Wayne (NSW) replied:

Paul,

I have not been on the Tanami recently, but I have traveled the Tanami 3 times in a matter of 5 weeks.

Each time the track had change slightly. One trip it had rained, the track was open but a road train had slid off to the side of the road. Deep wheel ruts and puddles of water were the main hazard.

Next trip dust and small rocks, if they have a grader it is also a hazard crossing from the graded section to the part that has not been worked.

While the information that you might receive on this forum or from any other person would have to be taken as how the track was at the time and might not be the same when you drive the track.

My idea of a good track might not be the same as your idea of a good track.

Drive to the conditions of the track and have a safe trip.

Wayne

meandet replied:

G,day Paul
We also have been on the Tanami Road many times in the past. We now give it a miss and go right around via Katherine because we were doing too much damage to our gear. We reckon it's better to do more miles than risk things falling to bits.

Cheers
Peter

Motherhen replied:

Hi Paul

I'd be pretty safe saying the WA side has not been graded since we went through last year, except for the few kms around Coyote mine. This was the worst section. It is just that over 2,000 kms, the corrugations add up.

Friends went through three weeks ago and said

"Yesterday I read back over my diary from the last trip along the Tanami Track and I said in it that we could not imagine doing this track again yet here we are just two years down the track and on it yet again.
I know why we said we did not think we would be doing it again, it has not changed from the last time, and it is still soooo bloody rough. It is a shocker.
(Husband) got under the car and the (serious off road caravan) this morning to check nothing had shaken loose and all is well.
So that is a real bonus. It is a wonder anything is still joined together."

Names deleted for privacy. I can MM you more from her diary if you like - just let me know.

Motherhen

Member - Oldbaz. NSW. replied:

Havent done the Tanami since April 07, when it was ok except for last 50k on the Halls Creek end, but even so, easily negotiated at 30kph. Most of the rest was fine at 70/80 kph. No damage sustained to either standard Jack or C/t or contents. One only
has to watch the fliers overtake you doing 110 to see how
damage could easily be sustained. But, unless you get reliable
recent advice against the trip, go ahead & do it. It remains one
of the iconic Ozzie roads & to not do it after travelling so far is
a dissapointment. It is an easy 2 day trip with opportunity to
camp wherever you like. Dont miss Wolf crater , worth the drive
in. Take it easy & enjoy, you wont regret it....oldbaz.

Member - Mark Michelle & Abrah replied:

Hi Paul
We live on the Tanami.
Graders have been working the Alice Springs end and I am not sure how far along past us they are, consequently it is pretty sandy in patches with the corrugations still there in other places. Have not been to the WA side but local information is that it is rough in patches, particularly the WA section over the border (40-50km/h). Spoke to one group two days ago who told us that the road into Wolfe Creek is the best part of the whole road at the moment.
As has been said before, everyone's opinion as to what is good, bad or indifferent varies. My opinion at the moment for what it is worth, bit rough but generally okay (80-90km/h in a 4WD without camper attached).
Drive to the conditions, watch for road trains and look out for those who want to travel at speed, regardless of the road conditions. Dont think you have to worry about rain and mud at this time though!!!
Cheers
Mark

Member - Jan B (VIC) replied:

Hi Paul,
Just to say you got in front of us as we will be on the Tanami
about the 20th to the 22nd of this month, 2 nissans towing trackmaster vans maybe we may catch up.

Regards Jan and Peter

PS : thanks fro the replies from the other members

Rick (S.A.) replied:

Drove from Alice Springs to Halls Ck on April 2nd & 3rd 2009 in a GU Patrol of 3.8 t fully laden.

NT side in very good order. No issues for any well set up 2wd or 4wd.

As soon as the WA border is reached things deteriorate seriously. You will need decent tyres & good suspension - but heck, where does that not apply??????

It is likely there is more traffic to the WA communities than on the NT side, contributing to the sad state of the road. It is, however, passable, although rough, even for the novice. I say this because I followed a novice into Halls Ck.

It is said along the track that the mines are responsible for the good roads in the NT.

I had rung the Halls Creek shire prior to departure, and was told the graders were out working. However, there was no of this. I learnt in Halls Creek when we arrived that no grader contracts had been let!

Cheers