Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Birdsville Track
Spanning 517km from Marree in SA to Birdsville just across the border of Queensland,
this old droving trail is one of Australia's best-known outback routes - although it's not
known for spectacular and varying scenery. Again it's feasible to travel it in a well-pre-
pared, conventional vehicle but not recommended. Don't miss a beer at the Birdsville
Hotel!
Strzelecki Track
This track covers much of the same territory through SA as the Birdsville Track. Starting
south of Marree at Lyndhurst, it reaches Innamincka 460km northeast and close to the
Queensland border. It was at Innamincka that the explorers Burke and Wills died. A
4WD is a safe bet, even though this route has been much improved due to work on the
Moomba gas fields.
Nathan River Road
This road, which resembles a farm track in parts, is a scenic section of the Savannah
Way, a cobbled together route which winds all the way from Cairns to Broome. This par-
ticular section traverses some remote country along the western edge of the Gulf of Car-
pentaria between Roper Bar and Borroloola, much of it protected within Limmen Nation-
al Park. A high-clearance vehicle is a must and carrying two spare tyres is recommended
because of the frequent sharp rocks. Excellent camping beside barramundi- and
crocodile-filled streams and waterholes is the main attraction here.
Tanami Track
Turning off the Stuart Hwy just north of Alice Springs, this 1000km route runs northwest
across the Tanami Desert to Halls Creek in WA. The road has received extensive work so
conventional vehicles are normally OK, although there are sandy stretches on the WA
side and it can be very corrugated if it hasn't been graded recently. Get advice on road
conditions in Alice Springs.
Plenty & Sandover Highways
These remote routes run east from the Stuart Hwy, north of Alice Springs, to Boulia or
Mt Isa in Queensland. The Plenty Highway skirts the northern fringe of the Simpson
Desert and offers the chance of gemstone fossicking in the Harts Range. The Sandover
Hwy offers a memorable if monotonous experience in remote touring. It is a novelty to
see another vehicle. Both roads are not to be taken lightly; they are often very rough go-
