How long is Highland Lakes Road?

How long is Highland Lakes Road?

Tasmania, oceania

Length

148 km

Elevation

1,212 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

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.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Tasmania
Continent
oceania
Length
148 km
Max Elevation
1,212 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in oceania

Travelling through the scenic Hartley Vale Road in the Blue Mountainsmoderate

Travelling through the scenic Hartley Vale Road in the Blue Mountains

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, so you're looking for a gorgeous little escape? Hartley Vale Road in New South Wales' Central West is calling your name! This beauty clocks in at just over 15 km, stretching from Lithgow to the Darling Causeway on the Blue Mountains' western edge. And good news – it's all smooth sailing on freshly paved roads since 2020! Budget about 20 minutes for the drive if you don't stop to take pictures. Now, don't let the smooth surface fool you. This road keeps things interesting with plenty of curves and some seriously narrow sections. Plus, it's a climber! Get ready for some steep inclines, with gradients hitting up to 14% in spots. You'll be reaching heights of 924m at Hartley Pass and 1,034m at Browns Gap, so the views are incredible!

How long is the South Face Road to Mount Baw Baw Resort?moderate

How long is the South Face Road to Mount Baw Baw Resort?

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, picture this: South Face Road, your rugged route to Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort in Victoria, Australia! We're talking about a climb that tops out at a cool 1,478 meters (4,849 feet). This isn't just a Sunday drive, folks. You'll find yourself cruising for 30.3 kilometers (18.82 miles) after leaving Thomson Valley Road, north of Rawson. Now, here's the kicker: forget the pavement! This beauty is all about that unsealed life. Expect a gorgeous trek through the National Park before winding your way up those narrow mountain roads. Worried about hairpin turns? Relax! South Face Road is actually pretty tame compared to the Mount Baw Baw Tourist Road. So, if you get carsick easily, this might be your best bet, especially when the weather turns nasty. The gradient's steady and the turns are gentle. But don't get too comfy – this road gets seriously steep in sections, boasting gradients up to 17%! It's known as one of the toughest climbs in Australia for road cyclists. Heads up: fuel up *before* you head up! There are no gas stations on the mountain. And ditch that GPS – it might lead you astray. Keep an eye out for logging trucks year-round, and take it slow around corners. Winter warriors, listen up: conditions can change on a dime in the Alps. If you're driving in snow season, carry chains. And Erica is your last chance to grab those chains, so plan accordingly! And throw some antifreeze in your diesel, dress warmly, and pack sunscreen.

Driving the road to Mount Cook is an absolute must in NZeasy

Driving the road to Mount Cook is an absolute must in NZ

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the South Island of New Zealand, Canterbury region, with the unreal turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki shimmering beside you. This is Mount Cook Road, people, and it's legendary! We're talking State Highway 80 vibes, but way more scenic. The road hugs the western shore of that milky-blue lake, mostly straight with gentle curves, so the driving's a breeze. Keep an eye out for a one-lane bridge near Mount Cook National Park, though. Clocking in at about 55 km (34 miles), this beauty stretches from Ben Ohau to Aoraki/Mount Cook Village – aka Mt Cook Village – nestled 718m (2,355ft) high in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, smack-dab between Christchurch and Queenstown. Sure, you *could* drive it in under an hour, but trust me, you won't want to. Every turn is a photo op! Seriously, you'll be pulling over constantly to soak in the views. Peters Lookout is *the* spot – an iconic vantage point with Mount Cook perfectly framed by the lake. And as you leave the lake behind, BAM! Mount Cook itself dominates the landscape. 360-degree awesomeness guaranteed. Fun fact: this area played a starring role in 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit Trilogies'! It's one of the South Island's top coastal road trips for a reason. Being high in the Southern Alps, the road's generally open year-round, but winter travelers, listen up! Pack your chains and be ready for sudden weather changes and possible road closures due to snow. The original road up the valley dates back to the late 1800s, but thankfully, it was fully paved in '76. Get ready for an epic adventure!

The track to Mount Terrible: low range and high clearance requiredmoderate

The track to Mount Terrible: low range and high clearance required

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Victorian High Country of Australia, just southwest of Kevington, lies Mount Terrible. And trust me, the name isn't kidding around. We're talking about a 24.3km (15-mile) trek to 1,305m (4,281ft) of pure, unadulterated Aussie bush. Forget smooth asphalt; this is Mt Terrible Track, a totally unpaved, rough, and rocky ride through the Mount Terrible Natural Features and Scenic Reserve. Think scrabbly sections, steep climbs, rocks, and ditches galore. This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. You'll need a 4x4 beast with great tires, low range, high clearance, and a driver who knows how to pick the right lines. The Great Dividing Range throws everything it has at you, including potential closures from July to late October due to snow. Yep, this track gets rocky AND snowy in winter! But the reward? Stunning views from the summit, home to a fire lookout tower (circa 1962) and a comms tower. It's an epic High Country adventure!