The Northern Territory is Australia’s 4WD heartland. From the desert crossings around Alice Springs to the river-laced tracks of the Top End, the NT offers some of the most remote and rewarding off-road experiences in the country.
Here you’ll find epic multi-day journeys through red sand and corrugations, plus shorter but equally adventurous drives to waterfalls, gorges, and historic landmarks. Preparation is everything—this is country that demands respect.
Photo by Ben Douglas on Unsplash
1. Binns Track
The Binns Track is an epic journey stretching more than 2,000 km across the Territory. It takes in deserts, rocky ranges, and remote communities, giving drivers a true taste of everything the NT has to offer. Long, empty stretches test endurance while sand dunes and creek crossings keep you on your toes. It’s the kind of drive that defines an Outback adventure.
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Difficulty: Challenging
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Length/Time: ~2,200 km, 10–14 days
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Location: SA border (Mt Dare) to Timber Creek
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Best time: Dry season (May–Oct)
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Terrain: Sand dunes, rocky ranges, creek crossings, long remote sections
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Permits: Some sections require Aboriginal land permits
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Vehicle prep: Long-range tank, dual batteries, recovery kit, suspension upgrades
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Why Off-Roaders Love It: Ultimate Outback variety, remote camping, sense of achievement
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Camping: Station stays and bush camps along the way
2. Central Arnhem Road
This remote track cuts through Arnhem Land, delivering both cultural depth and rugged beauty. It’s long, corrugated, and rough in places, but the fishing, scenery, and isolation make it unforgettable. Permits are required, but those who prepare properly are rewarded with some of the most pristine country in the NT. Exhaust upgrades are essential.
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Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging
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Length/Time: ~600 km, 2–3 days
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Location: Katherine to Nhulunbuy
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Best time: Dry season only
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Terrain: Corrugations, washouts, creek crossings, sand
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Permits: Arnhem Land entry permits required
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Vehicle prep: Snorkel, suspension upgrades, recovery kit
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Why Off-Roaders Love It: Cultural immersion, remote fishing, wild landscapes
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Camping: Bush camps and designated sites near communities
3. Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve
South of Alice Springs, this short but rewarding drive leads to one of the Territory’s most striking landmarks. The sandstone pillar rises out of the desert, etched with the names of early explorers. The track in is sandy and corrugated, with small dunes adding to the fun. It’s a great option for those wanting a taste of remote driving without tackling a huge expedition.
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Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
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Length/Time: 160 km return, half to full day
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Location: South of Alice Springs
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Best time: Winter months
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Terrain: Corrugations, sand, small dunes
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Permits: Park entry fees apply
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Vehicle prep: All-terrain tyres, tyre deflation recommended
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Why Off-Roaders Love It: Historic landmark, beginner-friendly Outback experience, desert solitude
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Camping: Basic campground at Chambers Pillar
4. Litchfield National Park – Reynolds River & Lost City Tracks
Litchfield is famous for waterfalls, but the 4WD tracks offer just as much adventure. The Reynolds River Track features creek crossings and sandy sections, while the Lost City access road takes you to incredible sandstone formations. Both are impassable in the Wet, but in the Dry they’re an excellent mix of challenge and reward close to Darwin.
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Difficulty: Moderate
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Length/Time: 40–70 km, half to full day
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Location: 120 km south of Darwin
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Best time: Dry season only (May–Oct)
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Terrain: Creek crossings, rocky climbs, sand
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Permits: Park entry fees apply
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Vehicle prep: Snorkel for creek crossings, recovery gear
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Why Off-Roaders Love It: Dramatic rock formations, fun water crossings, waterfall access
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Camping: Wangi Falls and other NP campgrounds
“Titjikala Aboriginal Community also known as Marysvale” by The Family
5. Kakadu National Park – Jim Jim Falls Track
Reaching Jim Jim Falls is half the adventure. The track involves deep sand and multiple creek crossings before you even hike to the falls themselves. A snorkel is non-negotiable, and conditions vary depending on the season. The reward: one of Australia’s most spectacular waterfalls, reached by those willing to earn it.
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Difficulty: Moderate
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Length/Time: 60 km return, half-day
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Location: Kakadu National Park
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Best time: Dry season (June–Oct)
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Terrain: Deep sand, creek crossings
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Permits: Kakadu entry pass required
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Vehicle prep: Snorkel essential, A/T tyres recommended
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Why Off-Roaders Love It: Iconic waterfall, rugged approach, Top End wilderness
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Camping: Jim Jim Falls campground
6. Finke Gorge National Park – Palm Valley Track
Driving along the sandy bed of the ancient Finke River is a unique experience. Palm Valley itself is a desert oasis, with rare red cabbage palms growing among red cliffs and rock formations. The track combines sand, rock steps, and tight sections that make clearance important, but the scenery is worth every bump. A powerful exhaust system will get you through the terrain.
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Difficulty: Moderate
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Length/Time: 20 km return, half-day
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Location: 138 km west of Alice Springs
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Best time: Dry season
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Terrain: Sand, rocky steps, riverbed driving
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Permits: Park entry fees apply
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Vehicle prep: High clearance, tyre deflation, recovery kit
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Why Off-Roaders Love It: Rare desert palms, dramatic cliffs, unique landscapes
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Camping: Finke Gorge campground
7. Tanami Road
The Tanami is a remote Outback highway linking Alice Springs to Halls Creek in WA. It’s long, corrugated, and services are few and far between. While it’s not a technical drive, the sheer remoteness makes it a serious undertaking. Travellers who prepare properly are rewarded with endless desert horizons and a true sense of isolation.
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Difficulty: Moderate (remote, not technical)
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Length/Time: 1,000+ km, 3–5 days
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Location: Alice Springs to Halls Creek
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Best time: Dry season
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Terrain: Corrugations, sand, rocky sections
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Permits: Transit permits required for Aboriginal land sections
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Vehicle prep: Extra fuel, spare tyres, suspension protection, dual batteries
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Why Off-Roaders Love It: Remote Outback travel, endless horizons, sense of accomplishment
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Camping: Roadside bush camps and roadhouses
Tackle the NT the Right Way
The Northern Territory offers some of Australia’s toughest and most rewarding 4WD adventures. From bucket-list challenges like the Binns Track to accessible drives like Chambers Pillar, the NT has something for everyone willing to prepare properly. Here, your vehicle setup matters: performance exhausts, suspension upgrades, snorkels, and recovery gear all play a role in getting you there and back safely.
Wherever the red dirt leads, DEA Performance is here to help you gear up with confidence. Explore our blog for more off-road inspiration, or check out our high-performance exhaust kits before your next NT adventure.
