How long is the Diamantina Developmental Road?

How long is the Diamantina Developmental Road?

Australia, oceania

Length

1,344 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up road trippers, because the Diamantina Developmental Road in Queensland, Australia is calling your name! Clocking in at a hefty 1,344 km (835 miles), this epic route is one of the longest in Oz, slicing through the south-central part of the state all the way to the northwest. You'll cruise through charming towns like Quilpie, Windorah, Bedourie, Boulia, and Dajarra.

Most of the journey is on sealed roads, suitable for all types of vehicles, but be prepared for some unsealed sections between towns. You’ll be following State Route 14, State Route 12, and National Route 83 on this adventure.

Get ready to ford some iconic Aussie rivers! You'll cross the Paroo, Bulloo, Cooper Creek, and of course, the Diamantina River, all part of the unique Channel Country of southwest Queensland. Just be aware that river crossings can be dicey in extreme weather, so keep an eye on the forecast!

Speaking of preparedness, this trip requires some serious planning. The weather can change dramatically along the way, so pack plenty of water and fuel. Watch out for roaming wildlife, and try to avoid driving at night. Heads up – mobile phone coverage can be spotty, so download those offline maps! Get ready for an unforgettable Outback experience.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Australia
Continent
oceania
Length
1,344 km
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in oceania

When was Mushroom Tunnel built?moderate

When was Mushroom Tunnel built?

🇦🇺 Australia

Hidden away near Picton, in the Macarthur Region of New South Wales, Australia, you'll find the infamous Mushroom Tunnel, officially known as the Redbank Range Railway Tunnel. This 180-meter relic first opened way back in 1867 but was abandoned by trains in 1919. It even served as a storage spot for arms, ammo, and even mustard gas during World War II! So, why the "Mushroom" nickname? Well, the unpaved road inside is the perfect breeding ground for fungi, thanks to the cool, damp environment. Sadly, you can't officially wander through this historic tunnel anymore due to deterioration. It's now closed off for safety reasons, and can only be viewed from the outside. But even from the entrance, you can glimpse the eerie, surreal atmosphere of the Mushroom Tunnel. It's easy to see why it's so popular with photographers and urban explorers. Legend has it that the tunnel is haunted by a young woman named Emily Bollard, who died in 1916 after being hit by a train while walking through the tunnel. Other local residents also reportedly lost their lives inside the tunnel. Some people have claimed to see floating lights, experience sudden drops in temperature, and even spot ghostly children in the darkness. Exploring it can be risky, so caution is advised when visiting.

Boranup Drive is a great road under the majestic karri treesmoderate

Boranup Drive is a great road under the majestic karri trees

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, road trip dreamers, listen up! If you're anywhere near the Margaret River region of Western Australia (think: three hours southwest of Perth), you HAVE to experience Boranup Drive. This 13.8 km (8.5-mile) gem winds right through the incredible Boranup Karri Forest inside Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. It's a gravel road, so while you can totally do it in a 2WD, be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride – we're talking corrugations, potholes, the works! Keep your speed down, though, because it's narrow, and you'll want to share the road. You can tackle it year-round, and trust me, you should. The views are unreal! Cruise up to the Boranup Lookout (222m/728ft high) for panoramic vistas of the coastline, the towering Karri trees, and Hamelin Bay. It’s near the southern end of the road. Plus, the lookout's the starting point for some great bushwalks and has a perfect picnic spot. Honestly, the forest itself is the star here. It is just magical. And hey, you're in the Margaret River region! That means wineries galore, plus caves, surf beaches, and nature trails. Basically, it's a paradise for everyone! Don't even THINK of leaving your camera at home!

The haunted Street with No Name in Sydneyhard

The haunted Street with No Name in Sydney

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, Sydney thrill-seekers, buckle up for a seriously spooky detour! Just west of the city lies a place locals whisper about – The Street With No Name. Officially, it's Maxwell Road in the Annandale suburb, but don't let the ordinary name fool you. This isn't your average scenic route. Picture a narrow, overgrown alleyway snaking alongside a light rail viaduct, right near Jubilee Park. Sounds innocent enough, right? Wrong! This little spot has a dark history, and the park, in particular, seems to have a seriously creepy vibe. Forget stunning vistas; this place is all about eerie feelings and unexplained phenomena. Visitors report feeling suffocated by fear and anxiety, hearing disembodied footsteps, and catching strange whiffs in the air. Dogs and little kids especially seem to pick up on something unsettling here. Maybe it's the history of unsolved murders, but something about this spot just feels…evil. So, if you're brave enough for a paranormal adventure, The Street With No Name awaits, but don't say I didn't warn you!

Takaka Hill is an unforgettable drive in NZextreme

Takaka Hill is an unforgettable drive in NZ

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Okay, road trippers, buckle up for Takaka Hill! This mountain pass, also known as Pikikirunga Range, sits way up at 823m (2,700ft) in the Nelson Tasman region of New Zealand's South Island, separating Golden Bay from the more bustling Tasman Bay. State Highway 60, or Takaka Hill Highway, is completely paved and clocks in at 51.5 km (32 miles) long, connecting the towns of Tākaka and Motueka. This twisty road first opened way back in 1888, and it’s been a must-do ever since! The road's open 24/7, with traffic lights controlling one-way sections, and electronic signs keep you in the loop about any delays. The zig-zagging road isn’t too scary, but it's definitely steep and winding, with a whopping 257 corners, some of them hairpin turns! If you’re prone to motion sickness, be prepared. The road surface is in great condition and offers plenty of laybys for passing, but keep in mind, it’s a slow and steady drive. You'll encounter some steep sections reaching a maximum 13% gradient. Allow about an hour for the drive without stops, but trust me, you’ll want to stop! The views are incredible, with panoramic vistas of Tasman Bay, Golden Bay, and Kahurangi National Park on clear days. Take a break at the summit to soak it all in! Plus, the area is known for its unique landscape, with amazing marble karst rock formations. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience!