Plenty Highway is a remote outback road in Australia’s Northern Territory
Plenty Highway (State Route 12) is a very scenic outback road located in Australia’s Northern Territory.
How long is the Plenty Highway?
The road is 494 km (306 miles) long, running from a turnoff on the Stuart Highway, 68 kilometres north of Alice Springs, to Tobermorey Homestead on the Northern Territory/Queensland border, on the Donohue Highway. The road was originally used as a cattle property access road.
Is the Plenty Highway in the Northern Territory sealed?
Part of the 2.800 km (1,740 mi) long Outback Highway (or Outback Way), the road is mostly unsealed. The first 100km (Stuart Highway to Ongeva Creek) is sealed. The rest is a well maintained dirt road.
How long does it take to drive the Plenty Highway?
If you do choose this route please check up to date information. To drive the road without stopping will take most people between 16 and 20 hours. However, the drive takes two or three days to appreciate everything that the road has to offer. Best time of year is May to October (avoid summer months). It may be impassable when wet.
Is the Plenty Highway challenging?
The road runs through some of the most isolated areas of the country and many areas are prone to floods (particularly in the eastern areas of the highway). There are long stretches of extreme bull dust and big holes (making it a dry weather road only). A 4x4 vehicle is required to complete the drive. The road is not suitable for caravans. Remember to carry good communications and navigation equipment.
Image credit: Depositphotos