Where is Mount Barrow?
Tasmania, oceania
16.1 km
1,000 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in Tasmania, just east of Launceston, ready for an epic climb up Mount Barrow (elevation: 1,359m or 4,458ft!). The adventure starts on the A3, then you veer onto the legendary C404, aka Mount Barrow Road.
For the first 10km, it's a cruisy gravel road winding through farmland and forestry. You'll find picnic spots at the Mount Barrow State Reserve boundary, but trust me, keep going! This is where it gets REAL.
The road to the top is 16.1 km (10 miles) of unpaved, narrow switchbacks that are seriously steep - up to a 16% gradient! It's a 1,027-meter climb, averaging about 6.37%, so buckle up. You will need a 4WD for the final section of the road. The road is often closed in winter due to snow, usually above 1,100 meters (3,609 ft).
Above the treeline, you'll be treated to incredible views of the valleys. The last 1.5km is where the real magic happens, offering the closest spot to Launceston for regular winter snow. It will take about 45 - 60 minutes to drive the road without stopping.
The summit itself is a bit industrial, with broadcast towers (it's the main TV and radio transmission site for northeast Tasmania). However, don't let that deter you, the panoramic views of the Tamar Valley and the mountains to the east are absolutely worth it!
Road Details
- Country
- Tasmania
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 16.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,000 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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