Where is the Quaid Road located?
Australia, oceania
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in Far North Queensland, Australia, itching for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Forget the usual tourist traps and set your sights on the Southedge-Wangetti Road Corridor. This 32-kilometer stretch connects the Captain Cook Highway near the coast at Wangetti (just north of Cairns) to the Mulligan Highway near Southedge, south of Mount Molloy.
Now, here's the catch: this isn't your typical scenic drive. Winding through the Macalister Range Forest Reserve, expect some real rainforest vibes. Originally built as a private access road, it slices through terrain that later became part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
But wait, there's more! This road isn't just a pretty face. It's got a history, a bit of controversy, and a whole lot of "what ifs." These days, it's actually closed to the public, blocked by locked gates, with access only allowed by permit from the Wet Tropics Management Authority. For years, people have debated its potential as an alternate route to the Atherton Tableland and even as an evacuation route during cyclones. But for now, it remains a tantalizing glimpse into the wild side of Far North Queensland.
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in oceania
moderateLawrence Hargrave Drive in NSW is one of the most beautiful coastal roads
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Lawrence Hargrave Drive on the south coast of New South Wales, Australia is calling your name! This isn't just any coastal drive; it's a downright stunner and named for a true Aussie legend, Lawrence Hargrave, the brains behind the box kite. He literally took flight right in this area, near Stanwell Park — pretty cool, huh? As part of the Grand Pacific Drive, you'll be cruising on smooth, paved roads, originally carved out way back in the 1870s. It's about 20 km (or roughly 12 miles) of pure joy as you wind your way from the B65 Road near Bulli all the way up to the Princes Highway at Stanwell Tops. This road in the northern Illawarra region serves up Wollongong's coastline in the best possible way, but let's be real, the stars of the show are the Sea Cliff Bridge and the Lawrence Hargrave Drive Bridge. Trust me, you'll want to have your camera ready! Be aware that this is a popular tourist drive so please drive with care.
moderateDriving the scenic Pembroke Road in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the western coast of New Zealand's North Island, in the Taranaki region, about to hit one seriously scenic road called Pembroke Road. This gem is tucked away in Egmont National Park, winding its way up Mount Taranaki (aka Mount Egmont), that classic stratovolcano. You'll start in Pembroke and climb to a car park at The Plateau, a solid 1,172m (3,845 ft) high! The views from up there? Epic! There's a viewing platform, parking, and loads of scenic walks to check out. The road itself is about 13.2 km (8.20 miles) long, so get ready for an elevation gain of 760 meters. It's a pretty steady climb, averaging about 5.75% in steepness. The road's fully paved, making for a smooth drive, and those views just keep getting better and better. You'll hit about six hairpin turns near the top, which are fun, but a heads-up: Mount Taranaki is known for its wild, changeable weather. Things can turn icy quick, so definitely skip this one if the forecast looks rough!
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.
moderateWhere is Humbert Track?
🇦🇺 Australia
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a killer track for you Down Under. We're talking about the Humbert Track in the remote northern reaches of Australia, specifically south of Timber Creek, nestled inside Gregory National Park. This ain't your Sunday drive! This is a proper outback adventure following the valleys, originally carved out to haul supplies between Humbert River Station and... well, adventure! You'll need a 4x4, no question. Think countless creek and river crossings that'll keep you on your toes. Forget about dodging trees; the driving itself is slow but steady. Just a heads up: when it rains, those creeks become raging rivers, and the track can become impassable. The Humbert Track stretches about 70km between Humbert River Station and Victoria Highway. The scenery's wild and rugged. Expect wide open landscapes and a real sense of being in the middle of nowhere.