The Tanami Road, also known as the Tanami Track, Tanami Highway, and McGuire Track, is a vital link between the Northern Territory and Western Australia. Stretching from the Stuart Highway near Alice Springs to the Great Northern Highway near Halls Creek, this road traverses the harsh Tanami Desert, following an ancient cattle droving route.

While offering the most direct path from Alice Springs to the Kimberley region, the Tanami Road presents unique challenges to travellers. Only about 20% of its length is sealed with bitumen, leaving the majority as a dirt and gravel track. This unsealed portion can be treacherous, particularly due to severe corrugations that develop in the road surface. These corrugations not only make for an uncomfortable journey but can also significantly slow travel times and potentially damage vehicles.

Safety is a paramount concern when traversing the Tanami Road. The remote nature of the route means that travellers must be well-prepared for emergencies. Carrying extra fuel, water, and supplies is essential, as services are few and far between. The road passes through Aboriginal-owned lands in the Northern Territory and pastoral properties in Western Australia, so respect for local communities and their land is crucial.

While technically navigable by two-wheel drive vehicles during good conditions, a four-wheel drive is strongly recommended for tackling the Tanami Road. The unpredictable nature of the terrain, potential for wet weather to create hazardous conditions, and the need for increased ground clearance all make 4WDs the safer choice. Travellers should also ensure their vehicles are in top condition before embarking on this journey, as breakdown services are limited.

Update July 2024:

Since I drove the ninety kilometres of sealed  road at the Alice Springs end of this iconic route, government commitments to upgrade and seal the road will likely make the Tanami Road more accessible to a wider range of vehicles and travellers, potentially boosting tourism and economic activity in the region..

  • The federal government’s $235 million investment, announced in January 2020, will significantly enhance the road’s condition.
  • In 2022 the Western Australian government’s pledged over $250 million for further improvements