Bealey Bridge is a key crossing over Waimakariri River
New Zealand, oceania
N/A
267 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along New Zealand's Great Alpine Highway (State Highway 73) in the South Island's Canterbury region, right? You're heading towards the iconic Bealey Bridge, just near Arthur's Pass in the Southern Alps.
This isn't just any bridge, folks. Built way back in 1935, this single-lane beauty stretches 266.94 meters (that's 875.80 feet!) across the mighty Waimakariri River. It’s a bit of a squeeze, only letting one vehicle cross at a time. BUT! There's a clever little passing point right in the middle. How cool is that?
They’ve been taking great care of Bealey Bridge over the years, reinforcing it to protect against erosion. Crossing it isn't just about getting from A to B; it's a chance to soak in some seriously epic views of the Waimakariri River. It’s a step back in time, showing off some old-school engineering that’s still connecting communities today. Definitely a highlight of the drive!
Where is it?
Bealey Bridge is a key crossing over Waimakariri River is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -41.5206, 176.1247
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Max Elevation
- 267 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -41.5206, 176.1247
Related Roads in oceania
hardHow To Travel The Great Central Road of Australia
🇦🇺 Australia
Ready for the ultimate Aussie adventure? The Great Central Road carves right through the heart of Australia, connecting the Northern Territory and Western Australia in an unforgettable drive. Think of it as a highlight reel from the 2,800 km Outback Way, with the Great Central Road section clocking in at a cool 1,107 km (688 miles). This legendary road stretches from Laverton in Western Australia's Goldfields-Esperance region all the way to the Lasseter Highway near Yulara in the Northern Territory. Along the way, get ready for a landscape that seriously delivers. We're talking sacred Aboriginal lands, wide-open spaces that stretch to the horizon, and dramatic mountain ranges that'll have you reaching for your camera. Now, let's be real – this isn't your average Sunday drive. While the road is regularly maintained, you will likely encounter corrugations, bulldust, potholes lurking in disguise, rocky bits, and soft, sandy riverbeds. Road conditions are always changing, and heavy rains can make sections impassable. Aim for April to October for cooler temps and lower chances of rain-induced closures. About 10,000 vehicles make this trek each year, proving that the adventure is worth it. Just remember, you're heading into remote desert scrub country. Facilities are few and far between, so communications equipment is a must. A 4WD is highly recommended, but a sturdy 2WD can also handle it. Caravans? Only if they're built for serious off-road conditions.
moderateDriving the curvy Licola Road in eastern Victoria
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, buckle up thrill-seekers, because Licola Road in Victoria, Australia is a wild ride you won't soon forget! If you get carsick easily, maybe sit this one out. This road has been around since 1913, so you know it's got some stories to tell. Before it was built, this area was only reachable by a rough track used by packhorses! Don't worry, it's all paved now, and in pretty good condition. This stretch of C-486 is seriously twisty, and the undulating landscape will keep you on your toes. Heads up: it's a popular spot for motorcycles on weekends, so keep an eye out! Spanning 53 km (32.9 miles) from Licola to Lake Glenmaggie, this north-south route will take you over an hour to navigate. Trust me, you'll want to take your time to soak in the views!
moderateWhere is the Quaid Road located?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: You're in Far North Queensland, Australia, itching for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Forget the usual tourist traps and set your sights on the Southedge-Wangetti Road Corridor. This 32-kilometer stretch connects the Captain Cook Highway near the coast at Wangetti (just north of Cairns) to the Mulligan Highway near Southedge, south of Mount Molloy. Now, here's the catch: this isn't your typical scenic drive. Winding through the Macalister Range Forest Reserve, expect some real rainforest vibes. Originally built as a private access road, it slices through terrain that later became part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. But wait, there's more! This road isn't just a pretty face. It's got a history, a bit of controversy, and a whole lot of "what ifs." These days, it's actually closed to the public, blocked by locked gates, with access only allowed by permit from the Wet Tropics Management Authority. For years, people have debated its potential as an alternate route to the Atherton Tableland and even as an evacuation route during cyclones. But for now, it remains a tantalizing glimpse into the wild side of Far North Queensland.
hardThe Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Ocean Beach Road
🌍 Tasmania
Okay, picture this: You're in Tasmania, right on the wild west coast, ready for an adventure. Forget the usual tourist traps and head north of Macquarie Heads – past the ominous-sounding Hells Gates – because that's where you'll find Ocean Beach Road. Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. This 30km (19.20 miles) stretch is totally unpaved, so a 4WD is an absolute must. Seriously, leave the rental sedan at home! You'll be cruising parallel to the ocean, right alongside the Henty Dunes, those incredible sandy hills Tassie is famous for. But hold up, it's not all sunshine and photo ops. This road can get wild with extreme weather, and there are *two* river mouths you'll have to ford. Getting bogged is a real possibility, so pack your recovery gear and tell someone your plans. Fuel up in Strahan before you go, too. Keep your eyes peeled as you drive, though. Sea lions and seals love to chill on this beach. And while the scenery is amazing, don’t even *think* about swimming. Ocean Beach is unpatrolled and way too dangerous. It's all about the drive and the views here, folks – supposedly Tassie's longest beach run!