Don’t rely on your GPS on the South Face Road
Australia, oceania
30.3 km
1,478 m
moderate
Year-round
South Face Road, nestled in Victoria, Australia, is your rugged path up to Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort, perched at a cool 1,478m (4,849ft).
This isn't your average Sunday drive! Starting north of Rawson off Thomson Valley Road, you'll be tackling 30.3km (18.82 miles) of unpaved beauty. Think stunning views as you wind through the National Park on narrower roads towards Mt Baw Baw.
The upside? This road isn't super twisty. If switchbacks make you queasy, you might prefer this route to the Mount Baw Baw Tourist Road. South Face Road’s more even gradient and easier turns are a godsend when the weather turns nasty!
Be warned: "easy" doesn't mean flat! Some sections are seriously steep, hitting a max gradient of 17%. Cyclists, this is one of Australia's toughest climbs!
Fuel up BEFORE you head up the mountain as there are no stations at the top, and don't trust your GPS implicitly, as coverage can be spotty. Watch out for logging trucks year-round, especially at intersections and around bends.
Alpine weather is no joke – it changes fast! Pack for all conditions, especially during winter when snow is common. Warm, waterproof gear, sunscreen, and tire chains (mandatory during snow season, last stop for chains is Erica!) are essential. And diesel drivers, don't forget your anti-freeze!
Where is it?
Don’t rely on your GPS on the South Face Road is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -29.3885, 136.6228
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 30.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,478 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -29.3885, 136.6228
Related Roads in oceania
extremeWhere does the Eyre Highway start and finish?
🇦🇺 Australia
Cruising the Eyre Highway is a true Aussie adventure, linking Western Australia and South Australia right through the Nullarbor Plain. This paved road stretches a whopping 1,664 km (1,034 miles) from Norseman in WA to Port Augusta in SA, so you know you're in for a haul! But get this: it boasts what's said to be the longest straight stretch of road in the country – a mind-numbing 146.6 kilometers (91.1 mi) between Balladonia and Caiguna where you can literally set the cruise control and zone out. Built back in the '40s and fully sealed in 1976, the Eyre Highway's named after explorer Edward John Eyre. It's definitely remote, especially in the west where towns are few and far between. Keep an eye out for emergency airstrips marked with runway "piano keys" - they're there for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Fuel stops are spaced out, but plan ahead, especially if you're driving at night, as not all stations are open 24/7. Now, a word of warning: fatigue and the sheer remoteness can be risky. Free coffee initiatives are popping up to encourage rest stops. The road itself is fairly straightforward, but the wildlife – kangaroos, emus, camels – are a real hazard, especially at dawn and dusk. Give yourself 2-3 days to conquer the Eyre Highway. It's a long, lonely ride in parts, but an iconic outback experience where you'll soak in Australia's pioneering history.
moderate11 Useful Hacks for Motorhome Rentals in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Bealey Bridge, a super important link that gets you across the mighty Waimakariri River in New Zealand. This isn't just any bridge, it's your gateway to adventure!
moderateHow long is Highland Lakes Road?
🌍 Tasmania
Cruising through the Central Highlands of Tasmania? You *have* to check out Highland Lakes Road (aka Lakes Highway or A5)! This north-south route stretches for about 148 km (91 miles) from the charming town of Deloraine, all the way down to Melton Mowbray. Good news – it's completely paved since 2019! Allow 2-3 hours for a non-stop drive, but honestly, you'll want to pull over. Think steep climbs, hairpin turns that'll make you grin, and lush forest views giving way to panoramic vistas. This road's an important route, but unless it's summer, you won't find much traffic. At 1,212m (3,976ft) above sea level, it's usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the forecast in winter and early spring. Those higher elevations can get icy or snowy, potentially causing short closures. But don't let that deter you – the views are SO worth it! The section near Deloraine is truly one of the most enjoyable drives in Tassie.
extremePower and Reliability Where It Counts
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! Let me tell you about this insane road: located in the Sichuan province of China, it clocks in at around 10 kilometers long. Sounds easy, right? Wrong! You're gonna be climbing – we're talking an elevation gain of about 500 meters! What makes it spicy? Think hairpin turns galore. Visibility can be a real pain, especially in bad weather. Plus, it's narrow... like, *really* narrow. But the views? Oh. My. Goodness. Seriously stunning mountain scenery that'll make you forget (almost) how terrifying the drive is. Just keep your eyes peeled, drive cautiously, and maybe pack an extra pair of underwear, because this one will get your heart pumping!