Where does the Eyre Highway start and finish?
Australia, oceania
146.6 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Cruising the Eyre Highway is a true Aussie adventure, linking Western Australia and South Australia right through the Nullarbor Plain. This paved road stretches a whopping 1,664 km (1,034 miles) from Norseman in WA to Port Augusta in SA, so you know you're in for a haul!
But get this: it boasts what's said to be the longest straight stretch of road in the country – a mind-numbing 146.6 kilometers (91.1 mi) between Balladonia and Caiguna where you can literally set the cruise control and zone out.
Built back in the '40s and fully sealed in 1976, the Eyre Highway's named after explorer Edward John Eyre. It's definitely remote, especially in the west where towns are few and far between. Keep an eye out for emergency airstrips marked with runway "piano keys" - they're there for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Fuel stops are spaced out, but plan ahead, especially if you're driving at night, as not all stations are open 24/7.
Now, a word of warning: fatigue and the sheer remoteness can be risky. Free coffee initiatives are popping up to encourage rest stops. The road itself is fairly straightforward, but the wildlife – kangaroos, emus, camels – are a real hazard, especially at dawn and dusk.
Give yourself 2-3 days to conquer the Eyre Highway. It's a long, lonely ride in parts, but an iconic outback experience where you'll soak in Australia's pioneering history.
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 146.6 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in oceania
hardThe unpaved winding road to Cardrona Alpine Resort
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're in New Zealand's South Island, surrounded by the epic Southern Alps. You're heading to Cardrona Alpine Resort, one of the country's top ski spots, but getting there is half the adventure! The road up isn't paved – it's a proper off-road climb! Seriously, this ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 12.3km (7.64 mile) ascent from the tiny village of Cardrona, gaining a whopping 1,136 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of 9.23%! You'll climb to 1,648m (5,406ft) above sea level, so the views are gonna be insane. Keep an eye on the weather though, conditions can change in a heartbeat up in these mountains. And pro tip: if you're heading up in winter, snow chains are a must. This is one scenic drive you won't forget!
moderateHow long is the Cooloola Beach Drive?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along one of the world's *longest* beach drives, right here in Queensland's Gympie Region! We're talking about Cooloola Beach Drive, nestled inside the Great Sandy National Park. This isn't just any drive; it's a 60 km (37 mile) one-way adventure stretching from Noosa North Shore all the way up to Rainbow Beach. Imagine endless white sand beaches and the ocean breeze as you make your way up the coast. Now, heads up: this is strictly 4x4 territory. We're talking high-clearance vehicles only because the track can get sandy, rough, and prone to washouts. Also, you'll need to snag a Cooloola Recreation Area vehicle access permit (VAP) to legally drive these awesome beaches. Get ready for an unforgettable Aussie road trip!
extremeWhere is Cahills Crossing?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, so picture this: you're in the Northern Territory of Australia, about 3.5 hours east of Darwin, smack-dab in the middle of Kakadu National Park. You're cruising along the paved Arnhem Highway (also called Oenpelli Road), which is easy peasy for any car... until you reach Cahills Crossing. This isn't your average bridge. It's a narrow, concrete causeway that crosses the East Alligator River, and it's infamous for being absolutely crawling with saltwater crocodiles—we're talking one of the highest concentrations *in the world*. Seriously, we're talking over 20 crocs per kilometer. This crossing isn't for the faint of heart. Why does it exist? Well, it’s the only road link between Arnhem Land and Kakadu National Park. It's named after Paddy Cahill, a legendary buffalo hunter, and was built in the 1960s. As you get closer, you might spot a few abandoned car carcasses downstream - a grim reminder of what can happen if you don't respect the crossing. When’s the best time to tackle Cahills Crossing? Low tide is your friend. The crossing is generally closed during the wet season (December to May) because the water gets way too high and the current becomes dangerously strong. The dry season (May to October) offers better windows of opportunity, but even then, be wary of sudden rain that can quickly raise the water level. Remember to admire the view but do not enter the water. It is foolish to walk across, and each year many people end up being washed away into the croc-infested waters.
moderateThe track to Mount Terrible: low range and high clearance required
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Victorian High Country of Australia, just southwest of Kevington, lies Mount Terrible. And trust me, the name isn't kidding around. We're talking about a 24.3km (15-mile) trek to 1,305m (4,281ft) of pure, unadulterated Aussie bush. Forget smooth asphalt; this is Mt Terrible Track, a totally unpaved, rough, and rocky ride through the Mount Terrible Natural Features and Scenic Reserve. Think scrabbly sections, steep climbs, rocks, and ditches galore. This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. You'll need a 4x4 beast with great tires, low range, high clearance, and a driver who knows how to pick the right lines. The Great Dividing Range throws everything it has at you, including potential closures from July to late October due to snow. Yep, this track gets rocky AND snowy in winter! But the reward? Stunning views from the summit, home to a fire lookout tower (circa 1962) and a comms tower. It's an epic High Country adventure!