About 20% of the road is bitumen, the remainder is dirt and gravel and, although it is navigable by two-wheel drive vehicles, a four-wheel drive is recommended. Some parts of the road are prone to severe corrugations, making for an uncomfortable and slow drive at times.[4] In January 2020, the federal government committed $235 million to upgrade and seal the road.[5] The Western Australian government committed more than $250 million to sealing its portion of the road in 2022.[6]
Road train on Tanami Road
The mid-way point, Rabbit Flat, formerly a public roadhouse, was closed indefinitely at the end of 2010, so planning for this journey must take the lack of fuel and supplies into account.[7] Tilmouth Well, located 186 km (116 mi) from Alice Springs between Alice Springs and Rabbit Flat,[8] provides fuel service seven days a week.[7] Carrying adequate fuel and water supplies is essential.
^ ab"Yuelamu". Central Desert Regional Council. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
^Hema, Maps (2006). Australia's Great Desert Tracks NC Sheet (Map). Eight Mile Plains Queensland: Hema Maps. ISBN978-1-86500-163-0.
^Yuendumu Mining Company N.L (1980). In The Tanami road : the Aboriginal-owned Yuendumu Mining Company N.L. submission to Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works. Yuendumu Mining Company N.L, Darwin