Driving the Corrugated Ernest Giles Road Through the Desert

Driving the Corrugated Ernest Giles Road Through the Desert

Australia, oceania

Length

100 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

The Ernest Giles Road in the Northern Territory is a true Aussie outback adventure! Named after the explorer Ernest Giles, this isn't your Sunday drive. Think 100km (62 miles) of red desert stretching between the Luritja Road and the Stuart Highway, linking cattle stations and remote communities.

This track demands a 4WD โ€“ weโ€™re talking serious dips, bone-rattling corrugations, and patches of deep sand thatโ€™ll test your skills. You'll want to lower your tire pressure! Oh, and did I mention it closes regularly during the wet season?

Be warned: this road isn't pampered. It's rough, remote, and can become a muddy, slippery mess after rain. Even 4WDs can get stuck out here, so pack extra water, spares, and let someone know your plans. Don't even think about attempting this in a 2WD! Mobile coverage? Forget about it!

Despite the challenges, the scenery is incredible. Imagine driving through a landscape painted in vibrant reds, with dust devils dancing in the distance. The real reward? Visiting the Henbury Meteorite Craters, a truly otherworldly sight. Just remember to be prepared for anything โ€“ this road is as unpredictable as it is beautiful, offering a real taste of the raw Australian outback.

Where is it?

Driving the Corrugated Ernest Giles Road Through the Desert is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -26.3226, 131.2995

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Australia
Continent
oceania
Length
100 km
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
-26.3226, 131.2995

Related Roads in oceania

Binns Track is a memorable road trip in Australiamoderate

Binns Track is a memorable road trip in Australia

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Australia

Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're looking for the ultimate Aussie 4x4 experience, you HAVE to check out the Binns Track. Named after a legendary NT park ranger, this isn't just a drive; it's an odyssey through the heart of Australia. Clocking in at a massive 2,191 km (1,361 miles), this epic track starts at the Mt. Dare Hotel near the South Australian border and winds its way all the way up to Timber Creek in the Northern Territory. Forget pavement โ€“ this is pure, unadulterated outback driving. We're talking mountains, deserts, sprawling plains โ€“ you name it! But be warned, this isn't a Sunday cruise. Get ready for sandy inclines, tricky riverbeds, rocky sections, boggy bits, and of course, that infamous bulldust. Located in the remote north-central part of the country, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Just a heads-up, though: this track can be a bit temperamental, and is often closed between December and May due to the weather, so plan accordingly!

How long is the road to Mount Kosciuszko?moderate

How long is the road to Mount Kosciuszko?

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Australia

Okay, picture this: you're in New South Wales, Australia, ready to conquer the country's highest peak! We're talking about Mount Kosciuszko, a majestic beauty reaching 2,228m (7,310ft). Once upon a time, you could drive almost to the top! Now, the old road is a hiking and biking trail. The adventure starts in the Snowy Mountains, inside Kosciuszko National Park. The Summit Road trail stretches for 9.2km (5.71 miles) โ€“ a totally unpaved path of gravel and rocks. This climb is a total must-do. You'll pass the iconic Snowy River and the historic Seamans Hut. Rawson Pass, nestled at the base of the mountain, offers stunning views of the main range. Cyclists, take note: you can ride up to Rawson Pass, but then it's time to park the bike and hike the rest of the way. Oh, and did I mention Rawson Pass is home to Australia's highest public toilets? Pretty cool, right? The road crosses the Snowy River at 4.5 km and then ascends gradually to Seaman's Hut (6 km), Rawson's Pass (8 km), and, finally, to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. Get ready for breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience!

Driving the challenging coastal road to Stony Bay in NZhard

Driving the challenging coastal road to Stony Bay in NZ

๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ New Zealand

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 โ€“ 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!

Blue Rag Range Track is only for 4WD cars with good clearancehard

Blue Rag Range Track is only for 4WD cars with good clearance

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Australia

Deep in Australia's Victorian High Country lies the Blue Rag Range Track, an off-road adventure that's not for the faint of heart. This remote track, clocking in at just under 16km, is strictly 4WD territory โ€“ you'll need good clearance to tackle it. Starting from the Dargo High Plains Road, it's a wild ride to the Wongungarra River. This rough gravel track snakes across the range, boasting some of the highest alpine views in the country. Expect rocky, steep climbs, nail-biting descents, and precarious mountain edges that'll keep you on your toes. Reaching a peak elevation of 1,715m (5,626ft) near Mount Blue Rag, you're in true Australian Alps territory. Keep an eye on the weather โ€“ snow can fall unexpectedly, and the Dargo High Plains Road closes during the snow season. This track is a serious challenge, demanding off-road expertise and a sharp eye. Think rocky climbs, steep descents, and major drop-offs. Some sections are incredibly narrow with tight turns and steep inclines. The views are epic, but the sheer drops can be unnerving. Itโ€™s best tackled with at least two vehicles and experienced drivers. Rainy days mean ruts and extra difficulty. Allow 2-3 hours for a non-stop drive, but you'll want to stop and soak in the views, turning it into a longer experience. The track delivers breathtaking Alpine National Park scenery with 360ยบ views at the summit that make every nerve-wracking moment worthwhile.