Fly Free to Alice when you book an eligible Red Centre holiday package*!
Fly Free to Alice when you book an eligible Red Centre holiday package*!
Stretching over 2,200 kilometres from Mt Dare in South Australia to Timber Creek in the NT, Binns Track is one of Australia's great four-wheel drive adventures. Named after former NT Parks and Wildlife ranger Bill Binns, the route was created to showcase the Northern Territory's lesser-known landscapes, taking travellers through remote deserts, rugged mountain ranges, historic outback towns and national parks. The Central Australian section, from Alice Springs to Tennant Creek, offers a true outback experience where careful planning is essential. Fuel stops are few and far between, so knowing where to fill up before setting off can make all the difference
Finke Community offers fuel through the local community store. Availability and opening hours can be limited, so travellers should always contact the community ahead of time before relying on it. Many experienced travellers treat Mount Dare as their last guaranteed fuel stop and Alice Springs as the next.
Alice Springs is the largest fuel hub in Central Australia. It is the last place where travellers will find multiple competing fuel retailers before travelling to destinations such as Uluru, Kings Canyon, East and West MacDonnell Ranges, Simpson Desert and Tennant Creek. Because of this, it is generally recommended that visitors fill up before leaving town, even if they expect to refuel at a roadhouse later.
All Petrol Stops in Alice Springs
Alice Springs is the largest fuel hub in Central Australia, with most service stations offering Unleaded 91, Premium Unleaded 95 and 98, diesel and, at selected locations, AdBlue and Low Aromatic Unleaded (Opal fuel). Fuel prices are generally the most competitive in the region, making it a good place to fill up before travelling to remote destinations, where prices are typically higher. Many service stations also offer convenient traveller amenities, including convenience stores, coffee, toilets, air and water, ice, BBQ gas exchanges and caravan-friendly access. Before setting off, plan your fuel stops, check opening hours in remote areas, ensure your vehicle has sufficient fuel to reach the next stop with a safety margin, and check the NT Government's MyFuel NT website for the latest fuel prices.
Located on the Ross Highway, the Ross River Resort is just 83km east of Alice Springs on the Ross Highway. The Resort is currently closed but the petrol is still available during office hours which are 7:30am - 3:30pm. To confirm availability, travellers can call Ross River Resort directly on (08) 8956 9711. Ross River Resort is the only fuel supplier is East MacDonnell Ranges. Travellers are encouraged to fill up in Alice Springs before heading out to explore this beautiful part of the region.
Just 138km northeast of Alice Springs, Gemtree Caravan Park is much more than a place to refuel. Located on the sealed section of the Plenty Highway, it's a popular stop for travellers looking to stretch their legs, enjoy a meal or spend a night in the outback. Along with unleaded petrol and diesel, Gemtree offers a licensed country store stocked with basic groceries, takeaway meals, barista coffee, cold drinks and ice cream. Travellers will also find clean amenities, a 24-hour free payphone, laundry facilities, a swimming pool for park guests, an effluent dump point and Telstra 4G and Optus mobile coverage. If you have a little extra time, Gemtree is renowned for its guided gem fossicking tours and nearby gem fields, making it one of the most unique stops along the Plenty Highway.
Located around 216km east of Alice Springs, Atitjere Homelands Store in Harts Range is a convenient place to top up both your fuel tank and supplies. In addition to fuel, the store stocks basic groceries, cold drinks, ice creams and takeaway food, while an ATM and public payphone are available for travellers. It's a handy stop before continuing east along the Plenty Highway into some of Central Australia's most remote country.
Approximately 279km northeast of Alice Springs, Arlparra is a small but valuable stop for anyone travelling the Sandover Highway. The Puma fuel station and community store provide fuel along with everyday essentials such as groceries, cold drinks, snacks and takeaway items. Services are limited, so it's a good opportunity to refuel and restock before heading further into the outback, where distances between towns become even greater.
Located around 378km north of Alice Springs, Ali Curung is one of the key refuelling points along the Sandover Highway. The Mirnirri Store offering both petrol and diesel, along with essential supplies including cold drinks, snacks and basic groceries. While facilities are simple, Ali Curung is an important stop to top up your fuel tank and supplies before continuing into one of Central Australia's most remote regions.
Barrow Creek fuel station operated by United is 283km north of Alice Springs, and 206km south of Tennant Creek. The fuel station is found beside the Barrow Creek Service Road (turn right off the Stuart Highway if heading north) and is right next to the Barrow Creek Hotel. Cold drinks, snacks and a toilet are available and if you have the time it’s well worth driving a little further into Barrow Creek itself and visiting the site of the Barrow Creek Telegraph Station and finding out about the areas incredibly interesting history.
The best place to refuel in Wauchope is at the Devils Marbles Hotel, around 135km south of Tennant Creek and 375km north of Alice Springs. The hotel provides comfortable accommodation and it's well worth visiting nearby Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles. It's one of the Northern Territory's most iconic attractions and a perfect spot for a picnic.
Tennant Creek (508km north of Alice Springs) is a well-developed town with several good stations to refuel. BP (24hrs), Astrol, Lone Star, and Ampol are all located at various points in the town along the Stuart Highway. You’ll find all your basic convenience needs and there are plenty of cafes & restaurants around for a more substantial meal. Tennant Creek itself is also home to plenty of interesting activities as it once was a very important gold mining town. With historical mines & museums and even mines still operational close by, you’ll want to spend a little time here.
The Shell Threeways Roadhouse is just 23km north of Tennant Creek. Sitting on the right-hand side of the highway once you pass the Stuart Highway’s intersection with Barkly Highway, you can’t miss the enormous Shell Truck mural on its brick wall. The station also has its own restaurant and pub as well as a wall of license plates from all around Australia to commemorate the many travellers who have stopped by.
Fuel in Elliott is found by turning off the Stuart Highway at the service road (left if you are heading north), and is operated as a BP service station. The town of Elliott is quiet and a very nice stop for a picnic or stroll. Right next to the service station is The Elliott Store, where you'll find groceries, supplies and other travel essentials. Elliott is approximately 242km north of Tennant Creek.
The Binns Track Map and Facilities
Need a hand choosing or booking your red centre adventure?
