Tanami Track

About this track

The Tanami Track is a 1000 km dust-and-corrugation shortcut across the Tanami Desert linking Alice Springs (NT) to Halls Creek (WA). It's a serious outback crossing: relentlessly corrugated, sparsely populated, and unforgiving—designed for self-sufficient crews with proper 4WD prep and an appetite for long days on rough track. The route traverses remote Aboriginal land, culturally significant country, and offers no towns or services beyond Tilmouth Well halfway through; it's an earned rather than leisurely crossing.

Highlights

• Severe, washboard corrugations for 1000 km—expect slow, physically demanding driving.
• Tilmouth Well: only mid-track fuel and water stop; plan fuel reserves carefully.
• Tanami Desert landscape—red earth, spinifex and mulga; genuine remoteness.
• Aboriginal land transit permits required; respect cultural heritage and closure notices.
• Mining-road sections add technical complexity; convoy travel strongly advised.
• Seasonal closure risk in wet season (Nov–Mar); confirm access before departure.

What to expect

Unrelenting corrugated dirt, ranging from graded to heavily rippled sections that demand low-range driving and constant vehicle management. Occasional rough patches, flood-prone creek crossings in shoulder seasons, and sections of older mining track with variable surface. Remoteness is absolute—no phone signal, no passing traffic, no shelter. Typical daily driving 350–400 km over 8–10 hours, with minimal facilities. Recovery from breakdown falls entirely on your crew.

Permits, prep & good to know

• Permits: Yes — Aboriginal-land transit permit — confirm current details before you go.
• Surface / hazards: Severe corrugations.
• Remoteness: High — travel self-sufficient, ideally in convoy.
• Carry an EPIRB or satellite communicator, recovery gear, extra fuel and water.

Aboriginal-land transit permits are mandatory; confirm current requirements and any closures with local authorities before travelling. Best April to October; November–March wet-season closures are common. Carry full fuel capacity, jerry cans, and water reserves (50+ litres minimum). Travel in convoy with recovery gear, UHF radio, EPIRB, dual battery, and sand flags. Tyres should be checked and pressures adjusted for corrugations. Leave no trace, respect Aboriginal sites, and file an expected-return plan with someone reliable.