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
moderateMilford Road
🇳🇿 New Zealand
# The Milford Road: New Zealand's Most Spectacular Drive The Milford Road (State Highway 94) is a jaw-dropping 119-kilometer journey through New Zealand's South Island that connects the town of Te Anau with the legendary Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park. This isn't just any scenic drive—it's a passage through some of the country's most untouched wilderness, weaving past ancient beech forests, crystal-clear lakes that look like mirrors, and ultimately leading to one of the most dramatic natural wonders you'll ever see. The real showstopper? The Homer Tunnel. This incredible 1.2-kilometer engineering feat was hand-carved through solid granite between 1935 and 1954—yes, that's nearly two decades of manual labor with minimal machinery. The tunnel drops at a steep 1-in-10 gradient and gets controlled by traffic lights, so you'll alternate directions with oncoming traffic. When you emerge on the western side, you're greeted by the absolutely stunning Cleddau Valley, with sheer rock walls and thundering waterfalls on either side. Honestly, this section alone might be the most breathtaking stretch of road in the entire Southern Hemisphere. Along the way, you'll pass some genuinely cool stops. Mirror Lakes live up to their name with perfectly still reflections of the surrounding peaks. Then there's the Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain—an optical illusion that'll mess with your head as the mountain ahead appears to shrink as you get closer. The Chasm is another must-see, where the Cleddau River has carved out some seriously impressive rock formations. Fair warning: winter avalanche risk and heavy rainfall can shut this road down unexpectedly. Fiordland gets absolutely drenched with an average of 6,813 millimeters of rain annually, which means you might witness hundreds of temporary waterfalls cascading down the cliffs after a storm rolls through.
moderateKnoll Scenic Drive
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the coast of Western Australia, right between the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets. You stumble upon the Knoll Scenic Drive – a sweet five-kilometre loop just begging to be explored. And trust me, you *want* to explore it. First off, it's sealed, so no worries about your ride. Second, it's one-way, keeping things nice and chill. But the real magic? The views! Seriously, bring your camera, because this drive circles the Knoll, dishing out stunning peeks of the inlets the whole way. The scenery is like nature's sampler platter. You've got vibrant swamp bottlebrush heathlands in the low-lying areas, then coastal blackbutt, peppermint, and bullich woodlands hugging the headlands. And just when you think it can't get any better, BAM! Majestic karri and yellow tingle forests practically tumble down to the water's edge. It's a visual feast!
extremeDriving the Mitchell Highway is a truly outstanding adventure
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! The Mitchell Highway is calling your name! This epic stretch of asphalt connects Queensland and New South Wales, offering a seriously scenic adventure through the heart of Australia. Named after a legendary explorer, this highway is a vital link for both travelers and freight. Clocking in at a whopping 1,105 km (687 mi), it's one of the longest roads in Oz. You can cruise it in any vehicle, thanks to its fully paved surface. The views are incredible, but be warned: this route is REMOTE. Seriously, plan your stops, fuel, and overnight stays in advance. Mobile reception can be patchy, and you DO NOT want to be stuck out here at night. Why? Animals! They love to wander onto the road, making nighttime driving super risky. It is a very dangerous road, so take extra precautions. But if you're prepared, the Mitchell Highway promises an unforgettable Aussie road trip!
extreme1. Conquering Corrugations: Suspension and Chassis Fatigue
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're in the heart of the Aussie Outback, ready to tackle a road that's over 1,000 km long. But hold up, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Think self-sufficient fuel and water for days. First up, the road itself? Forget smooth tarmac; we're talking bone-jarring corrugations that'll rattle your teeth loose. You'll definitely need some heavy-duty suspension and to drop those tyre pressures to around 20-25 PSI to save your chassis from metal fatigue. Next, fuel and water. Plan on carrying 150+ liters of fuel and 100 liters of water. This requires a GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) upgrade to handle the load without snapping an axle if you hit a washout. Also, don't put all your eggs in one basket (or water in one tank) – multiple 20L jerry cans are your friend here, just in case of punctures. Then there's the local wildlife. Kangaroos, camels, cattle – they're all out there, especially at dawn and dusk. A sturdy steel bull bar isn't just for show; it's essential to protect your radiator. Speaking of night, try to avoid driving then if you can. If you must drive at night, you will need high-output LED driving lights to spot those reflective eyes over 500 meters away. Finally, the terrain itself can be treacherous. Be aware of "bull dust," the fine silt that hides ruts. Hitting one of those at speed can cause a rollover, so take dust clouds as seriously as you would fog. And after it rains, the tracks turn into a mud that will swallow you whole. Knowing when to wait it out (maybe for days!) is crucial.