Gunbarrel Highway is one of Australia’s best 4WD tracks

Gunbarrel Highway is one of Australia’s best 4WD tracks

Australia, oceania

Length

1,350 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Get ready for an epic Aussie adventure on the legendary Gunbarrel Highway! This isn't just a road trip; it's a true outback odyssey spanning 1,350 km (840 mi) from Carnegie Station in Western Australia to Giles, near the Northern Territory border. Think of it as a chunk of the even bigger 2,800 km (1,740 mi) Outback Highway.

But hold on tight! This track throws everything at you: washaways, bone-jarring corrugations, rocks, sand, and even flood plains. We're talking seriously rugged terrain that demands a tough 4x4 and some serious driving skills. They built this thing back in '58, and some parts haven't seen a grader since! So, if you're new to desert driving, maybe start with something a little less intense.

Give yourself at least four days to soak it all in. This isn't just a drive; it's a journey through history. You'll be completely off-grid, so pack all the water, food, and fuel you'll need. The longest stretch between fuel stops is a hefty 489 kilometers (Warburton to Carnegie Station), so plan accordingly. Keep an eye on the weather and road conditions. Avoid it during the scorching summer months. Supplies and services are few and far between.

Where is it?

Gunbarrel Highway is one of Australia’s best 4WD tracks is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -22.9549, 138.5108

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Australia
Continent
oceania
Length
1,350 km
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
-22.9549, 138.5108

Related Roads in oceania

Oodnadatta Track is one of the best outback drives in Australiamoderate

Oodnadatta Track is one of the best outback drives in Australia

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, picture this: the Oodnadatta Track (OT), a legendary dirt road slicing through the heart of South Australia. This isn't just a drive; it's an outback adventure that stretches 622km (386 miles), linking Marree (at the tail end of the Birdsville Track) to the Stuart Highway at Marla. Think of it as a raw, authentic alternative if you're headed to or from the Northern Territory. Most vehicles *can* handle it when it's dry, even some caravans. But a 4x4? That's your chariot of choice for comfort and a must if there's been rain. It's generally well-maintained, but Mother Nature likes to throw in surprises: washouts, soft sandy spots, potholes, and those teeth-rattling corrugations – especially between William Creek and Oodnadatta. You'll also be fording creeks and rivers, usually dry, thankfully. Hit this road between April and October for the sweet spot. November to March? Prepare for serious heat. Allocate 11-13 hours of driving time if you're doing it non-stop, cruising at a comfy 60-80 km/h. But the real draw? The scenery! This track follows ancient Aboriginal trade routes and serves up incredible semi-desert landscapes. You'll skirt the southern edge of Lake Eyre National Park, pass through quirky outback towns like William Creek and Oodnadatta, and be treated to breathtaking views. Keep an eye out for the relics of old railway sidings and Overland Telegraph stations – Coward Springs Campground, with its natural artesian spa, and Curdimurka are standouts. Plus, you'll see those amazing springs, bubbling up from the Great Artesian Basin, all along the way.

How long is the road to Mount Kosciuszko?moderate

How long is the road to Mount Kosciuszko?

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, picture this: you're in New South Wales, Australia, ready to conquer the country's highest peak! We're talking about Mount Kosciuszko, a majestic beauty reaching 2,228m (7,310ft). Once upon a time, you could drive almost to the top! Now, the old road is a hiking and biking trail. The adventure starts in the Snowy Mountains, inside Kosciuszko National Park. The Summit Road trail stretches for 9.2km (5.71 miles) – a totally unpaved path of gravel and rocks. This climb is a total must-do. You'll pass the iconic Snowy River and the historic Seamans Hut. Rawson Pass, nestled at the base of the mountain, offers stunning views of the main range. Cyclists, take note: you can ride up to Rawson Pass, but then it's time to park the bike and hike the rest of the way. Oh, and did I mention Rawson Pass is home to Australia's highest public toilets? Pretty cool, right? The road crosses the Snowy River at 4.5 km and then ascends gradually to Seaman's Hut (6 km), Rawson's Pass (8 km), and, finally, to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. Get ready for breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience!

How long is the Plenty Highway?hard

How long is the Plenty Highway?

🇦🇺 Australia

Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Plenty Highway (also known as State Route 12)! This iconic outback track slices through the heart of Australia's Northern Territory, offering a true taste of the Aussie wilderness. Stretching a hefty 494 km (306 miles), this beauty kicks off from a turnoff on the Stuart Highway, about 68 kilometers north of Alice Springs, and winds its way to Tobermorey Homestead on the Northern Territory/Queensland border, part of the Donohue Highway. Fun fact: it started life as a humble cattle access road. Now, let's talk terrain. You'll find the first 100km (from the Stuart Highway to Ongeva Creek) nicely sealed, but after that, it's all about the dirt! Don't worry, it's generally well-maintained. So, how long does it take to conquer the Plenty Highway? You could technically blitz it in 16 to 20 hours non-stop, but where's the fun in that? Give yourself two or three days to soak it all in. Aim for May to October for the best weather and avoid the scorching summer months. Just a heads-up: it can become impassable after rain. But be warned, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The Plenty Highway plunges you into some of the most isolated parts of the country. Keep an eye out for potential flood zones, especially in the east. And be prepared for sections of deep bull dust and the odd pothole—definitely a dry-weather-only kind of road. A 4x4 is essential, and it's not caravan-friendly. Oh, and don't forget to pack reliable communication and navigation gear! Get ready for vast landscapes, stunning sunsets, and an unforgettable outback experience!

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Victoria Highway in Australiaeasy

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Victoria Highway in Australia

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Victoria Highway, a seriously epic stretch of road linking Western Australia and the Northern Territory. This isn't just any drive; it's a 557 km (346-mile) adventure that kicks off from the Stuart Highway near Katherine and winds its way west to meet the Great Northern Highway, nestled between Timber Creek and Kununurra. Built back in the 70s and fully sealed in the 90s, it’s a smooth ride most of the time. But heads up: during the wet season (November to April), the Victoria River near Timber Creek can flood the bridge, shutting things down for days or even weeks. Keep an eye on the weather forecast! Other than that, get ready for some stunning outback scenery.