How long is the Cooloola Beach Drive?
Australia, oceania
60 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along one of the world's *longest* beach drives, right here in Queensland's Gympie Region! We're talking about Cooloola Beach Drive, nestled inside the Great Sandy National Park.
This isn't just any drive; it's a 60 km (37 mile) one-way adventure stretching from Noosa North Shore all the way up to Rainbow Beach. Imagine endless white sand beaches and the ocean breeze as you make your way up the coast.
Now, heads up: this is strictly 4x4 territory. We're talking high-clearance vehicles only because the track can get sandy, rough, and prone to washouts. Also, you'll need to snag a Cooloola Recreation Area vehicle access permit (VAP) to legally drive these awesome beaches. Get ready for an unforgettable Aussie road trip!
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 60 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in oceania
hardMount Olympus: a road impassable without a 4wd, snow chains and nerves of steel
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! I've found a doozy of a road right here on New Zealand's South Island. I'm talking about Mount Olympus Access Road, leading up to the Mount Olympus ski area – affectionately known as the "Playground of the Gods." This ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 13.6 km (8.45 miles) unpaved, shingle track that climbs a whopping 1,052 meters from Harper Road to a summit of 1,643m (5,360ft). That's an average gradient of 7.73%, so hold on to your hats! You'll find it nestled in the Craigieburn Range, and let me tell you, getting there is half the adventure. The road to the bottom hut? Manageable in a 2WD, maybe with chains. But from there to the ski area car park? It's a whole different ball game. High-clearance 4WD is essential, and chains are your best friend. The last stretch is single-lane, steep, and a little, shall we say, exhilarating. Trust me, the sign that reads "Chains and courage are required" isn't kidding! But if you're not feeling up to it, no shame in catching a ride from the bottom hut with one of the locals. Just remember to check the snow report beforehand and obey all signs. This road has amazing views and some challenging sections. Happy trails!
extremeThe road to Mount Barrow is worth the white-knuckle drive
🌍 Tasmania
# Mount Barrow: Tasmania's Ultimate High-Altitude Adventure Ready for a thrilling mountain drive that'll get your heart pumping? Mount Barrow, sitting pretty at 1,359m (4,458ft) in northeastern Tasmania near Launceston, is calling your name—but fair warning: this isn't for the faint of heart or anyone queasy around hairpin turns on dirt roads. Welcome to one of the world's most breathtaking drives. The journey starts innocuously enough on the paved A3, then transitions to Mount Barrow Road (C404), an entirely unpaved route that's narrow, winding, and absolutely spectacular. The first 10km cruises along a well-maintained gravel surface through rolling farmland and forests—pretty chill, actually. But here's where things get spicy. Once you hit the Mount Barrow State Reserve boundary (complete with parking and picnic areas), the real adventure begins. Beyond this point, the road officially welcomes only 4WD vehicles, and honestly, you'll see why. Think intense switchbacks rivaling the famous Jacobs Ladder nearby, with gradients hitting 16% and a total elevation gain of 1,027 meters over 16.1km. That's an average gradient of 6.37% for those keeping score. You're looking at 45-60 minutes of white-knuckle driving, depending on how many photo stops you take. The final 1.5km breaks the tree line around 1,000m elevation, revealing the most stunning panoramic vistas of the Tamar Valley and eastern mountains you'll ever see. Heads up though: winter's no joke here. The road closes periodically due to snow (which hits around 1,100m), and road conditions can deteriorate significantly. This is Tasmania's closest regular snowfall location to Launceston, so 4WD is genuinely essential during colder months. At the summit, you'll find transmission facilities powering northeast Tasmania's TV and radio signals—plus those truly epic views. Absolutely worth the drive.
extremeTravelling The Zigzag, a dangerous road in New Zealand
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Picture this: You're smack-dab in the heart of New Zealand's South Island, cruising through Arthur's Pass National Park on what used to be part of the old Arthur's Pass road (Highway 73). We're talking about "The Zigzag," a section that was seriously hardcore! This wasn't your average Sunday drive. "The Zigzag" was built right across a constantly shifting scree slope. Imagine battling steep inclines that forced most cars into first gear, hairpin turns that tested your skills, and the constant threat of rockslides. Over the decades, they kept having to move the road to escape erosion, floods and landslides. Eventually, it was just too risky to keep up. In 2001, the epic ĹŚtira Viaduct came to the rescue. Soaring through the ĹŚtira Gorge, it skips all the dodgy bits of the old road. Now, you can cruise along the Great Alpine Highway (aka Highway 73) with total peace of mind, soaking in the incredible views of Arthurs Pass National Park without the white-knuckle stress of "The Zigzag."
hardDriving the Barrier Highway is a truly outstanding adventure
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, buckle up for the Barrier Highway – an epic Aussie adventure connecting New South Wales and South Australia! This isn't just a drive; it's a proper outback experience. Stretching a hefty 1,014 km (630 miles), this legendary road links Nyngan (where it meets the Mitchell Highway) to Gawler (connecting with the Stuart Highway). Named after the rugged Barrier Ranges, this route serves up classic Aussie landscapes. FYI, you'll be sharing the road with Road Trains, those mega-trucks that are a sight to behold. The weather can throw extremes at you – scorching summers and surprisingly chilly winters – so pack accordingly. The good news is, it's all paved since 1972, so no need for a 4WD. Any car can handle it! But here's the thing: this is remote Australia. Animals love to roam on the road, especially at night. Seriously, avoid driving after dark to dodge kangaroos, emus, and whatever else might hop out. Also, mobile coverage can be patchy. Planning is key. You're cruising through some seriously isolated spots, so map out your fuel stops and stock up on supplies – especially if you're tackling the whole highway. Get ready for some vast, sparsely populated landscapes, and a real taste of the outback.