
How long is the road to Rawson Pass?
Australia, oceania
4.5 km
2,124 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in New South Wales, Australia, ready for an adventure in the Snowy Mountains! You're about to tackle Summit Road, an 8-kilometer unpaved track that climbs to Rawson Pass, a whopping 2,124 meters (6,968 feet) high. This used to be a drivable road right up to Mount Kosciuszko, but now itβs open to hikers and cyclists only.
The trail is a bit rough β think gravel and rocks β but trust me, the views are worth it. You'll pass the iconic Snowy River, and the historic Seamans Hut. Rawson Pass itself sits at the foot of Australia's highest mountain, offering incredible vistas of the main range. Keep an eye out for the highest public toilets in Australia at Rawson Pass! It's a gradual climb after crossing the Snowy River at the 4.5km mark. Then it's onwards and upwards to Seaman's Hut (6km), Rawson's Pass (8km) and finally, the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. Don't forget your camera!
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 4.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,124 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in oceania
hardHow long is the Peninsula Developmental Road?
π¦πΊ Australia
Ready for the ultimate Aussie outback adventure? Head to Queensland and tackle the Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR)! This isn't your average highway. We're talking a 570 km (354 miles) stretch between Lakeland and Weipa that's mostly unsealed and legendary for its⦠well, let's just say *character*. Think mud, sand, dust, gravel, and teeth-rattling corrugations. It's the main artery for Cape York, connecting communities and delivering supplies. Expect about 200 km of the road to be unsealed with varying terrains. A 4WD is highly recommended! But be warned: this road demands respect. Conditions change constantly with the weather, and wildlife is abundant (especially around sunrise and sunset). Even in the dry season, flash floods can happen. The road often closes for up to four months during the wet season because of flooding and road damage. **Pro tip:** Deflate your tires a bit to soften the corrugations, use UHF channel 40 to chat with other drivers and get updates, use your lights in dusty conditions, and for goodness sake, avoid tailgating! Most importantly, check the road conditions before you go, and remember that some drivers are pros, while others are just starting. Be patient, and always drive to the conditions. This road offers some serious adventure, but safety first!
extremeTop safety tips for driving in New Zealand
π³πΏ New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along a stretch of road carved into the side of a mountain in New Zealand. It's a wild ride, about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) long, and it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking steep drop-offs, hairpin turns that'll make your knuckles white, and a serious climb β think starting near sea level and topping out around 600 meters (almost 2000 feet)! Now, this isn't your everyday scenic route. You've gotta keep your eyes peeled for gravel, especially on those tight corners. But, oh man, the views! You're surrounded by lush forest, with glimpses of the ocean far below. It's a total sensory overload. Just remember to focus on the road, take it slow, and soak in the incredible scenery when you pull over (safely, of course!). It's an adventure you won't soon forget.
hardTanami Road is one of Australia's great outback adventure tracks
π¦πΊ Australia
The Tanami Road: where Central Australia meets North West Western Australia in a blaze of desert glory! This is the most direct shot from just north of Alice Springs to Halls Creek in the Kimberley, cutting right through the heart of the Tanami Desert. Clocking in at 1,013 km (629 miles), this track β also known as the Tanami Track or Highway, or McGuire Track β stretches from the Great Northern Highway near Halls Creek to the Stuart Highway close to Alice Springs. Picture this: you're traversing the vast Tanami Desert on a road that's generally in decent nick (maintained until the NT border). Just be warned, it's a seriously isolated route and often closes during the wet season. Rain can wreak havoc, especially near the Kimberley end. While about 20% of the road is sealed, the rest is a mix of dirt, gravel, and sand, with some nasty bull dust holes, mega corrugations, and creek beds filled with sharp gravel. While a two-wheel-drive *can* manage, a four-wheel drive is highly recommended. But let's talk scenery! This route delivers amazing desert landscapes. Set aside about two days to soak it all in, with plenty of time for photo stops. You'll be sharing the road with road trains, 4WD adventurers, holidaymakers, and retirees all chasing a taste of the outback and a slice of Aussie history from the gold rush days. Keep an eye on the weather, as rain can shut down sections of the road quickly. And remember, desert storms can turn the track into a muddy mess in minutes, or worse, wash it away completely! Dust storms can be blinding, too. Corrugations can be brutal, making for a slow and bumpy ride. Pack plenty of fuel, food, and water, as roadhouses can be unreliable. This is seriously remote country with limited services: the longest stretch without fuel is a hefty 600km! Water sources along the way aren't drinkable, so pack enough H2O for the entire trip. Driving the Tanami requires patience, experience, and some serious 4WD skills. Be prepared for no food or fuel for 360 miles with temperatures up to 45Β°C. Caravans and trailers? Probably not the best idea.
hardZig Zag Scenic Drive is a one-way scenic road in Perth
π¦πΊ 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 β 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!