A beautiful and harrowing road to Eaglehawk Lookout

A beautiful and harrowing road to Eaglehawk Lookout

Tasmania, oceania

Length

8.1 km

Elevation

351 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're on the Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania, itching for adventure. Forget the smooth, predictable routes and head straight for Eaglehawk Lookout! This little gem sits way up high at 351 meters (that's over 1,150 feet!).

The road to get there, Plateau Road, is where the real fun begins. Forget pavement – this is a wild, unsealed track winding its way to the top. We're talking serious potholes and sections so narrow you'll be holding your breath. Trust me, you'll want a 4x4 with good clearance for this one!

The 8.1-kilometer (5-mile) journey kicks off from the Arthur Highway and plunges straight into Tasman National Park. And get ready for some serious climbs, because this road isn't messing around, boasting gradients up to 15%! But, oh my goodness, the views! As you ascend, you'll be treated to incredible vistas of the rugged coastline, Eaglehawk Neck, and Pirates Bay far below. It's a bumpy ride, but those views? Totally worth it.

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Road Details

Country
Tasmania
Continent
oceania
Length
8.1 km
Max Elevation
351 m
Difficulty
hard

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