Driving the remote Gary Highway in the Gibson Desert
Australia, oceania
323 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: the Gary Highway, smack-dab in remote Western Australia. This isn't your Sunday drive kinda road, folks. We're talking seriously unsealed, 4x4 territory only! Think corrugated dirt track stretching 323km (201 miles) through the ridiculously arid Gibson and Great Sandy Deserts.
Len Beadell carved this bad boy out back in '63, and it runs roughly south-to-north, connecting the Gunbarrel Highway near Everard Junction to the Gary Junction Road at, you guessed it, Gary Junction. Most of it is straight as an arrow, except for a fun little wiggle around some sand dunes. The scenery is harsh but epic in its own way. Seriously, though, vehicle prep and careful planning are crucial here. You're out in the middle of nowhere!
Where is it?
Driving the remote Gary Highway in the Gibson Desert is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -28.2264, 132.5385
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 323 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -28.2264, 132.5385
Related Roads in oceania
moderateHow long is Oodnadatta Track?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, so you're heading to South Australia and want an epic outback adventure? Check out the Oodnadatta Track! This legendary dirt road stretches for 622km (386 miles), connecting Marree in the south to Marla in the northwest, offering a real alternative to the Stuart Highway if you're heading to the Northern Territory. So, how tough is it? Well, most vehicles can handle it when it's dry, but a 4WD will make the journey way more comfortable, and it's a must if there's been any rain. Think well-maintained gravel, but watch out for washouts, sandy patches, potholes, and those bone-jarring corrugations, especially between William Creek and Oodnadatta. You'll also be crossing a few creeks and rivers, usually dry though! When's the best time to go? Aim for April to October. Trust me, you do NOT want to be out there between November and March – it's brutally hot. How long will it take? Non-stop, you're looking at 11-13 hours, cruising at around 60-80 km/h. But you'll definitely want to stop and explore! This track follows an old Aboriginal trading route and the scenery is stunningly semi-desert. You'll be skirting the southern edge of Lake Eyre National Park, passing through outback settlements like William Creek and Oodnadatta. Keep an eye out for the remnants of old railway sidings and telegraph stations, like Coward Springs Campground (with its artesian spa!) and Curdimurka. Plus, there are tons of natural springs along the way, fed by the Great Artesian Basin. It's the perfect introduction to outback driving!
hardDriving the steep unpaved road to Ohau Snow Fields in the Mackenzie High Country
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Nestled in the Mackenzie High Country of New Zealand's South Island, near the majestic Mt Cook, lies Ōhau Snow Fields, a ski resort sitting pretty at 1,469m (4,819ft). The gateway? Ohau Mountain Access Road. This isn't your average mountain road. It's a well-maintained gravel track, surprisingly smooth, and one of the best alpine drives you'll find. Sure, it's narrow, seriously steep in sections (averaging 10.1%!), and missing those reassuring safety rails. Plus, with that stunning lake backdrop, the drop-offs look extra dramatic! A 4WD is a good idea, just in case. This road dates back to 1956. The climb kicks off from Lake Ohau Road and stretches for 9.3 km (5.77 miles), climbing a whopping 940 meters. That means you're in for some hairpin turns and breathtaking scenery. Speaking of which, keep an eye on the sky—the weather up here in the Ohau Range can change on a dime, so pack accordingly! Trust me, the drive is totally worth it. Get your camera ready because you'll be pulling over constantly for photo ops. The views up the valley towards Aoraki Mount Cook and overlooking Lake Ohau are simply epic. You'll even catch sneak peeks of the snow field before you arrive at the car park, where a full panoramic view awaits. Prepare to be amazed!
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering the Jim Jim Falls
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! You're heading to Jim Jim Falls, a mind-blowing 200-meter waterfall tucked away in the Northern Territory's Kakadu National Park, Australia. First things first: this ain't no Sunday drive. Jim Jim Road, which leads you there, starts off pretty chill, getting you to the camping area no problem. But then, things get real. The last 10 kilometers transforms into a 4WD-only playground (or challenge, depending on your perspective!). Think single-lane track, soft sand that wants to swallow your tires, and corrugations that'll give your fillings a run for their money. Seriously, check your rental agreement – some companies aren’t fans of this kind of fun. The whole track is 57.2 km (35.54 miles) long, peeling off of the main Kakadu Highway (State Route 21). Allow around two hours for the drive – you won’t be setting any speed records. And remember, this adventure is only on during the dry season (May to October). The wet season brings flash floods that shut the whole thing down. Now, a word of caution: saltwater crocs call this place home. Swimming is strictly off-limits, unless you fancy becoming a croc's lunch. And those creek crossings? Yeah, they can get deep and fast-flowing. Before you even think about splashing through, check with the Bowali Visitor Centre for water depth info. Sometimes a snorkel is required, and NEVER get out of your car. But, trust me, the views are worth it. Lush landscapes, dramatic scenery, and then BAM – this incredible waterfall. There's plenty of parking once you make it to the end of the road. Just make sure you’re not driving in the dark, and remember to grab a park pass to enter Kakadu National Park. Get ready for an unforgettable Aussie outback experience!
moderateHow long is Stockton Beach 4wd Track?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you, your 4x4, and 30km (18 miles) of pure Aussie beach bliss! Stockton Beach, just an hour north of Newcastle in New South Wales, is calling your name. This isn't just any beach drive; it's a proper 4WD adventure through the Worimi Regional Park, stretching from Williamtown to Anna Bay. Get ready to tackle some seriously impressive sand dunes – some towering up to 30 meters! These aren't your average gentle slopes; they're steep, thrilling, and demand respect. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles attempting the climbs! But before you hit the sand, remember to deflate those tires and grab a permit. This track can get busy during peak seasons, so timing is key. High tide can make sections impassable, so aim to travel at low tide – the sand's firmer near the water's edge, making for a smoother (and safer) ride. Avoid sudden movements, and always drive straight down the dunes. Keep an eye out for remnants of WWII defense systems scattered along the beach, and remember you are exploring the largest moving sand dune system in the southern hemisphere. The track can be closed at any time due to the weather. You might even recognize it from the original Mad Max movie!