How long is the Gunbarrel Highway?
Australia, oceania
1,350 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
The Gunbarrel Highway: if you're looking for the ultimate Aussie outback adventure, this is it! This legendary 1,350 km (840 mi) track carves its way from Carnegie Station in Western Australia all the way to Giles, near the Northern Territory border. It's a major part of the epic 2,800 km (1,740 mi) Outback Way.
Be prepared for anything – washaways, seriously corrugated sections, rocks, sand, and even flood plains. The track ranges from stony to sandy, with ruts and the occasional muddy surprise. A high-clearance 4WD is essential, and this trip isn't for the faint of heart!
Built in 1958, it's seen better days, with some sections untouched since its original construction. Allow at least 4 days to complete it, and definitely don't make this your first desert expedition.
You'll be venturing into seriously remote territory, so you need to be totally self-sufficient with water, food, and fuel. The longest stretch between fuel stops is a hefty 489 kilometers (Warburton to Carnegie Station), so plan accordingly. Services are scarce, and conditions can change rapidly. Avoid the scorching summer months! Do your research, stock up, and get the latest track info before you go.
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 1,350 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in oceania
extremeThe Road to Broken River Ski Area is for the Adventurous Spirit Only
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Craving a unique ski adventure? Head 100km west of Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island, and you'll find the turnoff for Broken River Ski Area (or "BR" if you want to sound like a local). This resort often boasts the longest ski season in the area, nestled high in the Craigieburn Range! The access road, a rugged 7.8 km climb, starts from the Great Alpine Highway (SH 73) and gains a whopping 782 meters in elevation – that's an average gradient of 10%! While unpaved, the road is usually well-maintained, but don't let that fool you. A 4WD is HIGHLY recommended, and chains are a must-carry, even if you've got four-wheel drive. Leave the campervan behind, though; it’s gotta stay parked down near the highway. Expect narrow sections, steep climbs, and some serious drop-offs. The alpine weather can change in a flash, so road conditions can shift throughout the day. If you see a closure or locked gate, respect it! They're there for a reason. Once you reach the Hanomag Car Park, the Tyndall Tram whisks you away on a scenic 4-minute ride to the ticket office. The tram runs daily during winter, making getting to the slopes part of the adventure!
moderateHow long is Gordon River Road?
🌍 Tasmania
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits on the Gordon River Road in southwest Tassie! This 119km (73-mile) paved beauty, also known as Strathgordon Road or the B61, starts from the A10 (Lyell Highway) and winds its way to the Gordon River Dam. Trust me, this drive is worth it! You'll be cruising Australia’s most southwestern road, eventually reaching the impressive Gordon River Dam – Tasmania’s tallest at a whopping 140 meters! The dam's unique dual-arch design is seriously cool. The road winds through the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, which means insane mountain views and deep gorges at every turn. Keep your eyes peeled! Now, a heads-up: this road, built in 1964, cuts through Tasmania’s wild southwest (a World Heritage Area, no less), and gets pretty narrow in spots. Watch out for frost, ice, and snow at higher elevations. If it’s raining, drive extra carefully – this area gets a LOT of rain. It also gets busy on weekends and holidays, so plan accordingly. Happy driving!
hardWhy is Allison Road famous?
🌍 Tasmania
Okay, picture this: Allison Road, snaking through the quiet countryside near Devonport in Tasmania’s North West. Seems innocent enough, right? Wrong! This little stretch has a seriously spooky rep, whispered about by locals for decades. It all started back in 1921 when poor Chrissie Venn, just 13 years old, vanished on her way to run errands. Days later, they found her… in a tree stump. Gruesome, right? The case was never solved, and now, legend has it, her spirit is still hanging around. So, what can you expect if you dare to drive Allison Road? People talk about seeing a ghostly girl by the roadside, weird lights tailing their cars, and engines mysteriously cutting out near this one spot called "The Dip." Some even swear they've picked up a hitchhiker who vanishes into thin air! And it's not just visual stuff. Think your GPS is reliable? Not on Allison Road. People have reported them going haywire, along with headlights flickering and cars getting unexplained scratches. It's like the road itself is messing with you! There's even a local tradition, a sort of dare, to walk around the tree stump where Chrissie was found at midnight. Talk about a test of courage! One guy even told a story about buying a used car and driving it home at night, only to get completely lost and have his check engine light come on out of nowhere near "The Dip." The light went off and he found his way as soon as he cleared the area. Creepy, right? Whether it’s true hauntings or just collective imagination running wild, Allison Road has definitely earned its place in Tasmanian folklore as one of the scariest drives around. Are you brave enough to uncover its secrets?
moderateWhere does the Burke Developmental Road start and end?
🇦🇺 Australia
The Burke Developmental Road (or BDR as the locals call it) is a true Aussie Outback adventure! This epic route clocks in at over 1,000 km, slicing right through Queensland's heartland. You'll kick things off about 120 km west of Cairns, cruise across the base of Cape York Peninsula, and eventually wind up near Mt Isa. Expect a mixed bag of surfaces – sometimes smooth bitumen, sometimes bumpy gravel and dirt. A 4WD is HIGHLY recommended if you're planning on tackling the whole shebang. This road's a lifeline for remote cattle stations, so keep an eye out for *massive* road trains. When you see one, pull *completely* off the road! Speaking of challenges, the wet season (November to April) can turn this paradise into a muddy mess. Rivers like the Walsh and Mitchell can flood in a flash, leaving you stranded. Plus, cell service is practically non-existent in large sections, so pack extra fuel, water, and a sat phone or UHF radio. And watch out for cattle and kangaroos – they love to wander onto the road, especially early and late in the day. Fuel stops are few and far between, so fill up whenever you can, especially at Burke & Wills Junction! Keep in mind that distances between fuel pumps can be over 200 km!