What are the 11 most legendary 4WD tracks in Australia?

Australia is the ultimate frontier for off-road exploration. Beyond the paved highways lies a network of tracks that are not just scenic drives, but legendary expeditions across sun-scorched deserts and ancient rainforests. From the punishing corrugations of the Canning Stock Route to the deep river crossings of the Old Telegraph Track, these 11 routes demand total self-sufficiency and high-level technical skill. This is where man and machine meet the most unforgiving terrain on Earth.

Australia’s best 4WD tracks

Best off-road driving tracks in Australia:

Track NameLocationDistanceMin. Travel TimeBest Season
Binns Track Mt Dare (NT/SA border) to Timber Creek (NT) 2,191 km (1,361 mi) 10 days April - August
Birdsville Track Marree (SA) to Birdsville (QLD) 517 km (321 mi) 2 days April - October
Canning Stock Route Wiluna to Halls Creek (WA) 1,850 km (1,150 mi) 16 days May - August
CREB Track Daintree to Wujal Wujal (QLD) 71 km (44 mi) 1 day May - November
French Line Poeppel Corner to Dalhousie Springs 262 km (162 mi) 3 days May - September
Gibb River Road Kununurra to Derby (WA) 660 km (410 mi) 3 days May - September
Gunbarrel Highway Wiluna (WA) to Yulara (NT) 1,350 km (840 mi) 4 days April - September
Hay River Track Birdsville (QLD) to Gemtree (NT) 928 km (576 mi) 9 days May - September
Old Telegraph Track Cooktown to Seisia (QLD) 350 km (217 mi) 24 days May - October
Sandover Highway Plenty Highway to the Barkly Highway (NT) 561 km (349 mi) 2/3 days May - September
Stockton Beach 4wd Track Williamtown to Anna Bay (NSW) 53 km (32 mi) 1 day All year

From the demanding 24-day marathon of the Old Telegraph Track to the sheer logistics of the 16-day Canning Stock Route, this list represents the pinnacle of global four-wheel driving. These aren't just distances on a map; they are milestones in an adventurer's career. Choose your route, prepare your vehicle, and commit to the journey. The Australian Outback awaits your challenge.

Pic: By Peter WH (talk) - the English language Wikipedia (log), CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3332801