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
moderateHow long is the South Face Road to Mount Baw Baw Resort?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: South Face Road, your rugged route to Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort in Victoria, Australia! We're talking about a climb that tops out at a cool 1,478 meters (4,849 feet). This isn't just a Sunday drive, folks. You'll find yourself cruising for 30.3 kilometers (18.82 miles) after leaving Thomson Valley Road, north of Rawson. Now, here's the kicker: forget the pavement! This beauty is all about that unsealed life. Expect a gorgeous trek through the National Park before winding your way up those narrow mountain roads. Worried about hairpin turns? Relax! South Face Road is actually pretty tame compared to the Mount Baw Baw Tourist Road. So, if you get carsick easily, this might be your best bet, especially when the weather turns nasty. The gradient's steady and the turns are gentle. But don't get too comfy – this road gets seriously steep in sections, boasting gradients up to 17%! It's known as one of the toughest climbs in Australia for road cyclists. Heads up: fuel up *before* you head up! There are no gas stations on the mountain. And ditch that GPS – it might lead you astray. Keep an eye out for logging trucks year-round, and take it slow around corners. Winter warriors, listen up: conditions can change on a dime in the Alps. If you're driving in snow season, carry chains. And Erica is your last chance to grab those chains, so plan accordingly! And throw some antifreeze in your diesel, dress warmly, and pack sunscreen.
extremeWhere is Bridle Track?
🇦🇺 Australia
The Bridle Track in NSW's Central West is a 4WD adventure waiting to happen! Picture this: you're carving through the Central Tablelands, smack-bang in the heart of Australia, on a track that winds 52km (32 miles) from Duramana to the historic Hill End. It starts smooth, a little bitumen flirting with gorgeous farmland. But soon, it's all dirt road – easy enough, but those sweeping turns can get ya, especially after a dry spell. Dust clouds? Oh yeah, they're part of the fun (just keep your distance from the crew!). Rain turns things slick, so even in your 4WD, take it easy. Now, here's the deal: the track's been a bit temperamental since a landslide at Monaghans Bluff back in 2010. You can only go so far from either Bathurst or Hill End. Leave the caravans and camper trailers at home, this ain't their kind of party. Speaking of party, this is a 4WD-only affair! Think steep drops, rocky climbs, and edges that'll make your palms sweat. Some sections are so narrow, you might be doing a 300m reverse to let someone pass! Creeks, floodways, flash floods – she's got it all. Water crossings? Definitely scope 'em out first and pack that spare tire! Trust me, you don't want to be speeding or tackling the last 20kms in the dark. One lane only folks! That means no stopping and make sure you use your horn on those blind corners! A snorkel might be a good shout for the creek crossings too. Allow about 1.75 to 2 hours to cruise the historic road from Bathurst to Hill End, give or take! With eight campsites scattered along the way, there's plenty of opportunity for camping, fishing, and digging around in the past. Keep your eyes peeled for historic relics – this track has stories to tell! The Bridle Track was built in the 1820s by convicts back in Governor Macquarie's era. It's named that way because of the narrowest sections where gold miners and settlers had to lead their horses by the bridle.
hardThe Ultimate Guide to Traveling Chard Road in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're cruising around the Otago region of New Zealand and fancy a serious adrenaline rush, you HAVE to check out Chard Road. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a nail-biting, single-lane gravel track that hugs the Kawarau River as it carves its way through the stunning Kawarau Gorge. Imagine twisting and turning along the mountainside with a sheer, fifty-meter drop right next to you the *entire* time. Yeah, it's that intense. Starting from the nice, easy paved State Highway 6, this 17km (10.5 mile) rollercoaster throws some seriously steep sections at you, topping out at a 9% gradient. The road's super narrow in spots, so drive carefully and maybe send up a little prayer you don't meet anyone head-on! Back in the day, this was the main route between Queenstown and Cromwell, built for horses and carts way back in 1866. The scenery is epic, the drive is unforgettable, and the bragging rights are all yours!
extremeWhere is Milford Road?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: South West New Zealand, you're behind the wheel, and the legendary Milford Road is stretching out before you. This isn't just any road trip; it's a full-blown adventure through Fiordland National Park, smack-dab in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We're talking 118km (73 miles) of pure, paved bliss from Te Anau to Milford Sound. Construction started way back in 1929, but it wasn't until 1953 that this epic route was finally completed. Now, you could technically blast through it in about 1.5 to 2 hours, but trust me, you'll want to carve out way more time. This isn't a race; it's an experience. Think Mirror Lakes reflecting the Earl Mountains like a perfect painting, the dramatic Cleddau River waterfalls, and the optical illusion of the Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain. Lord of the Rings vibes are strong here, people! Expect towering cliffs, snow-capped peaks, waterfalls cascading down rock faces, and ferns doing their gravity-defying thing. The road leads straight to one of New Zealand’s biggest attractions, Milford Sound. It's popular, so get ready to share the road with cars, coaches, and campervans, especially from October to April. Winter (May to September) sees fewer crowds but requires extra caution. Oh, and did I mention the Homer Tunnel? This 1,270-meter (4,200 feet) marvel was carved straight through solid granite and took nearly 20 years to build! The road itself climbs to a whopping 940 meters (3,100 feet) above sea level. Heads up: this road can get snowy, icy, and avalanche-prone, especially from June to November. Keep an eye on those road signs, and pack your chains – it's the law. Metal gates can even block the road when the avalanche risk is super high. One more thing, fill up your tank in Te Anau. Fuel is available at Gunns Camp in the Hollyford Valley and at Milford Sound, but better safe than sorry! Landslides, treefalls, and washouts can shut the road down at any time, so stay alert and drive smart. Flooding happens, too, especially near rivers.