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
hardIs the road to Lake Mackenzie unpaved?
🌍 Tasmania
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Deep in the heart of Tasmania's Launceston region lies the stunning Lake Mackenzie, a hidden gem sitting pretty at 1,122m (3,681ft) above sea level. Now, getting there is half the fun! Forget smooth asphalt; Lake Mackenzie Road is a 21.7km (13.48 miles) unpaved track that kicks off from C171 (Mersey Forest Road). Expect a bumpy ride with plenty of ruts to keep you on your toes. It’s pretty steep in sections too! The good news? You don't need a monster truck. A standard 2WD can usually make it to the dam. Just be warned: Tassie weather can be unpredictable, especially in winter. So pack accordingly, keep an eye on the skies, and get ready for some seriously stunning scenery! This one's a true off-the-beaten-path experience.
extremeWhere is Macquarie Pass?
🇦🇺 Australia
Macquarie Pass, nestled in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, is a legendary Aussie drive. Picture this: you're about 115 km southwest of Sydney, cruising through Macquarie Pass National Park on the Illawarra Highway (A48). This paved ribbon of road stretches for 13.7 km between Tongarra and Robertson. It's usually open year-round, but keep an eye out for closures due to wild weather, landslides, or bushfire risks. After heavy rain, the top half can flood, so be aware! Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Macquarie Pass is STEEP, with gradients hitting almost 10%, and packed with hairpin bends. The road is narrow, often without a centerline, and corners can be tricky with unexpected humps and tightening radiuses. Watch out for limited visibility and those seriously tight hairpins! You'll find single-lane sections and stretches of two lanes with no overtaking allowed. One side is often a rock wall, the other a steep drop – so stay focused. Traffic can be heavy, especially on weekends when motorcyclists flock here. Be extra cautious of trucks navigating those tight turns. But despite the challenges, Macquarie Pass is worth it! Think breathtaking scenery, stunning views, incredible waterfalls, glimpses of the ocean, and the vibrant Illawarra flame trees. Originally opened in 1898, it's a gateway to amazing bushwalking and birdwatching. If you're exploring the south coast, this is a must-do!
hardHow long is the Googs Track?
🇦🇺 Australia
Craving a Simpson Desert-lite adventure? Then Googs Track in South Australia is calling your name! This sandy, one-lane track stretches 186 km (115 miles) through a stunning, arid landscape from Ceduna up to the Transcontinental Railway Line near Tarcoola. Be prepared to tackle over 300 dunes, some towering up to 25 metres, as you wind through the Yumbarra Conservation Park and Yellabinna Regional Reserve. This baby can get rough, with serious corrugations and soft, sandy dune approaches. Definitely need a high-clearance 4x4 and some sand driving skills to conquer this beast! Leave the caravan at home, towing anything is generally not recommended here. Googs Track gets its name from John (Goog) Denton, the legendary egg seller who carved this route out in 1973 to help out the local farmers. Allow at least a day to soak in the whole experience. The scenery is incredible, and you might even spot some rare wildlife. This is a super remote area, so packing plenty of food, water, and fuel is crucial, and definitely bring a satellite phone. The cooler months are the perfect time to visit, so avoid the scorching summer heat. And remember to tune into UHF channel 18 to chat with other adventurers on the track!
moderateHow long is Oodnadatta Track?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, so you're heading to South Australia and want an epic outback adventure? Check out the Oodnadatta Track! This legendary dirt road stretches for 622km (386 miles), connecting Marree in the south to Marla in the northwest, offering a real alternative to the Stuart Highway if you're heading to the Northern Territory. So, how tough is it? Well, most vehicles can handle it when it's dry, but a 4WD will make the journey way more comfortable, and it's a must if there's been any rain. Think well-maintained gravel, but watch out for washouts, sandy patches, potholes, and those bone-jarring corrugations, especially between William Creek and Oodnadatta. You'll also be crossing a few creeks and rivers, usually dry though! When's the best time to go? Aim for April to October. Trust me, you do NOT want to be out there between November and March – it's brutally hot. How long will it take? Non-stop, you're looking at 11-13 hours, cruising at around 60-80 km/h. But you'll definitely want to stop and explore! This track follows an old Aboriginal trading route and the scenery is stunningly semi-desert. You'll be skirting the southern edge of Lake Eyre National Park, passing through outback settlements like William Creek and Oodnadatta. Keep an eye out for the remnants of old railway sidings and telegraph stations, like Coward Springs Campground (with its artesian spa!) and Curdimurka. Plus, there are tons of natural springs along the way, fed by the Great Artesian Basin. It's the perfect introduction to outback driving!