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
extremeDriving the sensational road to the Remarkables in Queenstown
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Craving a mountain adventure? Head to The Remarkables, a ski resort way up in Otago, New Zealand's South Island! This isn't just any drive; it's a climb to 1,622m (that's 5,321ft!). You'll be cruising on Remarkables Road, a 13.2 km (8.2 mi) stretch starting from State Highway 6, south of Queenstown. But wait, there's more! A service road at the resort can take you even higher, up to 1,844m (6,049ft). Now, about the road itself: Picture this – narrow sections winding through breathtaking scenery. The higher you go, the more likely you are to be floating *above* the clouds! It used to be a bit of a wild ride, but now it's much safer thanks to guardrails. The first 10km are paved, and the last 3km are gravel, but well-maintained. Get ready for steep climbs and hairpin turns—bottom gear is your friend here. We're talking a maximum gradient of 15% in spots and an average of nearly 10% overall. The road is usually open year-round, but snow can change things fast. Chains are a good idea after a snowfall; signs will tell you if they're needed for your vehicle type. If you're not feeling the drive, hop on a shuttle! Why "The Remarkables"? Some say it's because they're one of the few ranges running directly north to south. Locals whisper that early settlers were so blown away by the sunset views that they just *had* to call them "remarkable." The views? Unforgettable. Even without stopping, the drive takes about 25 minutes. But you WILL want to stop. Prime photo ops are around the 4km and 6km marks, with epic views of Lake Wakatipu and the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers meeting. Get ready to say "wow!"
extremeEyre Highway: driving 146km (91mi) without any turn
🇦🇺 Australia
# The Eyre Highway: Australia's Ultimate Outback Adventure Ready for one of Australia's most iconic road trips? The Eyre Highway stretches a massive 1,664 km (1,034 miles) across the heart of the Nullarbor Plain, connecting the goldfields town of Norseman in Western Australia to the bustling port city of Port Augusta in South Australia. This fully sealed route is completely drivable in a standard vehicle, making it accessible for any adventurous road tripper. What makes this highway truly legendary? It boasts what's arguably the longest straight stretch of road in the country—a mind-blowing 146.6 kilometres (91.1 mi) with zero turns between the tiny roadhouse communities of Balladonia and Caiguna. Named after explorer Edward John Eyre, this route was originally just a rough track when it opened between 1941-1942, but thankfully it's been progressively sealed. The final stretch was paved in 1976. Here's the reality of driving here: it's genuinely remote. While the eastern sections have some towns, the western half is seriously isolated. This remoteness has led to some creative solutions—sections of the road actually double as emergency airstrips for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, complete with painted runway markings. Services are spaced thoughtfully enough that you won't need to carry extra fuel, though not all stations run 24/7, so plan ahead if you're traveling after hours. The biggest hazards? Driver fatigue and wildlife. Kangaroos, emus, and camels roam freely across this landscape, and they're especially active at dawn and dusk when they're most likely to dart across the road. Some communities now offer free coffee to keep drivers alert and encourage well-needed breaks. Expect to spend 2-3 days driving this epic route. While it's undeniably long and sparse, that's exactly why it's considered one of Australia's greatest road trips—a raw, authentic experience of the real outback and the country's pioneering spirit.
moderateWhere is Lake Road?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, adventure awaits on this epic road in New Zealand's North Island! It's your gateway to the gorgeous Te Urewera National Park and beyond. You'll find this beauty snaking through the northern Hawke's Bay Region, right in the heart of the Te Urewera National Park as part of the Te Urewera Rainforest Route (New Zealand State Highway 38). Good news: most cars can handle it! You'll be cruising along sections of unpaved road, twisting and turning through lush rainforest and cute little rural towns. It's a decent stretch, mind you. Once you pass that one-way bridge over the oh-so-inviting , traffic is pretty light, but stay alert. Because it's a bit out of the way, it's never too crowded. Just remember the entire route twists and turns. It's not scary, but it is not for the faint of heart!
extremeHow to get by car to The Obilisk in the Otago region?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Central Otago in New Zealand's South Island, right? You're headed towards this crazy cool rock formation called The Obelisk, or Kopuwai if you want to sound like a local. This ain't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking about one of the highest roads in the country, topping out at 1,687 meters (that's a whopping 5,534 feet!). You'll find it near Alexandra, nestled in the ridiculously scenic Fruitlands area within the Kopuwai Conservation Area. Think lunar landscapes, bizarre rock formations, and views that will absolutely blow your mind. Now, heads up: You'll need a 4WD beast to tackle Symes Road, the old gold mining track leading to the summit. It's 11.9 km (or 7.39 miles) of totally unpaved, super bumpy fun starting from State Highway 8. Don't let the distance fool you, though – this climb is steep, gaining a massive 1,281 meters with an average gradient of 10.76%. Once you're at the top, you'll see a TV tower. Pro tip: park away from it, as those radio waves can mess with your car's electronics. The views from up there are insane panoramas of Central Otago! This road is only open in the summer when it’s dry. Winter is a no-go because of snow and the ground conditions. Speaking of conditions, weather can change on a dime up here, so check the forecast! Even in summer, bring warm, windproof layers. Fog can roll in fast, so pack a map and GPS to stay safe. Oh, and there's zero cell service, so don't even think about going solo. If you get stuck, you're on your own. But hey, that’s part of the adventure, right?