Australia is one of the best places in the world for any four wheel drive fanatic. It’s rugged and harsh landscape imparts a thrill seeking adventure for anyone in pursuit of an adrenaline rush. From the shores to the country, there are tracks that boast smooth coasting along the sandy white beaches all the way to cavernous mountains where there are dipping roads as far as the eye can see. So where are the best tracks? While normally spoken of in hushed voices and murmurs around the campfire or passed through years of Chinese whispers, we are here to uncover three of the best tracks that you must add to your bucket list.
Anne Beadell Highway
The Beadell name has long been associated with the explorations of Australia’s remotest and dangerous tracks ever created in the outback. The Anne Beadell Highway was built in the late 1950’s and features 1,350 awe-inspiring kilometres of lonely desert roads and twisty, narrow and sometimes sandy lands where the vegetation is so thick it impinges the trail. Your 4WD will be put to the test as this is one of the toughest paths known in Oz. Remember, to complete this adventure, you will need a number of permits and you must be wary of the blackout dates that won’t allow you to pass through protected areas.
The Cape-Telegraph Road/Peninsula Development Road
Consider yourself to be a pretty fearless person? What if I were to tell you that you could take on a track that allows you to come in contact massive saltwater crocodiles? Would you do it? The route from the most northern point of mainland Australia is a challenge for even the most experienced four-wheel-drivers. The 743 kilometre track can take at least five days and is filled with lush rainforests. Tip: Be sure to take on the Cape Telegraph Road/Peninsula Development Road during the dry season which is May to November, to avoid getting stuck in some dangerous and muddy situations.
Canning Stock Route: Wiluna to Halls Creek, Western Australia
If you like living on the edge, going from place to place without so much as a fuel stop, then the Canning Stock Route might be just for you. Incredibly rewarding (once you’ve finished it of course) this route has a warranted reputation as one of the more difficult trips in Australia. The great thing about this trail is the level of variety, one moment you are gliding over sand dunes, the next you are holding down your lunch over rocky patches. It originally served as a cattle route and features Aboriginal rock art, old cattle wells and the Wolfe Creek meteorite crater. Be sure to give your legs a rest and check out these attractions throughout your journey.
There you have it! These are the best tracks to tackle for an explorer at least once in your life. What are you waiting for? Fill up your Land Rover full 4WD and get off the beaten track today.
