Best off-road driving tracks in Australia:
Australia, oceania
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're hitting the Buchanan Highway in the Northern Territory. It's a stunner! We're talking serious Outback vibes on this unpaved route. You'll be kicking up dust and soaking in views for days. Just remember, it's not a quick jaunt – this baby requires some planning and definitely a vehicle prepped for unsealed roads. Keep your eyes peeled for wandering cattle and wildlife. And don't forget that iconic Aussie scenery; wide open plains, red dirt stretching to the horizon, and sunsets that'll blow your mind.
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in oceania
hardGetting to Maria Island: Essential Logistics
🌍 Tasmania
Maria Island, off Tasmania's east coast, is a seriously cool National Park. Forget cars – this place is all about exploring on foot or by bike. It's remote, rugged, and a total adventure. First, you'll need to hop on a passenger ferry from Triabunna (it's about a half-hour ride). Word to the wise: come prepared! There are zero shops or gas stations on the island, so pack everything you need. The "roads" here are actually old gravel tracks from when the island was used for farming and industry. Now, they’re perfect for hiking and biking to hidden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and historic spots. Your adventure starts in Darlington, the main settlement and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is where you'll find the Darlington Probation Station, a preserved convict settlement. There's a wild history here: an Italian entrepreneur tried to build a silk and wine empire, then a cement factory popped up, before finally becoming a national park in 1971. Darlington has some basic visitor facilities and a ranger station. But listen up: pack out everything you pack in! There are NO garbage bins on the island. Want the full experience? Definitely stay overnight! You can camp or rent a room at the old penitentiary – they're pretty basic, but can sleep up to six people. Plus, Darlington has toilets and even solar-powered charging stations (score!). One of the most popular routes is the Frenchs Farm Coastal Route. This long, gravel track hugs the eastern coastline from Darlington to Frenchs Farm, a historic homestead and popular camping spot. It's mostly flat, but it’s remote, so give yourself 4-6 hours for the round trip. For serious hikers, Mount Bishop (915m) offers killer panoramic views. Or, tackle Mount Maria (711m), the island's highest peak. Down at the south end, the Haunted Bay Track is a wild, walking-only route. It leads to an amazing viewpoint overlooking Haunted Bay – a granite amphitheater with orange lichen and waves crashing below. Wildlife is everywhere, especially wombats! Don't feed them, though. Just enjoy the unique experience, and respect their space. Maria Island is a special place: remote, scenic, and perfect for those who want to escape the crowds.
moderateIs the road to Whakapapa ski field paved?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Cruising through Manawatū-Whanganui, on New Zealand's North Island, you'll find the road to Whakapapa, a ski resort perched way up high. We're talking 1,624m (5,328ft) above sea level! The paved road, Bruce Road, is 6.2km (3.85 miles) of smooth sailing (relatively speaking for a ski field road!) starting from State Highway 48. Don't let that fool you though, it’s a pretty steep climb, with some sections hitting an 11% gradient – buckle up! You’ll gain 457 meters in elevation, with an average gradient of 7.37%. Located on the northern slopes of Mount Ruapehu, the landscape is epic but the weather can change in a heartbeat. Keep an eye on the forecast and pack accordingly. You might even need chains, especially in a 2WD, as you near Whakapapa Village. Also, keep your eye out for a 4x4 only service road (-39.244768, 175.561340) that isn't paved! It leads even further up the mountain to 1,778m (5,833ft). This area has claimed lives in the past due to severe weather. Be prepared!
easyGreat Ocean Road
🇦🇺 Australia
# The Great Ocean Road: Australia's Ultimate Coastal Adventure Picture this: a stunning 243-kilometer stretch of asphalt hugging one of the world's most dramatic coastlines. The Great Ocean Road winds through Victoria's southeastern coast, starting in the surf town of Torquay and finishing in Allansford. What makes it extra special? It was built between 1919 and 1932 by soldiers returning from World War I as a living memorial—making it the world's largest war memorial. Pretty cool, right? The road is an absolute showstopper. You'll wind through lush rainforest, navigate alongside sky-scraping cliffs, and encounter some seriously jaw-dropping rock formations rising straight from the Southern Ocean. This place is pure magic, and it's no wonder it's become one of Australia's most beloved road trips. Of course, everyone's here for the Twelve Apostles—those iconic limestone sea stacks that look like they're guarding the Southern Ocean. These giants have been carved out over millions of years by relentless erosion. Heads up though: only eight remain standing (one took a tumble in 2005). Nearby, Loch Ard Gorge is a sheltered beauty, surrounded by towering cliffs and backed by a sandy beach. There's also London Arch (formerly London Bridge), which lost its land connection back in 1990—a perfect example of how this coastline is constantly reshaping itself. Inland, the Otway Ranges offer a completely different vibe: ancient rainforest, towering mountain ash trees, ferns cascading down gullies, and waterfalls galore. Charming little towns like Lorne, Apollo Bay, and Port Campbell dot the route, offering places to stay, great food, and some seriously good surf. Yes, you *can* drive it in a day, but honestly? Give yourself two days minimum to soak it all in.
moderateWhy was Acheron Road built?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Get ready for an epic Kiwi adventure on Acheron Road, nestled in the stunning Marlborough high country! Originally, this track was used by sheep herders, but it was upgraded to help maintain the main power line connecting the island's southern parts. Stretching about 200km (124 miles) from Blenheim to Hanmer Springs, Acheron Road takes you right through Molesworth Station, which is New Zealand’s largest farm, sprawling across nearly half a million acres (185,000 hectares). This famous road, also known as Molesworth Road or Molesworth Station Road, sees around 9,000 explorers each year. Thinking of driving it? Most 2WD or AWD cars with good clearance can handle it, as the terrain transitions from vineyards to grassy fields and rocky hillsides. But leave the caravans, buses, or anything over 7 meters at home, and remember that trailers need a special permit. Keep in mind this narrow, unsealed backcountry road can close suddenly if the weather turns nasty or there’s a fire risk. With much of the road sitting above 900m, and peaking at 1,145m (3,757ft), it's no stranger to heavy snow. Typically, the road is open daily from 7 am to 7 pm, from October 1st to either Easter Monday or the second Sunday in April (whichever comes later).