Kakadu Highway: A 5-Star Road in the Northern Territory
Australia, oceania
209 km
262 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Kakadu Highway (aka State Route 21)! This beauty slices right through Kakadu National Park in Australia's Northern Territory.
Picture this: a fully paved road in pretty good nick, winding its way through the remote Aussie outback. We're talking a north-south route stretching for 209 km (130 miles) from Jabiru down to Pine Creek. And yeah, you'll hit some steep sections, climbing up to 262m (859ft) above sea level!
Keep your eyes peeled, especially towards the southern end of the park, because buffalo have been known to wander onto the highway. And of course, watch out for cattle and kangaroos – they're notorious for hopping out of nowhere!
Good news: this road is usually open all year round. But heads up – this is a tropical savanna, so expect some serious rain! Flash flooding can happen, especially during the wet season, and sections of the road might close without much warning. Basically, nature calls the shots out here, so be prepared for anything!
Where is it?
Kakadu Highway: A 5-Star Road in the Northern Territory is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -27.3105, 132.9132
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 209 km
- Max Elevation
- 262 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -27.3105, 132.9132
Related Roads in oceania
easyIs the Tjukaruru Road unpaved?
🇦🇺 Australia
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Tjukaruru Road! This isn't just a drive, it's an outback experience. Connecting Warburton in Western Australia to the Great Central Road, it's your east-west ticket across the heart of the country, a whopping distance. Starting near Cosmo Newberry, an Indigenous community nestled by Lake Throssell, you'll quickly find yourself on unpaved territory - think gravel and sand galore! Now, here's the thing: this road is a chameleon. In dry weather, it can be a surprisingly easy cruise. But after rain? Hold on tight! Flash flooding can turn it into a muddy, slippery challenge, even impassable at times thanks to river crossings. While technically not strictly 4x4 only (graded for 2WD vehicles), you'll feel way more confident in a four-wheel drive. Seriously, the conditions can change in a heartbeat! And heads up: you're out there. This is remote Australia, so be prepared. We're talking minimal traffic, limited help, and patchy cell service. Pack that communication gear, and let someone know your itinerary. Get ready for stunning scenery!
moderateWhy is it called Binns Track?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: the Binns Track, a massive 2,191 km (1,361 miles) 4x4 adventure through the heart of Australia's Northern Territory. Starting near the South Australian border, it throws you into a world of mountains, deserts, and endless plains. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. The Binns Track, named after a legendary NT park ranger, is seriously challenging and seriously remote. You absolutely need to be prepared before you even think about tackling it. Before you head out to the north-central part of the country, remember to keep an eye on the weather! Access can be tricky from December to May, so plan accordingly. But trust me, the scenery is unreal.
moderateDriving the Alpine Ohakune Mountain Road in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Cruising around the North Island of New Zealand? You HAVE to hit Ohakune Mountain Road! This sealed road, nestled in the southern end of the Taupo Volcanic Zone (and inside Tongariro National Park!), serves up some seriously sweeping views. First opened in 1963, this beauty climbs to a whopping 1,630m (5,347ft) above sea level. We're talking postcard-perfect scenery, dotted with huge-leafed mountain cabbage trees. And get this – there's even a service road for the chairlift that goes even higher, to 2,052m (6,732ft)! Starting from Old Station Road, you'll gain 1015 meters of elevation over its 16.2 km (10 miles). That's an average gradient of 6.26%, with some sections hitting a steeper 15%. The road is usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather – it's an alpine environment, and things can change fast. Snow can close it, so be prepared for anything! Give yourself about 20 minutes to drive it without stopping. Trust me, though, you'll WANT to stop. On a clear day, the views stretch all the way to the South Island! Plus, there are tons of points of interest along the way. Cell service is available, though it can be a bit spotty. It's honestly one of the most picturesque drives I've ever experienced.
moderateIs the road to Mount Dobson unpaved?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Dobo, as the locals call it, is a must-do if you're in the Mackenzie region of New Zealand's South Island. This totally unpaved access road winds its way up to the Mount Dobson ski resort, perched at a lofty 1,748m (5,734 ft). It's one of the highest roads around, and surprisingly smooth for an alpine track. Starting from the main Fairlie-Tekapo Road, the 14.8 km (9.19 miles) climb gains a whopping 1,292 meters in elevation – that's an average grade of 8.72%! Most vehicles can handle it, even campervans and small cars. Just be prepared for some bends, blind corners and changeable weather. Snow chains are a must. But trust me, the drive is worth it! At the top, you'll find plenty of parking and views that'll blow your mind. Picture this: sweeping vistas over Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki, with the majestic Mt Cook and Mt Tasman (New Zealand's highest peaks) in the distance. Seriously, bring your camera – you'll want to capture this remarkable road trip!