reducing the risk of Road closures and making for more pleasant driving conditions.
Potential Risks:
- Corrugated and sandy tracks can make 4WD vehicles essential.
- Unpredictable weather patterns may lead to Road closures, particularly during the wet season.
- Narrow and isolated stretches of Road require careful driving and preparedness.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The Tanami Track follows a historic cattle droving route and was once an important trade path for Indigenous Australians.
- The Road crosses the Tropic of Capricorn, offering travelers the unique opportunity to stand in both the earth's temperate and tropical zones.
- The Tanami Desert is the site of Australia's largest gold mine, the Newmont Tanami Operations.
A good choice for:
The Tanami Track is more than just a Road Trip; it's a profound journey into the vast and timeless Australian Outback. It demands respect, preparation, and a sturdy 4WD vehicle. For those who heed the call of adventure, it promises rich cultural encounters, otherworldly natural wonders, and the humbling experience of true remoteness. Always remember to travel responsibly, respecting the indigenous lands and communities you visit, and leave no trace to preserve the Outback's wild majesty for future explorers.