Overlanding Australasia: A Guide to Australia & New Zealand's Top Routes
Overlanding in Australia and New Zealand is a journey of incredible contrasts: from endless red-desert corrugations to tight high-country tracks and glacial rivers.
Overlanding Australasia: Big Distances, Big Weather, Big Payoff
Overlanding in Australia and New Zealand is a journey of incredible contrasts. Australia offers some of the most remote, arid, and logistically demanding expeditions on Earth, a true test of self-reliance. New Zealand, in contrast, provides stunningly beautiful high-country tracks, where the challenge is navigating mountains and rivers in a compact, ever-changing landscape.
This guide is a deep dive into the most iconic overlanding routes in "Aus/NZ." We'll cover the waypoints, crucial planning intel, and the complex permit and biosecurity rules you'll need to navigate these two unique countries — plus the tyre-pressure strategies that keep you out of trouble on corrugations and in riverbeds.
A Vital Note on Australasian Travel
Permits (Australia)
Many of Australia's greatest routes (Canning, Simpson, Cape York) cross Aboriginal Land.
- You MUST apply for multiple permits in advance to transit these lands. Traveling without a permit is illegal and disrespectful.
- You will also need National Park passes for many areas (e.g., Simpson Desert).
Biosecurity (New Zealand & Australia)
Both countries have the strictest biosecurity laws in the world. When crossing state lines in Australia (especially into WA) or between NZ's islands, your vehicle and gear will be inspected.
- You cannot carry fresh fruit, vegetables, honey, or soil.
- Your 4×4 (especially tyres and undercarriage) must be spotlessly clean and free of mud and seeds. Fines are massive.
Navigation (Australia)
Outside of major cities, standard GPS (Google/Apple) is useless.
The Hema Maps suite (Digital App & Paper Maps) is the undisputed standard for Australian overlanding and is considered essential. Combine Hema with our Overland Expedition Planner and the 4WD Tyre Pressure Calculator to build realistic legs and pressure plans before you leave phone coverage.
Australia's "Big 3" Desert Routes
1. The Canning Stock Route (CSR)
Description: This is the "Mt. Everest" of Australian overlanding. It is the most remote and one of the most challenging overlanding routes in the world, traversing 1,850km of the Great Sandy, Little Sandy, and Gibson deserts.
Location: Wiluna, Western Australia to Halls Creek, Western Australia.
Estimated Time: 16 – 21 days (one-way).
Difficulty: Extreme. Requires complete self-sufficiency (food, water, fuel) and extensive mechanical skill. Involves crossing over 900 sand dunes.
Key Waypoints: Wiluna (Start) → Well 5 → (Fuel Drop at Well 23) → (Fuel Drop at Kunawarritji / Well 33) → (Fuel Drop at Well 48) → Halls Creek (End).
Planning & Intel
The Route: This is a true expedition. You must carry all your fuel, or arrange an expensive fuel drop. The route is notoriously tough on vehicles due to relentless corrugations and dune crossings. Do NOT attempt this solo. A convoy of 2-3 vehicles is the minimum.
Permits & Access
- Mandatory: You must have a Kjalku GRN permit, a Kuturarra Ngurra permit, and a Tjurabalan permit. These are applied for from different Aboriginal corporations.
- Direction: Most travel South to North (Wiluna to Halls Creek).
- Season: Only passable during the coolest months (May – September). It is dangerously hot and closed the rest of the year.
Key Contacts
- Canning Stock Route Visitor Guide: The only source you should use for planning. https://www.canningstockroute.net.au/
- Permit Info: Handled by organizations like the Kuju Wangka.
- Fuel Drops: Must be arranged months in advance via providers like Capricorn Roadhouse.
2. The Simpson Desert (French Line)
Description: The classic Australian desert crossing, famous for its 1,100 parallel, red-sand dunes. The French Line is the most direct and popular of several routes across.
Location: Dalhousie Springs, South Australia to Birdsville, Queensland.
Estimated Time: 4 – 6 days.
Difficulty: Hard. Requires a high-clearance 4×4, experience in sand driving, and full self-sufficiency.
Key Waypoints: Oodnadatta (Last Fuel) → Dalhousie Springs (Hot Springs) → Purnie Bore → (The French Line) → Poeppel Corner (SA/NT/QLD border) → "Big Red" (Final Dune) → Birdsville (Pub!).
Planning & Intel
The Route: The route is one-way (West to East) during peak season to prevent head-on collisions on dune crests. A sand flag is mandatory and legally required.
Permits & Access
- Passes: You must purchase a SA "Desert Parks Pass" which covers your entry and camping.
- Season: The desert is CLOSED from December 1st to March 15th due to extreme summer heat.
Key Contacts
- SA Desert Parks (Permits): https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/passes/desert-parks-pass
- Birdsville Roadhouse: Call them for the most up-to-date road and track conditions. (07) 4656 3226
3. Binns Track
Description: A lesser-known but spectacular desert route that runs north-to-south along the eastern edge of the Northern Territory, showcasing the remote and beautiful landscapes east of the Stuart Highway.
Location: Mount Dare, South Australia to Timber Creek, Northern Territory.
Estimated Time: 10 – 12 days.
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard. This is a long and remote track with sharp, rocky sections, corrugations, and some sand.
Key Waypoints: Mount Dare (Start) → Old Andado Station → Alice Springs (Resupply) → (East MacDonnell Ranges) → Gemtree → Tennant Creek → (Gregory National Park) → Timber Creek (End).
Planning & Intel
The Route: This is a fantastic alternative to the paved Stuart Highway. It takes you through the "real" outback, including the edge of the Simpson Desert, historic homesteads, and stunning ranges.
Permits & Access
No permits are required, as it uses public park roads and station tracks. It is seasonal and can be closed after heavy rain.
Key Contacts
- Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife: https://nt.gov.au/parks (Check for park/road closures, especially Gregory NP).
- Mount Dare Hotel: https://www.mountdare.com.au/ (Call for southern road conditions).
Australia's Iconic "Top End" Route
4. Cape York – The Old Telegraph Track (OTT)
Description: The "holy grail" of Australian "Top End" adventures, culminating at the northernmost tip of the continent. The Old Telegraph Track is the iconic 4×4-only section known for its deep, challenging, and (in)famous river and creek crossings.
Location: Cairns, Queensland to "The Tip" at Cape York.
Estimated Time: 10 – 14 days (Return trip from Cairns).
Difficulty: Hard. The main "Bypass Roads" are corrugated but moderate. The OTT itself is hard, requiring a snorkel, high clearance, and confidence in water crossings.
Key Waypoints: Cairns (Start) → Cooktown → Laura → Bramwell Junction (Start of OTT) → (Palm Creek, Gunshot Creek, Nolans Brook) → (Jardine River Ferry) → Bamaga → "The Tip" (Cape York).
Planning & Intel
The Route: The OTT is the "fun" part. Most major crossings (like Gunshot) have an "easier" alternative, but all are serious. The Jardine River is a massive, croc-infested river that must be crossed on the ferry.
Permits & Access
- Permits: You must have a "Great Barrier Reef Marine Park" permit for some coastal camping.
- Ferry: You must pre-purchase your Jardine River Ferry ticket.
- Season: This route is CLOSED during the wet season (approx. November – May). It is only passable in the dry.
Key Contacts
- Cook Shire Council (Road Conditions): https://www.cook.qld.gov.au/
- Jardine River Ferry: https://www.capeyorksconnections.com.au/
- Overland Gear Guide Expedition Planner: https://overland-gear-guide.com/overland-expedition-planner/
New Zealand's High-Country Routes
5. Molesworth Station Road
Description: New Zealand's most famous overlanding route. This is a 200km+ public access road that cuts through Molesworth Station, NZ's largest farm, offering stunning high-country scenery of the South Island.
Location: Blenheim to Hanmer Springs, New Zealand.
Estimated Time: 1 day (it is a day-use-only road).
Difficulty: Easy. It is a well-maintained gravel road suitable for any 4×4 and most AWD vehicles.
Key Waypoints: Blenheim (Start) → (Awatere Valley) → Molesworth Station → (Acheron Pass) → Hanmer Springs (End).
Planning & Intel
The Route: This is a beautiful, easy drive. It is a working farm, so you must leave all gates as you find them and give way to stock.
Permits & Access
- Seasonal: The road is OPEN for a very limited season, usually from late October to Easter Monday (approx.), and only from 7 am to 7 pm.
- Closures: It can close at any time for fire risk or farm operations.
Key Contacts
Department of Conservation (DOC) – Molesworth: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/marlborough/places/molesworth-station/ (This is the only source for official opening dates and conditions).
6. Rainbow Road
Description: A "sister track" to Molesworth, this private/public road crosses the high country from St Arnaud (Nelson Lakes) down to Hanmer Springs. It is slightly more challenging than Molesworth.
Location: St Arnaud to Hanmer Springs, New Zealand.
Estimated Time: 1 day.
Difficulty: Moderate. It is a 4×4-only road, unmaintained, and features several river fords. Not for AWD/SUVs.
Key Waypoints: St Arnaud (Start) → (Rainbow Station) → (Lake Tennyson) → Maling Pass → Hanmer Springs (End).
Planning & Intel
The Route: This is a true 4×4 track that requires self-sufficiency. The river crossings can rise and become impassable after rain.
Permits & Access
- Toll Road: This is a private road, and a toll is required to be paid at the start.
- Seasonal: It is CLOSED during winter and spring (approx. April – late December/early January) due to snow and high rivers.
Key Contacts
Rainbow Station: https://www.rainbowstation.co.nz/ (This is the official source for opening dates, toll fees, and conditions).
Australasia Overlanding FAQ
Do I need special permits for most Australian outback routes?
Yes. Many routes such as the Canning Stock Route, Simpson Desert, and Cape York cross Aboriginal Land and national parks, which require transit permits and park passes. Always arrange these well in advance and carry printed copies in the vehicle.
How strict are biosecurity rules for Australia and New Zealand?
Very strict. Expect inspections at state borders in Australia and between islands in New Zealand. Fresh produce, honey, soil, and dirty vehicles can all be refused or fined. Arrive with a spotless undercarriage and clean tyres.
What tyre pressures should I run on these routes?
There is no single magic number. Use higher pressures on rocky tracks and paved sections, and lower pressures for sand, corrugations, and mud. Our Traction Mastery book plus the online Tyre Pressure Calculator in the sidebar will help you set evidence-based starting points and refine them trail by trail.
Is solo travel safe on routes like the Canning or OTT?
On extreme routes such as the Canning Stock Route, solo travel is strongly discouraged. A small, well-prepared convoy is the norm. On Cape York and NZ high-country routes, experienced solo travel is more common but still carries increased risk — comms, self-recovery gear, and clear trip plans are essential.
What's the best "first big" Australasian route?
In Australia, Binns Track or easier Simpson Desert routes (with a well-prepped vehicle) are good stepping stones before Canning or full OTT. In New Zealand, Molesworth and Rainbow Road make an excellent first taste of South Island high-country without extreme remoteness.
