Where is Boranup Drive?

Where is Boranup Drive?

Australia, oceania

Length

13.8 km

Elevation

222 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Boranup Drive is a seriously gorgeous, well-maintained gravel road that slices right through Boranup Forest in the Margaret River region of Western Australia, about three hours southwest of Perth.

This 13.8 km (8.57 miles) beauty lives inside Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and is totally doable in a 2WD, although be warned – it can get a bit bumpy with corrugations, potholes and rocks, so prepare for a bit of a shake-up! It's narrow too, so keep your speed down and be ready to pull over for other cars.

You'll wind your way through these incredible, towering Karri trees – it's breathtaking. Boranup Drive is open year-round and runs parallel to Caves Road. Head up to Boranup Lookout – it's the highest point at 222m (728ft) and offers insane views of the coastline, forest, and Hamelin Bay. Plus, there are awesome bushwalks starting there, a picnic spot, and even a basic toilet.

Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! The forest is the star of the show here, so bring your camera. And remember, you're in Margaret River, so wineries, caves, beaches, and trails are all nearby – something for everyone!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Australia
Continent
oceania
Length
13.8 km
Max Elevation
222 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in oceania

How to get to Treble Cone ski resort in NZ?hard

How to get to Treble Cone ski resort in NZ?

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Southern Alps of New Zealand's South Island, near Otago, lies the epic Treble Cone ski resort. And getting there? Well, that's half the fun. The road, simply called Treble Cone Access Road, is 7.6km of pure Kiwi madness. Forget smooth tarmac; we're talking a rugged, unpaved climb from the Wanaka Mount Aspiring Road straight up the mountain. Think steep – like, a grunty 20% gradient in places! It's a leg-burner for your car (or you, if you're super keen for a hike!). Expect about 925 meters of elevation gain. Picture this: hairpin turns (eight of them!), the occasional guard rail (but not too many – gotta keep it interesting!), and incredible views every single meter of the way. A 4WD isn't essential, but respect the mountain. Of course, being a mountain road, winter can throw some curveballs. Pack your snow chains because closures are possible. The crew keeps it maintained during the ski season. But seriously, the scenery is worth it. The road hugs Lake Wanaka, with killer reflections of the mountains on calm days. And the summit? Epic panoramas of the lake and Mount Aspiring that will blow your mind. Trust me, this drive is a must-do!

Why is it called Thunderbolts Way?moderate

Why is it called Thunderbolts Way?

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, picture this: Thunderbolts Way, a seriously gorgeous drive snaking through the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia. The name? It's a nod to Captain Thunderbolt, Australia's own "Gentleman" bushranger, Fred Ward. This beauty was carved out between 1958 and 1961, plunging you into thick forests, practically surrounded by national parks and reserves. Heads up though, while it's all paved, the road's a bit rough around the edges – narrow in spots, some potholes, and definitely not caravan-friendly. Stretching 305km (189 miles) from Inverell in the north down to Gloucester, it's a proper adventure. And hold on tight because it's hilly! Expect some serious twists, turns, and a maximum 20% gradient on those climbs north of Gloucester. Towing a trailer? Maybe rethink this one, especially if the weather's looking dodgy. Speaking of weather, this isn't the drive for a rainy day. Set aside about 3.5 to 4.5 hours for the drive – without stops, that is. But trust me, you'll want to pull over. Every bend unveils another spectacular view, and there are plenty of viewpoints along the way just begging for a photo op!

Jacob's Ladder is a zig-zag mountain road in Tasmaniaextreme

Jacob's Ladder is a zig-zag mountain road in Tasmania

🌍 Tasmania

# Ben Lomond Road: Tasmania's Ultimate Alpine Adventure Picture this: you're winding through northeastern Tasmania, tackling one of the world's most insane hairpin turn sequences on your way to a 1,452m summit. Welcome to Ben Lomond Road—a 17.7km unpaved journey that'll get your adrenaline pumping and your camera working overtime. Starting at Upper Blessington off the C401, this spectacular drive climbs through dramatic dolerite cliffs with an eye-watering elevation gain of 1,089 meters. The average gradient sits at 6.15%, but throw in sections hitting 13% and you've got yourself a properly challenging mountain road. The real showstopper? Jacob's Ladder—a series of six legendary hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills and nerve in equal measure. There's even a lookout platform at the top where you can catch your breath and soak in the views. Fair warning: only 22-seat buses and smaller vehicles are allowed here, and bus drivers need a special alpine license. Stick to 30 km/h, let oncoming traffic pass, and definitely use your engine brake on the way down. The whole experience takes about 45 minutes (without stops), and trust us—you won't want to rush it. You're driving through Ben Lomond National Park with stunning panoramas at every turn, surrounded by steep cliffs and sprawling rural plains. From here, you're also just 50km from Launceston and close to Tasmania's main ski fields. Winter? Bring chains and antifreeze (mandatory June–September), and watch for sudden road closures due to snow and ice. Keep an eye out for rockfall and local wildlife too. This is raw, real mountain driving at its finest.

The defiant Otaki Gorge Road in New Zealand is closed after a big slipextreme

The defiant Otaki Gorge Road in New Zealand is closed after a big slip

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Get ready for a seriously scenic – but challenging – adventure on the Otaki Gorge Road, nestled in the Kapiti Coast District of New Zealand's North Island. This isn't just a Sunday drive; it's an experience! Starting from State Highway 1, this 17.9km (11.12 miles) dead-end road hugs the Otaki River, winding its way from the town of Hautere towards the majestic Tararua Ranges. The first 13km are smooth sailing on paved road. But hold on tight, because the last 5km are where things get interesting! The road turns into a narrow, winding gravel track, with heart-stopping drops down to the steely river on one side and towering cliffs, often shrouded in misty veils, on the other. Pro tip: remember that stopping on gravel takes way longer than on sealed roads! This road isn't for the faint of heart, especially after rain. Slips are common, so check conditions beforehand and take it super slow. Daylight is your friend here – night driving is a definite no-no. And some sections are seriously steep, so keep that speed under 20 km/h. As of April 2024, the road is closed to both vehicles and pedestrians due to a slip at Blue Bluff. Camping is available at Boielle's Campsite but you can only get there on foot. Because the road is closed, it's not being maintained and will stay closed until further notice. If you need to get to Ōtaki Forks, there's a 5km emergency track you can walk which starts 200m past the locked gate on Ōtaki Gorge Road. One of the absolute highlights is the Waihoanga Road Bridge, a swing bridge offering breathtaking views of the Otaki River and the surrounding gorge. Trust me, you'll want to have your camera ready; the photo ops are incredible! Fun fact: Otaki Gorge was even used to represent the Shire woods in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings movies.