Cooloola Beach Drive is One of the Longest Beach Roads in the World
Australia, oceania
60 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you, your 4x4, and sixty kilometers of pure, unadulterated beach driving bliss. Cooloola Beach Drive, nestled in Queensland's Gympie Region and part of the awesome Great Sandy National Park, is calling your name! This isn't just any beach – it's a jaw-dropping stretch of coastline that ranks as one of the world's longest beach drives.
Starting near Noosa North Shore and cruising all the way to Rainbow Beach, this route is an absolute stunner. Just a heads-up, though: this isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking soft, rough sand and potential washouts, so a high-clearance 4WD is a must. Also, be sure to grab your Cooloola Recreation Area vehicle access permit and have it displayed to avoid a fine. With the right preparation and a sense of adventure, Cooloola Beach Drive promises scenery you will never forget.
Where is it?
Cooloola Beach Drive is One of the Longest Beach Roads in the World is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -21.1399, 131.3439
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 60 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -21.1399, 131.3439
Related Roads in oceania
moderateDriving through the narrow Moki Tunnel in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in New Zealand's North Island, in the Taranaki region, lies the Moki Tunnel. Picture this: a 180-meter-long, one-lane tunnel carved straight through the landscape! Back in 1935, some seriously dedicated folks from the Public Works Department hand-dug this bad boy with nothing but picks and shovels to make the Moki Saddle passable during winter. Can you believe it? Originally, it was only 5 meters high, but they dug deeper in 1989, boosting it to 7 meters. The road itself? It's part of the legendary Forgotten World Highway (State Highway 43) between Taumarunui and Stratford – a drive you won't soon forget! Just past the tunnel, the road opens into the scenic Tangarakau Gorge, where the pavement turns to gravel. Word to the wise: it can get slick when it rains. Inside Whanganui National Park, this tunnel is affectionately nicknamed "Hobbit's Hole" (even has a sign to prove it!). Just a heads-up – vehicles over 4.5 meters are a no-go, and it’s snug even for regular cars. There's a gravel parking area where you can stretch your legs and learn about the tunnel's history. Seriously, this is a must-see for anyone craving a bit of off-the-beaten-path New Zealand magic!
easyWhere is Hamersley Drive?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the south coast of Western Australia in Fitzgerald River National Park - one of the biggest parks in WA! You're on Hamersley Drive, a scenic trail stretching about 65 km (or 40 miles for you imperial folks) from Hopetoun up to the South Coast Highway. The southern bit is smooth sailing on paved roads, winding along some truly gorgeous coastline. BUT, hold on tight when you get to the northern section—it turns to dirt! Road conditions can change, and closures happen, so be prepared. You'll be treated to dramatic coastal views the whole way!
easyHike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: the road to Cape Campbell Lighthouse, right there on the northeastern tip of New Zealand's South Island. It's not a super long haul, clocking in at around 25 kilometers, but don't let the distance fool you. This is an adventure! Starting near Ward, you're in for a ride that steadily climbs, gaining about 150 meters in elevation. This isn't just a scenic drive; it's a bit of a challenge. Expect gravel sections that demand your attention. Speaking of challenges, keep an eye out for wildlife! Sheep, cows, and other farm animals consider this road their stomping ground. But oh, the views! Coastal panoramas are the name of the game here, showing off the rugged beauty of the New Zealand coastline. And at the end of it all, you're greeted by the iconic Cape Campbell Lighthouse, a true beacon in a land of dramatic landscapes. This drive is a must for anyone wanting to experience the wild, raw beauty of New Zealand.
easyExplore Steve Irwin Way - A Scenic Road Honoring the Legacy of the Crocodile Hunter
🇦🇺 Australia
Cruising along Steve Irwin Way in Queensland's Sunshine Coast hinterland is an absolute must-do. It's part of State Route 6, totally paved, and clocks in at around 29 km after peeling off the Bruce Highway. Most of it is a classic two-lane road, with a few wider four-lane stretches thrown in. Originally called the Glasshouse Mountain Tourist Route, it was renamed to honor the legendary Crocodile Hunter back in '06. This road has seen a lot more traffic lately, so keep your eyes peeled, but it's worth it to access many popular tourist spots. Give yourself around 25–35 minutes to enjoy the whole route without stopping. You'll wind through the stunning Beerwah State Forest and get killer views of the Glass House Mountains—ancient volcanic plugs that formed about 20 million years ago! Be sure to pull over and stretch your legs on one of the walking tracks to a scenic lookout. Trust me, the panoramic mountain views are postcard-perfect.