Car driving on dirt road in outback NT

Tanami Desert

Map showing the Darwin and Surrounds region in the NTAliceSpringsDarwinKatherineUluruKingsCanyon

The Tanami Desert, one of the most isolated and arid areas on earth, wasn’t truly explored until well into the twentieth century.

The Tanami Track with sandy plains connects Alice Springs to the Kimberley Region. Points of interest along the Tanami Track include Tilmouth Well Station, offering accommodation and fuel in a true outback setting, and Birds Australia’s 650,000 acre Newhaven Sanctuary.

Those planning to drive the Tanami Track should only do so in a reliable four-wheel drive vehicle with spare tyres, and be sure to take spare fuel. The road surface is usually quite good but services on the Tanami are very limited with fuel available only at Tilmouth Well. The Rabbit Flat Roadhouse is now closed.

Temperatures in the Tanami Desert can get very hot with daytime temperatures averaging 38 degrees Celsius. Ensure you carry plenty of water with some to spare for emergencies.