Is Barkly Highway Paved?

Is Barkly Highway Paved?

Australia, oceania

Length

N/A

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

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.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Australia
Continent
oceania
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in oceania

Crossing 363 dunes on Googs Track in Australiahard

Crossing 363 dunes on Googs Track in Australia

🇦🇺 Australia

Ready for an Aussie adventure? Head to South Australia for the legendary Googs Track! Think of it as a mini-Simpson Desert experience. This sandy, single-lane track carves through the dry heart of the continent for 186 km (115 miles). It runs from Ceduna up to the Transcontinental Railway Line near Tarcoola. Winding through Yumbarra Conservation Park and Yellabinna Regional Reserve, you'll tackle over 300 dunes, some rising to 25 metres high. Be warned: it's seriously corrugated, especially on the approaches to those dunes! It's a great introduction to the South Australian outback, but keep in mind the track is narrow, making passing tricky. Plus, it gets muddy after rain. This track isn't maintained, and the sand gets deep and soft, so a high-clearance 4x4 and some serious sand driving skills are essential. Seriously, don't even think about attempting it in anything else. Some of those sandhills can be a real challenge, and definitely leave the caravan at home. Towing anything is generally a bad idea. Googs Track got its name from John "Goog" Denton, an egg seller who built it back in 1973 to help out the local farmers. Allow about a day to conquer the track. The scenery is incredible, and you might spot some rare wildlife. Since you're in the middle of nowhere, a satellite phone is a must. The cooler months are the best time to go – avoid the scorching summer heat. Pack plenty of food, water, and fuel. And remember to tune into UHF channel 18 to chat with other adventurers on the track.

When was the Tablelands Highway built?moderate

When was the Tablelands Highway built?

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, adventurers, listen up! Ready for a true Aussie outback experience? The Tablelands Highway (aka State Route 11) in the Northern Territory is calling your name! Built back in the 60s to move cattle, this baby is remote. We're talking *no* towns, *no* services for the entire length. Picture this: 375 km (233 miles) of single-lane sealed road stretching from Barkly Homestead. Yes, it's bitumen all the way, but hold your horses! Some spots are rough, with a narrow strip of bitumen. Thankfully, traffic is light. It's undulating terrain, caravan-friendly, and generally open year-round. Now, for the nitty-gritty: If you see a vehicle coming—especially a road train—slow *way* down and get completely off the road. Trust me on this one. Also, watch out for washouts on the shoulders after rain. Oh, and cattle! This is unfenced country, so expect to share the road with our bovine friends. Keep your eyes peeled!

Where does the Bruce Highway start and finish?extreme

Where does the Bruce Highway start and finish?

🇦🇺 Australia

Cruising up the Bruce Highway in Queensland, Australia is a true Aussie experience, stretching a whopping 1,677 km (1,042 miles) from Brisbane all the way up to Cairns. Think of it as the coastal spine, connecting 11 major ports and keeping freight moving. This legendary highway hugs the eastern coastline, winding through cities like Maryborough, Rockhampton, Mackay, and Townsville. It's the gateway to Queensland's stunning coastal tourist spots and the main street for countless regional communities. Now, let’s be real, the Bruce has earned a bit of a reputation, some even call it the 'Highway of Shame'. It can get pretty intense with heavy traffic, especially north of Brisbane, and overtaking can be a real issue. With that much road, people get impatient. Add in the risk of flooding, and you've got a recipe for a white-knuckle drive at times. Keep your wits about you, because the roadside *isn't* forgiving if you slip up. You’ll be sharing the road with heaps of trucks, and for long stretches, it’s just a two-lane highway with high traffic volume, so keep your eyes peeled, take regular breaks, and enjoy the epic scenery!

Why was the CREB Track built?hard

Why was the CREB Track built?

🇦🇺 Australia

Looking for an epic 4WD adventure in Queensland? The CREB Track is calling your name! This 71km beast winds from Daintree to Wujal Wujal right through the heart of the Daintree Rainforest. Originally built for powerline access, the CREB Track is no joke. Think seriously steep climbs, heart-pounding descents, and multiple river crossings. We're talking the Daintree River, Bloomfield River, Donovan’s Creek, and Roaring Meg Creek, just to name a few. Water levels can get seriously high, especially during the wet season, so be prepared for some serious navigation. This isn't a Sunday drive – you'll need a well-equipped 4WD with high clearance, low range, and traction aids. And definitely bring your recovery gear and winch, especially if it's been raining. Speaking of rain, avoid this track after a downpour – the red clay turns into a slippery nightmare! You'll want to keep your speed between 15 and 20 kmh. The track runs through the Burungu Aboriginal community so be mindful when travelling. The CREB Track is typically open May-November, but closures can happen without warning due to weather. Always check conditions before you go! Cell service is spotty, and it's a remote area, so be completely self-sufficient. But if you're up for the challenge, you'll be rewarded with incredible scenery and a true off-road experience!