McKillops Road is one of the most hazardous drives of Australia
Australia, oceania
80 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, buckle up for McKillops Road in Victoria, Australia! This 80km (50 mile) beauty (C611) slices east-west from Bonang to Wulgulmerang East, right through the heart of Snowy River National Park.
The pavement mostly holds out until you get past Buchan, then things get *interesting* as you start dropping down into the valley towards the iconic McKillops Bridge, which dramatically leaps across the Snowy River in Alpine National Park.
Now, let's be real: this road demands your full attention. Picture blind corners galore! Passing spots are scarce, and loose rocks whisper tales of instability when it's wet. While a 2WD can *technically* do it (mostly mud!), I'd seriously recommend a 4WD or something with good clearance, especially after rain. Think of it as adding an extra layer of awesome to your adventure. A good portion is reasonably wide, but that stretch from Little River Gorge down to McKillop Bridge? That's where it gets gnarly. Caravans and semi-trailers? Hard pass. Definitely check local conditions after any rain or bad weather. Pro tip: maybe even throw a chainsaw or axe in the back in case of fallen trees (plus recovery gear!). Tell someone where you're going, and bring your own water, folks! No permits needed to cruise this baby.
The reward? Views that'll blow your mind. You're driving through some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery Victoria has to offer. Give yourself around 2 hours *without* stops (but who are we kidding, you'll want to stop!). That descent from Little River into the Snowy River Valley? Seriously, it’s a stunner, with dramatic vertical drops and mind-blowing vistas. The Snowy River National Park is, unsurprisingly, dominated by the river itself, offering incredible gorges, old-growth forests on Mt Gelantipy, unique pine woodlands, and untouched wilderness. You could easily spend days exploring by car (most roads are fine for 2WD, but not caravans, especially near McKillops Bridge). Built way back in 1935, McKillops Bridge is a real testament to engineering, and was the only way to cross the Snowy River for ages.
Where is it?
McKillops Road is one of the most hazardous drives of Australia is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -22.5965, 131.8960
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 80 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -22.5965, 131.8960
Related Roads in oceania
hardCrossing 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.
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.
extremeEyre Highway: driving 146km (91mi) without any turn
🇦🇺 Australia
# The Eyre Highway: Australia's Ultimate Outback Adventure Ready for one of Australia's most iconic road trips? The Eyre Highway stretches a massive 1,664 km (1,034 miles) across the heart of the Nullarbor Plain, connecting the goldfields town of Norseman in Western Australia to the bustling port city of Port Augusta in South Australia. This fully sealed route is completely drivable in a standard vehicle, making it accessible for any adventurous road tripper. What makes this highway truly legendary? It boasts what's arguably the longest straight stretch of road in the country—a mind-blowing 146.6 kilometres (91.1 mi) with zero turns between the tiny roadhouse communities of Balladonia and Caiguna. Named after explorer Edward John Eyre, this route was originally just a rough track when it opened between 1941-1942, but thankfully it's been progressively sealed. The final stretch was paved in 1976. Here's the reality of driving here: it's genuinely remote. While the eastern sections have some towns, the western half is seriously isolated. This remoteness has led to some creative solutions—sections of the road actually double as emergency airstrips for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, complete with painted runway markings. Services are spaced thoughtfully enough that you won't need to carry extra fuel, though not all stations run 24/7, so plan ahead if you're traveling after hours. The biggest hazards? Driver fatigue and wildlife. Kangaroos, emus, and camels roam freely across this landscape, and they're especially active at dawn and dusk when they're most likely to dart across the road. Some communities now offer free coffee to keep drivers alert and encourage well-needed breaks. Expect to spend 2-3 days driving this epic route. While it's undeniably long and sparse, that's exactly why it's considered one of Australia's greatest road trips—a raw, authentic experience of the real outback and the country's pioneering spirit.
moderateDriving the scenic Great Ocean Road in Australia
🇦🇺 Australia
The Great Ocean Road (or GOR) in Australia? Unreal. This coastal drive stretches 242 km (150 miles) from Torquay to Allansford along Victoria's southwest coast and it’s seriously epic. Think dramatic limestone cliffs, insane rock formations, and views that will make you want to pull over every five minutes. Built by returned soldiers after WWI, this route is actually dedicated to their fallen comrades, making it the world's largest war memorial. Pretty powerful stuff. You'll cruise along paved, two-lane roads, twisting and turning with the coastline. This isn't about speed – it's about soaking it all in. The speed limit ranges from 80-100km/h (slower in towns), and honestly, you won't want to rush. Budget around 3-4 hours of straight driving time, but let’s be real, you'll be stopping constantly for photos and viewpoints. There are plenty of turnouts for slower vehicles (and trust me, you’ll appreciate them!), so be courteous and let others pass. This road is all about the experience. Get ready for some seriously winding cliff-top sections that are pure driving bliss! Just be aware that it can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays, so give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the ride.