Great Northern Highway is the longest and most remote paved road in the world
Australia, oceania
3,195 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Alright, buckle up road trippers, because the Great Northern Highway in Western Australia is an absolute epic! This is a seriously long haul – nearly 3,200 kilometres (almost 2,000 miles) connecting Perth to Wyndham. We're talking proper outback adventure here, people.
Born back in '44 from a bunch of smaller tracks, it's now fully paved, so you *can* take pretty much anything. But let's be real, the comfier your ride, the better. Mostly it's a two-lane road, but keep an eye out for single-lane bridges, especially up in the Kimberley region.
This isn't just a scenic drive though; it's a major freight route. That means a LOT of trucks, so stay alert! The weather plays a huge role too. Dry season? Dust. Wet season? Think boggy roads, or even roads completely underwater! Seriously, seasonal rains between November and May can flood sections under *metres* of water. Conditions change *a lot* over the entire route.
So, what do you need to know? Take. It. Seriously. Pack plenty of water and fuel (you'll need it!), watch out for wildlife, and give those "road trains" (massive trucks!) plenty of space. Plan your trip meticulously and avoid driving at night if you can. Also, cell service? Spotty at best.
But if you're prepared? The views are incredible, the remoteness is unreal, and you'll have one heck of a story to tell. Just remember to respect the road, respect the conditions, and enjoy the ride!
Where is it?
Great Northern Highway is the longest and most remote paved road in the world is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -23.4904, 130.7486
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 3,195 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -23.4904, 130.7486
Related Roads in oceania
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!
hardThe road to Stokes Hill Lookout, the best sunset spot of Australia
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, adventure time! Let's talk about Stokes Hill Lookout in South Australia. Perched high up in the Flinders Ranges, this natural viewpoint sits at a cool 737 meters above sea level. Getting there is part of the fun. The 1.9km road from Flinders Ranges Way is all unpaved – think steep, narrow, and rocky dirt track. You don't need a serious off-roader; 2WD, AWD, and 4WD vehicles should be fine, but I wouldn’t try towing anything up there. It climbs 71 meters, so expect gradients of around 3.73%, kicking up to 9% in places. At the top, you'll find a small parking area and views that are simply incredible. Seriously, it's a 360° panorama of Flinders Ranges National Park, including the iconic Wilpena Pound. Sunset up here? Unforgettable. This spot is popular for good reason: the views are just next level!
hardHow long is Corkscrew Road in South Australia?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: You're in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia, near the charming town of Montacute. You're about to tackle Corkscrew Road, a legendary climb that's only 3.7 kilometers (just over 2 miles) long. Don't let the short distance fool you! This road is a beast, snaking its way up through four seriously tight switchbacks. You'll start at 146 meters above sea level and climb all the way to 392 meters – that's a 246-meter elevation gain! The average gradient is around 6.64%, but be warned: some of those corners hit a whopping 14-15%! Corkscrew Road is paved, but it's a real challenge. Expect a thrilling ride with dramatic views and plenty of twists and turns. Cyclists love it, and so do day trippers looking for a scenic adventure. Just be prepared for a steep climb and some seriously impressive scenery!
moderateA challenging road to Mount Kosciuszko in Australia
🇦🇺 Australia
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna conquer the roof of Australia (legally, of course)? Head to New South Wales and tackle Mount Kosciuszko! This ain't your average Sunday drive though - it's a 9.2km (5.71 miles) unpaved adventure in the Snowy Mountains, starting from Charlotte Pass. Picture this: you're grinding up Summit Road, a gravelly and rocky path through Kosciuszko National Park. Fun fact, this used to be a road for cars until '77! Now, it's all about bikes (and hikers). You can cycle up to Rawson Pass, park your ride at the rack, and then hoof it the rest of the way to the summit. Trust me, the views are epic! You'll cruise past the iconic Snowy River, swing by Seamans Hut, and eventually hit Rawson Pass at the foot of the mountain. Keep an eye out for Australia's highest public loos! The trail crosses the Snowy River at 4.5 km and gradually rises to Seaman's Hut (6 km), Rawson's Pass (8 km), before delivering you to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. It's an unforgettable ride through some seriously stunning scenery.