Outback Highway is an adventure track you will never forget
Australia, oceania
2,800 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
# 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.
Where is it?
Outback Highway is an adventure track you will never forget is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -28.1373, 137.0644
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 2,800 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -28.1373, 137.0644
Related Roads in oceania
moderateWhere is the Kaitawa Bridge?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: You're cruisin' in the southwestern part of New Zealand's North Island, a few clicks southeast of Pahiatua. You stumble upon the Kaitawa Bridge, the gateway to adventure! Now, this ain't your average bridge. It's a wooden suspension bridge, pretty unique, with a steel through-truss underneath and a concrete base. Just a heads-up: it's one-way only – literally. You can only have one vehicle on it at a time, and keep an eye on that width, it's 2.5 meters max. But don't sweat it too much, the bridge has been updated to handle modern vehicles. The bridge itself is the start of Waihoanga Road which is fully paved. Keep in mind that a few roads you will find along the way do end up in dead ends. This route isn't about setting speed records; it's about soaking in the views. You'll be surrounded by beautiful scenery as you make your way across this iconic bridge.
extremeWhen was Mount Spec Road built?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising in North Queensland, Australia, ready to tackle Mount Spec Road. This isn't just any drive; it's a 21.7 km (13.48 miles) rollercoaster from Barrett Road to Ewan Paluma Road, winding tightly up and down the range. They actually started building this thing way back when, and you can tell it took a *lot* of effort! Now, heads up – the pavement's good, but the road gets seriously narrow in sections, with some real drop-offs right at the edge. Talk about stunning views, though! Expect some hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes, with gradients between . It is definitely a road where you need to keep your eyes on the road ahead, and buses and caravans are advised to take it slow and easy. FYI: Paluma Range National Park sometimes closes this road, especially during the wet season due to flooding, and occasionally in the drier months if there are fires. But the real star of the show? The Little Crystal Creek Bridge. This arch bridge is the *only* one of its kind still in use in Queensland! It's a testament to the incredible work that went into building this road. Trust me, it's a drive you won't forget.
hardHughenden Muttaburra Road is a gravel nightmare
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, folks, picture this: you're in Queensland, Australia, ready for an outback adventure. Got a 4WD or a high-clearance vehicle? Good, because you'll need it for the Hughenden Muttaburra Road (aka part of State Route 19)! This epic stretch runs 210 km (130 miles) from Hughenden in the north to Muttaburra in the south. Most of it is gravel and technically open to all vehicles, but trust me, you want something tough. See, those black soil sections? When it rains, they turn into a slippery, treacherous mess. And speaking of rough, the last 100 km into Hughenden are seriously gnarly. Think sharp gravel, deep ruts, and giant, loose boulders just waiting to tear up your undercarriage. The road climbs to a whopping 376m (1,233ft) in elevation too! Don't be fooled by the 100kph speed limit signs—that's a joke. Even in a truck, you'll be lucky to hit 60kph without rattling your teeth out. Let's just say a 2WD with a caravan would have an absolute nightmare. This road is a real gravel grinder!
extremeWhy Was The Zigzag Considered Dangerous?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're smack-dab in the middle of New Zealand's South Island, cruising through Arthurs Pass National Park. Epic, right? You're on State Highway 73, but forget the boring highway part – this is an adventure! Now, let's talk about a former white-knuckle section nicknamed "The Zigzag." This part of the road used to climb a steep section on a constantly shifting scree slope. Imagine trying to maintain a road that’s always being eaten away by erosion, flooding, and landslides! This crazy section kept sliding down the mountainside! Over time, the road was moved almost 215 feet back up the slope! Driving The Zigzag was gnarly. The steep incline meant you were practically crawling, and the constant threat of rocks tumbling down made it an adrenaline rush (maybe a bit too much of one!). It got so bad they eventually had to ditch it because the risk was just too high. Thankfully, engineers came to the rescue! They built the awesome Ōtira Viaduct to bypass The Zigzag's treacherous slopes. This viaduct offers a much safer and smoother ride through Arthurs Pass. You still get the stunning scenery, but without the nail-biting danger of the old Zigzag! You'll still experience the beauty of the West Coast Road, but now you can relax and enjoy the ride.