Best off-road driving tracks in Australia:
Australia, oceania
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're hitting the Buchanan Highway in the Northern Territory. It's a stunner! We're talking serious Outback vibes on this unpaved route. You'll be kicking up dust and soaking in views for days. Just remember, it's not a quick jaunt – this baby requires some planning and definitely a vehicle prepped for unsealed roads. Keep your eyes peeled for wandering cattle and wildlife. And don't forget that iconic Aussie scenery; wide open plains, red dirt stretching to the horizon, and sunsets that'll blow your mind.
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in oceania
moderateUltimate 4wd destination: Tukino Skifield in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Craving adventure in New Zealand's North Island? Then point your 4WD towards Tukino Skifield! This hidden gem sits high up on Mount Ruapehu, an active volcano in the Waikato Region. The adventure starts on State Highway 1, where you'll turn onto the unpaved Tukino Access Road. This 13.2km (8.2 mile) track climbs 634 meters, averaging a 4.80% gradient with some ramps hitting 11%. You'll gain some serious altitude to reach the skifield at 1,705m (5,593ft)! Keep in mind this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is only suitable for 4WD vehicles during winter and a gate blocks access in summer. Snow can strike at any time, making the road impassable even with chains. Always check the forecast and road status before heading up. Pack your gear and be prepared for anything! The views are epic, but safety comes first on this rugged climb up the side of a volcano!
extremeWhere is Billy Goat Bluff Trail?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Victoria, Australia, and you've got a serious 4WD itch to scratch, then Billy Goat Bluff Trail in the Pinnacles State Forest (Alpine National Park) is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. This 11.1 km (6.89 miles) fire trail is a real beast. Starting on Wonnangatta Road, near Crooked River, you'll be climbing to the Pinnacles fire lookout, perched way up at 1,415m (4,642ft). That's right, this track is STEEP, with gradients hitting a wild 27% in spots! Expect a good hour or more of rocky, unpaved, adrenaline-pumping action. Seriously, you'll need a proper 4WD with low range and good clearance. This track is narrow in sections and can be super slippery when wet, so experience is a must. Radios are essential for communicating with other drivers. Many have underestimated it, so treat it with respect! The reward? Unbelievable panoramic views from the Pinnacles lookout. Picture yourself soaking in the rugged beauty of the Victorian High Country after conquering this challenging climb. Word of warning: this track is usually closed during the winter months (May to January), and it can shut down at any time due to changing conditions or high fire danger. The weather up here can be unpredictable, so pack warm clothes just in case. Basically, check before you go and be prepared for anything!
hardTake the Scenic Road and Discover French Pass in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Want to get off the beaten path in New Zealand? Head to French Pass, a sleepy little village at the top of the South Island! The road there, winding through the Marlborough Sounds, is a stunner. The road to this timeless seaport (also called Te Aumiti) is an adventure in itself. Picture this: mostly gravel, one-lane bridges, hairpin turns, and some seriously narrow bits with steep drop-offs. It's a real "Kiwi" road! Keep an eye out for sheep and cattle roaming free – and plenty of cattle stops (and gates!). You'll want to secure anything loose in your car before you hit the first one! Starting from Ōkiwi Bay, the road stretches for about 38 km, climbing to 413m above sea level near Saddle Hill. This twisty road was built way back in 1957. It'll probably take you an hour or two to drive without stopping, and you might not even see another car the whole way. This isn't a popular tourist route, but that's part of its charm! Prepare to be amazed by the scenery – rolling farmland, a unique mineral belt, lush native bush, and those incredible sea views of the French Pass and d’Urville Island. Oh, and did I mention French Pass has some of the fastest tidal flows in New Zealand?
hardHow long is the Googs Track?
🇦🇺 Australia
Craving a Simpson Desert-lite adventure? Then Googs Track in South Australia is calling your name! This sandy, one-lane track stretches 186 km (115 miles) through a stunning, arid landscape from Ceduna up to the Transcontinental Railway Line near Tarcoola. Be prepared to tackle over 300 dunes, some towering up to 25 metres, as you wind through the Yumbarra Conservation Park and Yellabinna Regional Reserve. This baby can get rough, with serious corrugations and soft, sandy dune approaches. Definitely need a high-clearance 4x4 and some sand driving skills to conquer this beast! Leave the caravan at home, towing anything is generally not recommended here. Googs Track gets its name from John (Goog) Denton, the legendary egg seller who carved this route out in 1973 to help out the local farmers. Allow at least a day to soak in the whole experience. The scenery is incredible, and you might even spot some rare wildlife. This is a super remote area, so packing plenty of food, water, and fuel is crucial, and definitely bring a satellite phone. The cooler months are the perfect time to visit, so avoid the scorching summer heat. And remember to tune into UHF channel 18 to chat with other adventurers on the track!