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Best SUV drives | Top 10


Here's ten of our favourites treks.

Tip: Hema Maps have a variety of maps and guides for all parts of Australia, their Australia Road and 4WD Atlas is a handy tool to start planning any SUV trip.

AUSTRALIA

The OUTBACK HIGHWAY runs between Brisbane and Perth, some 5000km of ever-changing scenery and people. Road conditions vary from decent bitumen to desert sands and bulldust. There are stunning places to camp, motels, hotels and resorts as the route runs through Winton in Queensland, across to Alice, down to Uluru and then west again to Laverton and through Kalgoorlie to Perth. Visit www.outbackway.org.au.

QUEENSLAND

FRASER, the world's largest sand island (123km long), boasts beautiful beaches, sparkling freshwater lakes and kilometres of sand to make best use of an SUV with the family and maybe the fishing rods. Best to take a half-decent wagon (little ones will struggle in the soft stuff, especially with a load on board). A snatch strap and lower tyre pressures are recommended. Visit www.fraserisland.net.

CAPE YORK is one of those 'gunna' trips but remember it's more than 1000km from Cairns to the Tip, it can be rough and it may take patience. Mid to large four-wheel drives are recommended, travellers should be self-sufficent and allow time for side trips to coastal settlements. Check road conditions, the dry season from mid-April to mid-November is the time to go. Visit www.capeyorkinfo.org.

NEW SOUTH WALES

For a long run into the west head to the BACK OF BOURKE, onto the charms of Tibooburra in the state's northwest, back through the wilds of White Cliffs and returning through Dubbo. It's a long haul but, in good condition, the roads and tracks won't destroy a vehicle and there's opportunity to experience the serenity of the outback, history and a host of characters. Visit www.bourke.nsw.gov.au.

TASMANIA

The WEST COAST of the island offers an abundance of drives. Start from Zeehan, take the C249 north leaving time to explore isolated seaside villages. This C249 becomes the Western Explorer Road and heads northeast though the famed Tarkine with plenty of options to explore the rugged coastline before ending up on the road to Smithton. The road can be rough in places depending on the time of the year. Visit www.discoverthetarkine.com.au.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

The BIRDSVILLE TRACK is one of the few drives that retain a sense of adventure. Running from Marree in the state's northeast to Birdsville in Queensland, the 520km track snakes through magical desert country with horizons that stretch forever, broken in parts by oases of welcome green. And this track, no matter how tame it may seem in spots, always demands respect.
Visit www.australian-4x4.com.au/birdsville-track.

The FLINDERS RANGES boasts spectacular scenery, an abundance wildlife, a clutch of historic towns and stories stretching back to the Dreamtime. There's plenty of tracks to explore, ridges to climb and camping spots plus the comforts of the likes of Wilpena Pound resort in the southern parts and Arkaroola Village in the north. Some parts can be reached by two-wheel drive but an SUV is recommended to make the most of the experience. Visit www.flindersranges.com.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

The GIBB RIVER ROAD between Kununurra and Broome in the north of WA is not for everyone. Parts of this 660km haul through the Kimberley can rattle teeth and hole tyres. But this road tracks through some of Australia's most stunning scenery and, if running from east-west, magnifies the delights of Broome at journey's end. Check road conditions, take spare fuel and a spare, spare tyre. Visit www.gibbriverroad.net.

The 1850km CANNING STOCK ROUTE between Wiluna and Hall's Creek is not for the faint-hearted or first-timers. The isolated desert track requires top-notch vehicle preparation and should be tackled in the cooler months and in a convoy. Travellers need to be fully self-sufficient - from food, fuel and water to radios and medical kits; fuel drops may be needed. One of the last real adventures. Visit www.wiluna.wa.gov.au/tourism/canning_stock_route.

NORTHERN TERRITORY

ALICE SPRINGS is a great base for exploring the Red Centre. Leaving aside a run to Uluru, there's options such as heading south to turn right onto the Ernest Giles Road, onto Kings canyon and then heading back on the Mereenie Loop and the Namatjira Drive the Western MacDonnell Ranges. Check in town for permits and road conditions, take towels and togs for some of the country's best swimming holes. Visit www.en.travelnt.com/explore/alice-springs.aspx.

What's your favourite SUV drive? Comment below.