Binns Track
About this track
The Binns Track is a 2230 km purpose-built outback drive across the Northern Territory's red heart, linking Mt Dare in the south to Timber Creek in the Gulf country north. Over 7–10 days, it traverses the East MacDonnells, gem fields and remote savanna, offering a genuine long-distance desert experience with colour, isolation and steady corrugated driving. It's the thinking person's outback run — not a dash, but a measured crossing of real country with towns spaced to break the journey.
Highlights
- East MacDonnells ridgeline scenery and Aboriginal cultural sites
- Gem fields around Alice Springs region — detour for fossicking
- Remote Gulf country and savanna woodland ecosystems
- Sustained corrugation challenge across 2230 km red dirt
- Towns strategically placed for fuel, water and resupply
- High remoteness demands full self-sufficiency and convoy travel
What to expect
Corrugated red-dirt track with steady washboard demanding concentration and vehicle control. Terrain ranges from East MacDonnell rocky rises to flat gem-field country and northern savanna. No major water crossings in dry season, but creek beds demand care. Driving is moderately technical rather than extreme — the challenge is duration, remoteness and maintaining pace over corrugations. Expect dust, heat and isolation; towns break the monotony but spacing demands planning.
Permits, prep & good to know
- Permits: Mostly no (some parks) — confirm current details before you go.
- Surface / hazards: Corrugations.
- Remoteness: High — travel self-sufficient, ideally in convoy.
- Carry an EPIRB or satellite communicator, recovery gear, extra fuel and water.
Some parks require permits — confirm with NT Parks & Wildlife and relevant local authorities before departure. Best April–October; wet season closes sections. Carry extra fuel (jerry cans), ample water (minimum 20 L per person), recovery gear, dual battery, UHF radio and EPIRB. Travel in convoy with experienced crews. Check fuel availability at each town and top up religiously. Tyre pressures reduced for corrugations; carry spares. Leave no trace — pack all waste. Verify current track conditions and closures before you go.