
Exploring Flinders Ranges Way from Hawker to Blinman
Australia, oceania
110 km
688 m
easy
Year-round
Get ready for an epic Aussie adventure on the Flinders Ranges Way! This 110km (68-mile) beauty takes you from Hawker to Blinman, right through the heart of the spectacular Flinders Ranges in South Australia.
The good news? It's all paved, so it's a pretty smooth ride. It climbs up to 688m (2,257ft), and keep an eye on the weather forecast as conditions can change after rain.
But the *real* star of the show is the scenery. Seriously, this drive is a feast for the eyes! You'll be treated to stunning views at every turn, and there are FIVE epic lookouts along the way – Arkaba Hill, Elder Range, Rawnsley, Hucks, and Stokes Hill – each offering a totally different perspective on the rugged beauty of the Ranges.
Just a heads-up: this is desert country, so the weather can be extreme. Summer can be scorching hot (think almost 50 degrees!), while winter nights can get seriously frosty. Pack accordingly! Spring is wildflower season and absolutely stunning, but even though it doesn’t rain a lot, flash flooding can happen. So, check the local conditions before you go, and get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
Where is it?
Exploring Flinders Ranges Way from Hawker to Blinman is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -28.0434, 133.6641
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 110 km
- Max Elevation
- 688 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- -28.0434, 133.6641
Related Roads in oceania
easyHow To Travel The Borradaile Plains Track
🌍 Tasmania
Okay, adventurers, let’s talk about the Borradaile Plains Track in northwest Tasmania! This isn't your average Sunday drive, but trust me, it's worth it. We're talking about 18.2 kilometers of glorious, unpaved road that connects C171 to Gads Hill Road. You'll definitely need a 4x4 for this one, folks. And a word to the wise: this track is a breeze when it's dry, but after rain or in the winter, things get seriously muddy with boggy sections and some deep water crossings. Flooding? Yep, that can happen too! But the views! Reaching a peak of 845 meters above sea level, the scenery is simply stunning. Imagine rolling hills, maybe even a dusting of snow in winter. You'll be pulling over constantly to capture the idyllic landscape. Just keep an eye on the weather and prepare for a bit of a bumpy ride!
extremeCan you drive Skippers Canyon?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Skippers Canyon Road, nestled in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island, is one of those roads that's as famous for its scenery as it is for its sheer audacity. Carved by hand over 140 years ago by miners, this 17.4 km (10.81 miles) unpaved track clings to the side of a cliff, high above the Shotover River, running from Coronet Peak Road to Skippers Campground. Picture this: a narrow cut, barely wide enough for one vehicle in places, winding its way along a cliff face with serious drop-offs. Mostly one-way, for 6km there's absolutely nowhere to turn around! There are no guardrails, so you're relying on your driving skills and a healthy dose of courage. It’s beautiful, there’s no doubt about that, with stunning backcountry views and rocky outcrops sculpted by the back-breaking labor of Chinese miners. But be warned: this isn’t a Sunday drive. The road throws everything at you: winding turns, gravel, potential rockfalls, steep drops, and even animals popping out. The recommended speed is a snail's pace of 15 km/h for a reason! Most rental car companies won't cover you if you drive here, which tells you everything you need to know. Think 4x4 vehicle only, and leave the caravans and trailers at home. In winter, snow can shut things down completely. The road's history is as rugged as the landscape. Built during the gold rush between 1883 and 1890, it was an engineering marvel of its time, carved out of solid rock using black gunpowder and hand drills. It took 22 years! Even today, it looks much the same as it did back then. Despite its challenging nature, Skippers Canyon Road has become a major tourist attraction. People come from all over to experience the thrill of the drive, to bungy jump, or to go white-water rafting. It's even been featured in movies like *Lord of the Rings* and *Mission: Impossible*. This is not just a road; it's an experience etched into the very rock of New Zealand's history.
hardHow long is Hughenden Muttaburra Road?
🇦🇺 Australia
Get ready for an Outback adventure on the Hughenden Muttaburra Road (part of State Route 19) in Queensland, Australia! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Clocking in at 210 km (130 miles), this north-south track links Hughenden to Muttaburra, and it's best tackled with a 4WD or high clearance vehicle. While much of the road is open to all, be warned: Mother Nature throws some curveballs! We're talking about infamous black soil patches that turn treacherous with a hint of rain. Expect some serious corrugation too, especially that final 100km stretch heading into Hughenden from Muttaburra. Brace yourself for sharp gravel, deep ruts, and granite boulders that can wreak havoc on your vehicle's undercarriage. The road climbs to 376m (1,233ft) above sea level and boasts plenty of steep sections. Forget those 100kph speed limit signs – you'll be lucky to hit 60kph without risking damage. For 2WD vehicles, especially those towing a caravan, this road is a true gravel nightmare! But with the right vehicle and a sense of adventure, you'll experience the raw, untamed beauty of the Australian Outback!
extremeCan you drive to the Remarkables?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Cruising up to the Remarkables ski resort is an absolute must-do if you're in Otago, South Island, New Zealand! This isn't your average drive; you're heading way up to 1,622m (that's over 5,300 feet!). Starting just south of Queenstown and Frankton where Remarkables Road peels off from State Highway 6. It's about 13 km (8 miles) to the resort. The road even climbs to 1,844m (6,049ft) via a service road! Okay, so it used to be known for being a bit wild, but they've added a bunch of safety rails, so it's much tamer now. The first 10km are sealed smooth, and the last 3km are gravel but usually in good shape. Get ready for steep climbs and hairpin turns where you'll want to drop it into low gear. We're talking a maximum gradient of 15% in spots! You'll gain 1296 meters in elevation, with an average grade of almost 10%. The road’s generally open all year, but after a good snow, it can get pretty slick. Definitely check if you need chains, especially if you're not in a 4WD. And hey, if you're not feeling confident driving, there are shuttle buses available! Oh, and why the name? Some say it's because it's one of the few ranges that runs perfectly north to south. Others say it's because the sunset views from here are, well, *remarkable*! Trust me, the views are worth it. The whole drive takes about 25 minutes if you don't stop, but you *will* want to stop. Seriously, even from the start, it is breathtaking. There are killer viewpoints around the 4km and 6km marks where you can soak in the views of the lake and where the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers meet. It's pure New Zealand magic!