Why is it called Charlotte Pass?
Australia, oceania
39.7 km
1,840 m
moderate
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.
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 39.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,840 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in oceania
extremeDriving the sensational road to the Remarkables in Queenstown
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Craving a mountain adventure? Head to The Remarkables, a ski resort way up in Otago, New Zealand's South Island! This isn't just any drive; it's a climb to 1,622m (that's 5,321ft!). You'll be cruising on Remarkables Road, a 13.2 km (8.2 mi) stretch starting from State Highway 6, south of Queenstown. But wait, there's more! A service road at the resort can take you even higher, up to 1,844m (6,049ft). Now, about the road itself: Picture this – narrow sections winding through breathtaking scenery. The higher you go, the more likely you are to be floating *above* the clouds! It used to be a bit of a wild ride, but now it's much safer thanks to guardrails. The first 10km are paved, and the last 3km are gravel, but well-maintained. Get ready for steep climbs and hairpin turns—bottom gear is your friend here. We're talking a maximum gradient of 15% in spots and an average of nearly 10% overall. The road is usually open year-round, but snow can change things fast. Chains are a good idea after a snowfall; signs will tell you if they're needed for your vehicle type. If you're not feeling the drive, hop on a shuttle! Why "The Remarkables"? Some say it's because they're one of the few ranges running directly north to south. Locals whisper that early settlers were so blown away by the sunset views that they just *had* to call them "remarkable." The views? Unforgettable. Even without stopping, the drive takes about 25 minutes. But you WILL want to stop. Prime photo ops are around the 4km and 6km marks, with epic views of Lake Wakatipu and the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers meeting. Get ready to say "wow!"
extremeBridle Track in NSW is an iconic track for the 4X4 enthusiasts
🇦🇺 Australia
Get ready for an awesome Aussie adventure on the Bridle Track in New South Wales' Central West! This 4WD track is packed with fun, weaving through the stunning Central Tablelands from Duramana to Hill End (that's about 52 km / 32 miles of pure excitement!). It starts as a cute little paved road, then transforms into a dirt track that's generally pretty easy, but watch out for those curves, especially when it's dry – it can get slippery! Dust can be a pain too, so keep your distance from other cars. Rain turns it into a whole new level of slickness, so be careful, even in a 4WD. Heads up: part of the track is closed near Monaghans Bluff due to a landslide from way back in 2010, so you can only go so far from either Bathurst or Hill End. Leave the caravans and camper trailers at home for this one. This track is not for the faint of heart – it's 4WD only, with steep drops, no guardrails, and falling rocks to keep you on your toes. Some spots are so narrow you might have to reverse a good 300m to let someone pass! Creek crossings and flash floods are common, so be super careful around the water, and maybe bring a spare tire. Seriously, don't speed or drive it at night, especially the last 20 km – it's just not worth the risk. If you do make it to Monaghan’s Bluff, drive cautiously with your lights on, since it’s a one lane road with no stopping! If you drive straight through without stopping, it'll take you about 1.75-2 hours, but why rush? There are eight campsites along the way, perfect for camping, fishing, and exploring the area’s cool history. This track was built by convicts back in the 1820s during the gold rush, and it's named the Bridle Track because some parts were so narrow, folks had to lead their horses by the bridle.
moderateCrown Range Road
🇳🇿 New Zealand
# Crown Range Road: NZ's Ultimate Alpine Drive If you're looking for the most spectacular way to connect Queenstown and Wanaka, skip the boring highway via Cromwell and take the Crown Range Road instead. This 67-kilometer beauty is New Zealand's highest sealed road, climbing to a seriously impressive 1,076 meters as it cuts straight across the Crown Range in Central Otago. The adventure starts intense—you'll climb steeply out of the Kawarau Gorge through a series of nail-biting switchbacks that'll have you gripping the steering wheel. But honestly? The views make it totally worth it. You get these incredible panoramas sweeping back over the Wakatipu Basin and the dramatic Remarkables mountains. At the summit, there's a quick walk to a lookout that'll blow your mind with 360-degree views of Lake Wakatipu, Lake Wanaka, and all the peaks surrounding you. Coming down the other side, you'll pass the charming Cardrona Hotel (a proper 1863 gem) and the Cardrona ski field—great spots to stop and soak up the scenery. Fair warning though: if you're driving this in winter, things get serious. The summit can get snowbound, and you might need to carry chains. It adds an extra thrill to the crossing, but definitely check conditions before heading up.
extremeWhere is the Sandy Cape Track?
🌍 Tasmania
Get ready for an epic Aussie adventure on the Sandy Cape Track, located on Tasmania's wild West Coast, just south of Temma in the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area! This legendary 39-mile (63.46 km) 4WD route is not for the faint of heart. We're talking extreme terrain, stunning scenery, secluded beaches, and unbelievable campsites. You'll need a seriously capable, high-clearance, heavily modified 4WD and a healthy dose of experience to tackle this beast. Oh, and don't forget your Off-Road Permit from the Arthur River Parks & Wildlife office! Think muddy waterholes, steep, boggy dunes, river crossings, and maybe even some quicksand surprises! Deep water, treacherous mud and sand sections, and rocky ridges make this a true test of your off-roading skills. Never go it alone – bring at least two other equally equipped vehicles and be prepared to use all your recovery gear. A snorkel is a must! The best time to hit this track is generally between December and April. But be warned, Tassie weather is notoriously unpredictable, and conditions are constantly changing. Always check the local forecast before you go, as the track can be closed without notice due to hazardous conditions. Avoid it after rain at all costs! That red clay becomes super slippery, and you'll be begging for a tow truck in no time!