Footloose replied:

You will reqire a permit from the Central Lands Council, details of which can be found on this site (Top menue, Trip Planning, Permits). A very easy and free system.
The track can be quite corregated around Papunya turnoff, but take it easy and you should be Ok.
Tilmouth Well is an Ok spot to stay. Its also the end of the tarred section of the Tanami.

Eric M replied:

Hi Juan, not having any knowlege of your experience in travelling in remote areas, I can only go on my experiences of coming across overseas tourists travelling in the outback, in most cases have been under prepared in relation to Fuel, Water and spares, including extra spare tyres. I am assuming that you will be travelling in a 4wd vehicle. The Tanami track is heavily corrugated along most of it, so you need to be mindful of tyre pressures, and carry communication equipment, (sat phone?). If you are well prepared you will enjoy your trip with peace of mind.
You certainly have taken a good step in visiting the Exploreoz, as there is a wealth of information out there and people ready to help you with the right kind of advice.
Happy 4WDriving and I hope you have a safe trip wherever you go.
Cheers, EricM WA

Member - Paul P (Bris) replied:

G'day

I would suggest that you use Alice Springs as a start and return point for the Ularu, Kings Canyon Mereenie Loop etc sections. Alice is a major centre and allows good shopping and vehicle repair facilities.

Mereenie Loop - it was very wet (and muddy) when I travelled it last year. The locals reconded it would be all sealed in 12 months. There was a lot of raod works on it.

Tanami - a little over 1,000k from Alice Springs to Halls Creek. Only about 200k is sealed. As stated Tilmouth is the end of the seal.

Suggest - Depart Alice Springs with full tanks - Top up at Tilmouth and experience a "Burger with the Lot" as well. Being an overseas visitor Rabbit Flat should not be missed (be aware of his opening times). Get fuel there as well and also camp the night in his camp area.

The depart to Wolf Creek and camp the night at the National Park camp area. Have a look around in the morning and then to Halls Creek. From Halls Creek choose your route.

The Tanami is a comfortable 80kph road (usually). A little rain will cause it to be closed. Fueling at the above suggested places will still mean you will need a comfortable 600k fuel range. It can be badly corrugated, particualrly around the mines ( Rabbit Flat area) due to high speed mine traffic.

Whilst you may be tempted to travel the Tanami in one day I would suggest not. A one day crossing is for the experienced with suitable vehicle and at least a 1000k fuel range after topping up at Tilmouth Well. Two nights is comfortable and allows for a look around.

My thoughts

Regards

Paul

Footloose replied:

Another couple of points. Wildlife abounds on the southern end of the Tanami, especially at dawn and dusk. Cattle, roos and emus all will bound out in front of your vehicle in the blink of an eye.
Large tankers and road trains also use this track. When you see them approaching, always pull off the road and let them go. They are too big to share the road. Be careful of any vehicles travelling behind them in the dust.
If you haven't been here before, its a bit of an eye opener.
Make sure you have an epirb or sat phone just in case you get into trouble. You probably won't need either but people have died on this track. (Some by going too fast on the wrong side of the road).
Take it easy and have a great trip.

juanmtz replied:

First of all, many thanks to everybody for your answers. The site give me the opportunity to discuss with Australians.

It is my first Aussie trip. But I am 46 and it is not my first experience on dirt road. I'll drive a 4WD cruiser with a 170l tank and 100l of water. It is a rental car and it is not easy from France to prepare everything. I'll do my best to secure the trip - I travel with children. I read from the Lonely Planet Nothern Territory and others that the Tanami is an easy track. This route make us the opportunity to travel in the Australian outback and I don't want to miss this.

Of course I have visited the CLC web site mail but not founded all the detail about permits around Papunya. I think the best is to e-mail them my questions.

I'll travel from Darwin to Perth - 21 july to 28 august. I'll give later all the details of our route and hope to meet one of this forum user.

Regards,
Juan

juanmtz replied:

Many thanks for your proposal Hairy,
Our route is not entirely defined. I'll let you know.
Regards,
Juan