
Driving the challenging coastal road to Stony Bay in NZ
New Zealand, oceania
6.7 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Stony Bay on the North Island of New Zealand, get ready for an off-road thrill! This hidden gem lies at the eastern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula, beckoning you with its promise of unspoiled beauty and the awesome Stony Bay Campsite.
The road in, Stony Bay Road, is a 6.7 km (4.16 miles) stretch of pure, unadulterated gravelly goodness starting from Port Charles. Now, don't be fooled by the distance – this isn't your average Sunday drive.
While it's nice and quiet in winter, come summertime (especially mid-December to mid-January), this road gets BUSY. Expect campervans, trucks, and boat-towing rigs galore! My advice? Start early to beat the rush. Seriously, if you're a newbie driver, maybe skip this one during the Christmas holidays.
Why the warning? Well, the road is narrow, unsealed, winding, and remote. Think tight corners and limited passing spots. Be prepared to reverse a bit to let others through, especially those hauling boats or trailers. Rainy weather? Expect a slippery surface. Slow and steady wins the race on this one! But hey, the scenery is incredible, so take your time and enjoy the ride!
Where is it?
Driving the challenging coastal road to Stony Bay in NZ is located in New Zealand (oceania). Coordinates: -41.8561, 174.4108
Road Details
- Country
- New Zealand
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 6.7 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -41.8561, 174.4108
Related Roads in oceania
extremeThe Cahills crossing isn’t for you (if you’re worried about being eaten by crocodiles)
🇦🇺 Australia
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Cahills Crossing in Australia's Northern Territory! Just a 3.5-hour drive east of Darwin, inside Kakadu National Park, this isn't your average bridge. We're talking about a narrow concrete causeway over the East Alligator River with a serious reputation. This crossing is the only road link between Arnhem Land and Kakadu National Park, so it's kinda important, but also kinda crazy. The Arnhem Highway/Oenpelli Road runs right over it. You'll probably want a high-clearance 4x4, and maybe even a snorkel for your vehicle. Named after a legendary buffalo hunter, Paddy Cahill, this crossing is famed for its saltwater croc population – we're talking over 20 per kilometer! Yep, it's one of the highest croc densities in Australia, and the crocs are HUGE! Seriously, don't even think about swimming. Or wading. Or even dangling your toes in the water. This shallow causeway has claimed lives – fishermen, backpackers, you name it. Abandoned vehicles downstream are a constant reminder. The best time to brave Cahills Crossing is during the dry season (May to October) at low tide. The crossing is usually closed during the wet season (December to May) when the water's way too high. But even then, keep an eye on the weather, because a sudden downpour can quickly raise the water levels and turn that gentle flow into a raging river. It's an iconic spot, with unique wildlife and a palpable sense of danger. Just respect the environment, keep your distance from the water, and maybe watch a few YouTube videos of failed crossings for some extra motivation to be careful!
hardTalawana Track is one of Australia’s Toughest 4WD Tracks
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're smack-dab in the heart of Western Australia, about to tackle the legendary Talawana Track! This isn't just a drive; it's a full-on desert adventure. Built back in '63 by Len Beadell and his crew, this track was all about connecting things for a rocket range project way back when. Now, it's your ticket to some seriously stunning desert scenery. Clocking in at 596 km (370 miles), this outback route stretches from Windy Corner on the Gary Highway all the way to Newman. But hold up – this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking unsealed roads, bone-jarring corrugations, washouts, soft sand that'll swallow your tires, plus a dash of salt pans and maybe even some mud if it's been raining. Don't expect to break any speed records out here, either. You'll be crawling along at around 20-30 km/h, if you're lucky. Seriously, the corrugations are brutal, thanks to all those heavy trucks that have pounded this road. And heads up – it often closes after rain, so plan accordingly. This track is seriously remote! You've gotta be 100% self-sufficient because there are basically zero facilities along the way. Bring all your water, food, and fuel. And pro tip: don't even THINK about doing this one solo. It's a long, tough slog through some seriously isolated country, so be prepared!
moderateBoranup Drive is a great road under the majestic karri trees
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, road trip dreamers, listen up! If you're anywhere near the Margaret River region of Western Australia (think: three hours southwest of Perth), you HAVE to experience Boranup Drive. This 13.8 km (8.5-mile) gem winds right through the incredible Boranup Karri Forest inside Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. It's a gravel road, so while you can totally do it in a 2WD, be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride – we're talking corrugations, potholes, the works! Keep your speed down, though, because it's narrow, and you'll want to share the road. You can tackle it year-round, and trust me, you should. The views are unreal! Cruise up to the Boranup Lookout (222m/728ft high) for panoramic vistas of the coastline, the towering Karri trees, and Hamelin Bay. It’s near the southern end of the road. Plus, the lookout's the starting point for some great bushwalks and has a perfect picnic spot. Honestly, the forest itself is the star here. It is just magical. And hey, you're in the Margaret River region! That means wineries galore, plus caves, surf beaches, and nature trails. Basically, it's a paradise for everyone! Don't even THINK of leaving your camera at home!
hardHow challenging is the Old Andado Track?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're in the Northern Territory of Australia, itching for an adventure. Forget the main highway, because the Old Andado Track is calling your name! This outback dirt track slices through the edge of the Simpson Desert, the world's biggest parallel sand dune desert – some dunes stretch for almost 200km! Now, don't get me wrong, this isn't a Sunday drive. Expect soft, wet sections, especially after rain. This track isn’t exactly pampered with maintenance, so brace yourself for corrugations and dust galore. Seriously, a 4WD is a must, and be prepared for unstable, shifting surfaces. Watch out for flash flooding, even in the dry season. It's about 240km of pure, raw Aussie outback, part of the larger Binns Track tourist route. "Remote" doesn't even begin to describe it! But if you crave solitude and want to disconnect, this is your road. Just come prepared: stock up on water, fuel, and communication gear (no phone service here!), and maybe brush up on your tire-changing skills, because those rocks are no joke. It’s a true remote-area experience!