What are the highest roads in Australia?
Australia, oceania
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in the Aussie Alps, right? Not what you expect from Down Under, I know! We're talking proper mountains, part of that massive Great Dividing Range that runs down the east coast. This particular stretch of road? It’s a bit of a beast, climbing high into the hills. We're looking at a decent length, enough to make a day of it. Watch out for sharp turns and steep drop-offs – this isn't a Sunday drive in the park! But trust me, the views are totally worth it. Think rugged peaks, eucalyptus forests clinging to the slopes, and panoramas that stretch forever. Forget the beach for a day and head for the hills; this road trip will seriously blow your mind!
Where is it?
What are the highest roads in Australia? is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -23.2363, 132.1508
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -23.2363, 132.1508
Related Roads in oceania
hardIs Wards Pass unpaved?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Wards Pass! This South Island gem in New Zealand climbs to 1,145m (3,757ft) and connects Blenheim to Hanmer Springs, snaking between the Acheron and Awatere Rivers. Now, here's the kicker: it's a completely unpaved, gravel road. Expect loose surfaces, especially near the edges, so keep your wits about you. Most 2WD and AWD cars with good clearance can handle it, but leave the caravans, buses, and anything over 7 meters at home. Towing a trailer? You'll need a permit. Nestled high in the Rachel Range of the Inland Kaikoura Ranges, the views are absolutely epic! Just remember, it's a seasonal road. Aim to visit between October 1st and Easter Monday (or the second Sunday in April, if that's later) when it's open from 7 am to 7 pm. Get ready for some serious off-the-beaten-path beauty!
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!
hardAn epic enthralling road to Rough Ridge in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Rough Ridge, nestled way up high in New Zealand's Otago Region, is calling your name! We're talking a lofty 1,040m (3,412ft) above sea level, so buckle up for some serious views. This isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll be tackling the legendary Old Dunstan Road (aka The Dunstan Trail), a 46.1 km (28.64 miles) stretch of mostly unpaved glory, winding from Clarks Junction on State Highway 87 to Upper Taieri-Paerau Road. Picture this: you start on smooth sealed sections, but before long you're bouncing along gravel, clay, and exposed rock. Things get steep in places, so be prepared for a bit of a climb! This track, high in the Lammermoor Range, offers scenery that'll blow your mind. Word of caution: this beast is usually closed from the first Tuesday in June until September 30th for winter, and after rain, parts can become a sticky, muddy mess. A 4x4 is highly recommended for much of the route!
hardWhere is Mount Wellington?
🌍 Tasmania
Okay, picture this: You're in Tasmania, right? And there's this mountain called Mount Wellington, or Kunanyi if you're talking the local lingo—it means "mountain." This road, Pinnacle Road (C616), takes you all the way to the top, and let me tell you, it's an experience. It's near Hobart, so super accessible, and it's sealed all the way, thankfully! They finished it back in '37. Just be warned, if you're not a fan of heights, this might test you a bit. It can be a little narrow with some seriously steep drops. The road kicks off from the B64 in Fern Tree, and it's about 11.5 km (7.14 miles) to the top. Don't let the distance fool you, though. This climb is STEEP! We're talking gradients up to 10% in places, and you'll gain 820 meters in elevation. Allow 30-45 minutes to get to the top. Before you head up, double-check the weather. This mountain is notorious for wild conditions. It can snow any time of year, and ice can make the road super sketchy. Plus, those winds at the summit? Brutal! The road can close, so be prepared. The Pinnacle Observation Shelter is usually open from 8am to 8pm during daylight savings, and 8am to 4.30pm the rest of the year. But trust me, the views are worth it! You'll go from rainforest to sub-alpine scenery, and the panoramic views are insane. You can see Hobart, Bruny Island, and on a clear day, all the way to the Southwest Wilderness. Even Darwin was blown away!