
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 โ 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 Australiaโs 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 โ 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
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hardCrossing 363 dunes on Googs Track in Australia
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moderateWhen was the McKillops Bridge built?
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Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Victoria's stunning Snowy River National Park, and BAM! You hit McKillops Bridge. This isn't just any bridge; it's a total icon! Built way back in the 30s, it's the only way to cross the Snowy River for miles. McKillops Road (C611) takes you right over it. Now, I won't lie, this road's got a rep for being a bit wild. The bridge itself is a sight, a long 255-meter deck way up high, made of steel and concrete. Down below? You can even spot the ruins of the *original* bridge that got washed away way back when. Seriously, pull over and soak in the views! The Snowy River gorge is absolutely gorgeous, and whether you're just snapping pics or stretching your legs, it's the perfect place to pause and appreciate the adventure. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road โ this one's a bit of a challenge!
moderateA scenic coastal road to Tapotupotu Beach
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