Old Andado Track
Remote desert track at the edge of the Simpson.
The Old Andado Track stretches roughly 450 kilometres between Alice Springs and the historic Old Andado Station near the South Australian border, skirting the eastern edge of the Simpson Desert. This is one of the most isolated overland routes in Central Australia — you’re threading through vast gibber plains, soft red sand dunes, and sparse mulga scrub with no mobile coverage and no help for hundreds of kilometres if something goes wrong. The track passes through the historic Mac Clark (Acacia peuce) Conservation Reserve and eventually arrives at Old Andado Homestead, a remarkable piece of outback history that once belonged to the legendary Molly Clark.
This is not a beginner route. Sand dunes require reduced tyre pressures and committed driving, and recovery gear — snatch strap, hi-lift jack, maxtrax, and a compressor — is non-negotiable. You need to be fully self-sufficient: carry a minimum of 200 litres of fuel and at least 20 litres of drinking water per person. A UHF radio and satellite communicator are essential. The track is best attempted May through August when temperatures are survivable. Notify police in Alice Springs of your itinerary before departing. The silence and the stars out here will reset something in you.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Overland Route, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 280 mi / 450 km |
| Duration | 3-5 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1870 ft |
| Best season | May-August |
| Minimum vehicle | Expedition-prepped 4WD with full recovery gear |
| Nearest town | Alice Springs, Northern Territory |
| Land manager | NT Parks and Wildlife / Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics NT |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | NT Parks — Old Andado Historic Reserve |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Land Cruiser or Patrol handle the Old Andado Track, or does it need to be modified?
Stock is not enough here. You need an expedition-prepped 4WD with a lift, all-terrain or sand tires, dual spare wheels, a snatch strap, high-lift jack, and ideally a compressor for airing down on the dune crossings. A bone-stock rig will get you stranded.
When is the Old Andado Track passable, and what happens if you go outside that window?
May through August is the window — cooler temps and dry conditions. Summer (Nov–Mar) brings extreme heat topping 50°C and flash flooding that can cut the track for weeks. Outside the dry season, this trail can kill you or your vehicle, full stop.
Do you need a permit to drive the Old Andado Track?
No formal permit is required for the track itself, but you are passing through private station land and the Old Andado Historic Reserve managed by NT Parks and Wildlife. Notify someone of your itinerary — NT Police recommend a trip registration via the EPIRB or personal locator beacon process given the zero cell service across the entire 450km.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what makes it technical?
The dune crossings near the Simpson Desert edge are the crux — loose red sand, blind crests, and long descents with no room for error if you're carrying load. Momentum management matters more than power here; wrong line or wrong speed and you're digging out in 40°C heat with no one coming.
How much fuel do you need to carry, and is there any resupply along the 280 miles?
There is zero fuel on the track — Alice Springs is your last fill before departure and your first after. Plan for at least 400–500km of fuel range with a buffer, meaning a long-range tank or multiple jerry cans is non-negotiable. Water is equally critical; carry a minimum of 10 litres per person per day with extra contingency for mechanical delays.
Trail track
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