Crossing the Mitchell River at Drumduff Crossing
Australia, oceania
1.079 km
209 m
easy
Year-round
Alright, adventurers, listen up! Ever heard of Drumduff Crossing out in the Shire of Mareeba, Queensland? This isn't your average road – it's a super cool causeway that acts as a bridge over the Mitchell River. The low concrete causeway stretches 208m (685ft), and it's part of the scenic Burke Developmental Road, which is just over a kilometer long.
Now, here's the thing: this drive can be a breeze if the weather's on your side. But after some rain, things can get a bit dicey. The water crossing acts as a kind of weir, holding back water, but it can overflow when the river's flowing. Keep your eyes peeled for crocs if there's any water movement – seriously! Plus, the stream crossings can get washed out or stay too deep. But if you're careful, this outback drive is awesome!
Where is it?
Crossing the Mitchell River at Drumduff Crossing is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -23.9808, 131.0057
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 1.079 km
- Max Elevation
- 209 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- -23.9808, 131.0057
Related Roads in oceania
hardDriving through the Homer Tunnel in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Alright, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Homer Tunnel! This epic tunnel punches right through the Darran Mountains in Fiordland, on New Zealand's South Island. We're talking serious elevation here - 945 meters (3,100 feet) above sea level! This isn't just any shortcut; it's a 1.2-kilometer (0.75-mile) long passage on the legendary SH94 (Milford Road), linking Te Anau to the breathtaking Milford Sound. A heads-up: winter can throw curveballs with road closures. During summer, traffic lights manage the flow, keeping things safe and sane. Carved straight out of solid granite and named after William Henry Homer, who spotted the saddle, this tunnel is a true feat of engineering that took 19 long years to complete. Can you imagine? Before this, Milford Sound was totally cut off! Inside, it's an adventure. The two lanes are cozy (just enough space for a bus and a car!), with no dividing line. It's a steep climb too, with a gradient of 1:10. Before you dive in, there's a spot to pull over for those essential photo ops. Once you're in the tunnel, ditch the sunglasses and switch on your headlights. The tunnel is unlit, so good visibility is a must! Get ready for a unique, unforgettable drive.
moderateAirlie Beach
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: a massive 1,300 km stretch between Townsville and Brisbane, just begging for a road trip! Trust me, you'll want at least two days to soak it all in – maybe even longer if you can swing it. First stop, Airlie Beach! This place is tourist-ready for a reason: it's your gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. Think unbelievable scenery. Seriously, budget a couple of days here. Next up, Rockhampton, roughly halfway between Townsville and Brisbane. Perfect for a driving break and a dose of history. This city boomed during the gold rush, making it one of the oldest around. Plus, it's the "beef capital" of Australia, which explains the impressive Victorian architecture funded by, you guessed it, cattle! Don't miss the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens for a leg-stretch. Okay, Bundaberg requires a little detour, but hear me out. Anytime of year is fun: Rum distillery, anyone? And Mon Repos Conservation Park is stunning. But if you hit it during turtle season (November to March), you’re in for a treat! Sea turtles lay eggs, and later, tiny hatchlings make their mad dash to the ocean. So yeah, Townsville to Brisbane? Slow it down and make some memories. You won't regret it.
extreme1. Conquering Corrugations: Suspension and Chassis Fatigue
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're in the heart of the Aussie Outback, ready to tackle a road that's over 1,000 km long. But hold up, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Think self-sufficient fuel and water for days. First up, the road itself? Forget smooth tarmac; we're talking bone-jarring corrugations that'll rattle your teeth loose. You'll definitely need some heavy-duty suspension and to drop those tyre pressures to around 20-25 PSI to save your chassis from metal fatigue. Next, fuel and water. Plan on carrying 150+ liters of fuel and 100 liters of water. This requires a GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) upgrade to handle the load without snapping an axle if you hit a washout. Also, don't put all your eggs in one basket (or water in one tank) – multiple 20L jerry cans are your friend here, just in case of punctures. Then there's the local wildlife. Kangaroos, camels, cattle – they're all out there, especially at dawn and dusk. A sturdy steel bull bar isn't just for show; it's essential to protect your radiator. Speaking of night, try to avoid driving then if you can. If you must drive at night, you will need high-output LED driving lights to spot those reflective eyes over 500 meters away. Finally, the terrain itself can be treacherous. Be aware of "bull dust," the fine silt that hides ruts. Hitting one of those at speed can cause a rollover, so take dust clouds as seriously as you would fog. And after it rains, the tracks turn into a mud that will swallow you whole. Knowing when to wait it out (maybe for days!) is crucial.
moderateCrown Range Road
🇳🇿 New Zealand
# Crown Range Road: NZ's Ultimate Alpine Drive If you're looking for the most spectacular way to connect Queenstown and Wanaka, skip the boring highway via Cromwell and take the Crown Range Road instead. This 67-kilometer beauty is New Zealand's highest sealed road, climbing to a seriously impressive 1,076 meters as it cuts straight across the Crown Range in Central Otago. The adventure starts intense—you'll climb steeply out of the Kawarau Gorge through a series of nail-biting switchbacks that'll have you gripping the steering wheel. But honestly? The views make it totally worth it. You get these incredible panoramas sweeping back over the Wakatipu Basin and the dramatic Remarkables mountains. At the summit, there's a quick walk to a lookout that'll blow your mind with 360-degree views of Lake Wakatipu, Lake Wanaka, and all the peaks surrounding you. Coming down the other side, you'll pass the charming Cardrona Hotel (a proper 1863 gem) and the Cardrona ski field—great spots to stop and soak up the scenery. Fair warning though: if you're driving this in winter, things get serious. The summit can get snowbound, and you might need to carry chains. It adds an extra thrill to the crossing, but definitely check conditions before heading up.