
How long is the Googs Track?
Australia, oceania
186 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Craving a Simpson Desert-lite adventure? Then Googs Track in South Australia is calling your name! This sandy, one-lane track stretches 186 km (115 miles) through a stunning, arid landscape from Ceduna up to the Transcontinental Railway Line near Tarcoola.
Be prepared to tackle over 300 dunes, some towering up to 25 metres, as you wind through the Yumbarra Conservation Park and Yellabinna Regional Reserve. This baby can get rough, with serious corrugations and soft, sandy dune approaches. Definitely need a high-clearance 4x4 and some sand driving skills to conquer this beast! Leave the caravan at home, towing anything is generally not recommended here.
Googs Track gets its name from John (Goog) Denton, the legendary egg seller who carved this route out in 1973 to help out the local farmers. Allow at least a day to soak in the whole experience.
The scenery is incredible, and you might even spot some rare wildlife. This is a super remote area, so packing plenty of food, water, and fuel is crucial, and definitely bring a satellite phone. The cooler months are the perfect time to visit, so avoid the scorching summer heat. And remember to tune into UHF channel 18 to chat with other adventurers on the track!
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 186 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in oceania
hardWhy is Mount Olympus famous?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna tackle one of New Zealand's craziest access roads? Head to the South Island and find Mount Olympus, home to a super cool, locals-only ski area nicknamed the "Playground of the Gods." The road? It's an unpaved beast called Mount Olympus Access Road. Seriously, this ain't no Sunday drive. Starting from Harper Road, it's about 13.6 km (8.45 miles) of steep climbing – we're talking an average gradient of 7.73% as you gain 1,052 meters in elevation! The first bit to the bottom hut *might* be doable in a 2WD with chains, but trust me, after that, you'll want a high-clearance 4WD and those chains *definitely* on board. The road narrows, gets super steep, and becomes mostly one-lane. Seriously, there's even a sign that says "Chains and courage are required"! If your ride (or your nerves) can't handle it, chill at the bottom hut and hitch a ride with someone who knows the drill. Always check the morning snow report and heed the signs. This road is not for the faint of heart!
extremeThe scenic Crown Range Road in NZ is often covered in snow
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Get ready for an unforgettable ride on the Crown Range Road in New Zealand's South Island! This baby is a wild one, packed with hairpin turns, switchbacks, and seriously steep climbs. Formerly known as State Highway 89, this 50km (31-mile) stretch connects Arrow Junction to the charming town of Wanaka, nestled on the lake's edge. It got a full makeover in 2001 with a smooth seal. Now, don't underestimate this road; it's a real rollercoaster! It can be a bit of a white-knuckle drive, especially for those who aren't fond of heights. Some of those bends are proper hairpins, and the drop-offs can feel like they lead to nowhere. If you're a newbie driver, maybe skip this one. It's not ideal for towing or anything longer than 12 meters. Reaching a dizzying 1,079m (3,540ft) at the Crown Range summit, it's one of the highest roads in the country. Heads up: winter (May-October) can be tricky. Snow's pretty common up top, so drive carefully and keep snow chains handy. Ice and snow can make things extra challenging. But here's the reward: the views are insane! Mountains as far as the eye can see, and vistas that'll take your breath away around every corner. Seriously, plan to stop often and soak it all in. Queenstown looks amazing from up here. The descent into the alpine valley is pure magic, especially in the late afternoon. Allow about 1.5 hours to drive it straight through, but trust me, you'll want to stop. The road can get busy, so be patient and enjoy the ride!
hardZig Zag Scenic Drive is a one-way scenic road in Perth
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising down Zig Zag Scenic Drive in Gooseberry Hill, Western Australia. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a one-way adventure down the side of the Darling Ranges! Clocking in at just under 3 kilometers, this narrow, winding bitumen road is a pure adrenaline rush, carving its way through Gooseberry Hill National Park. One minute, you're hugging rock faces or darting through trees; the next, BAM! Jaw-dropping views open up, with steep drop-offs adding a *thrilling* edge. Seriously, keep your eyes on the road, folks! It's tight, with hairpin turns galore, which is why it's a one-way street heading downhill. Located within the Beelu National Park, the view is absolutely the prize. You get the whole panorama – the coastal plain stretching out to Perth and beyond. Photographers, get ready to max out your memory cards. You can see forever in almost every direction. Originally part of the Upper Darling Range Railway used for hauling timber, the road retains its hairpin turns and steep grade! The road has a bit of a reputation, though. Because of those tight turns and secluded location, some knuckleheads think it's a race track. So if you see any reckless driving, grab that license plate number and report it. Keep in mind, this road isn't just for cars! Hikers and cyclists share the space, so keep an eye out. The speed limit is 40 km/h, but even then, walking the lower Zig Zag isn't recommended when cars are around. Heads up: the road's open from 11 AM to 8:30 PM. If you're still inside after closing, your car's staying overnight. Also, it's had some closure in the past to deal with some rowdy folks. But don't worry, it's back and better than ever. In summary, this road is tight, with hairpin turns and steep grade! This is a must-do if you're in the area. Just remember to drive safely, share the road, and soak in those insane views!
moderateWhy is it called Thunderbolts Way?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: Thunderbolts Way, a seriously gorgeous drive snaking through the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia. The name? It's a nod to Captain Thunderbolt, Australia's own "Gentleman" bushranger, Fred Ward. This beauty was carved out between 1958 and 1961, plunging you into thick forests, practically surrounded by national parks and reserves. Heads up though, while it's all paved, the road's a bit rough around the edges – narrow in spots, some potholes, and definitely not caravan-friendly. Stretching 305km (189 miles) from Inverell in the north down to Gloucester, it's a proper adventure. And hold on tight because it's hilly! Expect some serious twists, turns, and a maximum 20% gradient on those climbs north of Gloucester. Towing a trailer? Maybe rethink this one, especially if the weather's looking dodgy. Speaking of weather, this isn't the drive for a rainy day. Set aside about 3.5 to 4.5 hours for the drive – without stops, that is. But trust me, you'll want to pull over. Every bend unveils another spectacular view, and there are plenty of viewpoints along the way just begging for a photo op!