Old Runway

You'll discover a fascinating slice of remote Australian history on the Old Runway trail near Pamayu in the Northern Territory. This 1-kilometre route follows an abandoned airstrip that once served the sparse settlement, offering a unique blend of historical intrigue and outback exploration. The flat terrain makes it accessible for most 4WD vehicles, though the isolated location demands proper preparation before you venture out.

The drive takes you across open ground with minimal elevation change, giving you excellent visibility across the surrounding landscape. You'll experience the raw beauty of the Top End outback—sparse vegetation, red earth, and the kind of silence that only remote Australia can offer. The runway itself provides a stark reminder of human endeavour in one of the continent's most challenging environments, and you'll find yourself contemplating the logistics of maintaining such infrastructure in this vast, sparsely populated region.

Before heading out, ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and fully fuelled, as services are extremely limited in the Pamayu area. Carry extra water, a first aid kit, and let someone know your travel plans. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and the track may be affected by seasonal rain. While the trail itself is straightforward, the remoteness is the real challenge here—you're genuinely far from help, so self-sufficiency is essential.