Why is it called Charlotte Pass?

Why is it called Charlotte Pass?

Australia, oceania

Length

39.7 km

Elevation

1,840 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Alright adventurers, buckle up for Charlotte Pass! Nestled high in the New South Wales Snowy Mountains, this beauty tops out at 1,840m (6,037ft), making it one of Australia's highest drivable points. Fun fact: it's named after Charlotte Adams, a pioneering lady who was the first European woman to conquer Mount Kosciuszko back in 1881.

The journey starts in Jindabyne, and from there it's smooth sailing (pavement all the way!) for 39.7 km (24.66 miles) along Kosciuszko Road.

What awaits you at the end? A parking lot, yes, but also the starting point for the epic Mount Kosciuszko Summit walk. Plus, the views from Charlotte Pass lookout are incredible! Gaze south and you'll see the Charlotte Pass Snow Resort beckoning you for some winter fun.

This whole area is smack-dab in Kosciuszko National Park, offering access to the most breathtaking alpine scenery Australia has to offer. Keep in mind, though, this is the Snowy Mountains – the weather can be a bit wild, so be prepared for anything! But trust me, the stunning vistas of Australia's tallest peaks are SO worth it.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Australia
Continent
oceania
Length
39.7 km
Max Elevation
1,840 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in oceania

Can you drive to Mt Cook Village?easy

Can you drive to Mt Cook Village?

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Cruising through the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island? You HAVE to take Mount Cook Road. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience, running alongside the unreal turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki. Seriously, the lake looks like it's been photoshopped! This stretch of State Highway 80 is all paved and hugs the western edge of that milky-blue lake. The road itself is pretty chill, mostly straight, so you can actually enjoy the views. Just watch out for a one-lane bridge as you approach Mount Cook National Park! Clocking in at around 54.7 km (34 miles), this road winds from Ben Ohau all the way to Aoraki/Mount Cook (Mt Cook Village), nestled at 718m (2,355ft). It's perfectly positioned between Christchurch and Queenstown. Factor in way more than the 40-60 minutes it takes to drive without stopping. You'll be pulling over constantly to snap pics and just soak in the scenery. Trust me, it's *that* breathtaking. Peters Lookout is a must-stop for that iconic shot of the lake framed by Mount Cook. And as you get closer, the views just get bigger and better, with Mount Cook dominating the horizon. Fun fact: this area was also used as a backdrop in 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' movies! Heads up: while the road's generally open year-round, winter travelers should pack chains and be prepared for sudden weather changes and possible closures due to snow. This road was originally constructed in the late 1800s but fully paved in 1976.

Knoll Scenic Drivemoderate

Knoll Scenic Drive

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the coast of Western Australia, right between the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets. You stumble upon the Knoll Scenic Drive – a sweet five-kilometre loop just begging to be explored. And trust me, you *want* to explore it. First off, it's sealed, so no worries about your ride. Second, it's one-way, keeping things nice and chill. But the real magic? The views! Seriously, bring your camera, because this drive circles the Knoll, dishing out stunning peeks of the inlets the whole way. The scenery is like nature's sampler platter. You've got vibrant swamp bottlebrush heathlands in the low-lying areas, then coastal blackbutt, peppermint, and bullich woodlands hugging the headlands. And just when you think it can't get any better, BAM! Majestic karri and yellow tingle forests practically tumble down to the water's edge. It's a visual feast!

Tablelands Highway is a remote sealed roadmoderate

Tablelands Highway is a remote sealed road

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, adventurers, buckle up for the Tablelands Highway (aka State Route 11) in the Aussie Outback! This is a seriously remote 375km (233-mile) stretch of road that'll take you from Barkly Homestead (off the Barkly Highway) all the way to Cape Crawford (Carpentaria Highway). Originally built as a 'Beef Road' back in the '60s, it's still got that wild, untamed vibe. Expect a single-lane sealed road surface, but be warned, that bitumen can be a little rough in spots. Think undulating terrain as you roll through classic Outback scenery. Caravans can handle it, no worries! Now, a few things to keep in mind: this road is so remote that there are absolutely no towns or services along the way, so come prepared! While generally open year-round, watch out for potential shoulder washouts if there's been recent rain. And when you see oncoming traffic – especially road trains – pull *completely* off the road. Trust me, you don't want to be half on the bitumen and half on the shoulder when one of those beasts goes by. Also, keep your eyes peeled for cattle! This is unfenced territory, and you'll often find them wandering on or near the road. All in all, the Tablelands Highway offers a true taste of the Australian Outback, just be sure to respect its remoteness.

Driving the Dangerously Narrow Scenic Road Through Takarau Gorgehard

Driving the Dangerously Narrow Scenic Road Through Takarau Gorge

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the southern part of New Zealand's North Island, about to stumble upon a hidden gem called Takarau Gorge. This place is seriously breathtaking! Heads up, though: this road, Takarau Gorge Road, carved out by the Ohariu River north of Wellington, can be a bit temperamental. It's paved, yes, but super narrow in spots, shrinking down to a single lane as it twists and turns through the steep canyon. Think hairpin turns and blind corners galore! Clocking in at just under 8 kilometers (that's about 5 miles), the road winds its way from Ohariu to Makara Road. The views are totally worth it, but if you're not a fan of tight squeezes, this might not be your cup of tea. Word to the wise: flooding can be a real issue here, especially after a good downpour. They'll shut it down if it gets too gnarly. Weekends and summer bring a few more cars, but generally, it's a pretty quiet ride. Get ready for an adventure!