Travel guide to the top of Rawson Pass
Australia, oceania
4.5 km
2,124 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure awaits in New South Wales, Australia! Rawson Pass is one of the highest roads in the country, clocking in at a cool 2,124m (6,968ft) above sea level.
Deep in the Snowy Mountains, this 8-kilometre (5 miles) track – known as Summit Road – kicks off from Charlotte Pass. Forget smooth asphalt, you'll be bumping along on a gravel and rocky surface, so buckle up!
Fun fact: back in the day (until 1977), you could actually drive right up to Mount Kosciuszko's summit via Rawson Pass. These days, you'll have to leave the car behind due to environmental concerns. Now it's a walking track, and cyclists can even ride part of the way up, although they need to park their bikes at Rawson Pass before tackling the final summit hike.
Hidden within Kosciuszko National Park, the views alone make this trip worthwhile. Camera? Essential! You'll cruise past the famous Snowy River and Seamans Hut. Rawson Pass sits at the base of Australia's tallest peak, so expect stunning vistas of the main mountain range. Oh, and a bonus? You'll find Australia's highest public toilets right here. The path crosses the Snowy River after 4.5 km, and then steadily climbs to Seaman's Hut (6 km), Rawson's Pass (8 km), and ultimately, the summit of Mount Kosciuszko.
Where is it?
Travel guide to the top of Rawson Pass is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -27.3218, 136.6636
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 4.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,124 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -27.3218, 136.6636
Related Roads in oceania
hardCan you drive the Old Telegraph Track?
🇦🇺 Australia
Craving an epic Aussie adventure? Cape York's Old Telegraph Track (OTT) is calling! This 350 km (217 mile) off-road mecca is strictly 4WD territory, only open during the dry season in tropical North Queensland. Picture this: you're snaking through stunning landscapes, tackling everything from dirt and sand to rocky slopes, mud, and washouts. This track is narrow, with plenty of places to pull over for oncoming traffic, and you can still spot remnants of the original telegraph line. But don't get complacent! This isn't your average Sunday drive. The OTT throws a ton of challenges your way, like countless creek crossings (keep your eyes peeled for crocs!), steep, slippery riverbanks, and stretches of energy-sapping deep sand. There are plenty of bush camps around the creeks for a well deserved rest! The OTT runs from Bramwell Junction to Bamaga Road (southern section) and then from Bamaga Road to Jardine River Ferry (northern section). Plan on spending 1-2 days conquering the OTT. Most adventurers head north via the track and return on the bypass roads. Famous obstacles like Gunshot Creek (seriously, detour if you're towing!), Palm Creek, Canal Creek, and the infamous Nolan’s Brook are waiting to test your skills. Be sure to check conditions before your trip. This track may only get 1/3 of your average daily mileage! After that it is sandy to the Jardine River, which is not advisable to cross due to soft sand, deep water, and crocodiles. Get ready for a truly unforgettable outback escapade!
extremeWhen was Mount Spec Road built?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising in North Queensland, Australia, ready to tackle Mount Spec Road. This isn't just any drive; it's a 21.7 km (13.48 miles) rollercoaster from Barrett Road to Ewan Paluma Road, winding tightly up and down the range. They actually started building this thing way back when, and you can tell it took a *lot* of effort! Now, heads up – the pavement's good, but the road gets seriously narrow in sections, with some real drop-offs right at the edge. Talk about stunning views, though! Expect some hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes, with gradients between . It is definitely a road where you need to keep your eyes on the road ahead, and buses and caravans are advised to take it slow and easy. FYI: Paluma Range National Park sometimes closes this road, especially during the wet season due to flooding, and occasionally in the drier months if there are fires. But the real star of the show? The Little Crystal Creek Bridge. This arch bridge is the *only* one of its kind still in use in Queensland! It's a testament to the incredible work that went into building this road. Trust me, it's a drive you won't forget.
moderateWhere is the Galston Gorge Road?
🇦🇺 Australia
Get ready for an adrenaline rush on Galston Gorge Road, a twisty, turny route through the stunning Galston Gorge in New South Wales, Australia! Nestled north of Sydney within the gorgeous Berowra Valley Regional Park, this paved beauty stretches 14.5km from Asquith to Dural. Built way back in 1895, it's got a bit of a reputation – and for good reason! Think blind turns, so watch out for cyclists, especially on weekends. You'll also encounter a narrow one-way wooden bridge over Tunks Creek, where patience is key. And those hairpins? Legendary! There are five in total. The three in the middle are seriously tight, and larger vehicles may need to swing wide (carefully!). In fact, anything over 7.5 meters is banned from the gorge altogether! But the challenge is worth it. During heavy rain, the gorge transforms into a wonderland of waterfalls and streams cascading alongside the road (drive carefully, though – it can get slippery!). Expect the drive to take around 20-30 minutes, and a pro-tip: starting from the Galston side makes for a more enjoyable, less brake-intensive experience.
hardHow To Travel The Swanston Track
🌍 Tasmania
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you find yourself in Tasmania's Central LGA region and the weather's been a bit damp, Swanston Track is calling your name… but only if you're rolling in a serious 4x4! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Think 30.9 km (19.20 miles) of unadulterated, unpaved fun (and by fun, I mean challenging!). We're talking rocky terrain, slippery mud pits, cheeky little water holes, gullies that'll test your nerves, boulder fields, and some serious drop-offs. This east-west route, connecting Little Swanport to Stonehenge, will put your driving skills to the test! Plus, there are some pretty steep climbs involved, peaking at 336m (1,102ft) above sea level. But hey, at least you'll get some awesome views of the forest along the way. Just remember – respect the track, pack your recovery gear, and prepare for a wild ride!