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
moderateDriving the scenic Spring Creek Road in Queensland
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna escape the city and dive into some seriously stunning scenery? Then Spring Creek Mountain Road in southern Queensland is calling your name! This little gem, part of Tourist Drive 21, is a 38.7km (24 mile) stretch of road that winds its way from Killarney, in the Southern Downs, all the way to Carneys Creek, in the Scenic Rim. Just a 2.5-hour hop from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, it’s perfect for a day trip. Be warned, though: it's a bit rough around the edges! Think narrow lanes (sometimes just one!), crazy steep climbs (we're talking up to 15%!), and pavement that's seen better days. Definitely leave the caravan at home and avoid it if you're in a larger vehicle. The road climbs up to 1,054m (3,458ft) above sea level. But trust me, the views are SO worth it! Plan around 50 minutes to soak it all in. Tucked away in the Mowbray Valley, this hidden gem is a photographer's dream. Expect breathtaking lookouts and viewpoints at every turn, plus easy access to the majestic Browns Falls, Daggs Falls, and the iconic Queen Mary Falls. It's a unique slice of Queensland that's still relatively untouched – get there before everyone else does!
moderateCrossing the Coopers Creek Bridge is not for the sissies
🇦🇺 Australia
Alright, road trip enthusiasts, listen up! Let's talk Coopers Creek Bridge in the heart of Central West Queensland, Australia. Forget boring bridges, this one's a stunner! We're talking a nearly 100-meter stretch of concrete ribbon that carries you across the landscape on the unpaved Diamantina Developmental Road. So, buckle up for a ride that's as much about the journey as the destination. Get ready for wide open spaces and that raw, untamed beauty that only the Australian outback can offer.
hardIs Wards Pass unpaved?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Wards Pass! This South Island gem in New Zealand climbs to 1,145m (3,757ft) and connects Blenheim to Hanmer Springs, snaking between the Acheron and Awatere Rivers. Now, here's the kicker: it's a completely unpaved, gravel road. Expect loose surfaces, especially near the edges, so keep your wits about you. Most 2WD and AWD cars with good clearance can handle it, but leave the caravans, buses, and anything over 7 meters at home. Towing a trailer? You'll need a permit. Nestled high in the Rachel Range of the Inland Kaikoura Ranges, the views are absolutely epic! Just remember, it's a seasonal road. Aim to visit between October 1st and Easter Monday (or the second Sunday in April, if that's later) when it's open from 7 am to 7 pm. Get ready for some serious off-the-beaten-path beauty!
moderateA scenic coastal road to Tapotupotu Beach
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're up in the Aupouri Peninsula, practically at the tippy-top of New Zealand's North Island, heading to a hidden gem called Tapotupotu Beach. Now, the road in – Tapotupotu Road – it's a bit of an adventure in itself. Forget smooth tarmac; this is a 3.1km (1.92 miles) stretch of well-maintained gravel, kicking up a cloud of dust as you go. It's a single lane, so take your time and enjoy the ride. Starting from the main drag (State Highway 1), you'll soon be breathing in that fresh, salty air. Just a heads up: this beach is wild and unpatrolled, so keep your wits about you if you're planning a swim. But hey, bragging rights are yours for visiting one of New Zealand's northernmost beaches, practically next door to Cape Reinga!