
Caves Road Tourist Drive
Australia, oceania
93.9 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Caves Road Tourist Drive in Western Australia's southwest. This isn't just a drive, it's an experience! Starting near the coastal town of Augusta and winding up to Dunsborough, you're in for a 94km (58-mile) treat.
Think smooth pavement carving its way through the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. This is Tourist Drive 250, and it lives up to its name! Be warned: the road can get a little cozy with other drivers, so keep your eyes peeled. Expect twists, turns, and a whole lot of narrow sections, making it an engaging ride.
Word to the wise: If it's been raining, Murray Scrub Road can get boggy. But mostly, get ready for some stunning scenery and an all-around fantastic road trip!
Where is it?
Caves Road Tourist Drive is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -24.2888, 135.0184
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 93.9 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -24.2888, 135.0184
Related Roads in oceania
extremeWhere is Milford Road?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: South West New Zealand, you're behind the wheel, and the legendary Milford Road is stretching out before you. This isn't just any road trip; it's a full-blown adventure through Fiordland National Park, smack-dab in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We're talking 118km (73 miles) of pure, paved bliss from Te Anau to Milford Sound. Construction started way back in 1929, but it wasn't until 1953 that this epic route was finally completed. Now, you could technically blast through it in about 1.5 to 2 hours, but trust me, you'll want to carve out way more time. This isn't a race; it's an experience. Think Mirror Lakes reflecting the Earl Mountains like a perfect painting, the dramatic Cleddau River waterfalls, and the optical illusion of the Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain. Lord of the Rings vibes are strong here, people! Expect towering cliffs, snow-capped peaks, waterfalls cascading down rock faces, and ferns doing their gravity-defying thing. The road leads straight to one of New Zealand’s biggest attractions, Milford Sound. It's popular, so get ready to share the road with cars, coaches, and campervans, especially from October to April. Winter (May to September) sees fewer crowds but requires extra caution. Oh, and did I mention the Homer Tunnel? This 1,270-meter (4,200 feet) marvel was carved straight through solid granite and took nearly 20 years to build! The road itself climbs to a whopping 940 meters (3,100 feet) above sea level. Heads up: this road can get snowy, icy, and avalanche-prone, especially from June to November. Keep an eye on those road signs, and pack your chains – it's the law. Metal gates can even block the road when the avalanche risk is super high. One more thing, fill up your tank in Te Anau. Fuel is available at Gunns Camp in the Hollyford Valley and at Milford Sound, but better safe than sorry! Landslides, treefalls, and washouts can shut the road down at any time, so stay alert and drive smart. Flooding happens, too, especially near rivers.
hardHow long is Queen Charlotte Drive?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Queen Charlotte Drive in New Zealand's South Island is a must-do! This incredible coastal route connects Havelock and Picton, winding for about 33 km (20.6 miles) between the towns. While it's fully paved and open year-round, don't expect to break any speed records! The road climbs gently, but its twists and turns will keep you at around 40km/hour – but trust me, the views are SO worth it. Picture this: turquoise bays peeking through lush ferns. Magical, right? Keep an eye out for cyclists, as it's a popular route for them. The road can be narrow in sections with plenty of bends. Plan for about 50-70 minutes of driving if you don't stop, but you'll want to budget extra time to soak it all in! The drive hugs the southern shore of Mahakipawa Arm, showcasing hidden bays and native forests. Honestly, the views are some of the best you'll find in New Zealand, and there are tons of lookout points along the way. Take it slow, be careful, and pull over when you can to really enjoy the awesome scenery! You'll meander through peaceful views of the iconic Marlborough Sounds, fringed with native forest that is unforgettable.
hardCan you drive the Old Telegraph Track?
🇦🇺 Australia
Craving an epic Aussie adventure? Cape York's Old Telegraph Track (OTT) is calling! This 350 km (217 mile) off-road mecca is strictly 4WD territory, only open during the dry season in tropical North Queensland. Picture this: you're snaking through stunning landscapes, tackling everything from dirt and sand to rocky slopes, mud, and washouts. This track is narrow, with plenty of places to pull over for oncoming traffic, and you can still spot remnants of the original telegraph line. But don't get complacent! This isn't your average Sunday drive. The OTT throws a ton of challenges your way, like countless creek crossings (keep your eyes peeled for crocs!), steep, slippery riverbanks, and stretches of energy-sapping deep sand. There are plenty of bush camps around the creeks for a well deserved rest! The OTT runs from Bramwell Junction to Bamaga Road (southern section) and then from Bamaga Road to Jardine River Ferry (northern section). Plan on spending 1-2 days conquering the OTT. Most adventurers head north via the track and return on the bypass roads. Famous obstacles like Gunshot Creek (seriously, detour if you're towing!), Palm Creek, Canal Creek, and the infamous Nolan’s Brook are waiting to test your skills. Be sure to check conditions before your trip. This track may only get 1/3 of your average daily mileage! After that it is sandy to the Jardine River, which is not advisable to cross due to soft sand, deep water, and crocodiles. Get ready for a truly unforgettable outback escapade!
moderateHow long is Oodnadatta Track?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, so you're heading to South Australia and want an epic outback adventure? Check out the Oodnadatta Track! This legendary dirt road stretches for 622km (386 miles), connecting Marree in the south to Marla in the northwest, offering a real alternative to the Stuart Highway if you're heading to the Northern Territory. So, how tough is it? Well, most vehicles can handle it when it's dry, but a 4WD will make the journey way more comfortable, and it's a must if there's been any rain. Think well-maintained gravel, but watch out for washouts, sandy patches, potholes, and those bone-jarring corrugations, especially between William Creek and Oodnadatta. You'll also be crossing a few creeks and rivers, usually dry though! When's the best time to go? Aim for April to October. Trust me, you do NOT want to be out there between November and March – it's brutally hot. How long will it take? Non-stop, you're looking at 11-13 hours, cruising at around 60-80 km/h. But you'll definitely want to stop and explore! This track follows an old Aboriginal trading route and the scenery is stunningly semi-desert. You'll be skirting the southern edge of Lake Eyre National Park, passing through outback settlements like William Creek and Oodnadatta. Keep an eye out for the remnants of old railway sidings and telegraph stations, like Coward Springs Campground (with its artesian spa!) and Curdimurka. Plus, there are tons of natural springs along the way, fed by the Great Artesian Basin. It's the perfect introduction to outback driving!