Take the Scenic Alpine Way and Discover Dead Horse Gap
Australia, oceania
123 km
1,597 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Dead Horse Gap! Nestled in the gorgeous New South Wales, Australia, this mountain pass tops out at a cool 1,597m (5,239ft). You'll find it snuggled within Kosciuszko National Park, part of the stunning Victorian Alps high country.
This beauty is part of the Kosciuszko Alpine Way, and it's a smooth ride all the way, thanks to being fully paved. This east-west route stretches for 123km (76.4 miles), linking Jindabyne to the New South Wales/Victorian border.
Generally, you can cruise this road year-round. Heads up though: winter can bring closures due to wild weather. Speaking of winter, if you're rolling in a two-wheel-drive between the June and October long weekends, snow chains are a must between Thredbo and Tom Groggin.
Be prepared for some steep climbs, with gradients hitting a max of 13% in spots! There are also some tight squeezes and seriously steep sections between Khancoban and Thredbo. Big rigs and caravans might want to sit this one out.
But all those challenges are worth it for the views!
Where is it?
Take the Scenic Alpine Way and Discover Dead Horse Gap is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -24.8247, 132.0117
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 123 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,597 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -24.8247, 132.0117
Related Roads in oceania
extremeSandover Highway is a very remote 4x4 track in the Northern Territory
🇦🇺 Australia
Get ready for the ultimate Aussie outback adventure on the Sandover Highway! This isn't your average road trip; it's a 561 km (349 mi) trek through the heart of the Northern Territory, stretching from the Plenty Highway (north of Alice Springs) all the way to the Barkly Highway near the Queensland border. Picture this: endless sand hills, bone-jarring corrugations, and vast, remote landscapes. This track was originally built for access to sprawling cattle stations, but now it's a haven for adventurous travelers. Be prepared to traverse historical pioneering country and the traditional lands of the Alyawarra people. The Sandover Highway is mostly unsealed, so a 4WD is your best friend after Ammaroo. Keep an eye out for bulldust and black-soil plains that turn into a sticky mess after rain. The best time to tackle this journey is during spring or autumn. Remember, the longest stretch between fuel stops is around 320 km, so plan accordingly. This is serious outback territory, so self-sufficiency is key. Pack plenty of water and ensure you're set up with communications – there's no mobile coverage out here. Keep an eye on your radiator, too; spinifex can easily block airflow and cause overheating. Careful driving is essential. And be aware that the eastern end of the highway and Alpurrurulam/Lash Nash can become completely inaccessible during the wet season due to flooding. Even a 4WD won't be able to handle the flooded black soil plains. So check conditions at Arlparra before you commit. This road is a true test of your vehicle and your stamina, but the scenery is worth every bump and rattle!
extremeCan you drive Skippers Canyon?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Skippers Canyon Road, nestled in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island, is one of those roads that's as famous for its scenery as it is for its sheer audacity. Carved by hand over 140 years ago by miners, this 17.4 km (10.81 miles) unpaved track clings to the side of a cliff, high above the Shotover River, running from Coronet Peak Road to Skippers Campground. Picture this: a narrow cut, barely wide enough for one vehicle in places, winding its way along a cliff face with serious drop-offs. Mostly one-way, for 6km there's absolutely nowhere to turn around! There are no guardrails, so you're relying on your driving skills and a healthy dose of courage. It’s beautiful, there’s no doubt about that, with stunning backcountry views and rocky outcrops sculpted by the back-breaking labor of Chinese miners. But be warned: this isn’t a Sunday drive. The road throws everything at you: winding turns, gravel, potential rockfalls, steep drops, and even animals popping out. The recommended speed is a snail's pace of 15 km/h for a reason! Most rental car companies won't cover you if you drive here, which tells you everything you need to know. Think 4x4 vehicle only, and leave the caravans and trailers at home. In winter, snow can shut things down completely. The road's history is as rugged as the landscape. Built during the gold rush between 1883 and 1890, it was an engineering marvel of its time, carved out of solid rock using black gunpowder and hand drills. It took 22 years! Even today, it looks much the same as it did back then. Despite its challenging nature, Skippers Canyon Road has become a major tourist attraction. People come from all over to experience the thrill of the drive, to bungy jump, or to go white-water rafting. It's even been featured in movies like *Lord of the Rings* and *Mission: Impossible*. This is not just a road; it's an experience etched into the very rock of New Zealand's history.
moderateWhen was Mushroom Tunnel built?
🇦🇺 Australia
Hidden away near Picton, in the Macarthur Region of New South Wales, Australia, you'll find the infamous Mushroom Tunnel, officially known as the Redbank Range Railway Tunnel. This 180-meter relic first opened way back in 1867 but was abandoned by trains in 1919. It even served as a storage spot for arms, ammo, and even mustard gas during World War II! So, why the "Mushroom" nickname? Well, the unpaved road inside is the perfect breeding ground for fungi, thanks to the cool, damp environment. Sadly, you can't officially wander through this historic tunnel anymore due to deterioration. It's now closed off for safety reasons, and can only be viewed from the outside. But even from the entrance, you can glimpse the eerie, surreal atmosphere of the Mushroom Tunnel. It's easy to see why it's so popular with photographers and urban explorers. Legend has it that the tunnel is haunted by a young woman named Emily Bollard, who died in 1916 after being hit by a train while walking through the tunnel. Other local residents also reportedly lost their lives inside the tunnel. Some people have claimed to see floating lights, experience sudden drops in temperature, and even spot ghostly children in the darkness. Exploring it can be risky, so caution is advised when visiting.
moderateHow long is the road to Rawson Pass?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're in New South Wales, Australia, ready for an adventure in the Snowy Mountains! You're about to tackle Summit Road, an 8-kilometer unpaved track that climbs to Rawson Pass, a whopping 2,124 meters (6,968 feet) high. This used to be a drivable road right up to Mount Kosciuszko, but now it’s open to hikers and cyclists only. The trail is a bit rough – think gravel and rocks – but trust me, the views are worth it. You'll pass the iconic Snowy River, and the historic Seamans Hut. Rawson Pass itself sits at the foot of Australia's highest mountain, offering incredible vistas of the main range. Keep an eye out for the highest public toilets in Australia at Rawson Pass! It's a gradual climb after crossing the Snowy River at the 4.5km mark. Then it's onwards and upwards to Seaman's Hut (6km), Rawson's Pass (8km) and finally, the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. Don't forget your camera!