Asses Ears Road is a Most Tricky Scenic Drive in Grampians NP

Asses Ears Road is a Most Tricky Scenic Drive in Grampians NP

Australia, oceania

Length

9.6 km

Elevation

339 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: Asses Ears Road in western Victoria, Australia. Seriously, that's the name! Tucked away in the Grampians National Park, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Forget the pavement because you'll be kicking up dust on this unsealed 4x4 track.

At almost 10km long, this east-west adventure stretches from Mt Victory Road to Rosebrook-Glenisla Road, topping out at 339 meters. The views are incredible, but be warned, this old track gets seriously rutted in spots and super slippery, especially around Brim Springs. So, buckle up in your four-wheel drive and get ready for some seriously stunning scenery and a wild ride.

Where is it?

Asses Ears Road is a Most Tricky Scenic Drive in Grampians NP is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -24.0273, 138.4118

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Australia
Continent
oceania
Length
9.6 km
Max Elevation
339 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
-24.0273, 138.4118

Related Roads in oceania

Why is it called Thunderbolts Way?moderate

Why is it called Thunderbolts Way?

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, picture this: Thunderbolts Way, a seriously gorgeous drive snaking through the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia. The name? It's a nod to Captain Thunderbolt, Australia's own "Gentleman" bushranger, Fred Ward. This beauty was carved out between 1958 and 1961, plunging you into thick forests, practically surrounded by national parks and reserves. Heads up though, while it's all paved, the road's a bit rough around the edges – narrow in spots, some potholes, and definitely not caravan-friendly. Stretching 305km (189 miles) from Inverell in the north down to Gloucester, it's a proper adventure. And hold on tight because it's hilly! Expect some serious twists, turns, and a maximum 20% gradient on those climbs north of Gloucester. Towing a trailer? Maybe rethink this one, especially if the weather's looking dodgy. Speaking of weather, this isn't the drive for a rainy day. Set aside about 3.5 to 4.5 hours for the drive – without stops, that is. But trust me, you'll want to pull over. Every bend unveils another spectacular view, and there are plenty of viewpoints along the way just begging for a photo op!

Henderson Bay Roadmoderate

Henderson 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.

How long is Jacob’s Ladder in Tasmania?extreme

How long is Jacob’s Ladder in Tasmania?

🌍 Tasmania

Okay, adventure time! Let's talk Ben Lomond Mountain in Tassie, a proper bucket-list destination near Launceston. Picture this: a wild, unpaved road corkscrewing up 1,452 meters (that's 4,763 feet!). We're talking Ben Lomond Road, baby, starting from Upper Blessington and clocking in at 17.7 km (almost 11 miles) of pure driving exhilaration. The highlight? Jacob’s Ladder! This legendary stretch features six super-tight hairpin turns carved into dramatic dolerite cliffs. Trust me, the views from the top are worth every white-knuckle moment. It’s steep though – hit 13% gradients in places. Take your time – this is a road to savor, not speed through. Speaking of speed, stick to 30 km/h! This road demands respect. Give way to uphill traffic, and if you're heading down, drop a gear and let that engine braking do its thing. The average grade is 6.15%, and the whole climb from Upper Blessington gains you a whopping 1,089 meters. Even bus drivers need special licenses for Jacob’s Ladder. Watch out for those rogue rocks and keep an eye out for wildlife. Allow around 45 minutes for the drive, not counting stops for photos (and you'll want to stop!). And pro tip: if you're hitting this up in winter (which is ski season, FYI), pack your chains. Seriously, check the conditions and carry them between June and September – they may close the road with no warning. Ben Lomond National Park is jaw-dropping, offering views for days. The park's massive plateau and sheer cliffs are unforgettable.

The spectacular Skippers bridge in NZhard

The spectacular Skippers bridge in NZ

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Okay, picture this: You're on the South Island of New Zealand, near Queenstown, about to tackle a drive that's legendary for its thrills. You approach the Skippers Bridge, a suspension bridge clinging to the side of Skippers Canyon, high above the Shotover River. We're talking almost 100 meters above the water! Built way back in 1901, this narrow, single-lane bridge is the gateway to the old Skippers gold-mining settlement - now a virtual ghost town. The bridge itself is a masterpiece, suspended on massive wire cables, but don't get distracted by the scenery. This ain't a Sunday drive. This is a real white-knuckle experience. The speed limit's a snail's pace 15km/h for a reason, and only one vehicle is allowed on the bridge at a time. The bridge is only 2.2m wide with a 2.5 tonne weight limit, so leave your Hummer at home. The drop is seriously intense, with sheer rock faces on both sides. But if you're up for an adventure with stunning views and a serious adrenaline rush, the Skippers Bridge is an absolute must-do.