
Zig Zag Scenic Drive is a one-way scenic road in Perth
Australia, oceania
2.9 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising down Zig Zag Scenic Drive in Gooseberry Hill, Western Australia. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a one-way adventure down the side of the Darling Ranges!
Clocking in at just under 3 kilometers, this narrow, winding bitumen road is a pure adrenaline rush, carving its way through Gooseberry Hill National Park. One minute, you're hugging rock faces or darting through trees; the next, BAM! Jaw-dropping views open up, with steep drop-offs adding a *thrilling* edge. Seriously, keep your eyes on the road, folks! It's tight, with hairpin turns galore, which is why it's a one-way street heading downhill.
Located within the Beelu National Park, the view is absolutely the prize. You get the whole panorama – the coastal plain stretching out to Perth and beyond. Photographers, get ready to max out your memory cards. You can see forever in almost every direction.
Originally part of the Upper Darling Range Railway used for hauling timber, the road retains its hairpin turns and steep grade! The road has a bit of a reputation, though. Because of those tight turns and secluded location, some knuckleheads think it's a race track. So if you see any reckless driving, grab that license plate number and report it.
Keep in mind, this road isn't just for cars! Hikers and cyclists share the space, so keep an eye out. The speed limit is 40 km/h, but even then, walking the lower Zig Zag isn't recommended when cars are around.
Heads up: the road's open from 11 AM to 8:30 PM. If you're still inside after closing, your car's staying overnight. Also, it's had some closure in the past to deal with some rowdy folks. But don't worry, it's back and better than ever.
In summary, this road is tight, with hairpin turns and steep grade! This is a must-do if you're in the area. Just remember to drive safely, share the road, and soak in those insane views!
Where is it?
Zig Zag Scenic Drive is a one-way scenic road in Perth is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -28.6140, 135.9020
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 2.9 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -28.6140, 135.9020
Related Roads in oceania
moderateWhy is it called Carpentaria Highway?
🇦🇺 Australia
Cruising across the Northern Territory? You've GOT to check out the Carpentaria Highway! Named after the Gulf of Carpentaria, this 380km (236-mile) stretch is a vital artery for the region's pastoral, tourism, farming, and mining industries. It's also the most northern year-round route across this part of Australia. Starting near Birdum (south of Daly Waters) and winding its way east to Borroloola, near the McArthur River, this adventure will take you between 6 and 7 hours without stops. But trust me, you'll want to stop! You'll witness the breathtaking transition from harsh outback deserts to the lush, subtropical landscapes near the Gulf. Heads up: it's narrow in parts, even down to a single lane sometimes, and the road can be a bit rough. You'll definitely need to be self-sufficient with water, food, and plenty of fuel. Luckily, you can tank up at the Hiway Inn at the start, Cape Crawford along the way, and Borroloola at the end. Also, watch out for road trains! The dual-lane section near the McArthur River mine will have you practicing your passing skills. Get ready for an unforgettable and remote Aussie road trip!
moderateThe Rugged 4x4 Road to Mount Matlock in Victoria
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Deep in southern Victoria, Australia, there's this awesome peak called Mount Matlock, topping out at 1,372m (4,501ft). The prize at the summit? A seriously cool 37-meter fire tower, built after those crazy 1939 bushfires. It's a comms hub, but don't expect to update your Insta from up there—mobile signal is a no-go. The road up, Corn Hill Road, is a proper 4WD track – all unpaved and ready for adventure! You'll find it inside Yarra Ranges National Park, branching off the C511 (Warburton-Woods Point Road). The climb's just under 2km (1.18 miles), gaining 167 meters with a pretty steady gradient. Get ready for some great views, though, because this one is all about the scenery!
moderateWhere is the Wielangta Forest Drive?
🌍 Tasmania
Okay, picture this: you're in southeastern Tasmania, itching for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Head straight for the Wielangta Forest Reserve and get ready for the Wielangta Forest Drive! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking about a completely unpaved track slicing right through towering eucalypt forests. You'll definitely need a 4WD to tackle this one, and be warned, some sections get a little rough around the edges. Check your rental agreement, because it might even be off-limits in hire vehicles. This wild ride stretches for about 19.4km, connecting the Tasman Highway to the Arthur Highway. Forget manicured lawns and pristine views — you're in for a rugged, raw, and totally unforgettable Tasmanian experience! Just keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready.
extremeSkippers Canyon Road
🇳🇿 New Zealand
# Skippers Canyon Road: A Wild Ride Through New Zealand's Gold Rush Past Want to drive one of the most hair-raising roads on the planet? Welcome to Skippers Canyon Road, a white-knuckle 22-kilometer gravel adventure carved into the dramatic cliff faces near Queenstown. Built by hand by gold miners back in the 1860s, this road has barely changed in over 150 years—and honestly, it shows. We're talking no guardrails, loose gravel surface, and sections so narrow that two cars can't pass each other. Oh, and here's the kicker: rental car insurance doesn't cover it. Seriously. Most mainstream rental companies explicitly refuse coverage, making this one of the few roads in the world with that particular honor. The road plunges from Coronet Peak Road deep into the Shotover River gorge, snaking through rock cuttings where sheer cliffs drop hundreds of meters straight down to the turquoise river far below. Some sections are basically narrow shelves carved into the cliff face—barely room for one vehicle, with zero pull-out options if you meet someone coming the other way. You can still see the original stone retaining walls built by Chinese miners in the 1860s, adding to the road's atmospheric charm. The surface is a mix of compacted gravel, loose rocks, and mud, depending on recent weather. Beyond the adrenaline rush, there's genuine history here. Skippers Canyon was absolutely booming during the 1860s gold rush, and you'll spot relics everywhere—old mining equipment, stone cottages, and the gorgeous 1901 Skippers suspension bridge. The canyon itself is stunning, with those dramatic schist rock walls towering above the river. Today, the area buzzes with adventure seekers doing jet boating, bungy jumping, and white-water rafting. Want to experience this beast? Skip the self-drive ego trip and go with a guided 4WD tour. Local operators know every twist and tricky section, making it the smart (and far less stressful) way to tackle this iconic road.