The Tanami Track

StartClick to Reverse the Dynamic Map and Driving NotesAlice Springs
FinishHalls Creek
DifficultyDifficulty 2.5/5
Suitable ForAWD Motorbike 
Distance1119.77 km
Minimum Days2
Average Speed76.7 km/hr
Travel Time14 hrs 35 mins
Page Updated: 21 Oct 2021

Description

Although the Tanami Track traverses one of Australia's great deserts - The Tanami Desert, it is in fact a relatively easy route for travellers with 4WD and a comparatively safe introduction to remote, arid area travel.

Gold has always been known to be in abundance in the region and although mining was sporadic over the last century, a number of major mines dominate the area, now widely regarded as one of Australia's last under-explored mineral provinces. The companies that own and operate these mines have gained access to large areas of land through negotiating agreements with the Arunta people - the traditional Aboriginal owners.

The Tanami and Granites Mines found just off the track are amongst the largest gold producing mines in Australia. It is believed that they will remain operational for many years yet. The infrastructure of these fly in fly out mines are temporary, yet immense. The use of the Tanami Track as their major service route will continue to benefit tourists by ensuring that it is well graded, that sufficiently large fuel stops are nearby and that emergency help and facilities are close at hand.

There are few highlights along the route to make this a specific destination - it really is just a "shortcut" from the Red Centre to the Kimberley. (The alternative route is to take the Stuart Highway up to Dunmarra then strike north-west along the Buchanan and Duncan Highways). However, the aboriginal dot paintings are probably the best specimens in Australia. The local communities are encouraged to paint and their work is regularly collected from the surrounding communities and put in the gallery at Tilmouth Well for tourists to view and/or purchase. These are originals, with each artists name scrawled on the back of the canvas.

With the large number of "grey" and even "blonde" nomads roaming the outback these days, it is worth finding as many alternative routes as you can. So give the Tanami some thought - however take note that although it is popular and not so notorious, this is still remote desert country and certain precautions need to be observed.

How to Use this Trek Note

  • To download this information and the route file for offline use on a phone, tablet, headunit or laptop, go to the app store and purchase ExplorOz Traveller. This app enables offline navigation and mapping and will show where you are as you travel along the route. For more info see the ExplorOz Traveller webpage and the EOTopo webpage.

TIP

ExplorOz Traveller now features the NEW EOTopo 2024 mapset!

TrekID: 75

Preparation

MUST READ: You are strongly encouraged to read the following articles prepared by the knowledge experts at ExplorOz for your safety and preparation before undertaking any published ExplorOz Trek - Outback Safety, Outback Driving Tips, Outback Communications, and Vehicle Setup for the Outback.

TIP

Please refer to Road Reports published by the local shire and/or main roads for the area you intend to visit. Road/Track conditions can change significantly after weather events. Travellers must be responsible for their own research on current conditions and track suitability.

Permits

None if sticking to the track. Permits are required for visiting aboriginal communities for any reason other than purchasing fuel or supplies.

Fuel Usage

DieselULPLPG
4cyl 143 litres *4cyl 181 litres4cyl 224 litres
6cyl 152 litres *6cyl 161 litres *6cyl 197 litres
8cyl 128 litres *8cyl 186 litres
Usage is averaged from recorded data (* specific to this trek) and calculated based on trek distance.

Best Time To Visit

Closest Climatic Station

Rabbit Flat
Distance from Trek Mid Point 115.73km NW
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Mean Max. °C38.837.335.833.928.225.426.029.434.337.038.738.5
Mean Min. °C24.123.521.616.711.67.56.88.414.518.522.023.6
Mean Rain mm105.098.179.322.415.27.45.11.56.522.639.673.4
    Best time to travel      Ok time to travel      Travel NOT recommended

Map

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Directions

Alice Springs to Tanami Rd & Stuart Hwy
Driving: 20.05 km
Heading: 353°
Avg Speed: 81.3 km/hr
EST Time: 14:47
  • Drive west. for: 0.11 km time: 00:25
  • Turn left at the end of the road, onto Wills Terrace for: 0.44 km time: 00:42
  • Stay straight to take the Stuart Highway ramp. for: 19.48 km time: 13:39
  • Turn left onto Tanami Road/5. for: 0.02 km time: 00:02
Tanami Rd & Stuart Hwy to Narwietooma Turnoff
Driving: 117.14 km
Heading: 290°
Avg Speed: 92.13 km/hr
EST Time: 01:16:17
Narwietooma Turnoff to Napperby Ck, Tanami Rd (Tilmouth Crossing)
Driving: 50.47 km
Heading: 329°
Avg Speed: 86.86 km/hr
EST Time: 34:51
Napperby Ck, Tanami Rd (Tilmouth Crossing) to Tilmouth Well Roadhouse
Driving: 0.5 km
Heading: 89°
Avg Speed: 42.8 km/hr
EST Time: 00:42
Tilmouth Well Roadhouse to Yuendumu
Driving: 108.79 km
Heading: 307°
Avg Speed: 90.39 km/hr
EST Time: 01:12:12
Yuendumu to Mount Doreen Ruins
Driving: 61.88 km
Heading: 296°
Avg Speed: 82.3 km/hr
EST Time: 45:06
Mount Doreen Ruins to Wolfram Hill
Driving: 3.56 km
Heading: 300°
Avg Speed: 26.59 km/hr
EST Time: 08:01
Wolfram Hill to Tanami Rd & Rabbit Flat turnoff (closed)
Driving: 258.04 km
Heading: 326°
Avg Speed: 86.62 km/hr
EST Time: 02:58:44
Tanami Rd & Rabbit Flat turnoff (closed) to Rabbit Flat Roadhouse (closed)
Driving: 0.67 km
Heading: 348°
Avg Speed: 96.11 km/hr
EST Time: 00:25
Rabbit Flat Roadhouse (closed) to Tanami Rd, WA-NT Border
Driving: 127.34 km
Heading: 287°
Avg Speed: 79.01 km/hr
EST Time: 01:36:42
Tanami Rd, WA-NT Border to Tanami Rd & Balgo Sturt Creek Rd
Driving: 83.61 km
Heading: 271°
Avg Speed: 82.67 km/hr
EST Time: 01:00:40
Tanami Rd & Balgo Sturt Creek Rd to Tanami Rd & Balgo Mission Rd
Driving: 23.23 km
Heading: 290°
Avg Speed: 81.13 km/hr
EST Time: 17:10
Tanami Rd & Balgo Mission Rd to Sturt Creek Crossing At Tanami Rd Billiluna
Driving: 44.22 km
Heading: 311°
Avg Speed: 82.01 km/hr
EST Time: 32:21
Sturt Creek Crossing At Tanami Rd Billiluna to Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater National Park
Driving: 68.94 km
Heading: 14°
Avg Speed: 78.72 km/hr
EST Time: 52:32
Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater National Park to Great Northern Hwy & Tanami Rd
Driving: 135.01 km
Heading: 345°
Avg Speed: 59.32 km/hr
EST Time: 02:16:33
Great Northern Hwy & Tanami Rd to Halls Creek
Driving: 16.32 km
Heading: 46°
Avg Speed: 79.28 km/hr
EST Time: 12:21
  • Drive northeast. for: 0.2 km time: 00:59
  • Turn right onto 1/Great Northern Highway. for: 16.1 km time: 11:17
  • Turn left onto Roberta Avenue. for: 0.02 km time: 00:05
Distance is based on the travel mode shown (Driving, Straight, Cycling, Walking etc), Direction is straight line from start to end, Avg Speed & EST Time is calculated from GPS data.

What to See

Facilities

Where to Stay

No Places To Stay available for this trek

Services & Supplies

Wildflowers

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