
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
extremeSkippers Canyon Road
🇳🇿 New Zealand
# Skippers Canyon Road: A Wild Ride Through New Zealand's Gold Rush Past Want to drive one of the most hair-raising roads on the planet? Welcome to Skippers Canyon Road, a white-knuckle 22-kilometer gravel adventure carved into the dramatic cliff faces near Queenstown. Built by hand by gold miners back in the 1860s, this road has barely changed in over 150 years—and honestly, it shows. We're talking no guardrails, loose gravel surface, and sections so narrow that two cars can't pass each other. Oh, and here's the kicker: rental car insurance doesn't cover it. Seriously. Most mainstream rental companies explicitly refuse coverage, making this one of the few roads in the world with that particular honor. The road plunges from Coronet Peak Road deep into the Shotover River gorge, snaking through rock cuttings where sheer cliffs drop hundreds of meters straight down to the turquoise river far below. Some sections are basically narrow shelves carved into the cliff face—barely room for one vehicle, with zero pull-out options if you meet someone coming the other way. You can still see the original stone retaining walls built by Chinese miners in the 1860s, adding to the road's atmospheric charm. The surface is a mix of compacted gravel, loose rocks, and mud, depending on recent weather. Beyond the adrenaline rush, there's genuine history here. Skippers Canyon was absolutely booming during the 1860s gold rush, and you'll spot relics everywhere—old mining equipment, stone cottages, and the gorgeous 1901 Skippers suspension bridge. The canyon itself is stunning, with those dramatic schist rock walls towering above the river. Today, the area buzzes with adventure seekers doing jet boating, bungy jumping, and white-water rafting. Want to experience this beast? Skip the self-drive ego trip and go with a guided 4WD tour. Local operators know every twist and tricky section, making it the smart (and far less stressful) way to tackle this iconic road.
Crossing the iconic Tunks Creek Bridge
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! Let's talk about the legendary Tunks Creek Bridge, chilling in the lush Berowra Valley Regional Park, New South Wales, Australia. This beauty, a historic McDonald Timber Truss Bridge, has been holding strong since 1894, bridging the gap over Tunks Creek in the stunning Galston Gorge. We're talking a 65-foot span of pure, rustic charm. Okay, word to the wise: those wooden planks can get a tad slippery when wet, so keep your wits about you! And if you're into spooky vibes, legend has it this bridge has a ghostly resident. Just another reason to add this unforgettable drive to your Aussie road trip bucket list!
hardHow long is the Plenty Highway?
🇦🇺 Australia
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Plenty Highway (also known as State Route 12)! This iconic outback track slices through the heart of Australia's Northern Territory, offering a true taste of the Aussie wilderness. Stretching a hefty 494 km (306 miles), this beauty kicks off from a turnoff on the Stuart Highway, about 68 kilometers north of Alice Springs, and winds its way to Tobermorey Homestead on the Northern Territory/Queensland border, part of the Donohue Highway. Fun fact: it started life as a humble cattle access road. Now, let's talk terrain. You'll find the first 100km (from the Stuart Highway to Ongeva Creek) nicely sealed, but after that, it's all about the dirt! Don't worry, it's generally well-maintained. So, how long does it take to conquer the Plenty Highway? You could technically blitz it in 16 to 20 hours non-stop, but where's the fun in that? Give yourself two or three days to soak it all in. Aim for May to October for the best weather and avoid the scorching summer months. Just a heads-up: it can become impassable after rain. But be warned, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The Plenty Highway plunges you into some of the most isolated parts of the country. Keep an eye out for potential flood zones, especially in the east. And be prepared for sections of deep bull dust and the odd pothole—definitely a dry-weather-only kind of road. A 4x4 is essential, and it's not caravan-friendly. Oh, and don't forget to pack reliable communication and navigation gear! Get ready for vast landscapes, stunning sunsets, and an unforgettable outback experience!
extremeThe Ultimate Guide to Traveling the CREB Track
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, buckle up for the CREB Track in Far North Queensland - it's a wild ride! This 71km (44 miles) off-road adventure winds its way from Daintree to Wujal Wujal, plunging deep into the lush Daintree Rainforest. Forget smooth sailing; this is a proper 4x4 challenge. Originally carved out to service powerlines to Cooktown, the CREB Track is now famous for its steep climbs, heart-stopping descents, and multiple river crossings, including the infamous Daintree River. Be aware that the track passes through the Burungu Aboriginal community, so tread respectfully. We're talking seriously rough terrain here. Think slow and steady – around 15-20km/h. You'll need a high-clearance 4WD, low range gearing, and all the recovery gear you can carry. Trust me, you'll probably need it! Even a bit of rain turns the track into a muddy nightmare. Speaking of rain, access is typically from May to November. Outside those months, river levels can make it impassable, and the track is officially closed. Seriously, don't ignore the closures – hefty fines apply! Plus, conditions can change in a heartbeat, so always check with the local council before you go. The CREB Track is remote. Breakdowns happen, phone signal is patchy (if any!), and help isn't around the corner. Self-sufficiency is key. But if you're prepared for anything, you're in for an unforgettable adventure through some of Cape York's most incredible scenery.