Ernest Giles Road is a corrugated and sandy remote drive

Ernest Giles Road is one of the more remote drives in the Northern Territory of Australia. 4WD vehicles only as there are some big dips, corrugations and deep sand on occasions. It’s regularly closed during wet season.

The road is rough and bumpy and slippery in the wet bits. It’s 100km (62 miles) long running west-east from Luritja Road to Stuart Highway. This track can get very muddy and slippery after rain making it challenging to get through. You'll certainly be out in some desolate country, and even 4WDs breakdown. Do not take a 2WD on this road unless you want to get stuck. Best way is to drop tyre pressure a bit and drive at a reasonable speed. The road has poor drainage and height in most sections and regularly closes during wet periods.
It’s a great road to take if you want to experience very remote areas. Be prepared: the road is very poorly maintained and includes a few river crossings. The road is unsealed, sandy and occasionally closed following heavy rain. It’s 4WD only, due to its unstable and changing road surfaces. Be totally prepared and do some serious reading before tackling these regions in Australia. The main attraction, apart from the sense of adventure that comes from travelling such a remote and challenging route, is the chance to visit Henbury Meteorite Craters. This road is named after a famous explorer, Ernest Giles. It’s a vital road for cattle stations and local communities.

The road is very rough--only try driving it in a 2wd car, if you're planning to buy a new car. Carry plenty of water and spare fuel. The road isn’t used much. Flooding can also occur after brief but heavy thunderstorms during the dry season. Definitely take plenty of water and an extra spare, there are some serious rocks that could do some real damage. The road is one of the richest red mystic dusty roads you will ever travel along. It’s a remote-area experience and travellers should be self-sufficient with everything from water to communications – there’s no mobile network coverage.
Pic: Ger van Hees