Travelling through the scenic Hartley Vale Road in the Blue Mountains
Australia, oceania
15.3 km
924 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so you're looking for a gorgeous little escape? Hartley Vale Road in New South Wales' Central West is calling your name!
This beauty clocks in at just over 15 km, stretching from Lithgow to the Darling Causeway on the Blue Mountains' western edge.
And good news – it's all smooth sailing on freshly paved roads since 2020! Budget about 20 minutes for the drive if you don't stop to take pictures.
Now, don't let the smooth surface fool you. This road keeps things interesting with plenty of curves and some seriously narrow sections. Plus, it's a climber! Get ready for some steep inclines, with gradients hitting up to 14% in spots. You'll be reaching heights of 924m at Hartley Pass and 1,034m at Browns Gap, so the views are incredible!
Where is it?
Travelling through the scenic Hartley Vale Road in the Blue Mountains is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -26.9494, 132.9822
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 15.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 924 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -26.9494, 132.9822
Related Roads in oceania
hardHow to Drive the Unsealed Lake Road in New Zealand's Eastern North Island
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along Lake Road in New Zealand's North Island, heading straight for the gorgeous Lake Waikaremoana, right in the heart of Tuhoe country. Seriously, the views are epic! You'll find this gem nestled in the northern Hawke's Bay region, right inside Te Urewera National Park. It's part of the Te Urewera Rainforest Route (also known as New Zealand State Highway 38), and honestly, most cars can handle it. Just be ready for stretches of gravel road that wind through lush rainforest and past cute little towns. Clocking in at 57 km (35 miles) from Frasertown, things get interesting after you cross that one-way bridge over the Aniwaniwa Stream where it becomes Waikaremoana Road. Take it slow, folks! The road is narrow, twisty, and you won't see tons of other cars. The gravel keeps the crowds away, which is kinda nice, but also means you need to be alert. The whole drive is a rollercoaster through the park, so buckle up for some adventure!
moderateIs Dargo High Plains Road sealed?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through Victoria, southeast Australia, on the legendary Dargo High Plains Road. This baby links the Great Alpine Road to the tiny town of Dargo, nestled way out in the Alpine National Park, about 348km east of Melbourne. Spanning 70km, this isn't your average highway drive. Expect a mix of surfaces – about 25km of smooth pavement at the start, followed by a good 45km of gravel and cobblestone that'll add some character to your ride, before finishing off with a final kilometer of bitumen. While a 2WD car can handle it, be prepared for a bit of a bumpy, dusty, and potentially slippery experience, especially after rain. Heads up: you'll be climbing! The road peaks at a cool 1,628m above sea level, meaning it's usually snowed under and closed from around early June to late October. Oh, and caravans? Officially not allowed, ever, due to those steep and twisty sections. Avoid super-hot days and definitely skip it when it's been raining. Give yourself about three hours to soak it all in, and definitely stick to daylight hours – night driving is not recommended. This maintained road meanders through remote alpine scenery, rewarding you with stunning views and wildflowers in spring. Just take it easy, watch out for cattle grazing (they even hang out on the paved bits!), and be mindful of potential logging truck damage. Some of those climbs get pretty steep and slippery when wet.
hardMelbourne to Sydney Road Trip Stops
🇦🇺 Australia
The epic Melbourne to Sydney drive? Totally doable, clocking in at around 860 km. Ditch the boring inland route and hug the coast for a ride that's all about stunning scenery and some seriously fun driving through national parks and cute little towns. Kicking off south of Melbourne, the roads to Phillip Island and Wilsons Prom are smooth sailing, though they can get a little crowded when everyone's trying to escape the city. "The Prom" is pure magic – granite mountains, lush forests – but keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, especially when the sun's coming up or going down. It's a perfect spot to give your ride a little check-up before the real adventure begins. Cruising into New South Wales, Narooma is the ideal spot to fuel up both your car and yourself. The coastal views here are postcard-perfect, but the roads demand your attention as you weave through those charming coastal villages. Further north, Jervis Bay is a must-see. Getting to those dreamy spots like Hyams Beach means navigating through some tight, forested sections with narrow shoulders. Give everyone some space and watch out for sudden traffic near the beach entrances. Heading inland towards the Southern Highlands, you'll hit Fitzroy Falls. The roads here get a little more challenging, with steeper climbs and tighter turns as you leave the coast behind. Back down towards the ocean, you can’t miss the Sea Cliff Bridge on the Grand Pacific Drive. This engineering marvel hangs right over the ocean, avoiding those pesky cliffside rockfalls. Don't get too distracted by the views! Save the gawking for the designated lookout points. The final stretch before Sydney takes you through the Royal National Park, one of the oldest in the world. The roads here snake through coastal heathland and past dramatic sandstone cliffs. As you approach Sydney, traffic can get crazy, so be ready for slower speeds and lots of pedestrians near landmarks like Wedding Cake Rock. This last part is all about patience as you transition from those open roads to the big city chaos. This drive isn’t just about getting from A to B – it's about the journey. Treat it as a series of smaller adventures, stay alert, and make sure your car is up for the challenge. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife, stick to the road rules, and keep your ride in tip-top shape. This is a trip to remember!
extremeHow to get by car to The Obilisk in the Otago region?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Central Otago in New Zealand's South Island, right? You're headed towards this crazy cool rock formation called The Obelisk, or Kopuwai if you want to sound like a local. This ain't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking about one of the highest roads in the country, topping out at 1,687 meters (that's a whopping 5,534 feet!). You'll find it near Alexandra, nestled in the ridiculously scenic Fruitlands area within the Kopuwai Conservation Area. Think lunar landscapes, bizarre rock formations, and views that will absolutely blow your mind. Now, heads up: You'll need a 4WD beast to tackle Symes Road, the old gold mining track leading to the summit. It's 11.9 km (or 7.39 miles) of totally unpaved, super bumpy fun starting from State Highway 8. Don't let the distance fool you, though – this climb is steep, gaining a massive 1,281 meters with an average gradient of 10.76%. Once you're at the top, you'll see a TV tower. Pro tip: park away from it, as those radio waves can mess with your car's electronics. The views from up there are insane panoramas of Central Otago! This road is only open in the summer when it’s dry. Winter is a no-go because of snow and the ground conditions. Speaking of conditions, weather can change on a dime up here, so check the forecast! Even in summer, bring warm, windproof layers. Fog can roll in fast, so pack a map and GPS to stay safe. Oh, and there's zero cell service, so don't even think about going solo. If you get stuck, you're on your own. But hey, that’s part of the adventure, right?