Where does the Captain Cook Highway start and end?
Australia, oceania
75 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Cruising up the Captain Cook Highway in Queensland is an absolute must-do! This 75 km (47 mi) stretch of pure driving bliss hugs the coastline from Cairns City up to Mossman. Picture this: winding corners, smooth asphalt, and endless ocean views – no wonder it's a biker's paradise!
You could zip through in an hour or two, but why rush? This route is the gateway to gems like Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge, and the Daintree National Park.
Okay, let's be real, it's a popular spot, so you're not alone on the road. But trust me, the scenery is worth sharing. Think pristine sandy beaches, lush rainforest on one side, and the sparkling Coral Sea on the other. Plus, keep an eye out for those epic lookouts with 270-degree views – seriously Instagrammable! If you're lucky, you might even spot some hang gliders taking flight or find a hidden gem for a bit of fishing. Just remember to keep your wits about you — there are hazards to watch out for! But it's a small price to pay for an unforgettable ride between reef and rainforest.
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 75 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
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!
extremeThe Road to Broken River Ski Area is for the Adventurous Spirit Only
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Craving a unique ski adventure? Head 100km west of Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island, and you'll find the turnoff for Broken River Ski Area (or "BR" if you want to sound like a local). This resort often boasts the longest ski season in the area, nestled high in the Craigieburn Range! The access road, a rugged 7.8 km climb, starts from the Great Alpine Highway (SH 73) and gains a whopping 782 meters in elevation – that's an average gradient of 10%! While unpaved, the road is usually well-maintained, but don't let that fool you. A 4WD is HIGHLY recommended, and chains are a must-carry, even if you've got four-wheel drive. Leave the campervan behind, though; it’s gotta stay parked down near the highway. Expect narrow sections, steep climbs, and some serious drop-offs. The alpine weather can change in a flash, so road conditions can shift throughout the day. If you see a closure or locked gate, respect it! They're there for a reason. Once you reach the Hanomag Car Park, the Tyndall Tram whisks you away on a scenic 4-minute ride to the ticket office. The tram runs daily during winter, making getting to the slopes part of the adventure!
moderateWhy is it called Carpentaria Highway?
🇦🇺 Australia
Cruising across the Northern Territory? You've GOT to check out the Carpentaria Highway! Named after the Gulf of Carpentaria, this 380km (236-mile) stretch is a vital artery for the region's pastoral, tourism, farming, and mining industries. It's also the most northern year-round route across this part of Australia. Starting near Birdum (south of Daly Waters) and winding its way east to Borroloola, near the McArthur River, this adventure will take you between 6 and 7 hours without stops. But trust me, you'll want to stop! You'll witness the breathtaking transition from harsh outback deserts to the lush, subtropical landscapes near the Gulf. Heads up: it's narrow in parts, even down to a single lane sometimes, and the road can be a bit rough. You'll definitely need to be self-sufficient with water, food, and plenty of fuel. Luckily, you can tank up at the Hiway Inn at the start, Cape Crawford along the way, and Borroloola at the end. Also, watch out for road trains! The dual-lane section near the McArthur River mine will have you practicing your passing skills. Get ready for an unforgettable and remote Aussie road trip!
moderateForgotten World Highway
🇳🇿 New Zealand
# The Forgotten World Highway: New Zealand's Best-Kept Secret Want to experience New Zealand like it's stuck in a time warp? State Highway 43 is your ticket. This 150-kilometer stretch connects Stratford in Taranaki to Taumarunui in the King Country, and honestly, it feels like you've stepped into another era. The whole drive winds through some seriously remote countryside where you'll encounter abandoned settlements, hand-carved tunnels, and native bush so thick it practically swallows the road. The Tangarakau Gorge is the real showstopper—a deep, forested valley so isolated it was literally one of the last places on the North Island to get properly mapped. And we're talking recent history here. The highlight? Driving through the Moki Tunnel, a tunnel that was actually carved by hand straight through solid rock. From the saddle points along the route, you get those postcard-perfect views of Mount Taranaki's iconic volcanic cone. It's the kind of scenery that makes you pull over just to take it in. Here's where it gets weird (in the best way): Whangamomona is a tiny settlement of about 30 people that literally declared itself an independent republic back in 1989. They still issue their own passports. And if ghost towns are your thing, Tangarakau—an old coal mining village—sits abandoned along this route, making it the only road in New Zealand that actually passes through one. It's surreal and unforgettable.