Driving the Corrugated Ernest Giles Road Through the Desert
Australia, oceania
100 km
N/A
hard
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 – we’re talking serious dips, bone-rattling corrugations, and patches of deep sand that’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 – 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
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 100 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -26.3226, 131.2995
Related Roads in oceania
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!
extremeDriving Down Under: Top 8 Most Dangerous Roads In Australia
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! We're diving into some Aussie asphalt you might want to approach with extra caution. **Remembrance Drive:** Located near Surfers Paradise, this road is notorious for congestion, leading to accidents caused by human error. Stay focused, give way, and don't ignore those traffic signals! **Plenty Road:** Melbourne's got a wild one here. Multiple lanes, tram tracks down the middle, tons of entry/exit points, and a whole lotta traffic lights make for a stressful drive. They're doing upgrades, so hopefully, things will improve, but be extra careful on Thursday afternoons. **Hume Highway:** This section in Liverpool, NSW, between Casula and Campbelltown, sees its share of accidents thanks to tailgating and driver fatigue. If you're feeling sleepy, pull over. A split-second nap can have devastating consequences. **Argyle Street:** Watch out for Argyle Street in Hobart! It's the city's accident hotspot, especially on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings when everyone's rushing to work or school. Keep an eye out for kids! **Macquarie Street:** Right behind Argyle St. in Hobart for accident frequency, Macquarie Street suffers from human error—drivers failing to give way, ignoring traffic signals, and just plain impatient driving in congested conditions. **Morayfield Road:** Just outside Brisbane, Morayfield Road can be a real headache, especially during rush hour. With all its entry and exit points and traffic lights, it's a recipe for accidents if you're not paying attention. **Springvale Road:** This long stretch in Victoria has two particularly tricky spots near Springvale and Glen Waverley. Congestion, distractions, and tailgating all contribute to the high accident rate, especially with multi-lane roads and higher speed limits. **Gympie Road:** In Chermside, Queensland, Gympie Road is a busy route to Brisbane's CBD, and it's known for accidents during the morning rush. Patience is key here!
moderateIs the road to Whakapapa ski field paved?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Cruising through Manawatū-Whanganui, on New Zealand's North Island, you'll find the road to Whakapapa, a ski resort perched way up high. We're talking 1,624m (5,328ft) above sea level! The paved road, Bruce Road, is 6.2km (3.85 miles) of smooth sailing (relatively speaking for a ski field road!) starting from State Highway 48. Don't let that fool you though, it’s a pretty steep climb, with some sections hitting an 11% gradient – buckle up! You’ll gain 457 meters in elevation, with an average gradient of 7.37%. Located on the northern slopes of Mount Ruapehu, the landscape is epic but the weather can change in a heartbeat. Keep an eye on the forecast and pack accordingly. You might even need chains, especially in a 2WD, as you near Whakapapa Village. Also, keep your eye out for a 4x4 only service road (-39.244768, 175.561340) that isn't paved! It leads even further up the mountain to 1,778m (5,833ft). This area has claimed lives in the past due to severe weather. Be prepared!
moderateHow Long is the Haast Highway?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're cruising the Haast Highway on New Zealand's South Island. It’s easily one of the most mind-blowing coastal drives on the planet. This fully paved ribbon of road stretches for about 275 kilometers (171 miles) along the wild West Coast, and it's been around since the 1960s. You'll start near Haast (a chill little town by the Haast River) and wind your way north to Hokitika, the area's biggest town. You *could* drive it straight through, but seriously, don’t! You'll want to stop at all the hidden bays and viewpoints. The scenery is epic – we're talking dramatic coastline, secret beaches, and views that'll make your jaw drop. It's a must-do for any road trip adventure in New Zealand!