Where is Dove Lake?
Tasmania, oceania
12.5 km
945 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along Cradle Mountain Road in Tasmania, heading towards the iconic Dove Lake. This isn't just any drive, it’s a fully paved, super scenic 12.5 km (7.76 mile) adventure kicking off from the C132 Road. You'll find Dove Lake nestled in the Dove River Conservation Area, at the foot of Cradle Mountain, up in the northern end of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. Just a heads up – caravans, campervans, motorhomes, trailers, and anything over 6.5 tons or 8 meters long are a no-go in the National Park. You'll climb to 945 m (3,100 ft) above sea level, with views that'll knock your socks off. The road ends in a parking lot, but be warned: spots can be limited, so get there early! Dove Lake is one of the highest lakes you can drive to in Tasmania – get ready for some serious photo ops!
Road Details
- Country
- Tasmania
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 12.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 945 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in oceania
moderateNavigating the Sydney Harbour Area
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: the Barkly Highway. We're talking proper outback stuff, stretching over 865km (537 miles) through the Northern Territory and Queensland. It's mostly flat, but don't be fooled, the vastness is the real challenge. Elevation is barely a blip, hovering around 200-300 meters (650-1000 feet). The biggest danger? Probably boredom, or roos hopping out of nowhere. But seriously, be mindful of wildlife, road trains (those mega-trucks!), and fatigue. The scenery is… well, it's the outback. Think endless horizons, red dirt, and sparse vegetation. It's beautiful in its own stark way, especially at sunrise and sunset when the colours are insane. Just make sure you've got plenty of water, fuel, and a sense of adventure, because this is one long and lonely stretch of road.
extremeGunbarrel Highway is one of Australia’s best 4WD tracks
🇦🇺 Australia
Get ready for an epic Aussie adventure on the legendary Gunbarrel Highway! This isn't just a road trip; it's a true outback odyssey spanning 1,350 km (840 mi) from Carnegie Station in Western Australia to Giles, near the Northern Territory border. Think of it as a chunk of the even bigger 2,800 km (1,740 mi) Outback Highway. But hold on tight! This track throws everything at you: washaways, bone-jarring corrugations, rocks, sand, and even flood plains. We're talking seriously rugged terrain that demands a tough 4x4 and some serious driving skills. They built this thing back in '58, and some parts haven't seen a grader since! So, if you're new to desert driving, maybe start with something a little less intense. Give yourself at least four days to soak it all in. This isn't just a drive; it's a journey through history. You'll be completely off-grid, so pack all the water, food, and fuel you'll need. The longest stretch between fuel stops is a hefty 489 kilometers (Warburton to Carnegie Station), so plan accordingly. Keep an eye on the weather and road conditions. Avoid it during the scorching summer months. Supplies and services are few and far between.
hardDriving the narrow Walhalla Road in Victoria
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna tackle a real Aussie backroad? Walhalla Road in Gippsland, Victoria is calling your name. Picture this: you, your trusty SUV, and 71km of pure, unpaved, mountain-twisting bliss, snaking from Matlock to the historic gold-rush town of Walhalla. This ain't no Sunday drive, folks. We're talking switchbacks galore, hundreds of turns, and hairpin bends that'll make your head spin. Parts of the road are seriously narrow, so forget bringing your caravan or anything over 3 tonnes. Trust me, you'll regret it. You'll be hugging the eastern side of Thomson Dam, with views that are simply breathtaking. It’s challenging, sure, but in good weather and with a bit of clearance under your wheels, it's totally doable. Just watch out for a few potholes, be mindful of the width, and keep an eye out for falling trees. If you manage to dodge other cars on the really tight bits, you're golden!
moderateFairfield-Leopold Downs Road runs through one of the last true wilderness areas on Earth
🇦🇺 Australia
Cruising through the western Kimberley region of Western Australia? You HAVE to check out the Fairfield-Leopold Downs Road! This outback adventure, named after the two massive cattle stations it connects, stretches for 125 km (77 miles) of pure Aussie landscape. Linking the Derby Gibb River Road to the Great Northern Highway, this unsealed track is best tackled with a 4WD, although caravans can sometimes brave it during the dry season – just watch out for those dips and washouts! It's mostly flat, with only the occasional gentle incline. Be prepared for an authentic outback experience, meaning dust, potholes, and a few creek crossings are part of the fun. The section near Windjana to Tunnel Creek can get pretty dusty and busy with tour groups, but the scenery is worth it. Expect some serious corrugations along the way, and remember, this road is a no-go during the wet season. The best time to experience this unforgettable drive, which winds through Tunnel Creek National Park, is from May to September. Get ready for an epic Kimberley adventure!