Burke Developmental Road is a remote route in Queensland
Australia, oceania
1,079 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
The Burke Developmental Road: your quintessential Aussie Outback adventure! This epic 1,079 km (670 mi) stretch slices through Queensland's heartland, connecting the Far North to the Gulf of Carpentaria and beyond. Think endless savannah and proper remote vibes.
Starting near Cairns in Dimbulah, you'll head west, skimming the base of Cape York Peninsula towards Normanton on the Gulf. Then, swing south to Cloncurry, near the Mt Isa mining area. That bit near Dimbulah? Locals call it the Mareeba-Dimbulah Road.
Expect a wild mix of sealed and unsealed roads – think bitumen, gravel, and good old dirt. Originally built for beef and mining, it's still a crucial route for those living and working on remote cattle stations. Keep an eye out for single-lane bitumen stretches, and if you see a Road Train (those mega-trucks!) coming, pull *completely* off the road to avoid the dust and flying rocks.
This isn't just a drive, it's an *experience*. But be warned: supplies are scarce along this 1,000 km journey. Your best bets for fuel and essentials are Chillagoe, the super-remote Dunbar Station, Normanton, and the historic Burke & Wills Junction. A golden rule for the Outback? Fill up whenever you can – you might find yourself driving over 200 km between fuel stops!
Where is it?
Burke Developmental Road is a remote route in Queensland is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -21.1385, 135.4346
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 1,079 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -21.1385, 135.4346
Related Roads in oceania
hardHow long is Hughenden Muttaburra Road?
🇦🇺 Australia
Get ready for an Outback adventure on the Hughenden Muttaburra Road (part of State Route 19) in Queensland, Australia! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Clocking in at 210 km (130 miles), this north-south track links Hughenden to Muttaburra, and it's best tackled with a 4WD or high clearance vehicle. While much of the road is open to all, be warned: Mother Nature throws some curveballs! We're talking about infamous black soil patches that turn treacherous with a hint of rain. Expect some serious corrugation too, especially that final 100km stretch heading into Hughenden from Muttaburra. Brace yourself for sharp gravel, deep ruts, and granite boulders that can wreak havoc on your vehicle's undercarriage. The road climbs to 376m (1,233ft) above sea level and boasts plenty of steep sections. Forget those 100kph speed limit signs – you'll be lucky to hit 60kph without risking damage. For 2WD vehicles, especially those towing a caravan, this road is a true gravel nightmare! But with the right vehicle and a sense of adventure, you'll experience the raw, untamed beauty of the Australian Outback!
hardAuckland Driving Guide: Logistics for a Self-Drive
🇦🇺 Australia
Hitting the open road in Auckland and the North Island? Get ready for an adventure, but keep your wits about you! You'll be cruising on everything from bustling city motorways to charmingly tight rural roads. Motorhomes, in particular, need to be aware of these twists and turns. Think autonomy? A motorhome is your best bet! Keep your schedule flexible and ditch the hotel bookings. Plot your course with reliable GPS, noting any toll roads or ferry crossings in advance. Those country lanes can get skinny, so double-check your vehicle's dimensions before you commit. Schedule plenty of stops to stay sharp – the scenery is worth it! Safety first! Kiwi roads have their own rules, so buckle up and pay attention. Auckland weather? Unpredictable is an understatement! It can flip on you in minutes. May to October is generally drier, but winter (June-August) brings the rain, leading to flash floods and high winds that can test even the sturdiest motorhome. Always check the forecast before venturing into remote areas or along the coast. Heading off the beaten path? Pack like you mean it. Some stretches are devoid of shops or petrol stations. Stock up on at least 48 hours' worth of food and water, and toss in a first-aid kit and basic tools. A little preparation can turn a minor hiccup into a non-event. A self-drive adventure around Auckland is unforgettable if you respect the roads. Manage your vehicle wisely, obey the rules, and brace yourself for ever-changing weather. Focus on the drive, keep your supplies handy, and soak in the stunning New Zealand landscape. A little planning is all you need for an epic journey on these iconic roads.
hardA beautiful and harrowing road to Eaglehawk Lookout
🌍 Tasmania
Okay, picture this: you're on the Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania, itching for adventure. Forget the smooth, predictable routes and head straight for Eaglehawk Lookout! This little gem sits way up high at 351 meters (that's over 1,150 feet!). The road to get there, Plateau Road, is where the real fun begins. Forget pavement – this is a wild, unsealed track winding its way to the top. We're talking serious potholes and sections so narrow you'll be holding your breath. Trust me, you'll want a 4x4 with good clearance for this one! The 8.1-kilometer (5-mile) journey kicks off from the Arthur Highway and plunges straight into Tasman National Park. And get ready for some serious climbs, because this road isn't messing around, boasting gradients up to 15%! But, oh my goodness, the views! As you ascend, you'll be treated to incredible vistas of the rugged coastline, Eaglehawk Neck, and Pirates Bay far below. It's a bumpy ride, but those views? Totally worth it.
hardWakehurst Parkway is one of Australia's most haunted roads
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, buckle up, thrill-seekers! You HAVE to check out Wakehurst Parkway, just a stone's throw – about 26 km – from Sydney, hugging those stunning northern beaches. This isn't just any stretch of asphalt; it's a 14.5 km ride into local legend! But fair warning: this road has a seriously spooky rep. Think way more than just a creepy vibe after dark — we're talking a history dark enough to make your skin crawl, with tales of fatal crashes and, allegedly, a favorite spot for disposing of… well, let's just say some *unwanted* items. Locals whisper about the intersection with Warringah Road being the epicenter of the weirdness. The most famous story? A ghostly hitchhiker named "Kelly." Legend says she jumps into cars after midnight, and if you don't tell her to scram, she'll "help" you steer right off the road. People describe her appearing and disappearing, sometimes even claiming she's materialized in the back seat! Whether you believe it or not, Wakehurst Parkway delivers some seriously eerie vibes alongside its views. Drive carefully, and maybe keep an eye on your rearview mirror... just in case.