Unforgettable Journeys Through the Outback

The Outback is packed with some of the most beautiful and majestic roads and trails in the world. If you want to experience them, a road trip is exactly what you need; here are a few of the best that will leave you in awe. 

Photo by Dylan Shaw, Unsplash

Red Centre Way

The Red Centre is the heart of the Outback, and Red Centre Way is a spectacular, 835 km-long loop that starts at Alice Springs. You will make your way through the West MacDonnell Ranges, Kings Canyon, and finishes in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. 

Pack your solo vapes and prepare for a journey that will give you some of the most awe-inspiring views you will ever experience. 

Gibb River Road

The Gibb River Road is arguably the most legendary road trip in the country. Coming in at just over 400 miles, many believe you need to spend at least a week or two on the trip to ensure you see everything the area has to offer. 

Be aware that the road is primarily for 4WDs, as there are sections where regular cars may get stuck or cannot pass. There are several roadhouses located along the route, giving you plenty of opportunities to refuel and restock your supplies. 

Oodnadatta Track

The Oodnadatta Track is a historic route connecting Marree and Marla. It follows the old Ghan Railway line, which is still in use today, and is a well-maintained gravel road suitable for almost all car types. 

The route is famed for its scenic views and stretches of road that are the definition of serene peace and solitude. You can also find plenty of bush camping sites and historic monuments along the way. 

The Cut Line

Found in New South Wales, the Cut Line is a rough, 425 km-long route through the arid and desolate Outback landscape. The Cut Line is not for the faint of heart, and proper preparation is required to travel it safely. 

However, the route is rewarding and will give you the best taste of what the Outback has to offer. The isolation will be unnerving at first, but you will quickly come to appreciate it and realize that being on your own is the best way to experience the area. 

Photo by Chris Gresham-Britt on Unsplash

Tanami Road

The Tanami Road is one of the longer journeys on this list, at just over 1,000 km. It takes you from Alice Springs in the Northern Territory to Halls Creek in Western Australia. It is a popular route with locals and tourists, as it is the most direct route from the Red Centre to the Kimberley. 

The road isn’t the best, as it is prone to dust storms, severe corrugations, and washouts. A 4WD is the most suitable option, as stops are rare. It is best to travel with extra fuel, food, and supplies. 

Flinders Ranges

Found in South Australia, the Flinders Ranges track stretches 430 km from Port Pirie to Lake Callabonna. On the road, you can find ancient landscapes, some being over 600 million years old, and you can also find the incredible natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound. 

You can also learn about local culture, as the area is the ancient home of the Adnyamathanha people, and you can find rock art all along the route. You can also find the sites of Ediacara fossils, which show examples of early animal and plant life. 

Outback Journey Tips

Now that you know a few of the best journeys to take through the Outback, here are some tips to help keep you safe and ensure the road trip is as fun and memorable as possible. 

Prepare Your Car

The first step is to prepare your vehicle. The roads in the Outback are not well-used, and it is very easy to find yourself on a road or trail that hasn’t been used in months. Because of this, you need to be sure your car can handle the rough terrain and get you out the other side safely. 

Check Weather & Road Conditions

Building on the last point, another important step is to check the weather and road conditions of the route before heading out. Road closures are common due to flooding, and there’s a high chance you can drive on a road for hours, only to get to a closure and have to turn around. 

Photo by Fiona Smallwood on Unsplash

Plan & Share Your Itinerary 

Lastly, and arguably the most important step to take, is to create and share your itinerary. Towns are few and far between in the Outback, and having someone know where you are can make it easier to find you in the event of an emergency. Additionally, a signal isn’t that common at all, so there’s a chance you won’t be able to contact someone if they don’t know where you are. 

In conclusion, these are only a few of the exceptional routes, roads, and tracks that can be found in the Outback. The best part? With a bit of planning, you can easily find something new and barely explored, and discover a part of the Outback that very few people have set foot in, in modern times. 

By ML Staff.