Why is it called Fairfield-Leopold Downs Road?
Australia, oceania
125 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Cruising through Western Australia's Kimberley region? You've GOT to check out the Fairfield-Leopold Downs Road! This track is named after the Fairfield and Leopold Downs cattle stations it winds through on its way to the Gibb River Road.
Clocking in at 125 km (77 miles) between the Derby Gibb River Road and the Great Northern Highway, this unsealed road is an adventure in itself. While some brave souls might tow caravans during the dry season, a 4WD is definitely your best bet. Watch out for dips and washouts along the way! It's mostly flat, with inclines topping out around 3%.
Now, let's be real: this isn't a highway. Expect dust, potholes, and creek crossings. The stretch from Windjana to Tunnel Creek is particularly dusty (and popular with tour groups), plus expect heavy corrugations, and it's totally impassable during the wet season.
For the best experience, aim to hit this road between May and September. You'll be passing through Tunnel Creek National Park, and you won't want to miss it!
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 125 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in oceania
hardHow long is Hughenden Muttaburra Road?
🇦🇺 Australia
Get ready for an Outback adventure on the Hughenden Muttaburra Road (part of State Route 19) in Queensland, Australia! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Clocking in at 210 km (130 miles), this north-south track links Hughenden to Muttaburra, and it's best tackled with a 4WD or high clearance vehicle. While much of the road is open to all, be warned: Mother Nature throws some curveballs! We're talking about infamous black soil patches that turn treacherous with a hint of rain. Expect some serious corrugation too, especially that final 100km stretch heading into Hughenden from Muttaburra. Brace yourself for sharp gravel, deep ruts, and granite boulders that can wreak havoc on your vehicle's undercarriage. The road climbs to 376m (1,233ft) above sea level and boasts plenty of steep sections. Forget those 100kph speed limit signs – you'll be lucky to hit 60kph without risking damage. For 2WD vehicles, especially those towing a caravan, this road is a true gravel nightmare! But with the right vehicle and a sense of adventure, you'll experience the raw, untamed beauty of the Australian Outback!
hardHow long is the Diamantina Developmental Road?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, buckle up road trippers, because the Diamantina Developmental Road in Queensland, Australia is calling your name! Clocking in at a hefty 1,344 km (835 miles), this epic route is one of the longest in Oz, slicing through the south-central part of the state all the way to the northwest. You'll cruise through charming towns like Quilpie, Windorah, Bedourie, Boulia, and Dajarra. Most of the journey is on sealed roads, suitable for all types of vehicles, but be prepared for some unsealed sections between towns. You’ll be following State Route 14, State Route 12, and National Route 83 on this adventure. Get ready to ford some iconic Aussie rivers! You'll cross the Paroo, Bulloo, Cooper Creek, and of course, the Diamantina River, all part of the unique Channel Country of southwest Queensland. Just be aware that river crossings can be dicey in extreme weather, so keep an eye on the forecast! Speaking of preparedness, this trip requires some serious planning. The weather can change dramatically along the way, so pack plenty of water and fuel. Watch out for roaming wildlife, and try to avoid driving at night. Heads up – mobile phone coverage can be spotty, so download those offline maps! Get ready for an unforgettable Outback experience.
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!
moderateDriving the curvy Licola Road in eastern Victoria
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, buckle up thrill-seekers, because Licola Road in Victoria, Australia is a wild ride you won't soon forget! If you get carsick easily, maybe sit this one out. This road has been around since 1913, so you know it's got some stories to tell. Before it was built, this area was only reachable by a rough track used by packhorses! Don't worry, it's all paved now, and in pretty good condition. This stretch of C-486 is seriously twisty, and the undulating landscape will keep you on your toes. Heads up: it's a popular spot for motorcycles on weekends, so keep an eye out! Spanning 53 km (32.9 miles) from Licola to Lake Glenmaggie, this north-south route will take you over an hour to navigate. Trust me, you'll want to take your time to soak in the views!