Is Moralana Scenic Drive unpaved?

Is Moralana Scenic Drive unpaved?

Australia, oceania

Length

27.5 km

Elevation

429 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: the Moralana Scenic Drive in South Australia. Think rugged Flinders Ranges, epic outback vibes, and a whole lotta red dirt! This 27.5km (17-ish miles) track, also known as Moralana Gorge Road, is mostly unpaved, so get ready for a bit of a bumpy ride. Most cars can handle it when it's dry, but things get dicey after rain – this baby often closes up when wet, especially at creek crossings like Moralana Creek. Trust me, you don't want to get stuck there! Late winter and spring? That's prime time for wildflowers and incredible views.

Speaking of views, you'll climb up to 429m (that's 1,407ft) and be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the Wilpena Pound Range, Bunbinyunna Range, Black Gap Lookout, Elder Range, and the historic Old Cueing Yards. Seriously, it's an Instagrammer's dream. If you're chasing that true Aussie outback experience, this drive is totally worth it. Just remember to check local conditions before you head out, especially if rain is even a remote possibility. Adventure awaits!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Australia
Continent
oceania
Length
27.5 km
Max Elevation
429 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in oceania

Great Northern Highway is the longest and most remote paved road in the worldhard

Great Northern Highway is the longest and most remote paved road in the world

🇦🇺 Australia

Alright, buckle up road trippers, because the Great Northern Highway in Western Australia is an absolute epic! This is a seriously long haul – nearly 3,200 kilometres (almost 2,000 miles) connecting Perth to Wyndham. We're talking proper outback adventure here, people. Born back in '44 from a bunch of smaller tracks, it's now fully paved, so you *can* take pretty much anything. But let's be real, the comfier your ride, the better. Mostly it's a two-lane road, but keep an eye out for single-lane bridges, especially up in the Kimberley region. This isn't just a scenic drive though; it's a major freight route. That means a LOT of trucks, so stay alert! The weather plays a huge role too. Dry season? Dust. Wet season? Think boggy roads, or even roads completely underwater! Seriously, seasonal rains between November and May can flood sections under *metres* of water. Conditions change *a lot* over the entire route. So, what do you need to know? Take. It. Seriously. Pack plenty of water and fuel (you'll need it!), watch out for wildlife, and give those "road trains" (massive trucks!) plenty of space. Plan your trip meticulously and avoid driving at night if you can. Also, cell service? Spotty at best. But if you're prepared? The views are incredible, the remoteness is unreal, and you'll have one heck of a story to tell. Just remember to respect the road, respect the conditions, and enjoy the ride!

Where is Obelisk/Kopuwai?moderate

Where is Obelisk/Kopuwai?

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Okay, picture this: you're in Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand, surrounded by unreal landscapes. You're heading to the Obelisk, or Kopuwai, a seriously cool rock formation perched way up high. Getting there is half the adventure. The road's a gravel track, an old gold mining route that climbs and climbs from a paved road for about 15km. You'll gain about 800 meters in elevation, so it's a steady uphill trek. The views from the top are killer, panoramic vistas of Central Otago. Just don't park near the mast, apparently it messes with your car's electronics! The rock formations at the summit are totally worth the drive. Now, here's the catch: this road is only open in summer, and even then, only when it's dry. Winter brings snow and dicey conditions. This area can have extreme weather any time of year, so check the forecast before you go. Temps change fast up there, so pack warm, windproof gear, and maybe a compass, because fog can roll in outta nowhere. Oh, and one more thing: you're way out there. Zero cell service, so if you get stuck, you're on your own. Seriously, don't drive this road alone. It's a real remote area. But hey, if you're prepared, it's an unforgettable adventure!

Crossing the Coopers Creek Bridge is not for the sissiesmoderate

Crossing the Coopers Creek Bridge is not for the sissies

🇦🇺 Australia

Alright, road trip enthusiasts, listen up! Let's talk Coopers Creek Bridge in the heart of Central West Queensland, Australia. Forget boring bridges, this one's a stunner! We're talking a nearly 100-meter stretch of concrete ribbon that carries you across the landscape on the unpaved Diamantina Developmental Road. So, buckle up for a ride that's as much about the journey as the destination. Get ready for wide open spaces and that raw, untamed beauty that only the Australian outback can offer.

How long is the Plenty Highway?hard

How 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!