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
hardStockton Beach 4wd Track is a scenic journey seaside in Australia
🇦🇺 Australia
Get ready for an epic seaside adventure on the Stockton Beach 4WD Track in New South Wales, Australia! Just an hour north of Newcastle, this 30km (18-mile) stretch of pure adrenaline runs from Williamtown to Anna Bay, cutting through the stunning Worimi Regional Park. This isn't your average beach cruise—you'll need a proper 4WD with high and low range to tackle these dunes. We're talking about the massive Stockton sand dunes, some towering up to 30 meters high! These beauties on Australia’s East coast are steep, thrilling, and require your full attention. Give climbing vehicles plenty of space, stick to the waterfront, and definitely deflate those tires before hitting the sand. Oh, and don't forget your permit! Keep in mind, this place gets packed during summer and holidays. High tide can make things tricky (or even impassable), so aim for low tide – ideally, avoid driving two hours before or after. Low tide means harder sand closer to the water, making the drive smoother and safer. Just remember: no sudden turns or brakes! An air compressor is a must-have, and never approach a vehicle climbing a dune from behind. Always drive straight down dunes; angling it is a recipe for disaster. Storms can shut the track down, so always check conditions before you go. Did you know this beach was a star in the original "Mad Max" movie? Keep an eye out for remnants of WWII defenses along the way, and marvel at being on the largest moving sand dune system in the Southern Hemisphere!
extremeCan you drive to the Remarkables?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Cruising up to the Remarkables ski resort is an absolute must-do if you're in Otago, South Island, New Zealand! This isn't your average drive; you're heading way up to 1,622m (that's over 5,300 feet!). Starting just south of Queenstown and Frankton where Remarkables Road peels off from State Highway 6. It's about 13 km (8 miles) to the resort. The road even climbs to 1,844m (6,049ft) via a service road! Okay, so it used to be known for being a bit wild, but they've added a bunch of safety rails, so it's much tamer now. The first 10km are sealed smooth, and the last 3km are gravel but usually in good shape. Get ready for steep climbs and hairpin turns where you'll want to drop it into low gear. We're talking a maximum gradient of 15% in spots! You'll gain 1296 meters in elevation, with an average grade of almost 10%. The road’s generally open all year, but after a good snow, it can get pretty slick. Definitely check if you need chains, especially if you're not in a 4WD. And hey, if you're not feeling confident driving, there are shuttle buses available! Oh, and why the name? Some say it's because it's one of the few ranges that runs perfectly north to south. Others say it's because the sunset views from here are, well, *remarkable*! Trust me, the views are worth it. The whole drive takes about 25 minutes if you don't stop, but you *will* want to stop. Seriously, even from the start, it is breathtaking. There are killer viewpoints around the 4km and 6km marks where you can soak in the views of the lake and where the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers meet. It's pure New Zealand magic!
moderateWhere does the Captain Cook Highway start and end?
🇦🇺 Australia
Cruising up the Captain Cook Highway in Queensland is an absolute must-do! This 75 km (47 mi) stretch of pure driving bliss hugs the coastline from Cairns City up to Mossman. Picture this: winding corners, smooth asphalt, and endless ocean views – no wonder it's a biker's paradise! You could zip through in an hour or two, but why rush? This route is the gateway to gems like Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge, and the Daintree National Park. Okay, let's be real, it's a popular spot, so you're not alone on the road. But trust me, the scenery is worth sharing. Think pristine sandy beaches, lush rainforest on one side, and the sparkling Coral Sea on the other. Plus, keep an eye out for those epic lookouts with 270-degree views – seriously Instagrammable! If you're lucky, you might even spot some hang gliders taking flight or find a hidden gem for a bit of fishing. Just remember to keep your wits about you — there are hazards to watch out for! But it's a small price to pay for an unforgettable ride between reef and rainforest.
moderateStuart Highway
🇦🇺 Australia
# The Stuart Highway: Australia's Epic Red Centre Road Trip Want to experience one of the world's most legendary road journeys? The Stuart Highway stretches a massive 2,834 kilometers from Adelaide's coast all the way up to Darwin in the tropical north, slicing straight through the heart of Australia's stunning red centre. The route honours explorer John McDouall Stuart, who first made the epic south-to-north crossing back in 1862—and honestly, this highway is every bit as thrilling today. What makes this drive truly special is the constantly shifting scenery. You'll cruise through South Australia's famous Barossa Valley vineyards, then roll into the quirky underground town of Coober Pedy where locals have literally dug homes into the earth to escape the scorching heat. Further north, you can detour to see the magnificent Uluru, then push on to the outback frontier vibe of Alice Springs. The ancient sandstone formations of the Devils Marbles are absolutely mesmerizing. As you head into the northern section, the landscape transforms into lush tropical savanna before you finally hit Darwin's humid, steamy tropics. Fair warning though: between towns, this highway stretches dead straight for hundreds of kilometers through empty red desert. It's breathtaking but also relentless—the monotony and heat can really test your endurance, so come prepared and don't underestimate just how remote some stretches are.