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
hardDriving the Taumatamaire Road is not a piece of cake
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, Kiwis and adventure-seekers, listen up! Ever heard of Taumatamaire Road? It's a wild ride in the western North Island of New Zealand that'll get your heart pumping. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a completely unsealed, narrow track with some seriously steep sections – think a grunty 12% gradient in places! You'll climb all the way up to a repeater station, perched at a cool 402m (1,318ft) above sea level. Trust me, the views are worth it, but save this one for daylight hours. Night driving? No way, mate. The road stretches for 23.6 km (14.66 miles), winding its way from Awakino, right where the Awakino River meets the sea, to State Highway 3 south of Mahoenui. Before you go, get the latest local intel – conditions can change quickly!
hardThe 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!
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!
hardTamborine Mountain Road is The Goat Track
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Tamborine Mountain Road, aka "The Goat Track" to the locals, in Queensland, Australia. This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's a real adventure! This beauty stretches for almost 24 km (15 miles) from near Witheren up to Beaudesert Beenleigh Road, climbing through the lush Tamborine Mountain rainforest. Just so you know, part of it is State Route 95. Built way back in the early 1920s, it was one of the first bitumen roads around! Now, hold on tight because this road is STEEP. We're talking an average gradient of 8%, but be prepared for a punch with a maximum of 16% over a 1.5km stretch. You'll climb to a peak of 561m (1,840ft). Low gear is your friend here! Word of warning: this road is prone to landslides, and it's actually closed overnight from midnight to 5 AM. Always check conditions before you go. There are also some narrow sections, so keep your eyes peeled. Allow about an hour to drive it straight through, but trust me, you'll want to stop. The views are absolutely breathtaking! Take your time, drive safely, and get ready for an unforgettable experience.