Why is it called Dorat Road?

Why is it called Dorat Road?

Australia, oceania

Length

N/A

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: Dorat Road in the Northern Territory of Australia. It's a total throwback – a single-lane sealed road that's bursting with history and charm. The name? It's a nod to the "Directorate of Road and Transport," the crew that kept things moving back in the day.

This little beauty was built to haul supplies during World War II, but don't expect a modern highway experience. We're talking about a scenic 108km loop that peels off the Stuart Highway near Adelaide River and eventually rejoins it near Long Airfield Airstrip.

Heads up – no mega rigs over 19 meters allowed! And while it's paved, those steep climbs and hairpin turns are a constant reminder of its past.

So, why take the Dorat Road? Because it's an awesome drive! You'll soak in some sweet views and get up close and personal with the Douglas-Daly Hot Springs and a bunch of cool World War II sites. It's narrow, it's winding, but it's totally worth it for a dose of history and Aussie scenery.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Australia
Continent
oceania
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in oceania

Driving through the Homer Tunnel in NZhard

Driving through the Homer Tunnel in NZ

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Alright, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Homer Tunnel! This epic tunnel punches right through the Darran Mountains in Fiordland, on New Zealand's South Island. We're talking serious elevation here - 945 meters (3,100 feet) above sea level! This isn't just any shortcut; it's a 1.2-kilometer (0.75-mile) long passage on the legendary SH94 (Milford Road), linking Te Anau to the breathtaking Milford Sound. A heads-up: winter can throw curveballs with road closures. During summer, traffic lights manage the flow, keeping things safe and sane. Carved straight out of solid granite and named after William Henry Homer, who spotted the saddle, this tunnel is a true feat of engineering that took 19 long years to complete. Can you imagine? Before this, Milford Sound was totally cut off! Inside, it's an adventure. The two lanes are cozy (just enough space for a bus and a car!), with no dividing line. It's a steep climb too, with a gradient of 1:10. Before you dive in, there's a spot to pull over for those essential photo ops. Once you're in the tunnel, ditch the sunglasses and switch on your headlights. The tunnel is unlit, so good visibility is a must! Get ready for a unique, unforgettable drive.

Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossingeasy

Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Okay, picture this: the road to Cape Campbell Lighthouse, right there on the northeastern tip of New Zealand's South Island. It's not a super long haul, clocking in at around 25 kilometers, but don't let the distance fool you. This is an adventure! Starting near Ward, you're in for a ride that steadily climbs, gaining about 150 meters in elevation. This isn't just a scenic drive; it's a bit of a challenge. Expect gravel sections that demand your attention. Speaking of challenges, keep an eye out for wildlife! Sheep, cows, and other farm animals consider this road their stomping ground. But oh, the views! Coastal panoramas are the name of the game here, showing off the rugged beauty of the New Zealand coastline. And at the end of it all, you're greeted by the iconic Cape Campbell Lighthouse, a true beacon in a land of dramatic landscapes. This drive is a must for anyone wanting to experience the wild, raw beauty of New Zealand.

How long is the Googs Track?hard

How long is the Googs Track?

🇦🇺 Australia

Craving a Simpson Desert-lite adventure? Then Googs Track in South Australia is calling your name! This sandy, one-lane track stretches 186 km (115 miles) through a stunning, arid landscape from Ceduna up to the Transcontinental Railway Line near Tarcoola. Be prepared to tackle over 300 dunes, some towering up to 25 metres, as you wind through the Yumbarra Conservation Park and Yellabinna Regional Reserve. This baby can get rough, with serious corrugations and soft, sandy dune approaches. Definitely need a high-clearance 4x4 and some sand driving skills to conquer this beast! Leave the caravan at home, towing anything is generally not recommended here. Googs Track gets its name from John (Goog) Denton, the legendary egg seller who carved this route out in 1973 to help out the local farmers. Allow at least a day to soak in the whole experience. The scenery is incredible, and you might even spot some rare wildlife. This is a super remote area, so packing plenty of food, water, and fuel is crucial, and definitely bring a satellite phone. The cooler months are the perfect time to visit, so avoid the scorching summer heat. And remember to tune into UHF channel 18 to chat with other adventurers on the track!

Where is Moonbi Lookout?easy

Where is Moonbi Lookout?

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, picture this: You're heading to Moonbi Lookout, a sweet spot perched high on a granite outcrop. We're talking 2,473 feet above sea level, people! The views? Unreal. You've got the whole landscape spread out before you, with gorgeous vistas of the Cockburn Shire Council area. On a clear day, they say you can even glimpse the distant peaks of something amazing – keep an eye out! Plus, there's tons of room to park at the top if you want to hang out for a while. The road up, called something unique, is pretty easy to navigate. It's paved the whole way from the highway and is a short distance. Sure, it gets a little narrow and steep in sections, but nothing your average car can't handle. It just winds its way up an easy grade. Caravans are welcome, too! Get ready for some serious scenery!