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
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.
hardDriving the Unsealed and Challenging Road to Mount Cheeseman
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! We're heading to Mount Cheeseman on New Zealand's South Island, clocking in at a cool 1,550m (that's over 5,000ft!). This spot, nestled in the Southern Alps, is about an hour and a half (111 km) outside Christchurch, Canterbury, and it's home to the Mt Cheeseman Ski Area. Now, the road up? Buckle up because it's an unpaved beauty, about 12 km (7.45 miles) of pure Kiwi wilderness. You'll find the turnoff on the Great Alpine Highway (SH 73), just past Castle Hill village – keep your eyes peeled for the entrance on the left before the Broken River Bridge. The Mount Cheeseman Access Road isn't for the faint of heart. We're talking 4x4 territory only, folks! Leave the campervan at home. Expect steep climbs, narrow sections, and some thrilling drop-offs. Chains are a must-pack. The road starts winding through a beech forest before opening up to some seriously stunning alpine views. There's an unload point near the Base T-Bar, with the carpark just a bit further down the road. Word to the wise: this is alpine country, so the weather can flip on a dime. Conditions can change from good to challenging in no time. Always respect those road closures and locked gates – there's a reason they're there! But, if you're prepared for a bit of ruggedness (Mt Cheeseman staff call it "scenic," haha!), the views are SO worth it. Get ready for an epic drive!
extremeEverything you need to know about the tough Dingle Burn Peninsula Track in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Deep in New Zealand's South Island lurks the Dingle Burn Peninsula Track, a real bruiser! Hugging the eastern edge of Lake Hawea, this completely unpaved route is a wild ride of steep inclines, exposed sections, and loose gravel. They say it's one of the most exhilarating backroads around. Be warned, it gets seriously narrow as it snakes around some seriously high bluffs – not for the faint of heart! This 56.6 km (35.16 miles) engineering marvel stretches from Gladstone (Otago) up to the Canterbury border, running south to north. The first 16km, from the start to Dingle Burn, are apparently the toughest – a seriously scary cliff-side road. Keep in mind, this track cuts through private land and is sometimes closed to vehicles. You might even be held up for up to five hours while livestock are moved along the route. The weather can change on a dime out here, and avalanches are a real risk, especially from May to November. So, tell someone your plans and set a return time, just in case. Built in the 1950s and opened in 1963, the track sits high above Lake Hawea in the Hāwea Conservation Park. Landslides are pretty common, but on a clear day, the views, including Mount Aspiring/Tititea to the northwest, are absolutely breathtaking!
extremeResearch Your Transport Options
🇳🇿 New Zealand
New Zealand: a driver's dream, but hold on tight! The scenery is straight off a postcard, but the roads? Think narrow, winding mountain passes, those sneaky "shingle roads" (that's unpaved to you and me), and weather that changes faster than you can say "Lord of the Rings." Forget just renting a car; you need to be ready for the challenge. First things first: those distances on the map? Multiply them by, well, a lot. These roads are hilly and seriously twisty! **Need-to-Knows:** * **Give Way Arrows:** These are everywhere. Red ones mean STOP. No arguments. * **Gravel Alert:** Prepare for loose gravel, especially on those super scenic routes. Slow down to keep control! * **Chains, Chains, Chains:** Driving in winter? Snow chains are a MUST, no exceptions. * **Fuel Up:** Towns can be *looooong* distances apart. If you see a gas station, fill 'er up! **Wheels to Choose:** Flying is fine for getting between cities, but for the real adventure? Rent a ride. South Island explorers, consider a 4WD or sturdy SUV – especially if Skippers Canyon or the Catlins are on your list. On a budget? Campervans are classic, but remember, those mountain switchbacks and high winds demand serious focus! **Sleep Easy (or Camp Free!):** Booking your digs is key. Luxurious lodges? Sure. But for road trippers, holiday parks and Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites are where it's at. Campervan fans, learn those "Freedom Camping" rules: you need a self-contained vehicle and designated parking spots. Book ahead during peak season (Dec-Feb). **Road Rules & Kiwi Cool:** Roads are narrow, often with no shoulder. Locals know their stuff and tend to drive faster. Be courteous, use "slow vehicle bays" to let others pass. It's the Kiwi way! And soak in the local culture: those small towns are packed with Māori and early settler history. **Real-Time Info:** Forget general travel sites; find the official transport authority for real-time road closures, especially in winter when passes like Arthur's Pass or Haast Pass can get snowed in. There are also apps that will help you find remote campsites and water refill stations. **Survival Kit Essentials:** Long stretches of wilderness are common. Pack a basic emergency kit with water and food. Help can be hours away in places like the West Coast or the Southern Alps. Always check the weather before hitting the mountains: sunshine can turn into a blizzard in minutes. **Beyond the Road:** New Zealand's outdoor scene is EPIC. National parks galore! But getting to those incredible views (Milford Sound, glaciers) often means driving through tricky tunnels and down steep slopes. Respect the terrain, manage your fuel, and get ready for one of the most rewarding drives EVER.