Travel guide to the top of Rawson Pass

Travel guide to the top of Rawson Pass

Australia, oceania

Length

4.5 km

Elevation

2,124 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

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

Share this road

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

Alpine Way is an ideal road trip in Australiahard

Alpine Way is an ideal road trip in Australia

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, picture this: the Alpine Way in New South Wales, Australia. Seriously, it's got to be one of the most scenic drives *ever*, with views stretching south into the Victorian Alps. They say it's one of the highest and windiest roads in Oz! Back in the day, this was an old cattle route used by stockmen, but now it's a fully paved road (thanks to upgrades in the 90s) stretching 123km from Jindabyne to the border of New South Wales and Victoria. This is a *mountain* road, folks. We're talking steep sections, hitting a 13% gradient in spots! You'll climb to 1,597m (5,239ft) above sea level at Dead Horse Gap, high in the Snowy Mountains. Heads up: this road is usually open year-round, but winter can bring closures. Conditions change FAST, so be prepared. If you're rolling in a two-wheel drive between June and the October long weekends, snow chains are a must between Thredbo and Tom Groggin. Honestly, they might be needed elsewhere too! The area's harsh, so they spend a lot of time keeping the road in good shape. Watch out for rockfalls after it rains, though! Set aside 2.5 to 4 hours to cruise the whole thing. The views are knockout. Think rugged mountains, panoramic vistas, the works! Just a heads up, some parts between Khancoban and Thredbo are narrow and steep. This isn't a route for trucks, buses, or huge caravans. But if you're up for an adventure, you won't regret this drive!

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling Chard Road in NZhard

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling Chard Road in NZ

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're cruising around the Otago region of New Zealand and fancy a serious adrenaline rush, you HAVE to check out Chard Road. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a nail-biting, single-lane gravel track that hugs the Kawarau River as it carves its way through the stunning Kawarau Gorge. Imagine twisting and turning along the mountainside with a sheer, fifty-meter drop right next to you the *entire* time. Yeah, it's that intense. Starting from the nice, easy paved State Highway 6, this 17km (10.5 mile) rollercoaster throws some seriously steep sections at you, topping out at a 9% gradient. The road's super narrow in spots, so drive carefully and maybe send up a little prayer you don't meet anyone head-on! Back in the day, this was the main route between Queenstown and Cromwell, built for horses and carts way back in 1866. The scenery is epic, the drive is unforgettable, and the bragging rights are all yours!

Forgotten World Highway in NZ is a world's top drivehard

Forgotten World Highway in NZ is a world's top drive

🇳🇿 New Zealand

# The Forgotten World Highway: New Zealand's Best-Kept Secret Looking for one of the most scenic drives in the world? The Forgotten World Highway might just be it. This remote and mysterious stretch of road on New Zealand's North Island is absolutely unforgettable. Running 149 kilometers (92.58 miles) along State Highway 43 from Stratford in Taranaki to Taumarunui in the King Country, this route takes you through some seriously stunning terrain. The road winds through gorges, dense forests, and over four mountain saddles that'll make your jaw drop. Here's the thing though—this highway has earned itself a bit of a reputation. With its narrow sections and the notoriously slippery gravel surface in the Tangarakau Gorge, it's been ranked among New Zealand's top 10 trickiest roads. But don't let that scare you off. The gravel sections aren't being sealed anytime soon due to low traffic, which honestly just adds to the whole "forgotten" vibe of the place. The road has serious history too. Built on colonial bridle paths from the late 1800s, it took 50 years to complete—finally opening in 1945. This is New Zealand's oldest heritage trail, and you can feel that history as you drive. Plan for 2.5 to 3.5 hours if you're pushing through without stops, but seriously—don't rush this one. You'll want to linger for a couple of days. Don't miss the incredible Moki Tunnel (aka Hobbit's Hole), a hand-carved 180-meter adventure that'll blow your mind. The Tangarakau Gorge with its dramatic rapids and lush bush views is pure magic. You'll also encounter New Zealand's highest waterfall and a quirky town that declared itself an independent republic. Most regular vehicles handle this drive fine—just make sure your tank is full before you start, and watch out for wet conditions. It's a leisurely, dreamy drive through constantly changing landscapes that feels like you've discovered somewhere the rest of the world forgot about.

Where is Hamersley Drive?easy

Where is Hamersley Drive?

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the south coast of Western Australia in Fitzgerald River National Park - one of the biggest parks in WA! You're on Hamersley Drive, a scenic trail stretching about 65 km (or 40 miles for you imperial folks) from Hopetoun up to the South Coast Highway. The southern bit is smooth sailing on paved roads, winding along some truly gorgeous coastline. BUT, hold on tight when you get to the northern section—it turns to dirt! Road conditions can change, and closures happen, so be prepared. You'll be treated to dramatic coastal views the whole way!