What’s on the summit of Mount Matlock?
Australia, oceania
1.9 km
1,372 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Deep in the south of Victoria, Australia, lies Mount Matlock, boasting a summit of 1,372m (4,501ft). What awaits you at the top? A seriously cool 37-meter fire tower, erected in '94 and bristling with comms gear. Don't expect to check your Insta though, cell service is a no-go.
The route? We're talking Corn Hill Road – a full-on unpaved 4WD track that’ll get your tires dusty. You'll find it nestled within the stunning Yarra Ranges National Park.
The off-road section is short and sweet – just 1.9 km (1.18 miles) from the C511 (Warburton-Woods Point Road). Don't let that fool you, though. You'll climb 167 meters with an average gradient of nearly 9%, so be prepared for a bit of a grunt. The scenery? Expect views to die for! Just remember to take it slow and steady and enjoy the ride.
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 1.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,372 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in oceania
hardTravel guide to the top of Saddle Hill in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, adventure-seekers, let me tell you about Saddle Hill, a hidden gem nestled in the northern part of New Zealand's South Island. We're talking a mountain pass soaring to 413 meters (1,354ft), right in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds. This isn't your average highway. The road is partly gravel and winds like a curious snake, but don't worry, your trusty car can handle it. It's a true "Kiwi" road: expect gravel, one-lane bridges, hairpin turns, and some narrow spots with thrilling drop-offs. Keep an eye out for the local residents – sheep and cattle roam freely, and cattle stops (and gates!) are part of the fun. Trust me, you'll want to secure anything loose in your car before you hit your first one! The whole stretch is about 38.3 km (23.79 miles) long, running from Ōkiwi Bay to the charming fishing village of French Pass. Give yourself 1-2 hours to soak it all in (without stopping). The best part? You might have the entire road to yourself! Seriously, you could drive the whole thing without seeing another soul. This route serves up farmland, a unique mineral belt, lush native bush, and mind-blowing sea views of the French Pass and d’Urville Island. Be prepared for some steep sections – the road can hit a 9% gradient in places! This is one of New Zealand's most scenic drives, hands down.
hardIs Barkly Highway Paved?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: the Barkly Highway. It's fully paved, so no bone-jarring bumps, but don't get *too* comfy. This beauty runs east-west for ages, from just outside Cloncurry, Queensland, all the way to just north of Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory. We're talking seriously remote country here, so top off that tank whenever you can – gas stations are few and far between! Now, about that danger... yeah, it's got a rep for a reason. Those long, straight stretches? They can lull you into a trance. Stay awake, people! And keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, especially cattle. Seriously, those cows love to wander onto the road, particularly at night. Not ideal. Also, during the wet season (think December to March), things can get a bit dicey with flooding and closures, so always check the weather and road conditions before you head out. Despite the potential hazards, this road trip is epic, taking you through landscapes you won't forget.
moderateConquer Oolloo Road: A Scenic Drive Through Crocodile Territory
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, buckle up for an Aussie adventure! Oolloo Road slices right through the Northern Territory's stunning heartland. Clocking in at around 70 km (43 miles), this north-south route kicks off from State Route 23 (Dorat Road) and leads you towards the Oolloo Crossing Conservation Area. Heads up – it's smooth sailing on pavement until Douglas-Daly, then you're hitting the dirt. Rainy season? Watch out! Flash floods can be a real buzzkill, turning the road into a temporary river or playing havoc with bridges. But hey, during the dry season, a 2WD will do just fine! Word to the wise: when you hit the Daly River at the road's end, resist the urge to take your car for a swim. Seriously, those waters are croc-infested (saltwater crocs, no less!). And don't forget your bug spray, those mozzies are relentless!
hardTengako Causeway
🇦🇺 Australia
Cruising along the Tengako Causeway on Fongafale, Tuvalu's main island, is an absolute must-do! This asphalt ribbon, also called the Funafuti Causeway, stretches for 10.9 km, slicing between the wild Pacific Ocean and the tranquil Te Namo Lagoon. Built originally by the Americans during WWII, it's more than just a road; it's a vital artery connecting the northern and southern parts of the island, where the island's too narrow for a normal road. Be warned: high tide means the causeway floods regularly, and waves often crash right over it, so be prepared to get a little wet! Keep your eyes peeled for war relics scattered around the lagoon and other parts of the island – a constant reminder of the island's past. Trust me, the views alone make this drive totally worth it!