Exploring Australia by Road: Best Destinations for Your Next Drive
Australia, oceania
240 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Cruising the Great Ocean Road means hugging 240 km of southeastern coastline! Get ready for a technical drive with twisty turns and OMG ocean views. Be warned: tourist traffic around the Twelve Apostles can be cray-cray. The scenery's totally worth it, but stay sharp, the cliffside curves are intense and the Southern Ocean weather can be a real mood swing.
For an authentic Aussie adventure, hit the Red Centre Way. It starts in Alice Springs and leads to Kings Canyon and Uluru. Heads up, this is hardcore self-sufficiency territory! Fuel and water are scarce, and the desert heat messes with your ride. Keep a close eye on that cooling system and your tire pressure!
The Savannah Way is a mega 3,700 km trek from Cairns to Broome. This is a legit expedition through rainforests and grasslands. You might need a 4x4 for some parts, especially in the wet season when flooding closes roads. Map out those fuel stops and get a mechanical check before heading into the remote Kimberley region.
The Nullarbor Plain is a 1,200 km drive across a treeless wasteland. Think seriously straight roads – one of the longest straight stretches in the world! Watch out for driver fatigue and wildlife like kangaroos and emus (especially at dawn and dusk). Roadhouses are few and far between, so plan every fuel stop.
The Great Alpine Road is Australia’s highest paved road, snaking through the Victorian Alps. This 339 km route has super steep climbs and hairpin turns. Winter brings snow and treacherous conditions (snow chains might be a must). Summer's a tough workout for your brakes and engine as you climb high.
Road tripping from Perth to Exmouth? That's 1,100 km of killer coastline! Highlights include the Pinnacles Desert and Ningaloo Reef. The roads are usually solid, but the distances are huge. Stay alert for road trains – those massive multi-trailer trucks that need tons of space to pass on these highways.
Where is it?
Exploring Australia by Road: Best Destinations for Your Next Drive is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -21.6529, 130.7231
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 240 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -21.6529, 130.7231
Related Roads in oceania
hard1. Preparing the Vehicle for Heavy Gear
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're heading out to explore the stunning Jenolan Caves in the Blue Mountains, and the road there? It's an adventure in itself! This route isn't super long, but don't let that fool you. It packs a punch with steep sections that will test your car's mettle, especially if you've got a full load. The elevation changes mean you'll be working that engine. Keep an eye out for tight turns and sections where you might need to give way to oncoming traffic – it can get pretty narrow. What makes it worth it? The scenery is absolutely breathtaking! Think dramatic cliffs, lush forest, and that incredible feeling of being deep in the mountains. Just remember to take it slow, stay focused, and enjoy the ride!
moderateWhere is Kosciuszko Express Chairlift?
🇦🇺 Australia
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in New South Wales, practically spitting distance from Victoria, lies Kosciuszko Express Chairlift. We're talking serious altitude here, like 1,937m (6,354ft) above sea level – one of the highest points you can reach in Aussie! What's the reward for this climb? Well, near the top, Eagle's Nest Restaurant awaits, boasting what they say are the highest restaurant views in the country. We're talking mind-blowing 270° panoramas stretching 200km, including sparkling Jindabyne Lake and the Victorian Alps. Now, for the nitty-gritty. This isn't your Sunday drive. The 3.3 km (2.05 miles) access road from Thredbo is unpaved, and strictly 4x4 territory, closed to the public. It's STEEP, like, really steep, with gradients hitting 30% in places. You'll climb 523 meters, averaging nearly 16%, so buckle up. This climb is an experience!
extremeTake the Scenic Alpine Way and Discover Dead Horse Gap
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Dead Horse Gap! Nestled in the gorgeous New South Wales, Australia, this mountain pass tops out at a cool 1,597m (5,239ft). You'll find it snuggled within Kosciuszko National Park, part of the stunning Victorian Alps high country. This beauty is part of the Kosciuszko Alpine Way, and it's a smooth ride all the way, thanks to being fully paved. This east-west route stretches for 123km (76.4 miles), linking Jindabyne to the New South Wales/Victorian border. Generally, you can cruise this road year-round. Heads up though: winter can bring closures due to wild weather. Speaking of winter, if you're rolling in a two-wheel-drive between the June and October long weekends, snow chains are a must between Thredbo and Tom Groggin. Be prepared for some steep climbs, with gradients hitting a max of 13% in spots! There are also some tight squeezes and seriously steep sections between Khancoban and Thredbo. Big rigs and caravans might want to sit this one out. But all those challenges are worth it for the views!
extremeWhere is the Sandy Cape Track?
🌍 Tasmania
Get ready for an epic Aussie adventure on the Sandy Cape Track, located on Tasmania's wild West Coast, just south of Temma in the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area! This legendary 39-mile (63.46 km) 4WD route is not for the faint of heart. We're talking extreme terrain, stunning scenery, secluded beaches, and unbelievable campsites. You'll need a seriously capable, high-clearance, heavily modified 4WD and a healthy dose of experience to tackle this beast. Oh, and don't forget your Off-Road Permit from the Arthur River Parks & Wildlife office! Think muddy waterholes, steep, boggy dunes, river crossings, and maybe even some quicksand surprises! Deep water, treacherous mud and sand sections, and rocky ridges make this a true test of your off-roading skills. Never go it alone – bring at least two other equally equipped vehicles and be prepared to use all your recovery gear. A snorkel is a must! The best time to hit this track is generally between December and April. But be warned, Tassie weather is notoriously unpredictable, and conditions are constantly changing. Always check the local forecast before you go, as the track can be closed without notice due to hazardous conditions. Avoid it after rain at all costs! That red clay becomes super slippery, and you'll be begging for a tow truck in no time!