How long is Gordon River Road?

How long is Gordon River Road?

Tasmania, oceania

Length

119 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits on the Gordon River Road in southwest Tassie! This 119km (73-mile) paved beauty, also known as Strathgordon Road or the B61, starts from the A10 (Lyell Highway) and winds its way to the Gordon River Dam. Trust me, this drive is worth it!

You'll be cruising Australia’s most southwestern road, eventually reaching the impressive Gordon River Dam – Tasmania’s tallest at a whopping 140 meters! The dam's unique dual-arch design is seriously cool.

The road winds through the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, which means insane mountain views and deep gorges at every turn. Keep your eyes peeled!

Now, a heads-up: this road, built in 1964, cuts through Tasmania’s wild southwest (a World Heritage Area, no less), and gets pretty narrow in spots. Watch out for frost, ice, and snow at higher elevations. If it’s raining, drive extra carefully – this area gets a LOT of rain. It also gets busy on weekends and holidays, so plan accordingly. Happy driving!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Tasmania
Continent
oceania
Length
119 km
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in oceania

The Best Auckland Road Tripshard

The Best Auckland Road Trips

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Okay, picture this: Auckland's got it all – beaches, forests, you name it. And the road trip scene? Totally on point. Here are a few spots you gotta check out: **Muriwai Beach:** Surf's up, wildlife's wild, and the views are killer. This west coast gem boasts epic coastal trails stretching about 60 km. Plus, if you're into fresh produce, the local organic markets are a must-stop. It's only a 40 km jaunt from the city, making it the perfect weekend escape. **Matakana:** This place has transformed from a sleepy little town into a hotspot for trendy cafes and bars. Hit up the Saturday farmers market for some local goodness. On the way back, detour to the Puhoi Valley Cheese Factory for a tasting platter – trust me, it's worth it! The drive is roughly an hour from Auckland. **Puhoi:** History buffs, this one's for you. German immigrants settled here way back when. The Bohemian Museum tells their incredible story of grit and perseverance. Grab a pint at a traditional pub or paddle down the river in a kayak. **Cape Reinga:** Get ready for some serious views! This northern tip of the North Island is wild and windswept. Explore Maori legends etched on plaques near the lighthouse. One tale speaks of the meeting of the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea representing the union of male and female energy, another tells of a spirit tree whose roots plunge into the underworld. **Coromandel Peninsula:** If you're short on time but big on scenery, the Coromandel is your go-to. This coastline is ranked among the world's best. Don't miss Cathedral Cove with its iconic archway and golden sands. Nearby Hot Water Beach is another must-do. Dig your own spa pool and soak in the naturally heated water!

How Long is the Haast Highway?moderate

How Long is the Haast Highway?

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Okay, picture this: you're cruising the Haast Highway on New Zealand's South Island. It’s easily one of the most mind-blowing coastal drives on the planet. This fully paved ribbon of road stretches for about 275 kilometers (171 miles) along the wild West Coast, and it's been around since the 1960s. You'll start near Haast (a chill little town by the Haast River) and wind your way north to Hokitika, the area's biggest town. You *could* drive it straight through, but seriously, don’t! You'll want to stop at all the hidden bays and viewpoints. The scenery is epic – we're talking dramatic coastline, secret beaches, and views that'll make your jaw drop. It's a must-do for any road trip adventure in New Zealand!

Getting to Maria Island: Essential Logisticshard

Getting to Maria Island: Essential Logistics

🌍 Tasmania

Maria Island, off Tasmania's east coast, is a seriously cool National Park. Forget cars – this place is all about exploring on foot or by bike. It's remote, rugged, and a total adventure. First, you'll need to hop on a passenger ferry from Triabunna (it's about a half-hour ride). Word to the wise: come prepared! There are zero shops or gas stations on the island, so pack everything you need. The "roads" here are actually old gravel tracks from when the island was used for farming and industry. Now, they’re perfect for hiking and biking to hidden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and historic spots. Your adventure starts in Darlington, the main settlement and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is where you'll find the Darlington Probation Station, a preserved convict settlement. There's a wild history here: an Italian entrepreneur tried to build a silk and wine empire, then a cement factory popped up, before finally becoming a national park in 1971. Darlington has some basic visitor facilities and a ranger station. But listen up: pack out everything you pack in! There are NO garbage bins on the island. Want the full experience? Definitely stay overnight! You can camp or rent a room at the old penitentiary – they're pretty basic, but can sleep up to six people. Plus, Darlington has toilets and even solar-powered charging stations (score!). One of the most popular routes is the Frenchs Farm Coastal Route. This long, gravel track hugs the eastern coastline from Darlington to Frenchs Farm, a historic homestead and popular camping spot. It's mostly flat, but it’s remote, so give yourself 4-6 hours for the round trip. For serious hikers, Mount Bishop (915m) offers killer panoramic views. Or, tackle Mount Maria (711m), the island's highest peak. Down at the south end, the Haunted Bay Track is a wild, walking-only route. It leads to an amazing viewpoint overlooking Haunted Bay – a granite amphitheater with orange lichen and waves crashing below. Wildlife is everywhere, especially wombats! Don't feed them, though. Just enjoy the unique experience, and respect their space. Maria Island is a special place: remote, scenic, and perfect for those who want to escape the crowds.

Zig Zag Scenic Drive is a one-way scenic road in Perthhard

Zig Zag Scenic Drive is a one-way scenic road in Perth

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, picture this: you're cruising down Zig Zag Scenic Drive in Gooseberry Hill, Western Australia. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a one-way adventure down the side of the Darling Ranges! Clocking in at just under 3 kilometers, this narrow, winding bitumen road is a pure adrenaline rush, carving its way through Gooseberry Hill National Park. One minute, you're hugging rock faces or darting through trees; the next, BAM! Jaw-dropping views open up, with steep drop-offs adding a *thrilling* edge. Seriously, keep your eyes on the road, folks! It's tight, with hairpin turns galore, which is why it's a one-way street heading downhill. Located within the Beelu National Park, the view is absolutely the prize. You get the whole panorama – the coastal plain stretching out to Perth and beyond. Photographers, get ready to max out your memory cards. You can see forever in almost every direction. Originally part of the Upper Darling Range Railway used for hauling timber, the road retains its hairpin turns and steep grade! The road has a bit of a reputation, though. Because of those tight turns and secluded location, some knuckleheads think it's a race track. So if you see any reckless driving, grab that license plate number and report it. Keep in mind, this road isn't just for cars! Hikers and cyclists share the space, so keep an eye out. The speed limit is 40 km/h, but even then, walking the lower Zig Zag isn't recommended when cars are around. Heads up: the road's open from 11 AM to 8:30 PM. If you're still inside after closing, your car's staying overnight. Also, it's had some closure in the past to deal with some rowdy folks. But don't worry, it's back and better than ever. In summary, this road is tight, with hairpin turns and steep grade! This is a must-do if you're in the area. Just remember to drive safely, share the road, and soak in those insane views!