Tanami Desert Road

Mate I came down there 18 months ago and was overtaken by EA Falcon ....on the corrugation ,,,, probably about 7 in the car .... going Hell for Leather ....and probably had no seat belts on

If the weather has been good, why not.All the locals drive falcons on the road.If you do break something, just look in the scrub.Some cars we have seen abandoned with wheels removed looked like perfectly good vehicles.

Yes! The road is no worse than many others in the bush and much better than some. Just drive to the prevailing conditions and there will be no problems.

Rusty

Of course ...... as mentioned above, the 'locals' do it all the time...he he ......I came down there in August 06 - what a hoot - came across a Falcon sedan parked on the edge of the road itself - engine was on the ground next to it - partially dismantled - cans everywhere - nobody in attendance (I make no general observation or 'cast any nasturtions' on any social grouping). Seriously..........IMO.....if its in good condition, that track could still be somewhat harsh on your soft roading hardware, even driven conservatively - apart from the usual precautions re backup, I'd include some shocks (serviceable units don't cost a lot from a wrecker).

The Tanami track is really only a 2wd track...if the weather is right...if it isn't cut up....if there's no local flooding...if your car's in good nick...if you drive according to conditions..if you are lucky :)))
Yes, the locals often travel that and worse tracks, but are prepared to sit it out for days if necessary until some more of their mob pass by etc etc. They are often also prepared to burn the vehicle and hitch hike.

I'd check in Alice before making a decision.The Tanami track has been known to flood big time if there's any rain around.

Gday,
Possible...Yes
Recomended...No!
As everyone has already said, the blackfellas do it all the time......They also commented about all the 2wd wrecks scattered through the bush???? If not making it and destroying your car doesnt bother you, go for it.
Be prepaired to have shiit hung on you if you break down too as its really not the smartest move youll ever make.
Have fun
Cheers

Have you ever watched the bush mechanics on ABC???

Mob of funny b****s hey?!! We'll take all of your 'advices' inc. the serious, the funny and those nasturtium casters too !!I can imagine all too true re the locals and your various hints on how to cope in a breakdown!! Basically we understand that we are going to wreck any decent car we have by tackling the Tanami Desert Road. Cheers sas

Sagab

If you take it slow you should not have a problem. It is a better road than the Stuart Highway was in SA before they did the black top.

Get your vehicle thoroughly checked by a mechanic before you leave. Make sure you have good rubber and correct pressures for the conditions. Make sure you shock absorbers are in good condition or replace them. Take spare radiator hoses and fan belts.

PS Take plenty of water.

It's obviously a different Tanami from the one I have used many times. The one I use is quite ok when driven sensibly and the doomsayers above are attempting to put unnecessary fear into those who ask sensible questions. Ask your motoring association for full details rather than listen (read) what I believe are less than accurate and unnecessary scaremongering.

Rusty

I've driven this 'road' (some people call it not inaccurately a highway these days) in both directions - 2 years ago. On the return journey it started to rain and by the time we got to the Alice the road was in a terrible state - there were 100 odd (from memory - please see my previous posts on this) Flying Doctor annual 'bashers' driving the track and that traffic (they were trying to do as much damage as they could I think!) plus the usual road trains turned the road in a sea of churned-up mud in 1-2 days!. Most of the time this is a 'highway' but have no doubts - it can be an impassable quagmire for a while after rain. Take all the normal precautions re quantities of food and water for this trip just in case

Happy days
Geo

Sagab,

I live on the Tanami (at Yuendumu) and can tell you that a pair of graders are currently working their way along, so in a couple of weeks, say mid to late march, the road will be very smooth.

In general, there are a lot of road trains using the track, at least up to the Granites, so just stay in their wheel tracks, as they know the smooth parts from the rough.

Just drive to the conditions and you are fine. There are no patches that are boggy, just a bit corrigated.

Andrew

Sagab,

You've got a lot of conflicting advice from the forum. Everyone wants to help you but everyone has different degrees of experience, expertise and tolerance for travelling on roads such as the Tanami.

I think the first thing that should be asked is "What experience etc do you have" and then the advice should be given from that starting point. I know you've stated that your partner can cope with mechanical breakdowns and you're not city slickers, but that doesn't really give a clear picture.

One persons good road can be another's horror stretch. Although everyone who replied wants to assist you it's not really helpful if they have so much more experience than you do. They tell it like it is for them. Roads like the Tanami can be good or bad depending on the time of year, when the grader has been, if it has rained etc etc.

We've travelled the Tanami twice. The first time, not towing, in 1997 and found it quite good. The second time, towing, found it pretty terrible for a large part. I don't think we've got a low tolerance for corrugations either.

So, perhaps if you could give an idea of what type of travel and road conditions you're used to then the advice could be a bit more specific to you.

Your question was "is it possible". Well, yes it is. Would it make for an enjoyable or stressful trip for you? That in a large way depends on what you can cope with and enjoy.

Viv

Hi sagab,
The state of the Tanami varies from goat track to super highway. Just depends when it was last graded, when it last rained etc. Road ratings are fairly unreliable. I have been on any number of major unsealed raods that were two wheel ruts in the grass. There are limited fuel supplies along the Tanami so you need to make sure you can get to each one. Visitors are not always welcome in some communities. Rabbit Flat is well known for only being open 3 days a week or so and having some of the most expensive fuel in Oz. I suggest you get a good map that shows fuel points. Make sure they sell the fuel you require. Some only sell diesel. If you still want to do this make sure you have basic spares, and plenty of water. Tyres and vehicle must be in good condition not just ok. Drive to the conditions and with caution. I have driven it a few times and it can be appauling. These days I usually find a good reason to go another way. So it is possible with the correct preparation but probably more hassle than it is worth.

Steve