
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
extremeSkippers Canyon Road
🇳🇿 New Zealand
# Skippers Canyon Road: A Wild Ride Through New Zealand's Gold Rush Past Want to drive one of the most hair-raising roads on the planet? Welcome to Skippers Canyon Road, a white-knuckle 22-kilometer gravel adventure carved into the dramatic cliff faces near Queenstown. Built by hand by gold miners back in the 1860s, this road has barely changed in over 150 years—and honestly, it shows. We're talking no guardrails, loose gravel surface, and sections so narrow that two cars can't pass each other. Oh, and here's the kicker: rental car insurance doesn't cover it. Seriously. Most mainstream rental companies explicitly refuse coverage, making this one of the few roads in the world with that particular honor. The road plunges from Coronet Peak Road deep into the Shotover River gorge, snaking through rock cuttings where sheer cliffs drop hundreds of meters straight down to the turquoise river far below. Some sections are basically narrow shelves carved into the cliff face—barely room for one vehicle, with zero pull-out options if you meet someone coming the other way. You can still see the original stone retaining walls built by Chinese miners in the 1860s, adding to the road's atmospheric charm. The surface is a mix of compacted gravel, loose rocks, and mud, depending on recent weather. Beyond the adrenaline rush, there's genuine history here. Skippers Canyon was absolutely booming during the 1860s gold rush, and you'll spot relics everywhere—old mining equipment, stone cottages, and the gorgeous 1901 Skippers suspension bridge. The canyon itself is stunning, with those dramatic schist rock walls towering above the river. Today, the area buzzes with adventure seekers doing jet boating, bungy jumping, and white-water rafting. Want to experience this beast? Skip the self-drive ego trip and go with a guided 4WD tour. Local operators know every twist and tricky section, making it the smart (and far less stressful) way to tackle this iconic road.
moderateIs Mount Hotham paved?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, so you're heading to Victoria, Australia? You HAVE to check out Mount Hotham! At 1,862m (that's over 6,100 feet!), it's the highest point on the legendary Great Alpine Road (B500) and the highest paved road in the whole country! This stretch of the Great Alpine Road runs for about 32.6km (around 20 miles) connecting Harrietville and Hotham Heights. The whole Great Alpine Road is a mammoth 303 km (188 mi) long. Now, heads up: this is the Victorian Alps, so weather can be a bit wild, especially between Harrietville and Omeo. They usually keep it open in winter, but snow can close it down. If you're going during snow season, you'll need snow chains – you can rent them on either side of the road. The climb from Harrietville isn't crazy steep, but pay attention! The road's paved, but it can get a little tight with oncoming traffic in spots. Plus, some sections have serious drop-offs right next to the road, and not always with barriers. But the views? Totally worth it! Prepare for incredible scenery!
hardOutback Highway is an adventure track you will never forget
🇦🇺 Australia
# The Outback Way: Australia's Ultimate 4WD Adventure Ready to tackle one of the most legendary off-road experiences on the planet? The Outback Way is Australia's longest shortcut – a jaw-dropping 2,800 km (1,740 mi) journey that cuts straight through the heart of the continent from Laverton, Western Australia, to Winton, Queensland. This isn't your typical highway drive. You'll be navigating through three states – Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland – on roughly 1,750 km of unsealed roads that demand a serious 4WD vehicle. But that's exactly what makes it magical: you'll access some of Australia's most remote and untouched desert landscapes that most travelers never get to see. Fair warning though – this is genuine outback country. You're looking at stretches where civilization is thin on the ground, with up to 300 km between fuel stops, food, and accommodation. Communications can be sketchy, and repair services are few and far between. Come prepared. The payoff? Absolutely stunning scenery. You'll drive past iconic landmarks like Ayers Rock, the Olgas, and the spectacular Peterman and MacDonnell Ranges. The route stitches together seven different roads including the Great Central Road, Gunbarrel Highway, Stuart Highway, and more – each section offering its own flavor of Australian outback magic. Plan for at least 3-4 days of solid driving, though 6-7 days is realistic if you want to actually stop and soak in the highlights. Stick to daytime driving – the outback isn't forgiving after dark. **Timing matters:** Hit the road between March and November when temperatures are reasonable. Summer (November to March) brings brutal heat and heavy rains that can make roads impassable. Check those weather forecasts before you leave.
moderateDriving the scenic Spring Creek Road in Queensland
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna escape the city and dive into some seriously stunning scenery? Then Spring Creek Mountain Road in southern Queensland is calling your name! This little gem, part of Tourist Drive 21, is a 38.7km (24 mile) stretch of road that winds its way from Killarney, in the Southern Downs, all the way to Carneys Creek, in the Scenic Rim. Just a 2.5-hour hop from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, it’s perfect for a day trip. Be warned, though: it's a bit rough around the edges! Think narrow lanes (sometimes just one!), crazy steep climbs (we're talking up to 15%!), and pavement that's seen better days. Definitely leave the caravan at home and avoid it if you're in a larger vehicle. The road climbs up to 1,054m (3,458ft) above sea level. But trust me, the views are SO worth it! Plan around 50 minutes to soak it all in. Tucked away in the Mowbray Valley, this hidden gem is a photographer's dream. Expect breathtaking lookouts and viewpoints at every turn, plus easy access to the majestic Browns Falls, Daggs Falls, and the iconic Queen Mary Falls. It's a unique slice of Queensland that's still relatively untouched – get there before everyone else does!