Condamine River Road and its funny 14 river crossings

Condamine River Road and its funny 14 river crossings

Australia, oceania

Length

20.8 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

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

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Australia
Continent
oceania
Length
20.8 km
Difficulty
easy
Coordinates
-23.1282, 135.2525

Related Roads in oceania

How challenging is the Old Andado Track?hard

How challenging is the Old Andado Track?

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, picture this: you're in the Northern Territory of Australia, itching for an adventure. Forget the main highway, because the Old Andado Track is calling your name! This outback dirt track slices through the edge of the Simpson Desert, the world's biggest parallel sand dune desert – some dunes stretch for almost 200km! Now, don't get me wrong, this isn't a Sunday drive. Expect soft, wet sections, especially after rain. This track isn’t exactly pampered with maintenance, so brace yourself for corrugations and dust galore. Seriously, a 4WD is a must, and be prepared for unstable, shifting surfaces. Watch out for flash flooding, even in the dry season. It's about 240km of pure, raw Aussie outback, part of the larger Binns Track tourist route. "Remote" doesn't even begin to describe it! But if you crave solitude and want to disconnect, this is your road. Just come prepared: stock up on water, fuel, and communication gear (no phone service here!), and maybe brush up on your tire-changing skills, because those rocks are no joke. It’s a true remote-area experience!

How to get by car to Whatipu Beach?hard

How to get by car to Whatipu Beach?

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Okay, adventure awaits! If you're craving a wild escape near Auckland, punch Whatipu Beach into your GPS. This black-sand beauty hides on the west coast, tucked away in the Waitakere Ranges. Getting there is half the fun! From Huia, it's a 9.3 km (5.77 mile) drive. You'll cruise along Huia Road, but the real charm kicks in when you hit Whatipu Road—think unpaved, slightly-narrow-in-spots goodness. Seriously, it's about one and a half lanes wide, so take it easy around those corners and keep an eye out for fellow explorers. Picture this: the road twists and turns over hills, a ford crossing spices things up, and then you're onto a winding gravel stretch. As you go, the crowds thin out, and you'll feel like you're embarking on a secret mission. Whatipu Beach itself? Stunning. Rugged. Raw. The Tasman Sea crashes in, drawing surfers, but be warned – those rips are strong, so maybe skip the swim. Think dunes, caves, a wild mix of plants, and rocky drama. There aren't any lifeguards here, so be smart. From the carpark, it's just a 15-minute walk to the beach, but remember this place is also a scientific reserve, so tread lightly and enjoy the unspoiled vibes!

Travel guide to the top of Saddle Hill in NZhard

Travel guide to the top of Saddle Hill in NZ

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Okay, adventure-seekers, let me tell you about Saddle Hill, a hidden gem nestled in the northern part of New Zealand's South Island. We're talking a mountain pass soaring to 413 meters (1,354ft), right in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds. This isn't your average highway. The road is partly gravel and winds like a curious snake, but don't worry, your trusty car can handle it. It's a true "Kiwi" road: expect gravel, one-lane bridges, hairpin turns, and some narrow spots with thrilling drop-offs. Keep an eye out for the local residents – sheep and cattle roam freely, and cattle stops (and gates!) are part of the fun. Trust me, you'll want to secure anything loose in your car before you hit your first one! The whole stretch is about 38.3 km (23.79 miles) long, running from Ōkiwi Bay to the charming fishing village of French Pass. Give yourself 1-2 hours to soak it all in (without stopping). The best part? You might have the entire road to yourself! Seriously, you could drive the whole thing without seeing another soul. This route serves up farmland, a unique mineral belt, lush native bush, and mind-blowing sea views of the French Pass and d’Urville Island. Be prepared for some steep sections – the road can hit a 9% gradient in places! This is one of New Zealand's most scenic drives, hands down.

Talawana Track is one of Australia’s Toughest 4WD Trackshard

Talawana Track is one of Australia’s Toughest 4WD Tracks

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, picture this: you're smack-dab in the heart of Western Australia, about to tackle the legendary Talawana Track! This isn't just a drive; it's a full-on desert adventure. Built back in '63 by Len Beadell and his crew, this track was all about connecting things for a rocket range project way back when. Now, it's your ticket to some seriously stunning desert scenery. Clocking in at 596 km (370 miles), this outback route stretches from Windy Corner on the Gary Highway all the way to Newman. But hold up – this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking unsealed roads, bone-jarring corrugations, washouts, soft sand that'll swallow your tires, plus a dash of salt pans and maybe even some mud if it's been raining. Don't expect to break any speed records out here, either. You'll be crawling along at around 20-30 km/h, if you're lucky. Seriously, the corrugations are brutal, thanks to all those heavy trucks that have pounded this road. And heads up – it often closes after rain, so plan accordingly. This track is seriously remote! You've gotta be 100% self-sufficient because there are basically zero facilities along the way. Bring all your water, food, and fuel. And pro tip: don't even THINK about doing this one solo. It's a long, tough slog through some seriously isolated country, so be prepared!