Exploring the vast expanse of the Australian Outback is a journey like no other. The rugged landscapes offer an adventure filled with stunning natural beauty and unique wildlife. From red desert sands to ancient rock formations, every road tells a story. Discover the best routes to experience the true essence of Australia’s wild heart.
Gibb River Road
Stretching over 660 kilometers, the Gibb River Road in Western Australia is a thrilling off-road adventure. Travelers can explore deep gorges, stunning waterfalls, and ancient rock art. The journey offers a glimpse into the rugged beauty of the Kimberley region. Be prepared for challenging conditions and breathtaking scenery.
Birdsville Track
Connecting Birdsville in Queensland to Marree in South Australia, this historic stock route spans 517 kilometers. The track offers a true outback experience with vast desert landscapes and historic ruins. Travelers can witness unique wildlife, including camels and dingoes. It’s best tackled with a well-prepared 4WD vehicle.
Oodnadatta Track
This iconic route follows the old Ghan railway line for 620 kilometers through South Australia. The Oodnadatta Track passes by numerous springs, old railway sidings, and remote settlements. Visitors can explore Lake Eyre and the mesmerizing Painted Desert. The journey is rich in history and outback charm.
Great Central Road
Spanning over 1,100 kilometers, the Great Central Road links Laverton in Western Australia to Yulara in the Northern Territory. This route traverses the heart of Australia, passing through remote Indigenous communities and stunning landscapes. Travelers can visit the iconic Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Ensure your vehicle is well-equipped for the rugged terrain.
Plenty Highway
Connecting the Stuart Highway in the Northern Territory to Boulia in Queensland, the Plenty Highway is an adventurous 498-kilometer drive. The route offers vast desert scenery, cattle stations, and the remote Harts Range. Travelers can experience the isolation and beauty of the Australian outback. Prepare for rough road conditions and limited facilities.
Tanami Road
This 1,035-kilometer journey from Alice Springs to Halls Creek takes travelers through the remote Tanami Desert. The road offers a mix of desert landscapes, Aboriginal art sites, and gold mining history. It’s one of Australia’s most isolated outback routes. Ensure your vehicle is well-prepared for the long, dusty drive.
Savannah Way
The Savannah Way spans 3,700 kilometers from Cairns in Queensland to Broome in Western Australia. This epic journey crosses diverse landscapes, including tropical savannahs, wetlands, and rugged coastlines. Travelers can explore national parks, waterfalls, and rich Aboriginal culture. It’s a true cross-country adventure with plenty of natural wonders.
Strzelecki Track
The Strzelecki Track runs 475 kilometers from Lyndhurst in South Australia to Innamincka. This historic stock route offers vast desert vistas, Cooper Creek, and the iconic Strzelecki Desert. Travelers can explore the Burke and Wills Dig Tree and the Innamincka Regional Reserve. It’s a remote journey requiring careful preparation.
Eyre Highway
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Stretching 1,675 kilometers, the Eyre Highway crosses the Nullarbor Plain from Norseman in Western Australia to Port Augusta in South Australia. This route offers expansive treeless plains, the Bunda Cliffs, and the Great Australian Bight. It’s one of Australia’s most famous long-distance drives. The highway is sealed but still demands respect for its isolation.
Stuart Highway
The Stuart Highway runs 2,834 kilometers from Darwin in the Northern Territory to Port Augusta in South Australia. This major route traverses diverse landscapes, including the Red Centre and the tropical north. Travelers can visit iconic landmarks like Uluru and Kakadu National Park. It’s a well-maintained road but requires caution in remote stretches.
Outback Way
Known as “Australia’s Longest Shortcut,” the Outback Way spans 2,720 kilometers from Laverton in Western Australia to Winton in Queensland. The journey crosses three states and various outback landscapes. Travelers can see everything from deserts to cattle stations and opal mines. It’s a challenging but rewarding adventure through Australia’s heartland.
Canning Stock Route
One of the world’s longest historic stock routes, the Canning Stock Route covers 1,850 kilometers from Halls Creek to Wiluna in Western Australia. This route takes adventurers through remote desert regions and stunning landscapes. It requires meticulous preparation and a reliable 4WD vehicle. The journey offers a deep sense of outback history and isolation.
Gunbarrel Highway
This 1,400-kilometer track stretches from Wiluna in Western Australia to Yulara in the Northern Territory. The Gunbarrel Highway offers a rugged and remote driving experience through some of Australia’s most isolated regions. Travelers can see stunning desert landscapes and historic surveyor sites. The road is named after its straight, “gunbarrel” sections.
Red Centre Way
Covering 690 kilometers, the Red Centre Way takes travelers through the heart of Australia’s Red Centre. The route includes Alice Springs, Kings Canyon, and the West MacDonnell Ranges. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks like Uluru and Kata Tjuta. The journey offers a mix of sealed and unsealed roads through breathtaking scenery.
Anne Beadell Highway
The Anne Beadell Highway is a challenging 1,325-kilometer route from Coober Pedy in South Australia to Laverton in Western Australia. Named after the wife of surveyor Len Beadell, the highway crosses remote deserts and missile testing sites. Travelers can expect rough conditions and extreme isolation. It’s a journey for well-prepared adventurers.
Finke River Track
The Finke River Track offers a 230-kilometer adventure from Alice Springs to Mount Dare. This route follows the Finke River, one of the world’s oldest river systems. Travelers can experience the rugged beauty of the Simpson Desert and visit the remote Lambert Centre. The track is challenging and requires a reliable 4WD.
Sandover Highway
Spanning 560 kilometers, the Sandover Highway connects the Plenty Highway to the Barkly Highway in the Northern Territory. This remote route offers vast outback scenery and visits to Indigenous communities. Travelers can explore the beautiful Davenport Ranges and remote cattle stations. The road is mostly unsealed and demands careful preparation.
Duncan Road
Running 429 kilometers from Halls Creek to Kununurra in Western Australia, Duncan Road offers a scenic outback drive. The route passes through stunning landscapes, including the Bungle Bungles and Ord River. Travelers can experience the rich history and natural beauty of the Kimberley region. It’s a less-traveled but rewarding journey.
Marree to William Creek Road
This 204-kilometer track connects Marree to William Creek in South Australia. The journey takes travelers through the arid beauty of the South Australian outback. Visitors can explore the remote settlement of William Creek and the nearby Lake Eyre. It’s a short but memorable drive through a unique landscape.
Mereenie Loop Road
The Mereenie Loop Road covers 155 kilometers through the West MacDonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory. This route offers stunning views of the rugged ranges and opportunities to explore gorges and waterholes. Travelers can visit Glen Helen Gorge and Ormiston Gorge. The road requires a permit and is best suited for 4WD vehicles.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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