Condamine River Road and its funny 14 river crossings
Australia, oceania
20.8 km
N/A
easy
Year-round
Get ready for an epic Aussie adventure on the Condamine River Road in Queensland, near Killarney! This 20.8 km (12.92 mile) dirt track winds east-west from Killarney through the stunning Cambanoora Gorge all the way to "The Head" where it joins Spring Creek Road.
Forget smooth sailing; this is strictly 4WD territory. We're talking high clearance and low-range gearing. Leave your trucks, buses, caravans, and trailers at home. It's a one-lane track, so drive slow and watch out for oncoming traffic.
The highlight? You'll ford the Condamine River a whopping 14 times! The water's usually shallow, sitting just below the steps on a standard 4x4, with depth indicators to guide you. But be warned, this river is a moody beast! Rainfall can quickly turn those crossings into impassable obstacles. Seriously, check conditions with the Warwick Visitor Information Centre before you go. The speed limit through the crossings is 5 km/hr.
The unpaved road is well-maintained but can be bumpy, with large potholes and rocky crossings. Allow 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to complete the drive, depending on the conditions. The speed limit along the track is 30 kph. But trust me, the views are worth it. Expect amazing views, abundant wildlife, and a super chilled vibe as you explore the rocky creek beds and towering eucalyptus trees. Keep an eye out for remnants of the old rabbit fence, a quirky relic from the past! It's a scenic drive when the weather is good, but it frequently closes after heavy rains, so plan ahead.
Where is it?
Condamine River Road and its funny 14 river crossings is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -23.1282, 135.2525
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 20.8 km
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- -23.1282, 135.2525
Related Roads in oceania
hardGreat Alpine Road is Australia's highest year-round accessible paved road
🇦🇺 Australia
# Great Alpine Road: Australia's Most Spectacular Alpine Drive Ready for one of the world's most breathtaking road trips? The Great Alpine Road is calling your name. This stunning 303 km (188 mi) route winds through Victoria's mountains and has earned the title of Australia's highest year-round sealed road. The official name was adopted on April 4, 1998, and it's been stealing hearts ever since. ## The Journey Unfolds Starting in Wangaratta in northeast Victoria, you'll ease into the drive through charming farmland and vineyard-dotted valleys before hitting the charming town of Bright. The scenery continues to impress as you cruise toward Harrietville, passing through picturesque countryside at every turn. Then things get serious. The road climbs steeply toward Mount Hotham with relentless switchbacks and hairpin turns that demand your full attention. This is where you'll feel your heart racing—it's genuinely challenging driving. After conquering Mount Hotham, it's a quick 15-minute descent to Dinner Plain, followed by more twisty, steep terrain that keeps you on your toes. You'll reach Omeo in another 5-15 minutes. From Omeo to Bruthern, expect moderate slopes and winding roads before things finally straighten out on the run to Bairnsdale, your finishing point in East Gippsland. ## What You Need to Know This road demands respect. The pavement is solid throughout, but it's narrow in places—just barely wide enough for two-way traffic. Those steep mountain drops? Many sections lack guardrails, so stay focused and take it slow. The Mount Hotham section peaks at a dramatic 1,840m (6,040ft). Winter transforms this into snow country, and the road regularly closes from late autumn through early spring. If you're heading up during snow season, chains are compulsory—you can rent them one-way from either side. Between Omeo and Harrietville, caravans aren't recommended, and larger RVs need extra caution. This is the kind of drive that rewards careful drivers with unforgettable views and genuine adventure.
moderateWhere is the Kaitawa Bridge?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: You're cruisin' in the southwestern part of New Zealand's North Island, a few clicks southeast of Pahiatua. You stumble upon the Kaitawa Bridge, the gateway to adventure! Now, this ain't your average bridge. It's a wooden suspension bridge, pretty unique, with a steel through-truss underneath and a concrete base. Just a heads-up: it's one-way only – literally. You can only have one vehicle on it at a time, and keep an eye on that width, it's 2.5 meters max. But don't sweat it too much, the bridge has been updated to handle modern vehicles. The bridge itself is the start of Waihoanga Road which is fully paved. Keep in mind that a few roads you will find along the way do end up in dead ends. This route isn't about setting speed records; it's about soaking in the views. You'll be surrounded by beautiful scenery as you make your way across this iconic bridge.
easyDriving the scenic Tasman Valley Road in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, road trip lovers, let me tell you about a gem on New Zealand's South Island: Tasman Valley Road! Picture this: you're cruising along a beautifully paved, winding road in Mt Cook National Park, heading straight towards the magnificent Tasman Glacier. This road, upgraded from a gravel track back in 2014, is your gateway to adventure. We're talking Wakefield Falls (a total stunner!), the best views of the Tasman Glacier, and the serene Lake Tasman. Feeling adventurous? Pop over to the Blue Lakes for a summer swim and keep your eyes peeled for the tiny Rifleman bird! Starting just off State Highway 80, south of Aoraki/Mount Cook, this 7.1 km (4.41 miles) stretch ends in a handy parking area – perfect for a picnic with epic views. (Just don't take your car on that rough 4x4 track beyond the carpark!) Word of warning: the weather here can change in a heartbeat, so pack accordingly. It's usually open year-round, but heavy snow can close it down. And watch out for sandflies – bug spray is your friend! The drive itself only takes about 15-25 minutes without stops, but trust me, you'll WANT to stop. This road sees around 60,000 visitors each year, all eager to soak in the incredible sights of the 27 km long Tasman Glacier. Get ready for views that'll blow your mind!
hardWhere is Haast Pass?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Alright, road trip lovers, listen up! You absolutely HAVE to experience Haast Pass on New Zealand's South Island. Seriously, they say it's one of the most stunning alpine routes in the whole country, and I'm here to tell you, they aren't wrong. This beauty straddles the West Coast and Otago regions, and it's not just a pretty drive – it's got history! The Maori used this route for greenstone, and it took decades of hard work (think picks and shovels!) to build the road we cruise on today. State Highway 6, also known as the Haast Pass-Makarora Road, is completely paved. You'll be winding your way for 139 km (86 miles) between Wanaka and Haast, with no towns to stop at in between, so fill up before you leave! Now, a heads up: This isn't a Sunday drive. Expect countless curves and bends. Keep an eye out for one-lane bridges (heavy vehicles, take note of the speed limits) and be aware of slip hazards, especially in bad weather. Located in the Mount Aspiring National Park, you might encounter closures after heavy snow or ice, but usually, it's just a temporary thing. Allow about 2 hours for the drive itself, but trust me, you'll want to stop! You'll be driving through rainforests, past wetlands, lakes, and rivers. It's a feast for the eyes, so don’t forget your camera!