Driving the scenic Hamersley Drive on the south coast of Western Australia
Australia, oceania
65.2 km
N/A
easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the south coast of Western Australia, wind in your hair, heading north from Hopetoun. You're in the Shire of Ravensthorpe, exploring the legendary Fitzgerald River National Park.
This is the Hamersley Drive Heritage Trail Scenic Drive, a total stunner stretching for about 65 km. The first part? Smooth, paved road hugging a ridiculously beautiful coastline with killer lookout points. As you head further in the northern part it turns to unpaved gravel.
Keep in mind, even though it's mostly a two-wheel drive kind of road, conditions can change quickly. Rain can shut it down, so check ahead. But if the weather's on your side, get ready for some serious coastal drama!
Where is it?
Driving the scenic Hamersley Drive on the south coast of Western Australia is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -24.1205, 133.8919
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 65.2 km
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- -24.1205, 133.8919
Related Roads in oceania
moderateDriving through the narrow Moki Tunnel in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in New Zealand's North Island, in the Taranaki region, lies the Moki Tunnel. Picture this: a 180-meter-long, one-lane tunnel carved straight through the landscape! Back in 1935, some seriously dedicated folks from the Public Works Department hand-dug this bad boy with nothing but picks and shovels to make the Moki Saddle passable during winter. Can you believe it? Originally, it was only 5 meters high, but they dug deeper in 1989, boosting it to 7 meters. The road itself? It's part of the legendary Forgotten World Highway (State Highway 43) between Taumarunui and Stratford – a drive you won't soon forget! Just past the tunnel, the road opens into the scenic Tangarakau Gorge, where the pavement turns to gravel. Word to the wise: it can get slick when it rains. Inside Whanganui National Park, this tunnel is affectionately nicknamed "Hobbit's Hole" (even has a sign to prove it!). Just a heads-up – vehicles over 4.5 meters are a no-go, and it’s snug even for regular cars. There's a gravel parking area where you can stretch your legs and learn about the tunnel's history. Seriously, this is a must-see for anyone craving a bit of off-the-beaten-path New Zealand magic!
moderateCrown Range Road
🇳🇿 New Zealand
# Crown Range Road: NZ's Ultimate Alpine Drive If you're looking for the most spectacular way to connect Queenstown and Wanaka, skip the boring highway via Cromwell and take the Crown Range Road instead. This 67-kilometer beauty is New Zealand's highest sealed road, climbing to a seriously impressive 1,076 meters as it cuts straight across the Crown Range in Central Otago. The adventure starts intense—you'll climb steeply out of the Kawarau Gorge through a series of nail-biting switchbacks that'll have you gripping the steering wheel. But honestly? The views make it totally worth it. You get these incredible panoramas sweeping back over the Wakatipu Basin and the dramatic Remarkables mountains. At the summit, there's a quick walk to a lookout that'll blow your mind with 360-degree views of Lake Wakatipu, Lake Wanaka, and all the peaks surrounding you. Coming down the other side, you'll pass the charming Cardrona Hotel (a proper 1863 gem) and the Cardrona ski field—great spots to stop and soak up the scenery. Fair warning though: if you're driving this in winter, things get serious. The summit can get snowbound, and you might need to carry chains. It adds an extra thrill to the crossing, but definitely check conditions before heading up.
hardTop 10 Most Dangerous Roads in New Zealand
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're in New Zealand, ready for an epic drive! But hold on, some of these roads are *not* for the faint of heart. First up, a road so intense you need a permit to even attempt it! Think crazy sharp turns and sheer drops of hundreds of meters. Hope you're good at reversing, because if you meet someone coming the other way, one of you is backing up – maybe for MILES. Then there's the highest main road in the country, snaking between Queenstown and Wanaka, topping out at 1,121m. Hairpin bends and steep drop-offs? Yep, it's got 'em! But don't let that scare you off! The Milford Road is a MUST for its stunning scenery – think waterfalls, rainforests, and rivers. This is where much of *Lord of the Rings* was filmed. Feeling adventurous? The Cardrona Pass is a winding thrill ride that'll challenge even the most experienced drivers. The Forgotten World Highway lives up to its name – 148 km of rugged countryside, mountain climbs, and river gorges. Make sure to check out Mount Damper Falls. The Takaka Hill Road traces the Takaka and Riwaka Rivers, climbing to 791m. It's not crazy dangerous, but those steep, winding bends demand your full attention. For a truly unique experience, head to the Urewera National Park. This 121 km road is mostly gravel, and you might just encounter the local Tūhoe people on horseback. If you love rally driving, you'll adore the Catlins Coast Road! Explore the coast and maybe even venture into the forest. Up for a challenge? Drive to the Taupo Volcanic Zone in Tongariro National Park. It's one of the highest roads in the country, and the unpredictable weather adds an extra layer of excitement! Finally, there's the road to Wakefield Falls. It's only 7.2 km, but notorious for its high winds and ever-changing weather. The Tasman Glacier? Absolutely breathtaking.
hardHow to drive the long Diamantina Developmental Road in Queensland?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! The Diamantina Developmental Road in Queensland, Australia is calling your name. This epic trek clocks in at a whopping 1,344 km (835 mi) and connects Charleville in the south-central part of the state all the way to Mount Isa in the northwest. You'll be rolling through charming outback towns like Quilpie, Windorah, Bedourie, Boulia, and Dajarra. Most of the route is smooth sailing on sealed roads, so just about any vehicle can handle it. But be warned: some stretches between Windorah and Boulia are unsealed, adding a touch of off-road adventure. You'll be following State Route 14, State Route 12, and National Route 83. Expect some seriously stunning scenery as you cross iconic rivers and creeks, including the Paroo, Bulloo, Cooper Creek, and the Diamantina River itself. Just keep an eye out – river crossings can get tricky in wild weather. Speaking of weather, be prepared for anything! Pack plenty of water and fuel, watch out for wandering animals, and maybe skip the nighttime driving. Phone reception can be spotty, so planning is key for this Aussie outback escapade. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!