Crossing 363 dunes on Googs Track in Australia
Australia, oceania
186 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Ready for an Aussie adventure? Head to South Australia for the legendary Googs Track! Think of it as a mini-Simpson Desert experience.
This sandy, single-lane track carves through the dry heart of the continent for 186 km (115 miles). It runs from Ceduna up to the Transcontinental Railway Line near Tarcoola.
Winding through Yumbarra Conservation Park and Yellabinna Regional Reserve, you'll tackle over 300 dunes, some rising to 25 metres high. Be warned: it's seriously corrugated, especially on the approaches to those dunes! It's a great introduction to the South Australian outback, but keep in mind the track is narrow, making passing tricky. Plus, it gets muddy after rain.
This track isn't maintained, and the sand gets deep and soft, so a high-clearance 4x4 and some serious sand driving skills are essential. Seriously, don't even think about attempting it in anything else. Some of those sandhills can be a real challenge, and definitely leave the caravan at home. Towing anything is generally a bad idea.
Googs Track got its name from John "Goog" Denton, an egg seller who built it back in 1973 to help out the local farmers.
Allow about a day to conquer the track. The scenery is incredible, and you might spot some rare wildlife. Since you're in the middle of nowhere, a satellite phone is a must. The cooler months are the best time to go – avoid the scorching summer heat. Pack plenty of food, water, and fuel. And remember to tune into UHF channel 18 to chat with other adventurers on the track.
Where is it?
Crossing 363 dunes on Googs Track in Australia is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -28.0184, 138.5034
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 186 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -28.0184, 138.5034
Related Roads in oceania
hardCrossing the iconic Tunks Creek Bridge
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! Let's talk about the legendary Tunks Creek Bridge, chilling in the lush Berowra Valley Regional Park, New South Wales, Australia. This beauty, a historic McDonald Timber Truss Bridge, has been holding strong since 1894, bridging the gap over Tunks Creek in the stunning Galston Gorge. We're talking a 65-foot span of pure, rustic charm. Okay, word to the wise: those wooden planks can get a tad slippery when wet, so keep your wits about you! And if you're into spooky vibes, legend has it this bridge has a ghostly resident. Just another reason to add this unforgettable drive to your Aussie road trip bucket list!
extremeDriving Down Under: Top 8 Most Dangerous Roads In Australia
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! We're diving into some Aussie asphalt you might want to approach with extra caution. **Remembrance Drive:** Located near Surfers Paradise, this road is notorious for congestion, leading to accidents caused by human error. Stay focused, give way, and don't ignore those traffic signals! **Plenty Road:** Melbourne's got a wild one here. Multiple lanes, tram tracks down the middle, tons of entry/exit points, and a whole lotta traffic lights make for a stressful drive. They're doing upgrades, so hopefully, things will improve, but be extra careful on Thursday afternoons. **Hume Highway:** This section in Liverpool, NSW, between Casula and Campbelltown, sees its share of accidents thanks to tailgating and driver fatigue. If you're feeling sleepy, pull over. A split-second nap can have devastating consequences. **Argyle Street:** Watch out for Argyle Street in Hobart! It's the city's accident hotspot, especially on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings when everyone's rushing to work or school. Keep an eye out for kids! **Macquarie Street:** Right behind Argyle St. in Hobart for accident frequency, Macquarie Street suffers from human error—drivers failing to give way, ignoring traffic signals, and just plain impatient driving in congested conditions. **Morayfield Road:** Just outside Brisbane, Morayfield Road can be a real headache, especially during rush hour. With all its entry and exit points and traffic lights, it's a recipe for accidents if you're not paying attention. **Springvale Road:** This long stretch in Victoria has two particularly tricky spots near Springvale and Glen Waverley. Congestion, distractions, and tailgating all contribute to the high accident rate, especially with multi-lane roads and higher speed limits. **Gympie Road:** In Chermside, Queensland, Gympie Road is a busy route to Brisbane's CBD, and it's known for accidents during the morning rush. Patience is key here!
hardStockton Beach 4wd Track is a scenic journey seaside in Australia
🇦🇺 Australia
Get ready for an epic seaside adventure on the Stockton Beach 4WD Track in New South Wales, Australia! Just an hour north of Newcastle, this 30km (18-mile) stretch of pure adrenaline runs from Williamtown to Anna Bay, cutting through the stunning Worimi Regional Park. This isn't your average beach cruise—you'll need a proper 4WD with high and low range to tackle these dunes. We're talking about the massive Stockton sand dunes, some towering up to 30 meters high! These beauties on Australia’s East coast are steep, thrilling, and require your full attention. Give climbing vehicles plenty of space, stick to the waterfront, and definitely deflate those tires before hitting the sand. Oh, and don't forget your permit! Keep in mind, this place gets packed during summer and holidays. High tide can make things tricky (or even impassable), so aim for low tide – ideally, avoid driving two hours before or after. Low tide means harder sand closer to the water, making the drive smoother and safer. Just remember: no sudden turns or brakes! An air compressor is a must-have, and never approach a vehicle climbing a dune from behind. Always drive straight down dunes; angling it is a recipe for disaster. Storms can shut the track down, so always check conditions before you go. Did you know this beach was a star in the original "Mad Max" movie? Keep an eye out for remnants of WWII defenses along the way, and marvel at being on the largest moving sand dune system in the Southern Hemisphere!
extremeHow to Customise Your 79 Series LandCruiser for Australian Roads
🇦🇺 Australia
Alright, buckle up for the Leh-Manali Highway! This roughly 479 km (298 miles) stretch connects Leh in Ladakh to Manali in Himachal Pradesh, India, and it's a total rollercoaster. Get ready to climb! We're talking serious elevation changes, topping out around 5,328 meters (17,480 feet) at Taglang La pass. Acclimatizing is key here. Now for the reality check: this ain't your average Sunday drive. Expect winding roads, unpaved sections, and potentially challenging conditions like snow, landslides, and river crossings. Basically, it's an adventure! But OH. MY. GOODNESS. The scenery! Think towering snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and landscapes that'll make your jaw drop. This road is a visual feast, and a photographer's dream. Prepare to stop often — not just because you need to, but because you *want* to.