Anne Beadell Highway

About this track

The Anne Beadell Highway is a legendary 1,350 km desert traverse across the Great Victoria Desert from Coober Pedy (SA) to Laverton (WA), named after the surveyor who first mapped the route in the 1950s. This is extreme outback 4WDing: six to nine days of isolation, multiple permit zones (Maralinga, Aboriginal lands, Woomera), zero resupply between major towns, and terrain ranging from corrugated track to deep sand and rocky jump-ups. It demands full self-sufficiency, convoy travel, and genuine expedition planning—not a casual weekend trip.

Highlights

• 1,350 km of true desert isolation with zero mid-route services
• Permit crossings: Maralinga Prohibited Area, Aboriginal lands, Woomera Rocket Range
• Severe corrugations, sand drifts, rocky outcrops and remote creek crossings
• Stops at Coober Pedy, Ilkurlka and Laverton only—fuel/water critical
• May–September window; wet season closes track completely
• EPIRB, dual battery, recovery gear and convoy essential

What to expect

Unrelenting corrugations and sand drifts across red desert plains, punctuated by rocky jump-ups and scattered creek crossings. Most sections are hard-packed or loose-surface four-wheel-drive track; some sandy patches demand low-range driving and careful line choice. Visibility is excellent but distances are enormous—expect long days of concentrating on rough terrain. This is true remoteness: no mobile coverage, no other traffic, no roadhouses. One mechanical failure or injury is serious.

Permits, prep & good to know

• Permits: Yes — multiple (Maralinga, Aboriginal lands, Woomera) — confirm current details before you go.
• Surface / hazards: Severe.
• Remoteness: Extreme — travel self-sufficient, ideally in convoy.
• Carry an EPIRB or satellite communicator, recovery gear, extra fuel and water.

Permits are mandatory—contact the Maralinga Tjarutja Aboriginal Corporation, relevant Aboriginal land authorities and Woomera Range Authority before departure. Confirm current access, closures and permit requirements. Best travel May–September; wet season (Oct–Apr) can close sections for weeks. Carry all drinking water (aim for 40+ litres), extra fuel (jerry cans), spare tyres, full recovery kit, sand flags and communications (UHF, EPIRB). Travel in convoy of at least two vehicles. Reduce tyre pressures for sand; carry a pump. Leave all gates as found; pack rubbish out. Notify a reliable contact of your route and expected exit.