Driving the Curvy Gillies Range Road in Queensland
Australia, oceania
55.7 km
800 m
extreme
Year-round
Winding its way through the tropics of Queensland, Australia, the Gillies Range Road (also known as the Gillies Highway or Cairns Range Road) is a must-drive for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike! Officially named after a former Premier, this fully paved road stretches for about 56 km (35 miles) between Gordonvale and Atherton, offering incredible mountain and forest views.
Originally opened in 1926 and widened since, this road is a popular route, now seeing thousands of vehicles daily. Be prepared for a seriously twisty ride! The most famous 19 km section boasts a whopping 263 corners and an 800-meter elevation change as you climb through the Gillies Range. You'll hit a peak elevation of 829 meters (2,719 ft). It's not for the faint of heart, with rock walls on one side and steep drop-offs on the other, but the views are worth it!
A word of caution: keep an eye out for Southern Cassowaries! These endangered, flightless birds are known to wander onto a section of the road. Remember to slow down, keep your windows up, and never feed them. It's not just illegal; it's dangerous for both you and the birds! Recent speed limit reviews have set a consistent 80km/h limit, with advisory signs posted on curves to keep you safe.
Where is it?
Driving the Curvy Gillies Range Road in Queensland is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -27.1088, 136.3651
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 55.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 800 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -27.1088, 136.3651
Related Roads in oceania
hardIs Duffers Saddle unpaved?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're in Central Otago, New Zealand, itching for an adventure. Duffers Saddle is calling your name! This high mountain pass sits way up there, but don't let that scare you. The road leading to the top? Gravel, baby! It's a bit rough and tumble, with a few river fords thrown in to keep things interesting. While you *might* be able to coax a standard car up there for half the year, a 4WD is really the way to go. It's a pretty easy and rewarding drive in good weather. Just be aware that past the saddle, the track gets even more challenging. At the summit, there's a small parking area, perfect for soaking in the views. Now, about winter... Nope! Mother Nature shuts this place down from early June to the end of September. Even in summer, the weather can turn on a dime, so be prepared. Seriously, a sign warns you this is the highest public road in New Zealand! Heads up: traveling with friends is smart here. You're going way out there, and help is a long way off. The drive is pretty remote, so you'll need to be ready for anything. And forget about your phone – no signal! Vehicles break down here, so be prepared. Oh, and did I mention the 26 small river crossings? After heavy rain, they can get a bit hairy. But hey, along the way, you'll spot cool historical reminders of the past.
easyDriving the scenic Tasman Valley Road in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, road trip lovers, let me tell you about a gem on New Zealand's South Island: Tasman Valley Road! Picture this: you're cruising along a beautifully paved, winding road in Mt Cook National Park, heading straight towards the magnificent Tasman Glacier. This road, upgraded from a gravel track back in 2014, is your gateway to adventure. We're talking Wakefield Falls (a total stunner!), the best views of the Tasman Glacier, and the serene Lake Tasman. Feeling adventurous? Pop over to the Blue Lakes for a summer swim and keep your eyes peeled for the tiny Rifleman bird! Starting just off State Highway 80, south of Aoraki/Mount Cook, this 7.1 km (4.41 miles) stretch ends in a handy parking area – perfect for a picnic with epic views. (Just don't take your car on that rough 4x4 track beyond the carpark!) Word of warning: the weather here can change in a heartbeat, so pack accordingly. It's usually open year-round, but heavy snow can close it down. And watch out for sandflies – bug spray is your friend! The drive itself only takes about 15-25 minutes without stops, but trust me, you'll WANT to stop. This road sees around 60,000 visitors each year, all eager to soak in the incredible sights of the 27 km long Tasman Glacier. Get ready for views that'll blow your mind!
moderateHow long is the South Face Road to Mount Baw Baw Resort?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: South Face Road, your rugged route to Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort in Victoria, Australia! We're talking about a climb that tops out at a cool 1,478 meters (4,849 feet). This isn't just a Sunday drive, folks. You'll find yourself cruising for 30.3 kilometers (18.82 miles) after leaving Thomson Valley Road, north of Rawson. Now, here's the kicker: forget the pavement! This beauty is all about that unsealed life. Expect a gorgeous trek through the National Park before winding your way up those narrow mountain roads. Worried about hairpin turns? Relax! South Face Road is actually pretty tame compared to the Mount Baw Baw Tourist Road. So, if you get carsick easily, this might be your best bet, especially when the weather turns nasty. The gradient's steady and the turns are gentle. But don't get too comfy – this road gets seriously steep in sections, boasting gradients up to 17%! It's known as one of the toughest climbs in Australia for road cyclists. Heads up: fuel up *before* you head up! There are no gas stations on the mountain. And ditch that GPS – it might lead you astray. Keep an eye out for logging trucks year-round, and take it slow around corners. Winter warriors, listen up: conditions can change on a dime in the Alps. If you're driving in snow season, carry chains. And Erica is your last chance to grab those chains, so plan accordingly! And throw some antifreeze in your diesel, dress warmly, and pack sunscreen.
hardA beautiful and harrowing road to Eaglehawk Lookout
🌍 Tasmania
Okay, picture this: you're on the Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania, itching for adventure. Forget the smooth, predictable routes and head straight for Eaglehawk Lookout! This little gem sits way up high at 351 meters (that's over 1,150 feet!). The road to get there, Plateau Road, is where the real fun begins. Forget pavement – this is a wild, unsealed track winding its way to the top. We're talking serious potholes and sections so narrow you'll be holding your breath. Trust me, you'll want a 4x4 with good clearance for this one! The 8.1-kilometer (5-mile) journey kicks off from the Arthur Highway and plunges straight into Tasman National Park. And get ready for some serious climbs, because this road isn't messing around, boasting gradients up to 15%! But, oh my goodness, the views! As you ascend, you'll be treated to incredible vistas of the rugged coastline, Eaglehawk Neck, and Pirates Bay far below. It's a bumpy ride, but those views? Totally worth it.