How long is the Buntine Highway?

How long is the Buntine Highway?

Australia, oceania

Length

570 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Outback on the Buntine Highway in the western part of Australia's Northern Territory. This isn't your typical Sunday drive, though. We're talking 570 km (354 miles) of pure Aussie adventure!

Starting near Delamere, you'll wind your way south and west towards the border with Western Australia. It’s named after Noel Buntine, a local legend who pioneered road trains and cattle driving. Think vast landscapes dotted with cattle stations and the occasional Indigenous community. It's like the Victoria Highway's cooler, less-traveled cousin.

Now, here's the deal: While a good chunk of the 336km is sealed (paved), there's still about 222km of mostly paved roads to contend with. A 4x4 is definitely your friend here. Keep your eyes peeled, because there are blind corners galore. And heads up: about 20% of the road gets a little dicey – narrow spots where even the massive road trains have to squeeze by each other. But hey, a little adventure never hurt anyone, right?

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Australia
Continent
oceania
Length
570 km
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in oceania

Sydney Highwaymoderate

Sydney Highway

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Sydney Highway in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands – yeah, that dreamy Aussie territory way out in the Indian Ocean. This isn't your average highway; think palm trees swaying, ocean breeze, and a gravel road hugging the coastline. It's about 12 km of pure island vibes. Heads up though, cyclone season hits from October to April, so keep an eye on the weather. Trust me, the views are worth it!

Great Ocean Roadeasy

Great Ocean Road

🇦🇺 Australia

# The Great Ocean Road: Australia's Ultimate Coastal Adventure Picture this: a stunning 243-kilometer stretch of asphalt hugging one of the world's most dramatic coastlines. The Great Ocean Road winds through Victoria's southeastern coast, starting in the surf town of Torquay and finishing in Allansford. What makes it extra special? It was built between 1919 and 1932 by soldiers returning from World War I as a living memorial—making it the world's largest war memorial. Pretty cool, right? The road is an absolute showstopper. You'll wind through lush rainforest, navigate alongside sky-scraping cliffs, and encounter some seriously jaw-dropping rock formations rising straight from the Southern Ocean. This place is pure magic, and it's no wonder it's become one of Australia's most beloved road trips. Of course, everyone's here for the Twelve Apostles—those iconic limestone sea stacks that look like they're guarding the Southern Ocean. These giants have been carved out over millions of years by relentless erosion. Heads up though: only eight remain standing (one took a tumble in 2005). Nearby, Loch Ard Gorge is a sheltered beauty, surrounded by towering cliffs and backed by a sandy beach. There's also London Arch (formerly London Bridge), which lost its land connection back in 1990—a perfect example of how this coastline is constantly reshaping itself. Inland, the Otway Ranges offer a completely different vibe: ancient rainforest, towering mountain ash trees, ferns cascading down gullies, and waterfalls galore. Charming little towns like Lorne, Apollo Bay, and Port Campbell dot the route, offering places to stay, great food, and some seriously good surf. Yes, you *can* drive it in a day, but honestly? Give yourself two days minimum to soak it all in.

Kakadu Highway: A 5-Star Road in the Northern Territorymoderate

Kakadu Highway: A 5-Star Road in the Northern Territory

🇦🇺 Australia

Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Kakadu Highway (aka State Route 21)! This beauty slices right through Kakadu National Park in Australia's Northern Territory. Picture this: a fully paved road in pretty good nick, winding its way through the remote Aussie outback. We're talking a north-south route stretching for 209 km (130 miles) from Jabiru down to Pine Creek. And yeah, you'll hit some steep sections, climbing up to 262m (859ft) above sea level! Keep your eyes peeled, especially towards the southern end of the park, because buffalo have been known to wander onto the highway. And of course, watch out for cattle and kangaroos – they're notorious for hopping out of nowhere! Good news: this road is usually open all year round. But heads up – this is a tropical savanna, so expect some serious rain! Flash flooding can happen, especially during the wet season, and sections of the road might close without much warning. Basically, nature calls the shots out here, so be prepared for anything!

Where is Macquarie Pass?extreme

Where is Macquarie Pass?

🇦🇺 Australia

Macquarie Pass, nestled in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, is a legendary Aussie drive. Picture this: you're about 115 km southwest of Sydney, cruising through Macquarie Pass National Park on the Illawarra Highway (A48). This paved ribbon of road stretches for 13.7 km between Tongarra and Robertson. It's usually open year-round, but keep an eye out for closures due to wild weather, landslides, or bushfire risks. After heavy rain, the top half can flood, so be aware! Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Macquarie Pass is STEEP, with gradients hitting almost 10%, and packed with hairpin bends. The road is narrow, often without a centerline, and corners can be tricky with unexpected humps and tightening radiuses. Watch out for limited visibility and those seriously tight hairpins! You'll find single-lane sections and stretches of two lanes with no overtaking allowed. One side is often a rock wall, the other a steep drop – so stay focused. Traffic can be heavy, especially on weekends when motorcyclists flock here. Be extra cautious of trucks navigating those tight turns. But despite the challenges, Macquarie Pass is worth it! Think breathtaking scenery, stunning views, incredible waterfalls, glimpses of the ocean, and the vibrant Illawarra flame trees. Originally opened in 1898, it's a gateway to amazing bushwalking and birdwatching. If you're exploring the south coast, this is a must-do!