Where is Mount Wellington?
Tasmania, oceania
11.5 km
1,265 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in Tasmania, right? And there's this mountain called Mount Wellington, or Kunanyi if you're talking the local lingo—it means "mountain." This road, Pinnacle Road (C616), takes you all the way to the top, and let me tell you, it's an experience.
It's near Hobart, so super accessible, and it's sealed all the way, thankfully! They finished it back in '37. Just be warned, if you're not a fan of heights, this might test you a bit. It can be a little narrow with some seriously steep drops.
The road kicks off from the B64 in Fern Tree, and it's about 11.5 km (7.14 miles) to the top. Don't let the distance fool you, though. This climb is STEEP! We're talking gradients up to 10% in places, and you'll gain 820 meters in elevation. Allow 30-45 minutes to get to the top.
Before you head up, double-check the weather. This mountain is notorious for wild conditions. It can snow any time of year, and ice can make the road super sketchy. Plus, those winds at the summit? Brutal! The road can close, so be prepared.
The Pinnacle Observation Shelter is usually open from 8am to 8pm during daylight savings, and 8am to 4.30pm the rest of the year.
But trust me, the views are worth it! You'll go from rainforest to sub-alpine scenery, and the panoramic views are insane. You can see Hobart, Bruny Island, and on a clear day, all the way to the Southwest Wilderness. Even Darwin was blown away!
Road Details
- Country
- Tasmania
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 11.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,265 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in oceania
moderateBe totally prepared to drive the Old Andado Track
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're craving a truly off-the-grid experience in Australia's Northern Territory, then the Old Andado Track is calling your name. This outback track offers a wild detour from Alice Springs to Oodnadatta, skirting the edge of the massive Simpson Desert, a landscape of seemingly endless parallel sand dunes (some stretching almost 200 km!). But fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. Expect a rough and tumble ride with plenty of bumps and potentially slippery sections when wet. The road is seriously unmaintained, with numerous river crossings to navigate. It's mostly unsealed and sandy, so a 4WD is a must, unless you're looking to replace your ride soon! Flash floods can also occur after those quick, heavy storms, even in the dry season. Stretching 440 km (273 miles) from Alice Springs to Mount Dare, the Old Andado Track is a part of the larger Binns Track tourist route. Picture yourself surrounded by desolate beauty, where even 4x4s can break down. For those who dare to venture into the heart of the Simpson Desert, this is your chance to experience true isolation and stunning red dune scenery. Do your homework beforehand, and pack more water and spare fuel than you think you'll need. This track isn't heavily traveled, and those rocks are ready to cause serious tire damage. Remember, you're on your own out there, so be self-sufficient with everything from water to communication – cell service is non-existent.
hardBig Red and Little Red are iconic tracks for experienced drivers only at the Glasshouse Mountains
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, so you're heading to the Glasshouse Mountains in Queensland, Australia? Then you HAVE to check out Big Red and Little Red – they're legendary 4WD tracks! Seriously, these aren't for newbies. We're talking advanced 4WD skills only, and you absolutely MUST have all your recovery gear. Think you're ready? Big Red is the more intimidating of the two, while Little Red still packs a punch. Trust me, photos and videos don’t do them justice. It’s worth checking them out in person first. And, uh, don't be surprised if you spot some vehicular remains – they’re a reminder of just how tough these tracks can be! Now, heads up: these tracks are actually forestry service roads these days, kept in shape (sort of!) for powerline maintenance. They require low range, high clearance, traction aids and proper recovery gear. Rollovers aren’t uncommon! If it's dry, a lifted 4WD with mud tires might cruise through, but wet conditions? Get ready to use that recovery gear. These routes should not be underestimated.
moderateAcheron Road is an unforgettable drive in New Zealand
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're in New Zealand's Marlborough high country and craving an unforgettable road trip, you HAVE to check out Acheron Road. Picture this: You're cruising along a 200km (124-mile) stretch from Blenheim to Hanmer Springs, originally a sheep drover's track but now upgraded (thankfully!) It winds through Molesworth Station, which is HUGE – the largest farm in New Zealand, covering nearly half a million acres! Locals also call it Molesworth Road or Molesworth Station Road. You'll transition from vineyards to grassy expanses and then climb into scree-covered hills. A 2WD or AWD with decent clearance should be fine, but leave your caravans, buses, or anything over 7 meters at home. Trailers? You'll need a special permit for those. Word to the wise: this narrow, unpaved beauty is a backcountry road and can close without warning due to weather or fire risk. It climbs high – much of it is above 900m, topping out at Wards Pass at 1,145m (3,757ft), so snow is a real possibility. Typically, it's open 7 am to 7 pm daily, from October 1st to either Easter Monday or the second Sunday in April (whichever is later). Just a heads up - it's been opening October 1st since 2022. Get ready for some incredible views!
extremeHow long is the Gunbarrel Highway?
🇦🇺 Australia
The Gunbarrel Highway: if you're looking for the ultimate Aussie outback adventure, this is it! This legendary 1,350 km (840 mi) track carves its way from Carnegie Station in Western Australia all the way to Giles, near the Northern Territory border. It's a major part of the epic 2,800 km (1,740 mi) Outback Way. Be prepared for anything – washaways, seriously corrugated sections, rocks, sand, and even flood plains. The track ranges from stony to sandy, with ruts and the occasional muddy surprise. A high-clearance 4WD is essential, and this trip isn't for the faint of heart! Built in 1958, it's seen better days, with some sections untouched since its original construction. Allow at least 4 days to complete it, and definitely don't make this your first desert expedition. You'll be venturing into seriously remote territory, so you need to be totally self-sufficient with water, food, and fuel. The longest stretch between fuel stops is a hefty 489 kilometers (Warburton to Carnegie Station), so plan accordingly. Services are scarce, and conditions can change rapidly. Avoid the scorching summer months! Do your research, stock up, and get the latest track info before you go.