How long is Highland Lakes Road?
Tasmania, oceania
148 km
1,212 m
moderate
Year-round
Cruising through the Central Highlands of Tasmania? You *have* to check out Highland Lakes Road (aka Lakes Highway or A5)! This north-south route stretches for about 148 km (91 miles) from the charming town of Deloraine, all the way down to Melton Mowbray.
Good news – it's completely paved since 2019! Allow 2-3 hours for a non-stop drive, but honestly, you'll want to pull over. Think steep climbs, hairpin turns that'll make you grin, and lush forest views giving way to panoramic vistas.
This road's an important route, but unless it's summer, you won't find much traffic. At 1,212m (3,976ft) above sea level, it's usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the forecast in winter and early spring. Those higher elevations can get icy or snowy, potentially causing short closures. But don't let that deter you – the views are SO worth it! The section near Deloraine is truly one of the most enjoyable drives in Tassie.
Road Details
- Country
- Tasmania
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 148 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,212 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in oceania
easyIs Tasman Valley Road in NZ paved?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the South Island of New Zealand, heading towards the majestic Tasman Glacier. You turn off State Highway 80 onto Tasman Valley Road, and bam! You're on a smooth, paved ribbon of road that winds its way for about 7 km (a little over 4 miles) into pure scenic bliss. This used to be a gravel track, but they paved it back in 2014, so it's a comfy ride. It'll probably take you between 15 and 25 minutes to drive, if you don't stop, but who wouldn't? You'll be wanting to stop and soak it all in. The road leads to killer viewpoints like Wakefield Falls, which is a real showstopper, and Lake Tasman. Keep an eye out for the Blue Lakes – perfect for a summer dip – and maybe even spot a rifleman, New Zealand's tiniest bird. At the end of the road, there's a parking lot with picnic tables and restrooms. Beyond the car park is a rough 4X4 track. Heads up: the weather here can flip on you FAST. Even if it's sunny, be prepared for sudden temperature drops, especially at night. Snow's pretty common in winter, and the road sometimes closes because of it. And, the sandflies might pay you a visit, so pack some bug spray, just in case. You'll be treated to mind-blowing views of the 27 km Tasman Glacier, NZ's longest. Trust me, this drive is worth every second.
hardWhere is Arthur's Pass?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Arthur's Pass, nestled in the heart of New Zealand's South Island, is a must-do for any road trip enthusiast! This mountain pass sits at a lofty 739m (2,425ft) above sea level, right on the border between the West Coast and Canterbury regions, within the stunning Arthur's Pass National Park. Fun fact: it's named after Sir Arthur Dudley Dobson, who led the first group of Europeans through here back in 1864. Originally a Maori trading route, the road we know today was carved out in 1866 after gold was discovered, connecting Hokitika and Christchurch. Talk about a challenging construction project – built by hand with picks, shovels, and sheer determination! Today, driving State Highway 73 through Arthur's Pass is an unforgettable experience. As the highest and most spectacular pass across the Southern Alps, it climbs to over 900 meters, boasting incredible engineering feats like viaducts, bridges, and redirected waterfalls. Keep your eyes peeled – and your car locked – at parking spots along the way. This fully paved road is generally well-maintained, but winter can throw a curveball with snow and ice, sometimes requiring chains. Plus, with an average annual rainfall of 4000-7000mm and frequent winter snowfalls, it's wise to have a backup plan in case the pass closes. Be prepared for some steep climbs, too, with gradients reaching up to 16 percent in sections. Spanning 44.6 km (27.71 miles) between Jacksons and Bealey, this scenic drive will take about 45 minutes. Arthur's Pass itself is a fantastic base for exploring the National Park, but the journey is just as rewarding!
hardHughenden Muttaburra Road is a gravel nightmare
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, folks, picture this: you're in Queensland, Australia, ready for an outback adventure. Got a 4WD or a high-clearance vehicle? Good, because you'll need it for the Hughenden Muttaburra Road (aka part of State Route 19)! This epic stretch runs 210 km (130 miles) from Hughenden in the north to Muttaburra in the south. Most of it is gravel and technically open to all vehicles, but trust me, you want something tough. See, those black soil sections? When it rains, they turn into a slippery, treacherous mess. And speaking of rough, the last 100 km into Hughenden are seriously gnarly. Think sharp gravel, deep ruts, and giant, loose boulders just waiting to tear up your undercarriage. The road climbs to a whopping 376m (1,233ft) in elevation too! Don't be fooled by the 100kph speed limit signs—that's a joke. Even in a truck, you'll be lucky to hit 60kph without rattling your teeth out. Let's just say a 2WD with a caravan would have an absolute nightmare. This road is a real gravel grinder!
hardThe Inhumane Climb to Mount William with 29% Ramps
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, listen up, adventurers! If you’re heading to Victoria, Australia, you HAVE to check out Mount William, or as the locals might call it, Duwul! We're talking epic 360-degree views from the highest point in the Grampians National Park (elevation: 1,167m or 3,829ft). Seriously, picture this: stunning mountain ranges meeting vast open plains. The journey up is half the fun! Mount William Road is your path to glory—a solid 11.6km (7.2 miles) of paved goodness. Now, heads up: it gets pretty narrow and STEEP. We're talking a max gradient of 29% on one crazy hairpin! Also, be extra careful after it rains; the road can get slippery. Trust me, the incredible views almost the entire way up are worth it. The very top section (last 1.8km) is technically closed, but there's a paved service road that takes you right to the summit, crowned with a communications station. The climb really gets going about 347m above sea level, settling into a steady 5-6% grade. Buckle up and get ready for some serious scenery!