A journey on the legendary Carpentaria Highway
Australia, oceania
380 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: a sun-baked ribbon of asphalt stretching across the Northern Territory, Australia. That's the Carpentaria Highway, your gateway to adventure! Named after the Gulf of Carpentaria, this road is the most northerly year-round route across this part of the continent.
Clocking in at 380km (236 miles), this is no quick jaunt. We're talking about a good 6-7 hour drive from Birdum, just south of Daly Waters on the Stuart Highway, all the way east to Borroloola, nestled on the McArthur River.
This isn't a pristine highway, mind you. Expect narrow stretches, and a one-lane strip or two to keep things interesting. The road's a little rough, but the real challenge is the sheer remoteness. You're traveling through the outback, connecting deserts to the subtropical hinterland of the Gulf.
You'll be sharing the road with road trains, especially around the McArthur River mine area, so keep your eyes peeled and be ready to pass.
Because of the isolation, you've GOT to be self-sufficient. Pack plenty of water, food, and fuel. Luckily, you can tank up at the Hiway Inn at the start of the road, in Cape Crawford, and again at the end in Borroloola. Get ready for some epic views, a true outback experience, and a road trip you won't soon forget!
Where is it?
A journey on the legendary Carpentaria Highway is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -24.0723, 136.4666
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 380 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -24.0723, 136.4666
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