BINNS TRACK, NT

IF A Northern Territory adventure is on the agenda, then the famous Binns Track should be at the very top of the itinerary. Named after Bill Binns, a ranger with 32 years of experience in the NT, the track snakes from the north of South Australia, into Central Australia and then the NT, leading to a number of iconic – and not-so-iconic – spots. The starting point for the track is at Mount Dare in SA, within the Simpson Desert, which itself is an adventure to reach. Pointing the bullbar north will cross over into the NT, where the Old Andado Road leads to Alice Springs – a poorly maintained route with several 9usually dry) river crossings. From here, the track cuts through the East Macdonnell Ranges and works its way further north.

There are plenty of turnoffs scattered along the track that lead to many well-known locations including N’dhala Gorge, Old Andando, the abandoned gold mines at Arltunga, Gemtree, Devils Marbles, the Boxhole Meteorite Crater, Tower Rock and Davenport Range. If tracking south-tonorth, the township of Timber Creek in the NT completes the epic trip.

The majority of the track is gravel, with plenty of corrugations to rattle teeth and unsettle vertebrae, so it’s essential to have a 4Wd-capable rig, a decent suspension setup, and good off-road/all-terrain tyres.

There are plenty of fuel stops along the route – Mount Dare, Santa Teresa, Alice Springs, Gemtree, Atitjere, Tennant Creek, Daly Waters, Mataranka, Katherine and Timber Creek – but it’s essential to be entirely self-sufficient.

THE Oodnadatta Track isn’t overly difficult, with the dirt road only challenging following an onslaught of rain – and the only real threat, a pierced sidewall from a wayward rock. This makes it an ideal track for all 4Wders, with plenty to love about the route. Like most outback roads, The Track is usually closed following rain to protect its surface.

The track begins at Marree in the South , a quaint, historically significant town located 589km north of Adelaide in SA. Marree is actually at the junction of the Oodnadatta and the Birdsville Tracks (another track to make this list). It ends 405km later at Oodnadatta.

The track follows the Old Ghan Railway Line, which runs from Adelaide to Alice Springs, and for most of the way is within eyeshot. At about the halfway point between Maree and Oodnadatta you’ll arrive at William Creek, and it’s the perfect spot to refuel and have a feed at the hotel – plus, there’s a well-maintained camping ground.

Lake Eyre is another landmark en route, with the Oodnadatta Track skirting the majestic lake’s southern edge. Lake Eyre is one of the world’s largest internallydraining freshwater systems, and its pink hue is worth stopping for.

Then there’s the famous Pink Roadhouse in Oodnadatta, an ideal spot to end your adventure with air-conditioned cabins, warm showers and a hearty meal on the cards.

WHEN the topic of Australia’s most famous tracks enters the campfire conversation, there’s one track that’s guaranteed to get a mention: the Canning Stock Route (CSR) in Western Australia. The tough outback slog isn’t for the fainthearted, with the long-distance journey right up there as one of Australia’s (if not the world’s) most challenging tracks. The remoteness of the track means you’ll need a well prepared vehicle, with adequate suspension and a tray-full of spares and supplies. Experienced 4x4ers need only apply.

Cutting through WA’S vast outback, the CSR runs from Wiluna in the south to Halls Creek in the north and passes through the Gibson, Great Sandy and Tanami deserts. Stretching close to 1800km, the track comprises extremely difficult ruts, as well as hundreds of sand dunes, making it a multi-week adventure.

The start of the track can be reached via Tanami Road from the Bililuna turnoff, and its origins date back to 1910 when it was used to connect 51 wells that watered the stock travelling to market. Stopping at a number of these well-known wells along the way is an essential part of the adventure.

Remember, only travel this route if you have plenty of off-road experience and your vehicle is properly set up. And it’s better to travel with others in a convoy. If you don’t have a buddy willing to join you on the adventure, there are 4WD tours you can sign up to that run throughout the year.

IF you want to tick off an outback 4x4 adventure, the Birdsville Track is an ideal option. Much like the Oodnadatta Track, the Birdsville Track begins at the small town of Marree in SA. However, unlike the Oodnadatta Track, the Birdsville Track heads in a north-easterly direction towards the famous outback Queensland town of Birdsville.

Developed way back in the 1860s as a cattle/stock route from Qld and the NT to Port Augusta, the Birdsville Track has become a popular track for 4x4ers as they head for Birdsville. Due to the track’s popularity in recent times, it’s not as difficult a trip as it once was; now a graded dirt track where previously only high-clearance 4WDS were recommended. Still, the track runs through some of the driest and mostbarren regions of the country, so it’s essential to always carry spare water and to ensure your vehicle is properly prepared.

Track highlights include camping at Kalamurina Station Camping, exploring the Mulka Ruins, and having a brew and warm food at the Mungerannie Hotel. The eastern edge of Lake Eyre is also only a quick detour away.

DESERT driving seems to be popular with our readers, with another Simpson Desert track – the Madigan Line – making this list. The track begins north of Old Andado Station, a cattle station located approximately 360km south-east of Alice Springs, and strikes east into Queensland, eventually meeting up with another track on this list, the QAA Line, to complete your desert exploration.

As expected, prepare to cross a gauntlet of sand dunes on this trip, and prepare to be challenged. The track should only be attempted by those with plenty of experience 4x4ing on desert sand, as it’s extremely remote and recovery can be very expensive. As always, your 4x4 needs to be tailored for desert exploration.

The track was named after Cecil Madigan, who blazed the route through the desert back in 1939 with a convoy of camels. These days, signposted camps along the route make it easier for travellers to find their way – a highlight is Camp 16, were a gum tree blazed by Madigan still stands.