In a country as vast as Australia, there are plenty of opportunities to get off grid and explore some back roads in your 4WD. With so much choice, it can be hard to know what tracks are within your skill level and worth exploring. We’ve picked out a few tracks and routes across Western Australia and the Northern Territory to check out on your next 4WD trip.
Western Australia
Easy – Mount Nameless
Located 4km from the centre of Tom Price, in the Pilbara region of WA, Mount Nameless is perfect for anyone looking to get into 4WDing. Best in the winter months, from May to November, it takes about an hour to complete making it an ideal daytrip. The Mount Nameless track goes to the top of the second highest vehicle accessible mountain in WA, so the views at the top are worth the drive. You will need to have a capable, high clearance 4WD and be able to air down your tyres to accommodate for the off-road track.
For more information on exploring Mount Nameless check out the Summerstar Tourist Parks website.
Moderate – Mundaring Power Line Track
Only 40km east of Perth, the Mundaring Power Line Track is some serious 4WDing right in your backyard. Though it’s only a 24km long track, you will need to allow 5 hours to a day to complete it as it’s tough going. With steep climbs, clay, deep ruts, and rocks, you will want to have a moderate amount of 4WD experience and a capable vehicle. It pays to do this track with a mate or a winch as needing a bit of help is not uncommon. If you’re wanting to up the difficulty even further, try tackling the Mundaring Power Line Track when it’s wet or in the dark.
The 4 Wheeling in Western Australia website has all the information on tackling the Mundaring Power Line Track either in the day or night.
Hard – Gunbarrel Highway
Crossing from Wiluna, WA to Yulara, NT, the Gunbarrel Highway is not for the inexperienced traveller. To tackle the 1400km long track, preparedness is key. You will need to have a high clearance rig that is off grid ready with a capable 12V power system, spare vehicle parts, and recovery gear. There are bush campsites along the track, often with bore water available but you’ll need to take all your own food and drinking water as there are no other facilities. Be prepared for corrugations, soft sand dunes, flood plains and washouts, and avoid travelling along the Gunbarrel Highway in the summer months.
To learn more about the Gunbarrel Highway check out the Hema Maps website.
Northern Territory
Easy – Chambers Pillar
A 300km return trip from Alice Springs, if you’re wanting to see some stunning Northern Territory scenery, Chambers Pillar is the way to go. A relatively easy 4WD only track, it crosses through the bush to the stunning Chambers Pillar rock formations. Though it’s recommended to travel in the cooler months, the road condition does vary throughout the year with corrugations, sand, and erosion common along the track. Campgrounds in the area have limited facilities so if you’re looking to camp you will need your own food, water, and firewood. Having a dual battery system in your vehicle is a relatively easily upgrade that can make camping off grid much more comfortable.
The Club 4x4 website has all you need to know about getting to and exploring Chambers Pillar.
Moderate – Reynolds River 4WD Track
Within the Litchfield National Park, the Reynolds River 4WD Track looks deceptively easy at first glance. While the sections of the road aren’t too difficult, the issue for many people comes when you reach the water crossings. With several water crossings along the track, you will need to have some experience as they can get quite deep. A 44km long track, you’ll want to leave a day or two free as it can take up to four hours each way. Always walk the crossings beforehand and having a high clearance 4WD with a snorkel fitted is recommended.
To learn more about the Reynolds River 4WD Track and Litchfield National Park check out their website.
Hard – Finke River 4WD Track
Famous for the Finke Desert Race, held in June each year, Finke Gorge National Park is worth taking some time to explore. For the experienced off grid travellers, the Finke River 4WD Track follows the Finke river all the way to the Watarrka National park. Starting 140km west of Alice Springs, you’ll want to travel in winter. Along the way, be prepared for cold nights, sand driving and plenty of bog holes depending on the weather conditions. You will need to be off grid ready and bring all your own fuel, food, and water, as well as power, recovery gear and spare parts. As Finke crosses through several culturally significant areas pets are not allowed and you will need to drive and camp responsibly.
For everything you need to know before tackling the Finke River 4WD Track, check out this information sheet by the Parks & Wildlife Commission.
Hopefully we’ve given you some inspiration or ideas for your next off-road trip. For some more location ideas, check out our guide to travelling local in Western Australia or the Northern Territory. If you want to get even more remote, our ultimate guide to the Simpson Desert or Canning Stock Route has all the information you’ll need. To see what it’s really like out there in the middle of Australia check out, Matt from The Explore Life’s Finke adventure.
