How long is the Plenty Highway?
Australia, oceania
494 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Plenty Highway (also known as State Route 12)! This iconic outback track slices through the heart of Australia's Northern Territory, offering a true taste of the Aussie wilderness.
Stretching a hefty 494 km (306 miles), this beauty kicks off from a turnoff on the Stuart Highway, about 68 kilometers north of Alice Springs, and winds its way to Tobermorey Homestead on the Northern Territory/Queensland border, part of the Donohue Highway. Fun fact: it started life as a humble cattle access road.
Now, let's talk terrain. You'll find the first 100km (from the Stuart Highway to Ongeva Creek) nicely sealed, but after that, it's all about the dirt! Don't worry, it's generally well-maintained.
So, how long does it take to conquer the Plenty Highway? You could technically blitz it in 16 to 20 hours non-stop, but where's the fun in that? Give yourself two or three days to soak it all in. Aim for May to October for the best weather and avoid the scorching summer months. Just a heads-up: it can become impassable after rain.
But be warned, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The Plenty Highway plunges you into some of the most isolated parts of the country. Keep an eye out for potential flood zones, especially in the east. And be prepared for sections of deep bull dust and the odd pothole—definitely a dry-weather-only kind of road. A 4x4 is essential, and it's not caravan-friendly. Oh, and don't forget to pack reliable communication and navigation gear!
Get ready for vast landscapes, stunning sunsets, and an unforgettable outback experience!
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 494 km
- Difficulty
- hard
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