Where is the Condamine River track?
Australia, oceania
20.8 km
N/A
easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Queensland, near Killarney, ready for an off-road adventure. You're about to tackle the Condamine River Road, a totally unique 20.8 km (almost 13 miles) track that winds its way west-to-east through the stunning Cambanoora Gorge to "The Head."
This isn't your average Sunday drive! We're talking a mostly one-lane, unpaved dirt road with some serious potholes and 14—yes, fourteen!—crossings of the Condamine River. This track demands respect, best suited for high-clearance 4WDs with low-range gearing. Leave the trucks, buses, caravans, and trailers at home.
Under normal conditions, the river crossings are relatively shallow, usually just below the steps on your 4x4, but the river is seriously weather-dependent and can rise fast, making things impassable. Seriously, check with the Warwick Visitor Information Centre beforehand to avoid any surprises! The speed limit through the crossings is a crawl—only 5 km/hr—and the overall track speed limit is 30 kph.
Allow 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to complete the drive, depending on conditions and water levels. Beyond the challenge, you'll be rewarded with stunning views, abundant wildlife, and the chilled-out vibe of exploring beautiful rocky creek beds and towering eucalyptus trees. Keep an eye out for remnants of the old rabbit fence, a historical barrier between Queensland and New South Wales. It's a fantastic scenic drive when it's open!
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 20.8 km
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in oceania
moderateWhere is Boranup Drive?
🇦🇺 Australia
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!
hardAn epic enthralling road to Rough Ridge in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Rough Ridge, nestled way up high in New Zealand's Otago Region, is calling your name! We're talking a lofty 1,040m (3,412ft) above sea level, so buckle up for some serious views. This isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll be tackling the legendary Old Dunstan Road (aka The Dunstan Trail), a 46.1 km (28.64 miles) stretch of mostly unpaved glory, winding from Clarks Junction on State Highway 87 to Upper Taieri-Paerau Road. Picture this: you start on smooth sealed sections, but before long you're bouncing along gravel, clay, and exposed rock. Things get steep in places, so be prepared for a bit of a climb! This track, high in the Lammermoor Range, offers scenery that'll blow your mind. Word of caution: this beast is usually closed from the first Tuesday in June until September 30th for winter, and after rain, parts can become a sticky, muddy mess. A 4x4 is highly recommended for much of the route!
moderateWhere is Kosciuszko Express Chairlift?
🇦🇺 Australia
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in New South Wales, practically spitting distance from Victoria, lies Kosciuszko Express Chairlift. We're talking serious altitude here, like 1,937m (6,354ft) above sea level – one of the highest points you can reach in Aussie! What's the reward for this climb? Well, near the top, Eagle's Nest Restaurant awaits, boasting what they say are the highest restaurant views in the country. We're talking mind-blowing 270° panoramas stretching 200km, including sparkling Jindabyne Lake and the Victorian Alps. Now, for the nitty-gritty. This isn't your Sunday drive. The 3.3 km (2.05 miles) access road from Thredbo is unpaved, and strictly 4x4 territory, closed to the public. It's STEEP, like, really steep, with gradients hitting 30% in places. You'll climb 523 meters, averaging nearly 16%, so buckle up. This climb is an experience!
moderateHow to get by car to Lajamanu in the Northern Territory?
🇦🇺 Australia
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Lajamanu, a little slice of authentic Australia nestled in the Northern Territory, is calling your name. Formerly known as Hooker Creek, this town is seriously remote – about 560 km from Katherine and a hefty 890 km from Darwin, practically knocking on Western Australia's door. Getting there? Buckle up for a 105 km (65-mile) off-road thrill ride starting from the Buntine Highway in Kalkarindji. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The entire route is unpaved, a classic Aussie outback dirt road that's usually in decent shape. Heads up, though: during the wet season (think January to April), this track can become totally impassable. So, plan your trip wisely and get ready for some seriously stunning, rugged scenery along the way!