stdClass Object ( [ID] => 29872 [post_author] => 4 [post_date] => 2013-05-19 08:33:31 [post_date_gmt] => 2013-05-19 08:33:31 [post_content] => IF you like adventure and remote places then Australia's numerous 4wd tracks should be high on your travel wish list. Most people that journey to these places like the challenge of being self sufficient and fully prepared for terrain that could encompass sand dunes, desert and gibber plains. Whatever route you choose, make sure your vehicle is reliable and trustworthy, you can perform basic repairs, you have plenty of food and water, you follow outback driving guidelines and you have a penchant for adventure and can handle some hard yakka. Alternatively book into a tour and let someone else do all that for you. Here are six routes guaranteed to get you hot and dusty. [caption id="attachment_29884" align="alignnone" width="500" caption="4wding in Australia is often a muddy experience. Pic: Joanne Lane, www.visitedplanet.com"][/caption]

Binns Track

Mt Dare Hotel in South Australia to Timer Creek in the Northern Territory (2158km) This long route takes about 10 days and is one of the most arduous on the continent. It is only recommended for 4 wheel drivers who are ready to take on everything. The Binns Track throws up everything from bull dust to water crossings, National Parks, townships, open plains, desert country and mountain ranges. The track was named after former parks ranger Bill Binns and traverses a lot of history from ancient rock carvings and other proud Aboriginal heritage to areas famed in the gold rushes and pioneering days. It is possible to do shorter sections of the track where it crosses major highways. [caption id="attachment_29877" align="alignnone" width="420" caption="Photo: Tourism NT"][/caption]

Tanami Road

From Alice Springs to Halls Creek (1053km) The Tanami Road links Central Australia to the northern reaches of Western Australia. Today it is travelled by road trains and four wheel drivers. Termite mounds, corrugations, meteorite showers, dust storms, sandy patches, incredible sunsets and sparse scrub accompany the driver along the track. There are few services so make sure fuel, water and other supplies are well stocked. The route takes two to three days but not recommended for caravans or trailers. [caption id="attachment_29874" align="alignnone" width="425" caption="Pic: outbacktravellers.com.au"][/caption]

Canning Stock Route

Wiluna to Halls Creek (1850km) The Canning is the longest historic stock route in the world. Commercial droving began here in 1910 and you'll have a much higher appreciation for the stock men when you see the territory they worked in. Today the area has been returned to Aboriginal people and permits are required to access the area. There are numerous Aboriginal rock paintings and carvings along the route that should be admired but respected. The route also features all manner of conditions from corrugations to rocks and sand dunes. There are 51 wells along the route but only a few have drinking water so food, fuel and water drops are required. The trip takes two to three weeks. [caption id="attachment_29883" align="alignnone" width="654" caption="Pic: Peter WH, Wikimedia Commons."][/caption]

Old Telegraph Track, Cape York

Bramwell Junction to Cape York (116km) Do a YouTube search for videos of people four wheeling on the Old Telegraph Track and it may make you think twice (one is provided below). And it should. Massive washouts, erosion and rocky sections and hairy descents are part and parcel of this route that is considered one of the premier four wheel drive destinations in Australia. To put it in perspective there are 14 crossings which you cross by driving along the river bed at designated points. It is only accessible in dry months but even then the deep ruts, almost vertical descents and narrow, unmaintained road is a little heart stopping at times. All the crossings have unique challenges - Gunshot Creek being one of the most notorious. The northern sections are usually harder but can be avoided by taking a bypass road if you chicken out part way through. Given the number of creek crossings it is advisable to have a snorkel and a winch if you attempt this track. The Overland Telegraph Line was once the only form of communication on the Cape York Peninsula and operated from 1885 until 1962. There are still some original poles along the route.  

The Great Central Road

Laverton, Western Australia to Yulara, Northern Territory (1126km) If you're in Perth and headed to Uluru this is your most direct route. It might save you a few odd hundred kilometres but the 1126km undertaken here isn't to be sneezed at. This is remote desert country, mostly Aboriginal land where permits are required, with varied road conditions including bulldust, potholes, sandy riverbeds and the 4wd enthusiasts constant Aussie friend - corrugations. The road has been graded for 2WDs and caravans, but 4WDs are recommended and some kind of communications equipment. There are fuel supplies at odd spots along the way. [caption id="attachment_29876" align="alignnone" width="654" caption="Making it to Uluru is the reward at the end of this long journey. Pic: Joanne Lane, www.visitedplanet.com"][/caption] Read about five other outback tracks here. [post_title] => Six of Australia's outback tracks [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => six-of-australias-outback-tracks [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2013-05-19 08:37:25 [post_modified_gmt] => 2013-05-19 08:37:25 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://www.travelwireasia.com/?p=29872 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )