
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
hardOutback Highway is an adventure track you will never forget
🇦🇺 Australia
# The Outback Way: Australia's Ultimate 4WD Adventure Ready to tackle one of the most legendary off-road experiences on the planet? The Outback Way is Australia's longest shortcut – a jaw-dropping 2,800 km (1,740 mi) journey that cuts straight through the heart of the continent from Laverton, Western Australia, to Winton, Queensland. This isn't your typical highway drive. You'll be navigating through three states – Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland – on roughly 1,750 km of unsealed roads that demand a serious 4WD vehicle. But that's exactly what makes it magical: you'll access some of Australia's most remote and untouched desert landscapes that most travelers never get to see. Fair warning though – this is genuine outback country. You're looking at stretches where civilization is thin on the ground, with up to 300 km between fuel stops, food, and accommodation. Communications can be sketchy, and repair services are few and far between. Come prepared. The payoff? Absolutely stunning scenery. You'll drive past iconic landmarks like Ayers Rock, the Olgas, and the spectacular Peterman and MacDonnell Ranges. The route stitches together seven different roads including the Great Central Road, Gunbarrel Highway, Stuart Highway, and more – each section offering its own flavor of Australian outback magic. Plan for at least 3-4 days of solid driving, though 6-7 days is realistic if you want to actually stop and soak in the highlights. Stick to daytime driving – the outback isn't forgiving after dark. **Timing matters:** Hit the road between March and November when temperatures are reasonable. Summer (November to March) brings brutal heat and heavy rains that can make roads impassable. Check those weather forecasts before you leave.
moderateNavigating the Sydney Harbour Area
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: the Barkly Highway. We're talking proper outback stuff, stretching over 865km (537 miles) through the Northern Territory and Queensland. It's mostly flat, but don't be fooled, the vastness is the real challenge. Elevation is barely a blip, hovering around 200-300 meters (650-1000 feet). The biggest danger? Probably boredom, or roos hopping out of nowhere. But seriously, be mindful of wildlife, road trains (those mega-trucks!), and fatigue. The scenery is… well, it's the outback. Think endless horizons, red dirt, and sparse vegetation. It's beautiful in its own stark way, especially at sunrise and sunset when the colours are insane. Just make sure you've got plenty of water, fuel, and a sense of adventure, because this is one long and lonely stretch of road.
easyIs Tasman Valley Road in NZ paved?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the South Island of New Zealand, heading towards the majestic Tasman Glacier. You turn off State Highway 80 onto Tasman Valley Road, and bam! You're on a smooth, paved ribbon of road that winds its way for about 7 km (a little over 4 miles) into pure scenic bliss. This used to be a gravel track, but they paved it back in 2014, so it's a comfy ride. It'll probably take you between 15 and 25 minutes to drive, if you don't stop, but who wouldn't? You'll be wanting to stop and soak it all in. The road leads to killer viewpoints like Wakefield Falls, which is a real showstopper, and Lake Tasman. Keep an eye out for the Blue Lakes – perfect for a summer dip – and maybe even spot a rifleman, New Zealand's tiniest bird. At the end of the road, there's a parking lot with picnic tables and restrooms. Beyond the car park is a rough 4X4 track. Heads up: the weather here can flip on you FAST. Even if it's sunny, be prepared for sudden temperature drops, especially at night. Snow's pretty common in winter, and the road sometimes closes because of it. And, the sandflies might pay you a visit, so pack some bug spray, just in case. You'll be treated to mind-blowing views of the 27 km Tasman Glacier, NZ's longest. Trust me, this drive is worth every second.
hardSnowy Mountains Highway is a scenic, high altitude driving route in NSW
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: Snowy Mountains Highway, a seriously gorgeous drive through the Aussie Alps in New South Wales. This isn't just any road; it's a 332km (206-mile) adventure snaking through the northern part of Kosciuszko National Park. We're talking a fully paved ribbon of asphalt that connects Tumut (off the Hume Highway) with Bega (on the Princess Highway). Get ready for some alpine eye candy! This winding mountain road is packed with sharp curves, blind corners, and hairpin turns that’ll keep you on your toes. But trust me, the views are SO worth it. Seriously, some of the best the region has to offer. The highest point sits at a cool 1,498m (4,914ft) above sea level, and you can drive it year-round. Just a heads-up though: those higher altitudes can get snowy during winter. Weather can change in a heartbeat, so keep an eye on the forecast. If you're driving in winter, be prepared for anything, especially when snow plows are out and about!