When was Tamborine Mountain Road built?
Australia, oceania
1.5 km
561 m
hard
Year-round
Cruising up Tamborine Mountain Road in Queensland is an absolute must-do! This scenic route, snaking through the rainforest of North Tamborine, is a real treat. Locals even call it "The Goat Track"!
Stretching for almost 24 kilometers (15 miles), this fully paved road climbs steeply from near Witheren all the way to Beaudesert Beenleigh Road. Be prepared for an average gradient of 8% with some sections maxing out at a thrilling 16%! That's a serious climb, topping out at 561 meters (1,840 feet).
This road was built in the early 1920s and was one of the first bitumen roads in the state. Part of it is even designated as State Route 95.
The views are incredible, making the 50-60 minute drive totally worth it. Just be aware that the road has a high risk of landslides and is currently closed overnight from midnight to 5:00 AM. It also has some narrow sections, so take it slow, use low gears, and pay attention to the signs! It’s a tough climb, but the scenery makes it a joy to conquer.
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 1.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 561 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in oceania
hardCrossing 363 dunes on Googs Track in Australia
🇦🇺 Australia
Ready for an Aussie adventure? Head to South Australia for the legendary Googs Track! Think of it as a mini-Simpson Desert experience. This sandy, single-lane track carves through the dry heart of the continent for 186 km (115 miles). It runs from Ceduna up to the Transcontinental Railway Line near Tarcoola. Winding through Yumbarra Conservation Park and Yellabinna Regional Reserve, you'll tackle over 300 dunes, some rising to 25 metres high. Be warned: it's seriously corrugated, especially on the approaches to those dunes! It's a great introduction to the South Australian outback, but keep in mind the track is narrow, making passing tricky. Plus, it gets muddy after rain. This track isn't maintained, and the sand gets deep and soft, so a high-clearance 4x4 and some serious sand driving skills are essential. Seriously, don't even think about attempting it in anything else. Some of those sandhills can be a real challenge, and definitely leave the caravan at home. Towing anything is generally a bad idea. Googs Track got its name from John "Goog" Denton, an egg seller who built it back in 1973 to help out the local farmers. Allow about a day to conquer the track. The scenery is incredible, and you might spot some rare wildlife. Since you're in the middle of nowhere, a satellite phone is a must. The cooler months are the best time to go – avoid the scorching summer heat. Pack plenty of food, water, and fuel. And remember to tune into UHF channel 18 to chat with other adventurers on the track.
hardDobson Peak
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Alright thrill-seekers, let's talk Dobson Peak in New Zealand's South Island! This ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a lung-busting climb to 2,019 meters (6,624 feet) on a rocky, gravel road inside the Mt Dobson Ski Area. Think of it as a service road for the chairlift - seriously steep, with sections hitting a 30% gradient! This is strictly 4x4 territory, and you'll need nerves of steel. Loose stones under your tires and increasingly rocky terrain as you climb demand your full attention. The window to tackle this peak is tiny, limited to a short summer timeframe. And even then, don't expect sunshine and rainbows! The wind is almost always howling, and snowy days are a real possibility, even in summer. Winter? Forget about it – brutally cold is an understatement. But if you're up for an epic challenge with killer views, Dobson Peak is calling your name!
extremeThe Cahills crossing isn’t for you (if you’re worried about being eaten by crocodiles)
🇦🇺 Australia
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Cahills Crossing in Australia's Northern Territory! Just a 3.5-hour drive east of Darwin, inside Kakadu National Park, this isn't your average bridge. We're talking about a narrow concrete causeway over the East Alligator River with a serious reputation. This crossing is the only road link between Arnhem Land and Kakadu National Park, so it's kinda important, but also kinda crazy. The Arnhem Highway/Oenpelli Road runs right over it. You'll probably want a high-clearance 4x4, and maybe even a snorkel for your vehicle. Named after a legendary buffalo hunter, Paddy Cahill, this crossing is famed for its saltwater croc population – we're talking over 20 per kilometer! Yep, it's one of the highest croc densities in Australia, and the crocs are HUGE! Seriously, don't even think about swimming. Or wading. Or even dangling your toes in the water. This shallow causeway has claimed lives – fishermen, backpackers, you name it. Abandoned vehicles downstream are a constant reminder. The best time to brave Cahills Crossing is during the dry season (May to October) at low tide. The crossing is usually closed during the wet season (December to May) when the water's way too high. But even then, keep an eye on the weather, because a sudden downpour can quickly raise the water levels and turn that gentle flow into a raging river. It's an iconic spot, with unique wildlife and a palpable sense of danger. Just respect the environment, keep your distance from the water, and maybe watch a few YouTube videos of failed crossings for some extra motivation to be careful!
hardTanami Road is one of Australia's great outback adventure tracks
🇦🇺 Australia
The Tanami Road: where Central Australia meets North West Western Australia in a blaze of desert glory! This is the most direct shot from just north of Alice Springs to Halls Creek in the Kimberley, cutting right through the heart of the Tanami Desert. Clocking in at 1,013 km (629 miles), this track – also known as the Tanami Track or Highway, or McGuire Track – stretches from the Great Northern Highway near Halls Creek to the Stuart Highway close to Alice Springs. Picture this: you're traversing the vast Tanami Desert on a road that's generally in decent nick (maintained until the NT border). Just be warned, it's a seriously isolated route and often closes during the wet season. Rain can wreak havoc, especially near the Kimberley end. While about 20% of the road is sealed, the rest is a mix of dirt, gravel, and sand, with some nasty bull dust holes, mega corrugations, and creek beds filled with sharp gravel. While a two-wheel-drive *can* manage, a four-wheel drive is highly recommended. But let's talk scenery! This route delivers amazing desert landscapes. Set aside about two days to soak it all in, with plenty of time for photo stops. You'll be sharing the road with road trains, 4WD adventurers, holidaymakers, and retirees all chasing a taste of the outback and a slice of Aussie history from the gold rush days. Keep an eye on the weather, as rain can shut down sections of the road quickly. And remember, desert storms can turn the track into a muddy mess in minutes, or worse, wash it away completely! Dust storms can be blinding, too. Corrugations can be brutal, making for a slow and bumpy ride. Pack plenty of fuel, food, and water, as roadhouses can be unreliable. This is seriously remote country with limited services: the longest stretch without fuel is a hefty 600km! Water sources along the way aren't drinkable, so pack enough H2O for the entire trip. Driving the Tanami requires patience, experience, and some serious 4WD skills. Be prepared for no food or fuel for 360 miles with temperatures up to 45°C. Caravans and trailers? Probably not the best idea.