Stuart Highway
Australia, oceania
2,834 km
700 m
moderate
April-September (avoids extreme summer heat in the center and wet season flooding in the north)
# The Stuart Highway: Australia's Epic Red Centre Road Trip
Want to experience one of the world's most legendary road journeys? The Stuart Highway stretches a massive 2,834 kilometers from Adelaide's coast all the way up to Darwin in the tropical north, slicing straight through the heart of Australia's stunning red centre. The route honours explorer John McDouall Stuart, who first made the epic south-to-north crossing back in 1862—and honestly, this highway is every bit as thrilling today.
What makes this drive truly special is the constantly shifting scenery. You'll cruise through South Australia's famous Barossa Valley vineyards, then roll into the quirky underground town of Coober Pedy where locals have literally dug homes into the earth to escape the scorching heat. Further north, you can detour to see the magnificent Uluru, then push on to the outback frontier vibe of Alice Springs. The ancient sandstone formations of the Devils Marbles are absolutely mesmerizing. As you head into the northern section, the landscape transforms into lush tropical savanna before you finally hit Darwin's humid, steamy tropics.
Fair warning though: between towns, this highway stretches dead straight for hundreds of kilometers through empty red desert. It's breathtaking but also relentless—the monotony and heat can really test your endurance, so come prepared and don't underestimate just how remote some stretches are.
Where is it?
Stuart Highway is located in South Australia / Northern Territory, Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -25.0000, 134.0000
Driving Tips
# Road Trip Tips for Driving Through Australia
Give yourself a solid 5-6 days minimum for the full drive—this isn't a race, and you'll want time to actually enjoy the scenery and rest properly.
Keep an eye out for road trains (those massive 53-meter trucks). They're a real thing out here, so never pass one unless you've got crystal clear visibility for at least a kilometer ahead. Seriously, wait it out.
Stock up on extra water and fuel before heading into the remote stretches. You don't want to be caught short in the middle of nowhere, and supplies get pricey once you're out there.
Watch for kangaroos, especially around dawn and dusk when they're most active on the roads. They can appear suddenly, so stay alert during these times.
Rest stops are pretty spread out, so plan ahead. On the flip side, fuel gets expensive in remote areas, so budget accordingly and fill up when you can at reasonable prices.
One last thing—the Northern Territory has some sections with no speed limit, which sounds fun but remember that conditions can change quickly. Drive to the conditions and take breaks when you need them. Safe travels!
Road Surface
Paved, well-maintained sealed highway, long straight sections
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Region
- South Australia / Northern Territory
- Length
- 2,834 km
- Max Elevation
- 700 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Surface
- Paved, well-maintained sealed highway, long straight sections
- Best Season
- April-September (avoids extreme summer heat in the center and wet season flooding in the north)
- Coordinates
- -25.0000, 134.0000
Related Roads in oceania
hardA Most Tricky Scenic Drive to Remutaka Pass in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, fellow road trippers, let me tell you about Remutaka Pass! Up here on New Zealand's North Island, just north of Wellington, you'll find this beauty sitting pretty at 556 meters (that's 1,824 feet for my imperial friends). Officially christened Remutaka Pass (gotta love that correct Māori spelling!), this route, also called Remutaka Hill, is a fave among Kiwi motorcyclists. Hop on State Highway 2 (Rimutaka Hill Road) for a fully paved, west-to-east adventure stretching 31 kilometers (almost 20 miles) between Upper Hutt and Featherston. Get ready for some seriously winding and steep sections; we're talking gradients hitting a whopping 21%! At the top, there's a parking lot with a lookout – a short, steep scramble away. The 360-degree views are insane (if the weather plays nice, that is!). It's a perfect pit stop overlooking the Hutt Valley on one side and Featherston on the other. Now, a heads-up: this isn't always a smooth ride. Perched high in the Remutaka Range, this road can throw all sorts of weather your way. Think frequent closures, slips, strong winds, and torrential rain. Winter can bring mist, snow, and more landslips. Keep an eye out for those wind gusts, especially on the exposed higher sections, and be aware that traffic can be heavy sometimes!
moderateHow long is Highland Lakes Road?
🌍 Tasmania
Cruising through the Central Highlands of Tasmania? You *have* to check out Highland Lakes Road (aka Lakes Highway or A5)! This north-south route stretches for about 148 km (91 miles) from the charming town of Deloraine, all the way down to Melton Mowbray. Good news – it's completely paved since 2019! Allow 2-3 hours for a non-stop drive, but honestly, you'll want to pull over. Think steep climbs, hairpin turns that'll make you grin, and lush forest views giving way to panoramic vistas. This road's an important route, but unless it's summer, you won't find much traffic. At 1,212m (3,976ft) above sea level, it's usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the forecast in winter and early spring. Those higher elevations can get icy or snowy, potentially causing short closures. But don't let that deter you – the views are SO worth it! The section near Deloraine is truly one of the most enjoyable drives in Tassie.
hardWhen was the Alpine Way built?
🇦🇺 Australia
Alpine Way is a very scenic drive in New South Wales, Australia, offering great views to the south and into the high country of the Victorian Alps. It’s said to be one of Australia’s highest and windiest roads. When was the Alpine Way built? Opened in the 1950s, the route is constructed on an old cattle route that stockmen used for decades to drive cattle from Corryong in Victoria and Jindabyne in New South Wales to the lush grazing lands of the Snowy Mountains high country. Is the Alpine Way sealed? Located on the east coast of Australia, the road—often referred to as the Kosciuszko Alpine Way—was totally paved in the 1990s. How long is the Alpine Way? The road is 123km (76.4 miles) long, running east-west, from Jindabyne to the New South Wales/Victorian border. How steep is the Alpine Way? This is a high mountain road and features steep sections, hitting a 13% maximum gradient through some of the ramps. Is the Alpine Way open? Set high in the Snowy Mountains region, the road tops out at 1.597m (5,239ft) above sea level by . The road is typically open all year round, with the occasional closure in winter due to dangerous weather conditions. Conditions can be extreme and may change rapidly, particularly in winter. It is required that all two-wheel drive vehicles carry snow chains between Thredbo and Tom Groggin between June and October long weekends. It is also quite possible that snow chains may be needed to drive safely along other (preferably more dangerous) parts of Alpine Way. Today the road remains, and much money is devoted every year to maintaining the road from its harsh environment in order to allow Australian tourists a chance to access the spectacular Snowy Mountains high country. Rockfalls can happen after rains. How long does it take to drive the Alpine Way? To drive the road without stopping will take most people between 2.5 and 4 hours. The drive features stunning views. It’s a great way to discover the spectacular mountain views. The drive winds its way across the back of rugged mountain ranges offering panoramic views as far as the eye can see. Is the Alpine Way suitable for caravans? The road has narrow sections and some steep gradients between Khancoban and Thredbo. It is not recommended for trucks, buses, and vehicles towing large caravans. Tamborine Mountain Road is The Goat Track The cursed Mushroom Tunnel of Picton Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardDriving the Unsealed and Challenging Road to Mount Cheeseman
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! We're heading to Mount Cheeseman on New Zealand's South Island, clocking in at a cool 1,550m (that's over 5,000ft!). This spot, nestled in the Southern Alps, is about an hour and a half (111 km) outside Christchurch, Canterbury, and it's home to the Mt Cheeseman Ski Area. Now, the road up? Buckle up because it's an unpaved beauty, about 12 km (7.45 miles) of pure Kiwi wilderness. You'll find the turnoff on the Great Alpine Highway (SH 73), just past Castle Hill village – keep your eyes peeled for the entrance on the left before the Broken River Bridge. The Mount Cheeseman Access Road isn't for the faint of heart. We're talking 4x4 territory only, folks! Leave the campervan at home. Expect steep climbs, narrow sections, and some thrilling drop-offs. Chains are a must-pack. The road starts winding through a beech forest before opening up to some seriously stunning alpine views. There's an unload point near the Base T-Bar, with the carpark just a bit further down the road. Word to the wise: this is alpine country, so the weather can flip on a dime. Conditions can change from good to challenging in no time. Always respect those road closures and locked gates – there's a reason they're there! But, if you're prepared for a bit of ruggedness (Mt Cheeseman staff call it "scenic," haha!), the views are SO worth it. Get ready for an epic drive!