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
moderateWhy is it called Thunderbolts Way?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: Thunderbolts Way, a seriously gorgeous drive snaking through the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia. The name? It's a nod to Captain Thunderbolt, Australia's own "Gentleman" bushranger, Fred Ward. This beauty was carved out between 1958 and 1961, plunging you into thick forests, practically surrounded by national parks and reserves. Heads up though, while it's all paved, the road's a bit rough around the edges – narrow in spots, some potholes, and definitely not caravan-friendly. Stretching 305km (189 miles) from Inverell in the north down to Gloucester, it's a proper adventure. And hold on tight because it's hilly! Expect some serious twists, turns, and a maximum 20% gradient on those climbs north of Gloucester. Towing a trailer? Maybe rethink this one, especially if the weather's looking dodgy. Speaking of weather, this isn't the drive for a rainy day. Set aside about 3.5 to 4.5 hours for the drive – without stops, that is. But trust me, you'll want to pull over. Every bend unveils another spectacular view, and there are plenty of viewpoints along the way just begging for a photo op!
moderateDriving Sydney: A Logistics Guide to Australia’s Iconic Roads
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising around Sydney, ready for an adventure, right? First stop, the iconic Opera House area. Trust me, the views are worth it, but this place is buzzing – tourists, buses, you name it. Getting to the harbor means navigating the city center, so keep your eyes peeled. Oh, and driving across the Harbour Bridge? Total postcard moment. Just double-check for closures before you go, or you'll be stuck in a jam instead of snapping pics. Next up, The Rocks. This place is like stepping back in time, but be warned – the roads are old-school narrow, cobblestoned, the works! Slow and steady wins the race here. It's cool to soak up the history and check out the pubs, but honestly, hit it up when it's not packed; otherwise, you'll be crawling. Then, you're itching for a real road trip! Sydney is a killer launchpad. Head north for those awesome beaches or west to the Blue Mountains. Just a heads-up: these roads can be a bit of a wild ride, with some steep climbs and crazy weather changes. So, get your car checked before you head out of town, because gas stations can be few and far between out there. Driving in Oz is an unforgettable experience, I guarantee. Just keep your wits about you on the main routes and tackle those historic streets with care. Plan it right, stay safe, and you're in for an epic adventure.
hardThe Inhumane Climb to Mount William with 29% Ramps
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, listen up, adventurers! If you’re heading to Victoria, Australia, you HAVE to check out Mount William, or as the locals might call it, Duwul! We're talking epic 360-degree views from the highest point in the Grampians National Park (elevation: 1,167m or 3,829ft). Seriously, picture this: stunning mountain ranges meeting vast open plains. The journey up is half the fun! Mount William Road is your path to glory—a solid 11.6km (7.2 miles) of paved goodness. Now, heads up: it gets pretty narrow and STEEP. We're talking a max gradient of 29% on one crazy hairpin! Also, be extra careful after it rains; the road can get slippery. Trust me, the incredible views almost the entire way up are worth it. The very top section (last 1.8km) is technically closed, but there's a paved service road that takes you right to the summit, crowned with a communications station. The climb really gets going about 347m above sea level, settling into a steady 5-6% grade. Buckle up and get ready for some serious scenery!
moderateDorat Road: A Memorable Road Trip
🇦🇺 Australia
Dorat Road, also known as State Route 23, is a very scenic, single-lane, sealed road located in the Northern Territory of Australia. The name "Dorat" is an acronym created during World War II (1942) for the Darwin Overland Road Authorities Transport. This collaborative body was established by state transport authorities from Victoria, South Australia, and New South Wales. Its purpose was essential: to organize the movement of materials required for the construction of the Stuart Highway, transporting supplies north from the railhead at Alice Springs toward Darwin. It was built during World War II. In the 1960s, most bridges and floodways were resurfaced, and the entire length is currently sealed. The road is 65 km (40 mi) long and runs north-south, beginning at the Stuart Highway near the town of Adelaide River and then looping back to rejoin the Stuart Highway near the Long Airfield Airstrip. It comprises many narrow sections. No vehicles over 19 meters in length are permitted on this road. While originally part of the strategic Stuart Highway, the Dorat Road's many steep climbs and tight curves led to it being bypassed by the modern Stuart Highway. Today, it is primarily designated as a scenic and historic tourist drive (State Route 23). It is undulating, sealed, and narrow, contrasting sharply with the modern, high-speed main route. The road is fully sealed, but its narrow, undulating, and winding nature is a constant reminder of its historical use as a World War II access road. Drivers should be prepared for tight curves and varying grades. While it is a single-lane sealed road, it is generally well-maintained. The drive is definitely worth it and features scenic views. It provides access to tourist attractions including Robin Falls and Douglas-Daly Hot Springs, and several World War II heritage locations. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.