
How long is the Victoria Highway?
Australia, oceania
557 km
N/A
easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along the Victoria Highway, smack-dab in the heart of Western Australia and the Northern Territory. This isn't just any drive; it's a 557 km (346 miles) east-to-west adventure!
You'll kick things off near Katherine in the Northern Territory, a cool 320 kilometers southeast of Darwin. From there, you'll wind your way towards the Kimberley in Western Australia, eventually meeting up with the Great Northern Highway between Timber Creek and Kununurra.
The road's fully paved, so no need to worry about bumpy dirt tracks. Just keep in mind that this part of the world has a serious wet season (November to April). The Victoria River near Timber Creek can flood, so the road might be closed for days or even weeks if the water gets too high! But hey, a little adventure never hurt anyone, right? Just be sure to check the conditions before you go.
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 557 km
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in oceania
extremeWhere does Waterfall Way start and finish?
🇦🇺 Australia
Waterfall Way in Northern NSW is an absolute stunner of a drive! Think rainforests, river valleys, and, of course, waterfalls galore! You'll cruise right through the incredible New England and Dorrigo National Parks. This 170km (106mi) stretch of road kicks off from the New England Highway near Armidale and winds its way to the Pacific Highway close to Urunga (just a quick 20-minute jaunt south of Coffs Harbour). The road's fully sealed, but be warned: it can get pretty narrow and twisty, especially with a steep, winding 14km section west of Thora. Some spots are carved right into the mountainside, while others are built up with stonework – so keep your eyes peeled! Overtaking can be tricky, especially on the Dorrigo Range. And watch out for wildlife! While undeniably gorgeous, this route has seen its fair share of accidents in the past. Take it slow, stay focused, and you'll be golden. Plan for about 2.5 to 3 hours of driving time, but honestly, you'll want to stop and soak it all in. Waterfall Way is a detour that's more than worth it, with everything from pristine coastal beaches to lush rainforest and wide-open plains. Keep an eye out for heavy trucks and slow-moving caravans. And if you're driving at night near Ebor, you might even spot a spotted-tail quoll – if you don't hit a kangaroo first! Don't forget your insect repellent, and be aware that mobile reception can be spotty along the way. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
easyWhy is it called Lawrence Hargrave Drive?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! If you're cruising the south coast near Wollongong, you absolutely HAVE to check out Lawrence Hargrave Drive. This isn't just a road; it's a scenic masterpiece named after an Aussie legend, Lawrence Hargrave, the guy who invented the box kite and basically kickstarted aviation Down Under! You'll be driving along the same coastline where he experimented with his kites – talk about inspiring views! Built back in the day, this fully paved beauty stretches for about 20 kilometers (around 12 miles) from Coalcliff down to Clifton. It's a winding ribbon of asphalt hugging the cliffs, so keep your eyes peeled for the occasional rockfall, especially after a storm, and watch out for the soft shoulder! But honestly, the views are worth it. You'll be treated to the most spectacular coastal scenery Wollongong has to offer. The real stars of the show are the bridges, particularly the Coopers Creek Bridge. It's not super scary, but it'll definitely get your heart pumping a little! Trust me; this drive is an unforgettable experience. Get ready to pull over and snap a ton of photos!
moderateFrench Line is one of Australia’s great touring tracks
🇦🇺 Australia
Tucked away in the remote Simpson Desert, in central Australia, the French Line is one of the country’s great touring tracks. It’s the most direct track across the desert. There are a number of large dunes to cross, and many of the climbs become degraded during any given season. It’s one of Australia’s best 4WD tracks. It’s said to be the shortest and most direct route across the Simpson Desert. The Simpson is the driest region of Australia and a dunal desert, crossing through breathtaking landscapes, colorful flora, and varied fauna. Expect to cross over 1200 red sand dunes and to feel as far removed from civilization as you’re ever likely to be. Most of the dunes are not too difficult to tackle, but there are just so many of them that you’ll need to be cautious to avoid vehicle damage. The road, also known as the Shot Line, is named after the French Petroleum Company, which put the line in 1964. It runs partly through South Australia and Queensland. The road is 262 km (162 miles) long, running east-west from Poeppel Corner to Dalhousie Springs. It’s totally unpaved. It’s a very demanding track as it normally has very soft sand. Keep in mind the Simpson Desert is closed between December and mid-March due to the summer temperatures. While in the desert, self-sufficiency is essential. Take emergency supplies and extra parts; make sure you know your route. The best time to be in the Simpson Desert is April to October when the daytime temperature will be comfortable. Carry at least seven liters of water per person per day, and emergency food and water for 7 days. The drive is not easy. It’s only single lane wide, and crossing the dunes can be challenging, especially when they are rutted out and bumpy in places. The road is slow going all the way (15–20 km/h). You need an equipped heavy 4WD with plenty of extra fuel, water, and a powerful UHF CB Radio and ideally a satellite phone or emergency GPS rescue beacon. Remember to drop your tire pressures. There are numerous salt lake crossings. When these are dry, they have a very firm base; however, when wet, they can become very sticky. In some cases, they are impassable, in which case you will have to make numerous detours to the north. Trailers of any kind are not recommended on the French Line. Plan about 4 days to complete the drive. Minimize the weight your vehicle will carry wherever possible; this will lower the risk of damage, improve fuel consumption, etc. Pic: Brett Fisher Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
moderateThe track to Mount Terrible: low range and high clearance required
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Victorian High Country of Australia, just southwest of Kevington, lies Mount Terrible. And trust me, the name isn't kidding around. We're talking about a 24.3km (15-mile) trek to 1,305m (4,281ft) of pure, unadulterated Aussie bush. Forget smooth asphalt; this is Mt Terrible Track, a totally unpaved, rough, and rocky ride through the Mount Terrible Natural Features and Scenic Reserve. Think scrabbly sections, steep climbs, rocks, and ditches galore. This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. You'll need a 4x4 beast with great tires, low range, high clearance, and a driver who knows how to pick the right lines. The Great Dividing Range throws everything it has at you, including potential closures from July to late October due to snow. Yep, this track gets rocky AND snowy in winter! But the reward? Stunning views from the summit, home to a fire lookout tower (circa 1962) and a comms tower. It's an epic High Country adventure!