Where is Boranup Drive?
Australia, oceania
13.8 km
222 m
moderate
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!
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 13.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 222 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in oceania
moderateWhy is Whatipu Beach Famous?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, so you wanna escape to a super secluded black sand beach? Check out Whatipu Beach on the west coast of Auckland! Nestled in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Parkland, this spot is famous for its wild beauty. Think dramatic black sand, crashing waves (surf's up, but be careful of those rips!), and epic views. You'll find dunes, caves, and this cool mix of plants and rocks. Keep in mind, no lifeguards here, so be smart about swimming. From the carpark, it's an easy walk to the beach. Bonus: the area's also a scientific reserve, so you're basically hanging out in nature's lab. The adventure starts on the drive in from Huia, a 9.3 km journey. Heads up, though – a good chunk of it is unpaved! It's a bit narrow in spots, only about 1.5 lanes wide, so take it slow and watch out for other cars. This winding road takes you over hills, across a ford, and then onto a gravel road for the final stretch. As you get closer and see fewer cars, you'll definitely feel like you're heading off the beaten path. Get ready for an awesome, slightly wild ride!
extremeA thrilling drive awaits
🇦🇺 Australia
Just south of Coffs Harbour, the England Track is calling all you hardcore 4WD enthusiasts! This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking a serious climb over steep, rocky terrain. Expect giant ruts and jagged ridges that will truly put both your skills and your courage to the test. This isn’t a quick zip around the block. You'll be spending the better part of your day navigating slippery slopes and seriously tricky turns. But here's the kicker: there's a network of trails and side tracks you can explore. And the reward? Oh, the reward! Picture this: epic mountain views of Coffs Harbour and the stunning countryside spread out below. Plus, you don't have to trek miles into the wilderness to find it. It’s a super short five-minute drive from Coffs Harbour along Englands Road. Now, let's talk safety. This track is gnarly, so a solid recovery kit is a must. Think tire pressure gauge, 4x4 compressor, and kinetic rope and recovery points. Two recovery points on both the front and rear of your car will be your best friend. Bottom line: the England Track isn't for the faint of heart. But if you're an experienced 4WD guru craving a challenge, this could be the ultimate test.
extremeBridle Track in NSW is an iconic track for the 4X4 enthusiasts
🇦🇺 Australia
Get ready for an awesome Aussie adventure on the Bridle Track in New South Wales' Central West! This 4WD track is packed with fun, weaving through the stunning Central Tablelands from Duramana to Hill End (that's about 52 km / 32 miles of pure excitement!). It starts as a cute little paved road, then transforms into a dirt track that's generally pretty easy, but watch out for those curves, especially when it's dry – it can get slippery! Dust can be a pain too, so keep your distance from other cars. Rain turns it into a whole new level of slickness, so be careful, even in a 4WD. Heads up: part of the track is closed near Monaghans Bluff due to a landslide from way back in 2010, so you can only go so far from either Bathurst or Hill End. Leave the caravans and camper trailers at home for this one. This track is not for the faint of heart – it's 4WD only, with steep drops, no guardrails, and falling rocks to keep you on your toes. Some spots are so narrow you might have to reverse a good 300m to let someone pass! Creek crossings and flash floods are common, so be super careful around the water, and maybe bring a spare tire. Seriously, don't speed or drive it at night, especially the last 20 km – it's just not worth the risk. If you do make it to Monaghan’s Bluff, drive cautiously with your lights on, since it’s a one lane road with no stopping! If you drive straight through without stopping, it'll take you about 1.75-2 hours, but why rush? There are eight campsites along the way, perfect for camping, fishing, and exploring the area’s cool history. This track was built by convicts back in the 1820s during the gold rush, and it's named the Bridle Track because some parts were so narrow, folks had to lead their horses by the bridle.
moderateMount St Gwinear
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, so you're heading to Victoria, Australia? You HAVE to check out Mount St Gwinear, nestled at the north-east end of Baw Baw National Park. This peak sits at a cool 1,299m (4,261ft) above sea level. The road up there, Mount St Gwinear Road, is a 12.9 km gravel track that kicks off from the C481. Don't let the relatively short distance fool you - you'll climb 610 meters, with an average gradient of 4.72%. Word of warning: the weather can flip on a dime, so pack accordingly! And if you're visiting during the snowy months, wheel chains are a MUST. They're not just recommended, they're compulsory. This road can get super treacherous in winter. The scenery? Absolutely stunning! Just keep your eyes on the road, especially during those tricky winter conditions.