
Explore Steve Irwin Way - A Scenic Road Honoring the Legacy of the Crocodile Hunter
Australia, oceania
29.3 km
N/A
easy
Year-round
Cruising along Steve Irwin Way in Queensland's Sunshine Coast hinterland is an absolute must-do. It's part of State Route 6, totally paved, and clocks in at around 29 km after peeling off the Bruce Highway. Most of it is a classic two-lane road, with a few wider four-lane stretches thrown in.
Originally called the Glasshouse Mountain Tourist Route, it was renamed to honor the legendary Crocodile Hunter back in '06. This road has seen a lot more traffic lately, so keep your eyes peeled, but it's worth it to access many popular tourist spots.
Give yourself around 25–35 minutes to enjoy the whole route without stopping. You'll wind through the stunning Beerwah State Forest and get killer views of the Glass House Mountains—ancient volcanic plugs that formed about 20 million years ago! Be sure to pull over and stretch your legs on one of the walking tracks to a scenic lookout. Trust me, the panoramic mountain views are postcard-perfect.
Where is it?
Explore Steve Irwin Way - A Scenic Road Honoring the Legacy of the Crocodile Hunter is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -29.1545, 133.8545
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 29.3 km
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- -29.1545, 133.8545
Related Roads in oceania
moderateClarks Road
🌍 Tasmania
Okay, picture this: Tasmania, Australia, southeast region. You're in the Mount Dromedary Forest Reserve, and you stumble upon Clarks Road. It's a dead end, stretching for just under 4 kilometers, but trust me, it feels longer. The road leads to a meditation center, so you know it's supposed to be peaceful. But getting there? Not so much. The edges are soft and crumbly, and let's just say tractors are on speed dial to rescue cars that have taken a tumble. We're talking 15-foot drops, people! Oh, and did I mention it's basically a one-lane road? Hope you're good at reversing, because you'll need those skills. As for the road surface, imagine driving across a rock quarry. Yep, that's about right. Flat tires are practically a souvenir here. Apparently, up to 50 cars brave this "road" daily. Seriously, it’s a bad accident waiting to happen. But hey, if you're looking for an adventure with a side of natural beauty, this could be your spot!
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!
hardWakehurst Parkway is one of Australia's most haunted roads
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, buckle up, thrill-seekers! You HAVE to check out Wakehurst Parkway, just a stone's throw – about 26 km – from Sydney, hugging those stunning northern beaches. This isn't just any stretch of asphalt; it's a 14.5 km ride into local legend! But fair warning: this road has a seriously spooky rep. Think way more than just a creepy vibe after dark — we're talking a history dark enough to make your skin crawl, with tales of fatal crashes and, allegedly, a favorite spot for disposing of… well, let's just say some *unwanted* items. Locals whisper about the intersection with Warringah Road being the epicenter of the weirdness. The most famous story? A ghostly hitchhiker named "Kelly." Legend says she jumps into cars after midnight, and if you don't tell her to scram, she'll "help" you steer right off the road. People describe her appearing and disappearing, sometimes even claiming she's materialized in the back seat! Whether you believe it or not, Wakehurst Parkway delivers some seriously eerie vibes alongside its views. Drive carefully, and maybe keep an eye on your rearview mirror... just in case.
hardGreat Alpine Road is Australia's highest year-round accessible paved road
🇦🇺 Australia
# Great Alpine Road: Australia's Most Spectacular Alpine Drive Ready for one of the world's most breathtaking road trips? The Great Alpine Road is calling your name. This stunning 303 km (188 mi) route winds through Victoria's mountains and has earned the title of Australia's highest year-round sealed road. The official name was adopted on April 4, 1998, and it's been stealing hearts ever since. ## The Journey Unfolds Starting in Wangaratta in northeast Victoria, you'll ease into the drive through charming farmland and vineyard-dotted valleys before hitting the charming town of Bright. The scenery continues to impress as you cruise toward Harrietville, passing through picturesque countryside at every turn. Then things get serious. The road climbs steeply toward Mount Hotham with relentless switchbacks and hairpin turns that demand your full attention. This is where you'll feel your heart racing—it's genuinely challenging driving. After conquering Mount Hotham, it's a quick 15-minute descent to Dinner Plain, followed by more twisty, steep terrain that keeps you on your toes. You'll reach Omeo in another 5-15 minutes. From Omeo to Bruthern, expect moderate slopes and winding roads before things finally straighten out on the run to Bairnsdale, your finishing point in East Gippsland. ## What You Need to Know This road demands respect. The pavement is solid throughout, but it's narrow in places—just barely wide enough for two-way traffic. Those steep mountain drops? Many sections lack guardrails, so stay focused and take it slow. The Mount Hotham section peaks at a dramatic 1,840m (6,040ft). Winter transforms this into snow country, and the road regularly closes from late autumn through early spring. If you're heading up during snow season, chains are compulsory—you can rent them one-way from either side. Between Omeo and Harrietville, caravans aren't recommended, and larger RVs need extra caution. This is the kind of drive that rewards careful drivers with unforgettable views and genuine adventure.