One of Australia’s great adventure drives … the Tanami Road … has taken another giant step towards being fully sealed.
The NT Government has completed the sealing of 150 kilometres of the iconic route in Central Australia, which it says will significantly improve safety and access for industry, tourists, and remote communities.
The 1,035-kilometre long Tanami Road connects Alice Springs to the Great Northern Highway near Halls Creek in Western Australia. The road is known for its rugged desert landscapes, including the Wolfe Creek Crater National Park.
Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure Bill Yan said the project marks a major milestone in opening up the Territory and supporting regional economic development.
Here comes the bitumen! Another 150 kilometres of the Tanami Road is now sealed. PIC: NT Government
“The Tanami Road is a lifeline for many industries and communities across Central Australia – this upgrade will make travel safer, faster and more reliable,” he said. “Better roads mean better outcomes for freight, mining, tourism and locals – and this is exactly what we’re delivering as part of our year of action, certainty and security.”
The $197 million project, jointly funded by the Northern Territory and Australian Governments, has sealed a 150-kilometre stretch of road from Yuendumu to west of Chilla Well. The work was delivered in two stages: 60 kilometres in the first stage and 90 kilometres in the second.
Tanami Road is a key inter-regional freight and access route linking Alice Springs to Western Australia, servicing remote Indigenous communities, pastoral stations, and mining operations.
The Territory and Australian Governments have committed $289 million in the Budget 2025 -26 to continue upgrading the Tanami.
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Yes
Yes
Sure am. I hope the trucks don’t stuff it up.
When a new stretch of road like this is sealed it attracts quite a lot of people.
We stay away in more remote quieter locations.
Yes
good to see your comment Di from Wendy Murray.
Yes Hope to travel this route in 2026
Yes, I am. I only have a 2WD sedan, so it’s on my list. I was out on the road from Nockatunga to Innamincka not long after it was bituminised. Taken steadily, it can be done!
Thumbs up
Absolutely, bring it on!
Yes..splendid!
I know the locals, family tourists and truckies will like it but the adventure for us back in 2010 was the challenge of the track and the isolation. How long before a Servo is built at Wollf Creek Crater complete with Tourist Info center, Woolworths and Family Caravan Park with water slides and jumping castles, etc? I am glad we drove the original track when we did!
you and me both was an adventure back then
now watch the caravans and cars going flat out
what happens when they crash in the middle of no where
And that will be the end of the ‘adventure’
Agree. I accept that it’s not all about tourism and that this will improve the transport of goods to remote areas and is a benefit to local communities (maybe). Personally, I thought the ‘track’ was a bit of a let down – too much fenced off mining either side. But it’s a great shortcut.
It should be brilliant once completed.
Yes!
Yes I would love to drive it, but it must be well maintained.
You bet! I don’t like my fillings bein’ shook outta me head!
Bah Humbug, I liked it as it was, a bit of a challenge but not too hard provided one takes it easy. Maybe the “Rabbit Flat” roadhouse will reopen.
that would be a great convenience for all who travel through. was closed when we traveled it and we had to carry an extra 100 liters of fuel to make it Halls Creek.
Yes – cannot wait to this part of central Australia – on the plan for 2026
Can’t wait bring it on should have been done years ago
I worked in the Kimberley and had to drive the Tanami on several occasions. Yes it is adventurous, but the people who live in communities out there need access. That area is frequently blocked by flooding. There’s plenty of rough tracks to ruin a fwd.
Yes
No… the sealing will only bring more and more rubbish
Yes. What an important milestone. The best is still to come.
Yes, for a short cut to the WA.
Did the Tanami early June 5 weeks ago. The sealed section is good, but there is still corrugations and mud to challenge your travels. In 3 days, we had 6 cars and 2 trucks come from the opposite direction, so not really overcrowded. If you intend to do it, there is still some 600k’s of dirt. If you can get on top of the corrugations, it’s not a bad ride. If you don’t have the vehicle to do this, then be prepared to be shaken apart!
Just came off the Tanamai. South to North. Nothing like corregations and dust. Great camp spot at Renahans bore. Pretty rugged corrugations through the Tanamai Range. Couldnt access the old Rabbit Flat roadhouse site. Big road works from Ruby Plains north. So pleased we managed to see it this year before it all goes under bitumen.