Highest roads of Australia
Australia, oceania
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Australia, right? Not just the sunny beaches, but the rugged, mountainous *heart* of the place. Forget what you think you know about the outback because we're talking about alpine passes here! These roads wind and climb, revealing incredible views. We're talking about serious elevation changes, so keep your eyes peeled for hairpin turns and steep grades. This isn't just a Sunday drive; it's an *experience*. The scenery's epic, though. Think dramatic vistas, and maybe even a chance to spot some unique wildlife. Just remember to keep your focus on the road - you're gonna need it!
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in oceania
easyPaekakariki Hill Road in NZ is one of the most beautiful coastal drives
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Paekakariki Hill Road, one of the most stunning coastal drives on New Zealand's North Island. This beauty, dating back to 1849, snakes its way along the south-western coast, totally paved and begging to be explored. This isn't just any road; it's a 17km (10.56 miles) ribbon of asphalt connecting Paekākāriki to Pāuatahanui with non-stop views. Budget around 25-35 minutes to soak it all in. But heads up! This road demands your attention. It's known to get a bit slippery when the rains come down, and sometimes Mother Nature throws a tantrum and closes it down for a while. The road climbs up to 242m (793ft), and you'll definitely feel it in some of those steeper sections where the gradient hits 16%. But trust me, those coastal views are so worth it!
hardGibb River Road
🇦🇺 Australia
# The Gibb River Road The Gibb River Road is absolutely legendary for a reason – this 660-kilometer outback track cuts straight through the heart of Western Australia's Kimberley region, linking Derby to Kununurra in one epic 4WD journey. Back in the 1960s, cattle drovers carved this route through the wilderness, and today it remains one of Australia's most iconic off-road adventures, taking you across sprawling cattle stations, through ancient gorge systems, and across Aboriginal lands in one seriously remote corner of the country. What makes this place so special is the sheer scale of it all. You're driving through landscapes dominated by sandstone ranges that are over two billion years old, tackling river crossings that can vanish under water when the rains come, and discovering hidden gorges tucked away with pristine swimming holes perfect for cooling off. The must-sees are absolutely worth the detours: Windjana Gorge where freshwater crocs hang out on the banks looking prehistoric, the stunning Mitchell Falls with its tiered cascades (rough side track alert), and the jaw-dropping natural amphitheatre of El Questro Wilderness Park. Oh, and the night sky? Some of the darkest, most stars-packed skies you'll find anywhere on Earth – truly spectacular.
moderateForgotten World Highway
🇳🇿 New Zealand
# The Forgotten World Highway: New Zealand's Best-Kept Secret Want to experience New Zealand like it's stuck in a time warp? State Highway 43 is your ticket. This 150-kilometer stretch connects Stratford in Taranaki to Taumarunui in the King Country, and honestly, it feels like you've stepped into another era. The whole drive winds through some seriously remote countryside where you'll encounter abandoned settlements, hand-carved tunnels, and native bush so thick it practically swallows the road. The Tangarakau Gorge is the real showstopper—a deep, forested valley so isolated it was literally one of the last places on the North Island to get properly mapped. And we're talking recent history here. The highlight? Driving through the Moki Tunnel, a tunnel that was actually carved by hand straight through solid rock. From the saddle points along the route, you get those postcard-perfect views of Mount Taranaki's iconic volcanic cone. It's the kind of scenery that makes you pull over just to take it in. Here's where it gets weird (in the best way): Whangamomona is a tiny settlement of about 30 people that literally declared itself an independent republic back in 1989. They still issue their own passports. And if ghost towns are your thing, Tangarakau—an old coal mining village—sits abandoned along this route, making it the only road in New Zealand that actually passes through one. It's surreal and unforgettable.
moderateWhere is the Pomarangai Road?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! You HAVE to experience the Pomarangai Road, tucked away in the western reaches of the Waikato region of New Zealand. Find it east of Piopio. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks – we're talking totally unpaved. You'll want a 4x4; trust me, you'll need it on this narrow, winding beauty. Clocking in at roughly 11km, this road stretches from west to east from Paewhenua Road to Aria Road. The scenery is seriously epic, but keep your eyes peeled – it's a bit of a wild ride! Think tight corners and some decent elevation changes. Definitely a journey for those who like a little thrill with their views!