Outback tracks

Outback tracks are the roads that made the inland: stock routes, mail runs, beef roads and survey lines that now carry travellers into some of the most remote country on earth. This hub collects our track guides. Each one covers the route, its history, difficulty, fuel and services, the best season and the official sources to check.

Start here

• First unsealed track: the Oodnadatta and Birdsville tracks are popular first outback drives in good conditions. Both start at Marree.
• Expedition level: the Canning Stock Route needs careful planning, self-sufficiency and permits.
• Before you go: read about fuel, permits and road conditions, 4WD driving, 4WD recovery and the wet season and road closures.

The tracks

• Birdsville Track — about 520 km from Marree (SA) to Birdsville (Qld), the classic stock route.
• Oodnadatta Track — about 620 km from Marree to Marla along the old Ghan railway and mound springs.
• Strzelecki Track — about 460 km from Lyndhurst to Innamincka through dune country.
• Gibb River Road — about 660 km across the Kimberley between Derby and the Kununurra–Wyndham area.
• Plenty Highway — the long gravel link between the Stuart Highway near Alice Springs and western Queensland.
• Tanami Road — the remote desert link from Alice Springs to Halls Creek, now being sealed in stages.
• Mereenie Loop — the permit-only unsealed link between the West MacDonnells and Kings Canyon.
• Cape York — the dry-season 4WD trip to the tip, including the Old Telegraph Track and Jardine ferry.
• Larapinta Trail — the 230 km-plus walking track along the West MacDonnell Ranges.
• Canning Stock Route — roughly 1,850 km from Wiluna to near Halls Creek, Australia's toughest classic 4WD expedition.
• Savannah Way — the tropical route from Cairns to Broome, covered in our road trips section.

How hard are they?

This table is a general guide only. Rain, washouts and maintenance can change any road from easy to impassable overnight, and hire car agreements often exclude unsealed roads. Check the official road report on the day.

Before any track

• Read our outback safety guide and 4WD driving guide.
• Plan fuel stops and carry a reserve — see fuel, permits and road conditions.
• Carry at least two spare tyres, a compressor, recovery gear, plenty of water and a satellite communication device.
• Tell someone your route and when you expect to arrive.
• Respect Aboriginal land: some routes cross Aboriginal-owned land where permits are needed.

Official road condition sources

• South Australia: DIT outback road warnings.
• Queensland: QLDTraffic and local shire road reports.
• New South Wales: Live Traffic NSW.
• Northern Territory: NT Road Report.
• Western Australia: Main Roads WA travel map; shire road reports for local roads.

Which track should I choose?

• First outback track: the Oodnadatta Track and Birdsville Track are well maintained, have regular services and are good introductions to outback driving in dry conditions.
• For Burke and Wills history: the Strzelecki Track leads to Innamincka and the Dig Tree.
• For gorges and swimming: the Gibb River Road offers the Kimberley's famous gorges and station stays.
• For a cross-country link: the Plenty Highway connects Alice Springs to western Queensland.
• For tropical adventure: the Savannah Way crosses the top of Australia.
• For the ultimate challenge: the Canning Stock Route and the Simpson Desert are only for experienced, well-equipped travellers.

When to drive outback tracks

Most tracks are best between April and October. In the tropical north, the dry season from May to October is essential. Desert tracks become dangerous in summer heat, and some parks close. Rain can close any unsealed road at any time. See our seasonal calendar.

Vehicle and gear essentials

Every outback track requires a well-maintained vehicle, two spare tyres, a compressor, recovery gear, extra fuel and water, a first aid kit and reliable communications. Read our remote-area travel safety guide and 4WD driving guide.

Respecting Country

Many outback tracks cross the Country of Aboriginal peoples, and some pass through Aboriginal land where permits are needed. Stay on designated tracks, respect closures and cultural sites, and follow the guidance in our visiting Country respectfully guide.

Tyre pressures

Lowering tyre pressures on unsealed tracks improves traction and ride comfort, and it reduces the risk of punctures and stone damage. Follow your vehicle and tyre manufacturer's advice. Carry an accurate gauge and a reliable compressor so you can reinflate before returning to sealed roads, and slow down when running lower pressures.

Towing on outback tracks

Towing increases the strain on your vehicle and makes recoveries more difficult. If you plan to tow on unsealed tracks, use an off-road trailer built for the conditions, and check your vehicle's towing limits. Some tracks and side roads aren't suitable for trailers at all. Check the managing agency's advice before going.

Leave no trace

Take all rubbish out with you. Bury human waste well away from water and campsites, or use a portable toilet. Use existing campsites and fireplaces, don't drive off formed tracks, and obey any fire restrictions.

Fines and closed roads

Driving on a closed road can bring heavy fines and damages road surfaces. Check road condition reports and obey road closure signs.

Communications

Mobile coverage is limited or absent on most outback tracks. Carry a satellite device and a registered personal locator beacon, and leave your trip plan with someone.

Animals on the road

Cattle, kangaroos, emus and camels may be on or near outback tracks, particularly around dawn, dusk and at night. Avoid driving after dark where possible, slow down when you see animals near the road, and don't swerve violently to avoid them.