How to drive the defiant Ivanhoe Crossing in Australia?
Australia, oceania
8 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Hey adventure junkies! Ever heard of a wild ride across the Ord River in Western Australia's Kimberley region? Just 8 km north of Kununurra lies Ivanhoe Crossing – a super-remote, concrete causeway that's basically an Aussie rite of passage.
Built way back in the '50s, this curved crossing stretches for 540 meters, offering a unique (and sometimes dicey!) driving experience. But fair warning: during the wet season (November to March), this baby's underwater and totally off-limits. Even when it's open, the current can be fierce, so high-clearance vehicles are a must!
This place is seriously gorgeous! You might even recognize it from the movie "Australia." But keep your eyes peeled for saltwater crocs – definitely no swimming allowed! This crossing has a 15-tonne load limit. Heed the safety signs, respect the river, and you'll have an unforgettable adventure. Some folks have gotten a bit *too* confident and paid the price. Stay safe out there, folks, and soak in those epic Kimberley views!
Where is it?
How to drive the defiant Ivanhoe Crossing in Australia? is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -26.5685, 136.4677
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 8 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -26.5685, 136.4677
Related Roads in oceania
moderateQueen Charlotte Drive is a scenic coastal road in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Cruising through New Zealand's South Island? You HAVE to check out Queen Charlotte Drive! This legendary coastal road winds its way between Havelock and Picton in the Marlborough Region, and it's seriously one of the prettiest drives on the planet. Clocking in at around 33 km (20 miles), this fully paved road hugs the coastline from Havelock (right at the start of Pelorus Sound) to Picton, the gateway to the stunning Marlborough Sounds. Don't be in a rush – this route is all about the journey! The road climbs gently over a few hills, but with all the twists and turns, you'll probably average around 40km/hour. Trust me, though, it's totally worth it! The views of turquoise bays peeking through the ferns are pure magic. Keep an eye out for cyclists sharing the road, and be aware that it gets narrow in spots with plenty of bends. School holidays at the end of September can bring more traffic, especially if the sun's out. Even though it's a winding road with lots of ups and downs, you'll have plenty of time to soak in the views. Give yourself about 50-70 minutes to complete the drive non-stop, but honestly, you'll want to factor in extra time for photo ops and exploring! You'll be winding along the southern edge of Mahakipawa Arm, passing hidden bays and lush native forests. Seriously, the views are some of the best you'll find anywhere in New Zealand! And good news: there are plenty of lookout points along the way. Take your time, drive carefully, and pull over when you can to soak in the incredible scenery. This winding road, fringed with native forest, is easily one of the most scenic drives you're likely to experience. It's definitely a top coastal road trip on the South Island!
hardDriving the Corrugated Ernest Giles Road Through the Desert
🇦🇺 Australia
The Ernest Giles Road in the Northern Territory is a true Aussie outback adventure! Named after the explorer Ernest Giles, this isn't your Sunday drive. Think 100km (62 miles) of red desert stretching between the Luritja Road and the Stuart Highway, linking cattle stations and remote communities. This track demands a 4WD – we’re talking serious dips, bone-rattling corrugations, and patches of deep sand that’ll test your skills. You'll want to lower your tire pressure! Oh, and did I mention it closes regularly during the wet season? Be warned: this road isn't pampered. It's rough, remote, and can become a muddy, slippery mess after rain. Even 4WDs can get stuck out here, so pack extra water, spares, and let someone know your plans. Don't even think about attempting this in a 2WD! Mobile coverage? Forget about it! Despite the challenges, the scenery is incredible. Imagine driving through a landscape painted in vibrant reds, with dust devils dancing in the distance. The real reward? Visiting the Henbury Meteorite Craters, a truly otherworldly sight. Just remember to be prepared for anything – this road is as unpredictable as it is beautiful, offering a real taste of the raw Australian outback.
hardHow long is the Plenty Highway?
🇦🇺 Australia
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!
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?