Tablelands Highway is a remote sealed road
Australia, oceania
375 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for the Tablelands Highway (aka State Route 11) in the Aussie Outback! This is a seriously remote 375km (233-mile) stretch of road that'll take you from Barkly Homestead (off the Barkly Highway) all the way to Cape Crawford (Carpentaria Highway).
Originally built as a 'Beef Road' back in the '60s, it's still got that wild, untamed vibe. Expect a single-lane sealed road surface, but be warned, that bitumen can be a little rough in spots. Think undulating terrain as you roll through classic Outback scenery. Caravans can handle it, no worries!
Now, a few things to keep in mind: this road is so remote that there are absolutely no towns or services along the way, so come prepared!
While generally open year-round, watch out for potential shoulder washouts if there's been recent rain. And when you see oncoming traffic – especially road trains – pull *completely* off the road. Trust me, you don't want to be half on the bitumen and half on the shoulder when one of those beasts goes by.
Also, keep your eyes peeled for cattle! This is unfenced territory, and you'll often find them wandering on or near the road. All in all, the Tablelands Highway offers a true taste of the Australian Outback, just be sure to respect its remoteness.
Where is it?
Tablelands Highway is a remote sealed road is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -28.6070, 133.7207
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 375 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -28.6070, 133.7207
Related Roads in oceania
hardBurke Developmental Road is a remote route in Queensland
🇦🇺 Australia
The Burke Developmental Road: your quintessential Aussie Outback adventure! This epic 1,079 km (670 mi) stretch slices through Queensland's heartland, connecting the Far North to the Gulf of Carpentaria and beyond. Think endless savannah and proper remote vibes. Starting near Cairns in Dimbulah, you'll head west, skimming the base of Cape York Peninsula towards Normanton on the Gulf. Then, swing south to Cloncurry, near the Mt Isa mining area. That bit near Dimbulah? Locals call it the Mareeba-Dimbulah Road. Expect a wild mix of sealed and unsealed roads – think bitumen, gravel, and good old dirt. Originally built for beef and mining, it's still a crucial route for those living and working on remote cattle stations. Keep an eye out for single-lane bitumen stretches, and if you see a Road Train (those mega-trucks!) coming, pull *completely* off the road to avoid the dust and flying rocks. This isn't just a drive, it's an *experience*. But be warned: supplies are scarce along this 1,000 km journey. Your best bets for fuel and essentials are Chillagoe, the super-remote Dunbar Station, Normanton, and the historic Burke & Wills Junction. A golden rule for the Outback? Fill up whenever you can – you might find yourself driving over 200 km between fuel stops!
extremeEverything you need to know about the tough Dingle Burn Peninsula Track in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Deep in New Zealand's South Island lurks the Dingle Burn Peninsula Track, a real bruiser! Hugging the eastern edge of Lake Hawea, this completely unpaved route is a wild ride of steep inclines, exposed sections, and loose gravel. They say it's one of the most exhilarating backroads around. Be warned, it gets seriously narrow as it snakes around some seriously high bluffs – not for the faint of heart! This 56.6 km (35.16 miles) engineering marvel stretches from Gladstone (Otago) up to the Canterbury border, running south to north. The first 16km, from the start to Dingle Burn, are apparently the toughest – a seriously scary cliff-side road. Keep in mind, this track cuts through private land and is sometimes closed to vehicles. You might even be held up for up to five hours while livestock are moved along the route. The weather can change on a dime out here, and avalanches are a real risk, especially from May to November. So, tell someone your plans and set a return time, just in case. Built in the 1950s and opened in 1963, the track sits high above Lake Hawea in the Hāwea Conservation Park. Landslides are pretty common, but on a clear day, the views, including Mount Aspiring/Tititea to the northwest, are absolutely breathtaking!
moderateMount St Gwinear
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, so you're heading to Victoria, Australia? You HAVE to check out Mount St Gwinear, nestled at the north-east end of Baw Baw National Park. This peak sits at a cool 1,299m (4,261ft) above sea level. The road up there, Mount St Gwinear Road, is a 12.9 km gravel track that kicks off from the C481. Don't let the relatively short distance fool you - you'll climb 610 meters, with an average gradient of 4.72%. Word of warning: the weather can flip on a dime, so pack accordingly! And if you're visiting during the snowy months, wheel chains are a MUST. They're not just recommended, they're compulsory. This road can get super treacherous in winter. The scenery? Absolutely stunning! Just keep your eyes on the road, especially during those tricky winter conditions.
moderateAcheron Road is an unforgettable drive in New Zealand
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're in New Zealand's Marlborough high country and craving an unforgettable road trip, you HAVE to check out Acheron Road. Picture this: You're cruising along a 200km (124-mile) stretch from Blenheim to Hanmer Springs, originally a sheep drover's track but now upgraded (thankfully!) It winds through Molesworth Station, which is HUGE – the largest farm in New Zealand, covering nearly half a million acres! Locals also call it Molesworth Road or Molesworth Station Road. You'll transition from vineyards to grassy expanses and then climb into scree-covered hills. A 2WD or AWD with decent clearance should be fine, but leave your caravans, buses, or anything over 7 meters at home. Trailers? You'll need a special permit for those. Word to the wise: this narrow, unpaved beauty is a backcountry road and can close without warning due to weather or fire risk. It climbs high – much of it is above 900m, topping out at Wards Pass at 1,145m (3,757ft), so snow is a real possibility. Typically, it's open 7 am to 7 pm daily, from October 1st to either Easter Monday or the second Sunday in April (whichever is later). Just a heads up - it's been opening October 1st since 2022. Get ready for some incredible views!