Dorat Road: A Memorable Road Trip
Australia, oceania
65 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
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.
Where is it?
Dorat Road: A Memorable Road Trip is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -28.8326, 134.8219
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 65 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -28.8326, 134.8219
Related Roads in oceania
moderateIs the road to Mount Dobson unpaved?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Dobo, as the locals call it, is a must-do if you're in the Mackenzie region of New Zealand's South Island. This totally unpaved access road winds its way up to the Mount Dobson ski resort, perched at a lofty 1,748m (5,734 ft). It's one of the highest roads around, and surprisingly smooth for an alpine track. Starting from the main Fairlie-Tekapo Road, the 14.8 km (9.19 miles) climb gains a whopping 1,292 meters in elevation – that's an average grade of 8.72%! Most vehicles can handle it, even campervans and small cars. Just be prepared for some bends, blind corners and changeable weather. Snow chains are a must. But trust me, the drive is worth it! At the top, you'll find plenty of parking and views that'll blow your mind. Picture this: sweeping vistas over Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki, with the majestic Mt Cook and Mt Tasman (New Zealand's highest peaks) in the distance. Seriously, bring your camera – you'll want to capture this remarkable road trip!
moderateIs Buchanan Highway sealed?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're in the Northern Territory of Australia and craving an off-the-grid experience, the Buchanan Highway (also known as National Route 80-C80) is calling your name. This 393 km (244 mile) dirt track kicks off about 29km SE of Timber Creek, and it's a 4WD-only kind of party, folks. Nicknamed after the legendary pioneer Nathaniel Buchanan back in '66, this ain't your average Sunday drive. Expect to spend a good 17 to 20 hours behind the wheel, and that's *without* stopping to soak in the views. Seriously, budget extra time – you'll want it. Now, about those challenges… This route throws everything at you. We're talking river crossings where you need to watch out for fast-flowing water, sections where the road's been totally washed out, and even some bridges that have seen better days. Your rig needs to be prepped, and you *absolutely* need to pack plenty of fuel, water, and supplies because it's a long haul between top-ups. Oh, and keep an eye out for cows – they love to graze along these unfenced roads, so stay alert and ready to hit the brakes! Basically, take your time, especially around the river crossings and washed-out patches. This is a rugged route, but the scenery will absolutely blow you away!
moderateWhere is Kosciuszko Express Chairlift?
🇦🇺 Australia
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in New South Wales, practically spitting distance from Victoria, lies Kosciuszko Express Chairlift. We're talking serious altitude here, like 1,937m (6,354ft) above sea level – one of the highest points you can reach in Aussie! What's the reward for this climb? Well, near the top, Eagle's Nest Restaurant awaits, boasting what they say are the highest restaurant views in the country. We're talking mind-blowing 270° panoramas stretching 200km, including sparkling Jindabyne Lake and the Victorian Alps. Now, for the nitty-gritty. This isn't your Sunday drive. The 3.3 km (2.05 miles) access road from Thredbo is unpaved, and strictly 4x4 territory, closed to the public. It's STEEP, like, really steep, with gradients hitting 30% in places. You'll climb 523 meters, averaging nearly 16%, so buckle up. This climb is an experience!
hardTravel Guide to Wolvi Mountain and Salmon Lookout
🇦🇺 Australia
Alright, adventurers, listen up! Deep in the Noosa hinterland of Queensland, Australia, awaits Wolvi Mountain, peaking at 373m (1,223ft) above sea level. Your destination? Salmon Lookout, perched at the summit. This old fire tower (now more about epic views than fires) boasts seriously awesome panoramas stretching across beaches, rolling hills, and lush farmland. Pack a picnic, because you'll want to soak it all in! Getting there is half the fun. Wolvi Mountain Road, a completely unpaved track, winds its way to the top. While a 4WD is ideal for this rough-and-tumble dirt road, regular cars can make it when conditions are dry. Just keep an eye out for a farm gate about 1km from the lookout—open it, drive through, and don't forget to close it behind you! It's locked up in the evenings. The climb itself is a good one! Starting from Gympie Kin Kin Pomona Road, the 5.6 km (3.47 miles) ascent gains a solid 219 meters. With an average gradient of 3.91%, it’s steep enough to be interesting but totally doable. Get ready for some stunning views and a taste of the real Aussie outback!