northern territory roads

Northern Territory roads are a study in extremes: long, straight highways where the horizon looks bored, and remote tracks that chew tyres for breakfast. Major routes like parts of the Stuart, Barkly and Victoria Highways post limits up to 130 km/h, but plenty of outback roads are unsealed and can turn to porridge in the Wet. If you’re heading bush, take a proper 4WD, LT-rated tyres, two spares, water and fuel—yes, all of them. Wildlife, road trains and dust storms are real, so drive with a margin and keep your headlights on. Permits are required for some Aboriginal land and private tracks, and mobile coverage is patchier than a dingo’s alibi. Before you go, check the NT Government road report and local advice—heroics are optional, recovery bills aren’t.