Driving the North West Coastal Highway in Western Australia is a Lifetime Experience
Australia, oceania
1,299 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Cruising the North West Coastal Highway in Western Australia is like stepping into another world. This epic stretch of asphalt snakes for 1,299 km (807 miles) through the remote north-west, and it’s perfect for any vehicle.
Originally pieced together from existing tracks in 1944 and fully sealed by the early '70s, this road hugs the coast as it travels from Geraldton up to Port Hedland. Marked as National Route 1, it’s hard to miss.
Expect a landscape that'll blow your mind – think vast coastal plains melting into harsh deserts and rugged outback terrain. You'll be treated to some of the most impressive coastal views Australia has to offer.
Be warned though, you’ll encounter long, isolated stretches and may not see another car for hours. The trade-off is some seriously spectacular views. Keep an eye on the weather and be prepared for anything – this is the real Australian wilderness!
Where is it?
Driving the North West Coastal Highway in Western Australia is a Lifetime Experience is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -28.2838, 132.6562
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 1,299 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -28.2838, 132.6562
Related Roads in oceania
moderateThe road to Cape Palliser Lighthouse is one of NZ's best coastal drives
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're cruising down the southern coast of New Zealand's North Island, Wellington region bound, for an unforgettable road trip to the iconic Cape Palliser Lighthouse. This isn't just any lighthouse; this beauty's been standing tall since 1897, perched at the North Island's southernmost tip. Get ready for a mini-workout because you'll need to conquer around 250 steps to reach it. Trust me, the panoramic views from the top of the 18-meter tower are worth every step! It's been automated since '86, but it still flashes its warning twice every 20 seconds. Cape Palliser Road? It's a 35 km (21-mile) stunner that kicks off from Lake Ferry Road. On one side, you've got dramatic cliffs; on the other, black-sand beaches and endless ocean views that will leave you breathless. Heads up: while most of the road is paved, the final 7.2 km (4.47 miles) turns to gravel and can get slick after a bit of rain. Take it slow around spots like Whatarangi where erosion can be an issue. Oh, and keep an eye out for the one-lane bridges – they add to the adventure! If you’re rolling in a rental, double-check your insurance covers unsealed roads, especially near the lighthouse. Once you reach the top, those sweeping vistas of Palliser Bay and the South Island are unreal. And don't forget to visit the nearby shoreline to spot the North Island’s largest fur seal colony. Seriously, this coastal drive is up there with the best in the world.
hardDriving the Taumatamaire Road is not a piece of cake
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, Kiwis and adventure-seekers, listen up! Ever heard of Taumatamaire Road? It's a wild ride in the western North Island of New Zealand that'll get your heart pumping. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a completely unsealed, narrow track with some seriously steep sections – think a grunty 12% gradient in places! You'll climb all the way up to a repeater station, perched at a cool 402m (1,318ft) above sea level. Trust me, the views are worth it, but save this one for daylight hours. Night driving? No way, mate. The road stretches for 23.6 km (14.66 miles), winding its way from Awakino, right where the Awakino River meets the sea, to State Highway 3 south of Mahoenui. Before you go, get the latest local intel – conditions can change quickly!
moderateDriving the terrifying coastal road to Port Jackson in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Port Jackson is a cute beach town on New Zealand's North Island, famous for its awesome campsite. Getting there is half the fun, with a remote, narrow, winding gravel road that's easily one of the most scenic drives ever! You'll find Port Jackson tucked away at the very northern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula, right on the beach. The road, simply called Port Jackson Road, is completely unpaved right at the water's edge. It stretches for about 26 km from Colville Road to Port Jackson, a gorgeous, bumpy ride without those annoying washboard corrugations. Heads up, though: you'll be hugging some serious drop-offs with massive cliffs and zero guardrails, so if you get vertigo easily, maybe keep your eyes on the road! There are also super narrow spots, so drive slow and hope you don't meet anyone coming the other way. The road took a beating in some recent storms, and while it's been patched up, expect some one-way sections and compromised areas. A reliable 4WD is your best bet for this drive. Take it easy, and if you're towing anything, be prepared to reverse a bit if you meet another vehicle. Seriously, you might encounter some bigger rigs than yours. The drive is all about those stunning coastal views! If heights aren't your thing, just focus on the road ahead. You'll have lush, hilly landscapes on one side and the wild ocean on the other. Think incredible beaches and endless outdoor adventures. Allow around an hour for the drive without stops. It's pretty chill in winter, but during summer (especially mid-December to mid-January), it gets crazy busy with campervans, trucks, and boat-towing vehicles. Be extra careful, and if you're a new driver, maybe skip it during the Christmas holidays. An early start is always a good idea to beat the crowds.
hardThe road to Mount Useful, pure adventure
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: Mount Useful, rising to a cool 1,436 meters in Victoria's Gippsland region. You'll find it tucked away in the Mount Useful Natural Features and Scenic Reserve. Heads up, the road to the top is unpaved. But trust me, it’s worth it for the views. Once you're up there by the fire and communications towers, you can see all the way to Bairnsdale and Lake King, like 100 km away! The road's a bit of a goat track in places. It's narrow, and there are a few spots where it kicks up pretty steeply. The climb from Springs Road is only about 750 meters, with a 40-meter elevation gain. So it's not too bad, and generally open all year, though it might be temporarily closed during winter if the weather turns nasty.