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
hardWhere is Mount Wellington?
🌍 Tasmania
Okay, picture this: You're in Tasmania, right? And there's this mountain called Mount Wellington, or Kunanyi if you're talking the local lingo—it means "mountain." This road, Pinnacle Road (C616), takes you all the way to the top, and let me tell you, it's an experience. It's near Hobart, so super accessible, and it's sealed all the way, thankfully! They finished it back in '37. Just be warned, if you're not a fan of heights, this might test you a bit. It can be a little narrow with some seriously steep drops. The road kicks off from the B64 in Fern Tree, and it's about 11.5 km (7.14 miles) to the top. Don't let the distance fool you, though. This climb is STEEP! We're talking gradients up to 10% in places, and you'll gain 820 meters in elevation. Allow 30-45 minutes to get to the top. Before you head up, double-check the weather. This mountain is notorious for wild conditions. It can snow any time of year, and ice can make the road super sketchy. Plus, those winds at the summit? Brutal! The road can close, so be prepared. The Pinnacle Observation Shelter is usually open from 8am to 8pm during daylight savings, and 8am to 4.30pm the rest of the year. But trust me, the views are worth it! You'll go from rainforest to sub-alpine scenery, and the panoramic views are insane. You can see Hobart, Bruny Island, and on a clear day, all the way to the Southwest Wilderness. Even Darwin was blown away!
moderateThe Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Lake Ohau Road
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through New Zealand's Mackenzie High Country, not far from the epic Mt Cook. You're on the Lake Ohau Road, and trust me, it's a stunner. This road is about 40 km (25 miles) of pure scenic bliss around Lake Ohau. You'll start on smooth asphalt for about 23 km heading north from the Twizel-Omarama Road, but then it gets a little more adventurous as it turns to gravel. Don't worry, it's all part of the fun as you hug the shores of this gorgeous glacial lake! Seriously, the views are insane. You're basically nestled amongst these gigantic mountains in the Southern Alps. Lake Ohau itself sits pretty between the Ohau Range and the Ben Ohau Range. It’s a drive you won't forget.
moderateThe cursed Mushroom Tunnel of Picton
🇦🇺 Australia
Tucked away near Picton, in New South Wales' Macarthur Region, lies the infamous Redbank Range Railway Tunnel, a.k.a. the Mushroom Tunnel. This 180-meter relic opened way back in 1867 but was abandoned by trains in 1919. It even did a stint as a storage facility during WWII and later as a mushroom farm! The road leading to it, nestled between Picton Junction and Thirlmer, is unpaved, adding to the adventure. Sadly, the tunnel is currently closed due to deterioration, so you can only admire it from the outside. Known for its eerie vibe, thanks to the dampness and resident fungi, the tunnel has a surreal beauty. Legend has it that the tunnel is haunted by the ghost of a woman named Emily Bollard, who tragically died after being hit by a train in 1916. People claim to have seen strange lights, felt sudden temperature drops, and even spotted ghostly children within its walls. So, while you can't venture inside, a visit to the Redbank Range Railway Tunnel promises a unique and spine-tingling experience! Be cautious and respect any barriers if you visit.
moderateStuart Highway
🇦🇺 Australia
# The Stuart Highway: Australia's Epic Red Centre Road Trip Want to experience one of the world's most legendary road journeys? The Stuart Highway stretches a massive 2,834 kilometers from Adelaide's coast all the way up to Darwin in the tropical north, slicing straight through the heart of Australia's stunning red centre. The route honours explorer John McDouall Stuart, who first made the epic south-to-north crossing back in 1862—and honestly, this highway is every bit as thrilling today. What makes this drive truly special is the constantly shifting scenery. You'll cruise through South Australia's famous Barossa Valley vineyards, then roll into the quirky underground town of Coober Pedy where locals have literally dug homes into the earth to escape the scorching heat. Further north, you can detour to see the magnificent Uluru, then push on to the outback frontier vibe of Alice Springs. The ancient sandstone formations of the Devils Marbles are absolutely mesmerizing. As you head into the northern section, the landscape transforms into lush tropical savanna before you finally hit Darwin's humid, steamy tropics. Fair warning though: between towns, this highway stretches dead straight for hundreds of kilometers through empty red desert. It's breathtaking but also relentless—the monotony and heat can really test your endurance, so come prepared and don't underestimate just how remote some stretches are.