A beautiful and harrowing road to Eaglehawk Lookout
Tasmania, oceania
8.1 km
351 m
hard
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.
Road Details
- Country
- Tasmania
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 8.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 351 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in oceania
easyHow long is State Highway 38 in NZ?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the heart of New Zealand's North Island on State Highway 38. This isn't just a road; it's a full-on wilderness adventure! SH38 stretches for 195 km (121 miles), cutting through the wild Te Urewera National Park. You'll jump on near Waimangu, where it splits off from SH5, and eventually wind your way to Wairoa, connecting with SH2. Now, a heads up: while most of the route is paved, about 64 kilometers is unsealed gravel. Think winding, narrow roads that demand your attention. Most rental car companies are cool with you taking their vehicles on this part (between Te Whaiti and Tuai), but always double-check the fine print in your rental agreement, just to be safe. Seriously, this road is REMOTE. You won't find bustling towns, just a couple of tiny outposts. Embrace the solitude! So, how do you tackle a road like this? Easy: * **Time:** Give yourself plenty of it. * **Speed:** Slow and steady wins the race. Seriously, 30-50 km/hr is a good pace. * **Lane:** Stick to the left! * **Distance:** Leave some extra room between you and the car in front. * **Lights:** Headlights on, especially in dust or dim conditions. * **Braking:** Brake before the corners, not during. * **Courtesy:** Let faster vehicles pass. * **Animals:** Watch out for wandering critters, especially at night. * **Tires:** Good tires, a spare, and the tools to change it are a must. * **Fuel:** Fill up before you go! Without stops, you're looking at a 3-4 hour drive. But trust me, you'll WANT to stop. The scenery is unreal, especially along Lake Waikaremoana (Waikaremoana Road). This is a drive to savor. The unsealed sections keep the crowds away, which means you get to experience this incredible landscape with a little more peace and quiet.
moderateHenderson Bay Road
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, so you're up north in New Zealand, near Kaitaia? You absolutely HAVE to check out Henderson Bay Road. It's this super chill, 6km stretch of metal road that connects Henderson Bay to State Highway 1. Honestly, it's worth the detour. Seriously, the photo ops are insane. Keep your camera handy! The road itself is pretty quiet, which is nice, but the views... Oh man, to your right, you'll catch tantalizing glimpses of the harbor. And to your left? Sweeping ocean vistas and white sand beaches for DAYS. On a clear day, you can even see North Cape, the northernmost point of New Zealand. Trust me; you'll want to take your time on this one and soak it all in.
extremeTaking on the Twists and Turns of Crown Range Summit in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Crown Range Road in New Zealand's South Island, somewhere between Arrow Junction and Wanaka. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though! This fully paved road clocks in at 50km (31 miles) and climbs to a whopping 1,079m (3,540ft) above sea level. Now, let's be real – this road's got some bite! Think hairpin turns galore and some seriously steep drops into a breathtaking gorge. It's not for the newbies or anyone towing a caravan, and definitely not for vehicles over 12 meters. But hey, if you're up for a challenge, the views are totally worth it! They say it's the highest main road in New Zealand, nestled right in the Southern Alps. Winter (May to October) turns it into a snowy wonderland, but be warned – ice and snow chains are your best friends. But seriously, the mountain views are insane! Every twist and turn reveals a postcard-worthy scene. Give yourself plenty of time (about 1.5 hours without stops, but who can resist stopping?!) and be prepared to pull over for photo ops. The late afternoon light as you descend into the alpine valley? Pure magic. Just keep your eyes on the road, because those views can be dangerously distracting!
moderateCaves Road Tourist Drive
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: Caves Road Tourist Drive in Western Australia's southwest. This isn't just a drive, it's an experience! Starting near the coastal town of Augusta and winding up to Dunsborough, you're in for a 94km (58-mile) treat. Think smooth pavement carving its way through the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. This is Tourist Drive 250, and it lives up to its name! Be warned: the road can get a little cozy with other drivers, so keep your eyes peeled. Expect twists, turns, and a whole lot of narrow sections, making it an engaging ride. Word to the wise: If it's been raining, Murray Scrub Road can get boggy. But mostly, get ready for some stunning scenery and an all-around fantastic road trip!