Is Barkly Highway Paved?
Australia, oceania
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: the Barkly Highway. It's fully paved, so no bone-jarring bumps, but don't get *too* comfy. This beauty runs east-west for ages, from just outside Cloncurry, Queensland, all the way to just north of Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory. We're talking seriously remote country here, so top off that tank whenever you can – gas stations are few and far between!
Now, about that danger... yeah, it's got a rep for a reason. Those long, straight stretches? They can lull you into a trance. Stay awake, people! And keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, especially cattle. Seriously, those cows love to wander onto the road, particularly at night. Not ideal. Also, during the wet season (think December to March), things can get a bit dicey with flooding and closures, so always check the weather and road conditions before you head out. Despite the potential hazards, this road trip is epic, taking you through landscapes you won't forget.
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in oceania
hardWhen was Talawana Track built?
🇦🇺 Australia
Talawana Track is a rough and often corrugated drive in the center of Western Australia. This track is extremely remote. When was Talawana Track built? The main portion of the track was constructed in 1963 by Len Beadell and the Gunbarrel Road Construction Party. This development was integral to establishing a network of connecting roads intended to support the operations of the Woomera rocket range in South Australia. How long is Talawana Track? This track is one of the most spectacular desert experiences. It is 596 km (370 mi) long, running from Windy Corner on the Is Talawana Track unpaved? The road is totally unsealed and has severe corrugations, washouts, soft sand, salt pans, and sometimes mud. To prevent road surface damage, weight restrictions apply, and the track is in poor condition with average speeds of 20 - 30 kilometers per hour. The drive is shocking as corrugations make any speed uncomfortable. These corrugations must be the result of sustained travel by the trucks. It is often closed after rains. Is Talawana Track remote? This isolated desert track is extremely remote and needs to be driven with extreme caution. You will need to be self-reliant, and traveling alone is not recommended. Supplies are very limited, and facilities along the track are nil. By any standard, this is a long and tough haul through very remote territory. Its isolation requires travelers to be totally self-sufficient with water, food, and fuel. Driving the scenic Great Ocean Road in Australia Tamborine Mountain Road is The Goat Track Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our 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 to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardThe unpaved winding road to Cardrona Alpine Resort
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're in New Zealand's South Island, surrounded by the epic Southern Alps. You're heading to Cardrona Alpine Resort, one of the country's top ski spots, but getting there is half the adventure! The road up isn't paved – it's a proper off-road climb! Seriously, this ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 12.3km (7.64 mile) ascent from the tiny village of Cardrona, gaining a whopping 1,136 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of 9.23%! You'll climb to 1,648m (5,406ft) above sea level, so the views are gonna be insane. Keep an eye on the weather though, conditions can change in a heartbeat up in these mountains. And pro tip: if you're heading up in winter, snow chains are a must. This is one scenic drive you won't forget!
hardNevis Road in NZ: Not Suitable for 2WD Vehicles
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're cruising in Otago, New Zealand, near the Southland border, ready for an epic adventure. You're about to tackle the Nevis Road! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking 65 km (40 miles) of unpaved glory, stretching from Bannockburn Road (close to Cromwell) all the way to State Highway 6 near Garston. Expect river crossings! Now, listen up: 2WD vehicles can usually make it to Duffers Saddle for about half the year, but honestly, this road is begging for a 4WD. In good weather, it's a rewarding drive. Beyond Duffers Saddle, though, 4WD is a must. The Nevis Valley section? That's strictly 4WD territory, and get ready for a rough ride with plenty of fords. As you climb, you'll find yourself high in the Old Woman Range, reaching a peak of 1,275 m (4,183 ft) at Duffers Saddle. Keep an eye out for the sign – it marks the highest public road in New Zealand! But be warned, the weather here is no joke. The road is closed from early June to September 30th for winter. Even in summer, things can change fast, so keep an eye on conditions. Snow or high river levels can make it impassable. Definitely bring a buddy or another vehicle – you're going to be pretty remote. Speaking of remote, be prepared. Seriously. Don't go solo. There's zero cell service, so if you get stuck, you're on your own. You won't see many other vehicles out here. You'll be too busy navigating the 26-ish river crossings anyway. And keep an eye out for historical reminders scattered throughout the area. Just a heads-up: heavy rain can make the track muddy and those river crossings a bit deeper.
extreme1. Conquering Corrugations: Suspension and Chassis Fatigue
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're in the heart of the Aussie Outback, ready to tackle a road that's over 1,000 km long. But hold up, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Think self-sufficient fuel and water for days. First up, the road itself? Forget smooth tarmac; we're talking bone-jarring corrugations that'll rattle your teeth loose. You'll definitely need some heavy-duty suspension and to drop those tyre pressures to around 20-25 PSI to save your chassis from metal fatigue. Next, fuel and water. Plan on carrying 150+ liters of fuel and 100 liters of water. This requires a GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) upgrade to handle the load without snapping an axle if you hit a washout. Also, don't put all your eggs in one basket (or water in one tank) – multiple 20L jerry cans are your friend here, just in case of punctures. Then there's the local wildlife. Kangaroos, camels, cattle – they're all out there, especially at dawn and dusk. A sturdy steel bull bar isn't just for show; it's essential to protect your radiator. Speaking of night, try to avoid driving then if you can. If you must drive at night, you will need high-output LED driving lights to spot those reflective eyes over 500 meters away. Finally, the terrain itself can be treacherous. Be aware of "bull dust," the fine silt that hides ruts. Hitting one of those at speed can cause a rollover, so take dust clouds as seriously as you would fog. And after it rains, the tracks turn into a mud that will swallow you whole. Knowing when to wait it out (maybe for days!) is crucial.