
Birdsville Track is one of Australia’s best 4WD tracks
Australia, oceania
517 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
The Birdsville Track: an Aussie Outback Icon!
If you're up for a true adventure, the Birdsville Track is calling! This legendary outback route stretches 517 km (321 miles) between Marree in South Australia and Birdsville in Queensland, and it's been around since the 1860s.
Forget smooth asphalt – this is a dirt road, a stony track covered with "gibbers" (large pebbles), taking you through remote desert landscapes. You'll cross the Strzelecki, Sturt Stony, and Tirari Deserts, so plan for around two days to soak it all in.
4WD or SUV is best, and while the road's usually maintained, conditions change, especially after rain. Flash floods and drifting sand can happen! Stone guards for your trailer and rear window are a good idea if you're towing.
The scenery? Think classic Australian desert: barren, dry, and isolated. Because it is so remote, you absolutely need to be self-sufficient. Load up on fuel, water, supplies, and spare parts. Avoid driving at night, and don't count on phone reception. A two-way radio, GPS, and maps are great for emergencies.
The best time to tackle the Birdsville Track is between May and September. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!
Where is it?
Birdsville Track is one of Australia’s best 4WD tracks is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -21.4893, 132.3957
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 517 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -21.4893, 132.3957
Related Roads in oceania
hardTravel guide to the top of Saddle Hill in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, adventure-seekers, let me tell you about Saddle Hill, a hidden gem nestled in the northern part of New Zealand's South Island. We're talking a mountain pass soaring to 413 meters (1,354ft), right in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds. This isn't your average highway. The road is partly gravel and winds like a curious snake, but don't worry, your trusty car can handle it. It's a true "Kiwi" road: expect gravel, one-lane bridges, hairpin turns, and some narrow spots with thrilling drop-offs. Keep an eye out for the local residents – sheep and cattle roam freely, and cattle stops (and gates!) are part of the fun. Trust me, you'll want to secure anything loose in your car before you hit your first one! The whole stretch is about 38.3 km (23.79 miles) long, running from Ōkiwi Bay to the charming fishing village of French Pass. Give yourself 1-2 hours to soak it all in (without stopping). The best part? You might have the entire road to yourself! Seriously, you could drive the whole thing without seeing another soul. This route serves up farmland, a unique mineral belt, lush native bush, and mind-blowing sea views of the French Pass and d’Urville Island. Be prepared for some steep sections – the road can hit a 9% gradient in places! This is one of New Zealand's most scenic drives, hands down.
hardIs the road to Ōhau Snow Fields unpaved?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through New Zealand's Mackenzie High Country, practically within spitting distance of Mount Cook, and you decide to head up to Ōhau Snow Fields. The adventure starts on Ohau Mountain Access Road, a surprisingly smooth, yet totally unpaved alpine road that’s one of the best in the country! This winding beauty climbs 9.3 km (5.77 miles) from Lake Ohau Road, gaining a whopping 940 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of 10.1%, so hold on tight! It's narrow and super steep, and while there are no guardrails, the road is kept in tip-top shape so mud isn't usually a problem. But hey, a 4WD wouldn't hurt, just to be safe! The views? Absolutely insane. As you climb, you'll catch glimpses of Aoraki Mount Cook, and jaw-dropping views overlooking Lake Ohau. Keep your eyes peeled for sneak peeks of the snow field itself before you reach the car park. Trust me, the photo ops are endless. Just a heads up, the weather up in the Ohau Range can be a bit of a wild card, so pack accordingly! Basic survival gear is always a good idea. Bottom line? This drive is 100% worth it. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!
extremeWhere is Port Jackson?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're on the North Island of New Zealand, itching for an adventure, and I say, "Let's go to Port Jackson!" This little beach town, famous for its amazing campsite, is tucked away at the very tip of the Coromandel Peninsula. Now, getting there is half the fun – emphasis on *fun*, but also *challenging*! Port Jackson Road is about 26 km (16 miles) of unadulterated gravel road that winds from Colville Road right to the beach. Translation? It's narrow, winding, and remote. Hold on tight, because you'll be dealing with some serious drop-offs. I'm talking hundreds of meters straight down, with nothing but air between you and the ocean below. If you're prone to vertigo, maybe keep your eyes on the road! And because of damage from storms, there are some stretches where one vehicle has to wait for the other to pass. Ideally, you'll want a trusty 4WD for this trip. And if you're towing anything, be prepared to do some reversing if you meet someone coming the other way. But here's the payoff: the coastal views are absolutely breathtaking. Imagine rugged, hilly terrain on one side and the wild, untamed ocean on the other. Plus, Port Jackson itself is all about stunning beaches and outdoor adventures. Give yourself about an hour to make the drive without stopping. It's quieter in winter, but summertime (especially mid-December to mid-January) can get busy with campervans and boat-towing vehicles. If you're a newbie driver, maybe skip this one during peak season. Otherwise, hit the road early to beat the crowds!
hardGreat Northern Highway is the longest and most remote paved road in the world
🇦🇺 Australia
Alright, buckle up road trippers, because the Great Northern Highway in Western Australia is an absolute epic! This is a seriously long haul – nearly 3,200 kilometres (almost 2,000 miles) connecting Perth to Wyndham. We're talking proper outback adventure here, people. Born back in '44 from a bunch of smaller tracks, it's now fully paved, so you *can* take pretty much anything. But let's be real, the comfier your ride, the better. Mostly it's a two-lane road, but keep an eye out for single-lane bridges, especially up in the Kimberley region. This isn't just a scenic drive though; it's a major freight route. That means a LOT of trucks, so stay alert! The weather plays a huge role too. Dry season? Dust. Wet season? Think boggy roads, or even roads completely underwater! Seriously, seasonal rains between November and May can flood sections under *metres* of water. Conditions change *a lot* over the entire route. So, what do you need to know? Take. It. Seriously. Pack plenty of water and fuel (you'll need it!), watch out for wildlife, and give those "road trains" (massive trucks!) plenty of space. Plan your trip meticulously and avoid driving at night if you can. Also, cell service? Spotty at best. But if you're prepared? The views are incredible, the remoteness is unreal, and you'll have one heck of a story to tell. Just remember to respect the road, respect the conditions, and enjoy the ride!