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
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.
moderateWhy is it called Carpentaria Highway?
🇦🇺 Australia
Cruising across the Northern Territory? You've GOT to check out the Carpentaria Highway! Named after the Gulf of Carpentaria, this 380km (236-mile) stretch is a vital artery for the region's pastoral, tourism, farming, and mining industries. It's also the most northern year-round route across this part of Australia. Starting near Birdum (south of Daly Waters) and winding its way east to Borroloola, near the McArthur River, this adventure will take you between 6 and 7 hours without stops. But trust me, you'll want to stop! You'll witness the breathtaking transition from harsh outback deserts to the lush, subtropical landscapes near the Gulf. Heads up: it's narrow in parts, even down to a single lane sometimes, and the road can be a bit rough. You'll definitely need to be self-sufficient with water, food, and plenty of fuel. Luckily, you can tank up at the Hiway Inn at the start, Cape Crawford along the way, and Borroloola at the end. Also, watch out for road trains! The dual-lane section near the McArthur River mine will have you practicing your passing skills. Get ready for an unforgettable and remote Aussie road trip!
moderateWhere Is Mount William?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're heading to western Victoria, you HAVE to check out Mount William in the Grampians National Park. It's the park's highest point, and the views? Unreal. Think endless mountain ranges and wide-open plains stretching as far as you can see. The road up, which is about , is paved the whole way. But, fair warning, it’s pretty narrow and seriously steep in sections, so buckle up! The drive is an absolute treat, with breathtaking panoramas almost all the way to the top. Note that the last is off-limits to the public (communications station up there!), but you can still drive the sealed service road. Elevation hits , with the grade averaging . Keep an eye out for the super steep left-hand hairpin turn at , where you’ll be tested with a maximum gradient of . Also, heads up, this road can get pretty slippery after rain, so drive carefully!
moderateWhere is Obelisk/Kopuwai?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're in Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand, surrounded by unreal landscapes. You're heading to the Obelisk, or Kopuwai, a seriously cool rock formation perched way up high. Getting there is half the adventure. The road's a gravel track, an old gold mining route that climbs and climbs from a paved road for about 15km. You'll gain about 800 meters in elevation, so it's a steady uphill trek. The views from the top are killer, panoramic vistas of Central Otago. Just don't park near the mast, apparently it messes with your car's electronics! The rock formations at the summit are totally worth the drive. Now, here's the catch: this road is only open in summer, and even then, only when it's dry. Winter brings snow and dicey conditions. This area can have extreme weather any time of year, so check the forecast before you go. Temps change fast up there, so pack warm, windproof gear, and maybe a compass, because fog can roll in outta nowhere. Oh, and one more thing: you're way out there. Zero cell service, so if you get stuck, you're on your own. Seriously, don't drive this road alone. It's a real remote area. But hey, if you're prepared, it's an unforgettable adventure!