
Asses Ears Road is a Most Tricky Scenic Drive in Grampians NP
Australia, oceania
9.6 km
339 m
moderate
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
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 9.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 339 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -24.0273, 138.4118
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