Buchanan Highway is a very scenic unpaved road in the Northern Territory

Buchanan Highway is a very scenic unpaved road in the Northern Territory

Australia, oceania

Length

393 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: the Buchanan Highway, aka National Route 80-C80, a wild and stunning dirt road cutting through the heart of Australia's Northern Territory. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks! Think rugged beauty and an adventure that'll test your mettle.

Stretching for 393km (244 miles) from the Stuart Highway, south of Birdum, all the way to the Victoria Highway, near Timber Creek, this road is strictly 4WD territory. We're talking river crossings, washed-out sections, and bridges that have seen better days โ€“ all part of the charm!

Named after Nathaniel Buchanan, a true Aussie pioneer, this route is steeped in history. But be warned, itโ€™s a long haul; expect to spend 17 to 20 hours behind the wheel, not counting all the photo stops youโ€™ll want to make.

Speaking of warnings: be super aware of fast-flowing water during crossings, and load up on fuel, water, and supplies before you go โ€“ you won't find much along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for cattle grazing on the unfenced roads, and take it slow and steady, especially if you're new to the area. The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking! Just remember to respect the road, and it'll reward you with an unforgettable experience.

Where is it?

Buchanan Highway is a very scenic unpaved road in the Northern Territory is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -25.1107, 135.6877

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Australia
Continent
oceania
Length
393 km
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
-25.1107, 135.6877

Related Roads in oceania

How long is Waikawau Tunnel Beach?moderate

How long is Waikawau Tunnel Beach?

๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ New Zealand

Okay, picture this: you're on the North Island of New Zealand, heading towards a secret beach. But here's the thing, this beach is accessed via a hand-carved tunnel! Waikawau Tunnel Beach isn't super long, but the real adventure is getting there. The tunnel itself is a labor of love, dug through sandstone cliffs way back when, by just a few determined souls. It used to be for driving cattle, but now it's just for us adventurous beachgoers. The entrance is located at the end of the winding and dangerous Pembroke Road. This picturesque tunnel sits at the end of the winding and dangerous road. Trust me, once you emerge on the other side, the isolation and raw beauty of the beach will blow you away. Just be careful on that road leading up to it โ€“ it's a bit of a zigzag!

How long is the South Face Road to Mount Baw Baw Resort?moderate

How long is the South Face Road to Mount Baw Baw Resort?

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ 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 โ€“ 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 โ€“ 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.

Desert Road is a rather remote drive of NZmoderate

Desert Road is a rather remote drive of NZ

๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ New Zealand

Cruising through New Zealand's North Island? You HAVE to experience the Desert Road! This iconic stretch of State Highway 1 carves right through Rangipo's Desert. It's a smooth, paved ride, all 63 km (39 miles) of it, slicing across this unique alpine desert landscape. Think of it as a connecting line between the charming towns of Turangi (near the North Island Volcanic Plateau) and Waiouru, further south. The name? It's all about the raw, untamed location. Rangipo Desert (Te Onetapu) is a wild, almost otherworldly environment. The weather can be pretty intense, making the drive an adventure in itself! Built back in the 40s to boost tourism, this road is seriously remote. The landscape is barren and mostly uninhabited, so be prepared! The weather can flip in an instant, and the wind is relentless. It whips across the desert, blasting everything with icy gusts, especially in winter. The road peaks at a cool 1,078m (3,536ft) โ€“ supposedly the highest point on New Zealand's highway network! Expect closures in winter due to snow and ice. Those mountain winds? Theyโ€™re brutal, like a frozen knife! Without stops, the drive takes about an hour to an hour and ten minutes, but trust me, you'll want to stop! This is an unforgettable road trip. Think mind-blowing scenery, epic landscapes, and incredible views of the Tongariro National Park's volcanoes. Oh, and did I mention? The Black Gate of Mordor from Lord of the Rings was filmed here!

What You Need To Know About The Beautiful But Dangerous Sea Cliff Bridgeeasy

What You Need To Know About The Beautiful But Dangerous Sea Cliff Bridge

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Australia

Cruising the NSW Coast? You HAVE to check out the Sea Cliff Bridge in Wollongong! This beauty isn't just a bridge; it's an experience, a total feast for the eyes, and a must-do for any road trip warrior. Stretching 665 meters along the stunning Illawarra coastline, this bridge offers a quick (3-4 minute) but unforgettable drive. More than just concrete and steel, the Sea Cliff Bridge represents ingenuity and resilience. Built in the early 2000s (completed in 2005) to replace an unstable coastal route, it's a fairly recent addition but quickly becoming an Aussie icon. You'll find it on Lawrence Hargrave Drive, a super scenic coastal road that links Wollongong's northern suburbs to the Illawarra's southern gems. Hit the M1 from Sydney and turn off at Helensburgh, or take the seriously gorgeous route through Royal National Park via Loftus. Generally speaking, it's a safe drive, but keep your wits about you. Weather can play a role, so be extra cautious in heavy rain, strong winds, or fog. Word to the wise, the biggest danger here is the distraction of sheer beauty! That perfect Insta shot might seem tempting, but the cliff-side tracks above the bridge are notoriously slippery and risky. Seriously, don't risk it โ€“ the views from the bridge itself are incredible. Ultimately, this bridge has become an icon of Wollongong and the Illawarra region. Expect panoramic ocean views that will blow your mind, and lush, forest-covered cliffs adding to the drama. No wonder it's a magnet for tourists, photographers, and nature lovers. Easy to reach from Sydney, it's the perfect destination for a day trip or a weekend escape.