Imagine a track that’s remote enough to make you feel like you’re an early explorer but manageable enough for anyone with a decent 4X4, some recovery gear, and a thirst for adventure to tackle safely. Coming in at just under 200KMs long, with well over 300 sand dunes, Googs Track is one of my all time favourites, and seriously underrated.
Think of it as the Simpson Desert’s cool little brother.
The Track with History and Heart
Googs Track was a labour of love, bulldozed into existence in the 1970s by John "Goog" Denton, his wife Jenny, and a bunch of hardworking, true-blue mates. Goog was a local farmer and dreamt of connecting Ceduna to Mount Finke, slicing straight through the dense scrub of Yellabinna Regional Reserve. What took them years of sheer grit, sweat, determination and beers now takes us a few days, some fuel and a 4X4 (or a motorbike, if you’re brave) to tackle.
Tragically, Goog and his son Martin passed away in a car accident in 1993, but their legacy lives on in this iconic track. Every time your convoy crests one of its 350-odd sand dunes, you’re driving through history, and you truly feel it.
What to expect on the Googs Track?
entrance to the googs track
If you’re the kind of wheeler who loves feeling closer to Mars than any real civilisation, Googs Track has your name all over it. Starting just north of Ceduna, the track winds through mallee scrub, gibber plains, salt flats, and, of course, plenty of soft sand dunes. Over 350 of them, to be somewhat precise.
Goog's Track brings with it such an incredible sense of achievement and elation every time you crest one of its dunes that you’ll literally end up with a sore face from smiling, if you’re anything like me. It’s these dunes that give the track its character. They’re not as intimidating as the Simpson Deserts monsters, but they’ll still demand respect and consideration, especially if you’re towing (which I wouldn’t recommend) or tackling the track in dry conditions. Drop those tyres down to 16-20 PSI, keep your momentum steady, and you’ll be laughing.
What can you see on the Googs Track?
The Money Tree:
The origins of the Money Tree are a bit of a mystery, as with many Aussie bush traditions. Over time, it has become a tradition for travellers to hammer coins into the tree’s trunk or branches as a sort of memento or good luck charm. While no one knows exactly who started it, the idea likely came from the mateship and humor that define outback travel.
The coins range from shiny new coins to rusted old ones, reflecting the variety of people who have taken on Googs Track. Some even attach notes, trinkets, or tokens of personal significance. It’s a mix of history, humor, and a little bit of bush superstition.
Googs Lake
About 40 kilometers in, you’ll hit Googs Lake—a shimmering salt lake that’s a picture-perfect spot for your first night’s camp. This place comes alive at sunset with gorgeous pinks and yellows bouncing off the lake and its salty crust. Set up camp here and enjoy the silence of the outback, broken only by the occasional call of a distant bird. It’s camping with an outback view, and it doesn’t get much more Australian.
Mount Finke
Named after explorer William Finke, this ancient peak rises out of the desert like a sentinel. It’s around 100 kilometers from Googs Lake, making it the perfect spot to camp for night two. Park your 4X4 at the base and make your way to the summit on foot (it’s a manageable walk, even for the less fit among us) and it’s bloody worth it.
The Dunes
Let’s be real, Googs Track is all about the sandy red dirt. By the time you’re wheeling your way off the track you’ll be an absolute master of picking your approach, managing your momentum and making your way over.
Tips for Tackling the Googs Track
Be Prepared
This truly isn’t a track for the unprepared. Make sure your vehicle is in top condition, with plenty of water, fuel, and recovery gear, plus the usual spares. Remember to add in fuel buffers that account for at least 200KMs of sand driving, in a mix of 4H and 4L. A sandflag is also recommended. For relevant permits head to the Ceduna Visitor and Information Centre.
Know Your Pressures
Soft sand means low tyre pressures. Around 16-20 PSI works for most vehicles, but adjust based on your setup. Keep a good compressor handy to reinflate once you’re back on the hard stuff.
lower your tyre pressures when driving the googs track
Recovery Gear is Non-Negotiable
Googs is best attacked in pairs, so there’s someone around to recover you if you get stuck. You really can’t rely on running into another motorist out there. In convoy or solo you should always carry: a solid long handled shovel, recovery boards, and a quality recovery kit. Getting bogged is all part of the fun—provided you’re equipped to get out again.
Looking for insurance that includes Off-Road Recovery Cover?
If your stuck enough to need help from a professional, we cover up to $1,500 in recovery costs with the option to upgrade to $15,000 or $30,000
Respect the Track
This one goes without saying, Googs Track passes through sensitive wilderness areas. Stick to the track, leave no trace, and respect the cultural significance of the land.
Satellite Communications
There is nothing in the way of mobile phone reception on the track so carrying satellite comms is a good idea. These days many are opting for devices like the Starlink Mini or Garmin InReach over traditional satphones.
garmin inreach remote travel
Weather and Track Closures
The cooler months (June to September) are ideal. Summer temperatures can soar well above 40°C, turning the track into a furnace and the sand into powder. There is also an annual closure of the track from January the 1st to February the 28th, always check for track closures and updates before you attempt Googs.
rogue roof rack the googs track
Googs Track is the perfect blend of challenge and reward, served on a relatively friendly platter. It’s a bite-sized chunk of the Outback that leaves you feeling like you’ve seen a whole lot of it. It’s tough enough to feel like an accomplishment but manageable enough for a well-prepared 4X4’er to tackle, that mixed with its remoteness and sheer beauty makes it incredibly special. You’ll get to experience a slice of South Australia that’s truly raw, beautiful, and utterly unforgettable.
Remember your daily vehicle checks, folks! We came across this lonely roof rack in the middle of the track. Reckon the driver even knew he’d lost it?