Why is it called Thunderbolts Way?
Australia, oceania
305 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Thunderbolts Way, a seriously gorgeous drive snaking through the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia. The name? It's a nod to Captain Thunderbolt, Australia's own "Gentleman" bushranger, Fred Ward. This beauty was carved out between 1958 and 1961, plunging you into thick forests, practically surrounded by national parks and reserves.
Heads up though, while it's all paved, the road's a bit rough around the edges – narrow in spots, some potholes, and definitely not caravan-friendly. Stretching 305km (189 miles) from Inverell in the north down to Gloucester, it's a proper adventure.
And hold on tight because it's hilly! Expect some serious twists, turns, and a maximum 20% gradient on those climbs north of Gloucester. Towing a trailer? Maybe rethink this one, especially if the weather's looking dodgy. Speaking of weather, this isn't the drive for a rainy day.
Set aside about 3.5 to 4.5 hours for the drive – without stops, that is. But trust me, you'll want to pull over. Every bend unveils another spectacular view, and there are plenty of viewpoints along the way just begging for a photo op!
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 305 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
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