Buchanan Highway is a very scenic unpaved road in the Northern Territory
Australia, oceania
393 km
N/A
moderate
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 – all part of the charm!
Named after Nathaniel Buchanan, a true Aussie pioneer, this route is steeped in history. But be warned, it’s a long haul; expect to spend 17 to 20 hours behind the wheel, not counting all the photo stops you’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 – 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
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 393 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -25.1107, 135.6877
Related Roads in oceania
extremeBilly Goat Bluff Trail is a steep track in the Victorian High Country
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! If you're in Victoria, Australia, and your 4WD is itching for a challenge, Billy Goat Bluff Trail is calling your name. Deep in the heart of the Pinnacles State Forest, nestled within the Alpine National Park, this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. Clocking in at 11.1 km (6.89 miles), this wild ride starts on Wonnangatta Road, by the Crooked River, and claws its way up to The Pinnacles fire lookout, perched at a dizzying 1,415m (4,642ft). That tower? Yep, it's manned during fire season. Forget smooth pavement; this is raw, unadulterated off-roading. We're talking steep inclines, rocky terrain, and cliff edges that'll make your palms sweat. This one's strictly for experienced 4WDers with low range and high clearance. Sections can get slick when wet, and passing other vehicles is a tight squeeze, so a radio is a must. Trust me, many have underestimated this track and regretted it! Give yourself 1 to 1.5 hours to conquer it – and take your time, the views from the top are unreal! The Pinnacles lookout gives you panoramic vistas of the whole rugged landscape. Heads up: this high-country gem closes for winter, usually between May and January, but the weather here is a wild card. Snow can fall anytime, so pack warm gear. And definitely skip it in bad weather or on high fire danger days. With gradients hitting a maximum of 27%, this climb is a beast. Over that 11.1 km stretch, you're gaining a whopping 1249 meters in elevation. Average gradient? A hefty 11.25%. Get ready for some seriously steep, rocky ramps!
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!
easyIs the Tjukaruru Road unpaved?
🇦🇺 Australia
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Tjukaruru Road! This isn't just a drive, it's an outback experience. Connecting Warburton in Western Australia to the Great Central Road, it's your east-west ticket across the heart of the country, a whopping distance. Starting near Cosmo Newberry, an Indigenous community nestled by Lake Throssell, you'll quickly find yourself on unpaved territory - think gravel and sand galore! Now, here's the thing: this road is a chameleon. In dry weather, it can be a surprisingly easy cruise. But after rain? Hold on tight! Flash flooding can turn it into a muddy, slippery challenge, even impassable at times thanks to river crossings. While technically not strictly 4x4 only (graded for 2WD vehicles), you'll feel way more confident in a four-wheel drive. Seriously, the conditions can change in a heartbeat! And heads up: you're out there. This is remote Australia, so be prepared. We're talking minimal traffic, limited help, and patchy cell service. Pack that communication gear, and let someone know your itinerary. Get ready for stunning scenery!
moderateTravelling through the scenic Hartley Vale Road in the Blue Mountains
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, so you're looking for a gorgeous little escape? Hartley Vale Road in New South Wales' Central West is calling your name! This beauty clocks in at just over 15 km, stretching from Lithgow to the Darling Causeway on the Blue Mountains' western edge. And good news – it's all smooth sailing on freshly paved roads since 2020! Budget about 20 minutes for the drive if you don't stop to take pictures. Now, don't let the smooth surface fool you. This road keeps things interesting with plenty of curves and some seriously narrow sections. Plus, it's a climber! Get ready for some steep inclines, with gradients hitting up to 14% in spots. You'll be reaching heights of 924m at Hartley Pass and 1,034m at Browns Gap, so the views are incredible!