Crossing the iconic Tunks Creek Bridge
Australia, oceania
N/A
20 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! Let's talk about the legendary Tunks Creek Bridge, chilling in the lush Berowra Valley Regional Park, New South Wales, Australia. This beauty, a historic McDonald Timber Truss Bridge, has been holding strong since 1894, bridging the gap over Tunks Creek in the stunning Galston Gorge.
We're talking a 65-foot span of pure, rustic charm. Okay, word to the wise: those wooden planks can get a tad slippery when wet, so keep your wits about you! And if you're into spooky vibes, legend has it this bridge has a ghostly resident. Just another reason to add this unforgettable drive to your Aussie road trip bucket list!
Where is it?
Crossing the iconic Tunks Creek Bridge is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -21.7427, 131.6164
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Max Elevation
- 20 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -21.7427, 131.6164
Related Roads in oceania
hardCrossing 363 dunes on Googs Track in Australia
🇦🇺 Australia
Ready for an Aussie adventure? Head to South Australia for the legendary Googs Track! Think of it as a mini-Simpson Desert experience. This sandy, single-lane track carves through the dry heart of the continent for 186 km (115 miles). It runs from Ceduna up to the Transcontinental Railway Line near Tarcoola. Winding through Yumbarra Conservation Park and Yellabinna Regional Reserve, you'll tackle over 300 dunes, some rising to 25 metres high. Be warned: it's seriously corrugated, especially on the approaches to those dunes! It's a great introduction to the South Australian outback, but keep in mind the track is narrow, making passing tricky. Plus, it gets muddy after rain. This track isn't maintained, and the sand gets deep and soft, so a high-clearance 4x4 and some serious sand driving skills are essential. Seriously, don't even think about attempting it in anything else. Some of those sandhills can be a real challenge, and definitely leave the caravan at home. Towing anything is generally a bad idea. Googs Track got its name from John "Goog" Denton, an egg seller who built it back in 1973 to help out the local farmers. Allow about a day to conquer the track. The scenery is incredible, and you might spot some rare wildlife. Since you're in the middle of nowhere, a satellite phone is a must. The cooler months are the best time to go – avoid the scorching summer heat. Pack plenty of food, water, and fuel. And remember to tune into UHF channel 18 to chat with other adventurers on the track.
extremePower and Reliability Where It Counts
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! Let me tell you about this insane road: located in the Sichuan province of China, it clocks in at around 10 kilometers long. Sounds easy, right? Wrong! You're gonna be climbing – we're talking an elevation gain of about 500 meters! What makes it spicy? Think hairpin turns galore. Visibility can be a real pain, especially in bad weather. Plus, it's narrow... like, *really* narrow. But the views? Oh. My. Goodness. Seriously stunning mountain scenery that'll make you forget (almost) how terrifying the drive is. Just keep your eyes peeled, drive cautiously, and maybe pack an extra pair of underwear, because this one will get your heart pumping!
extremeThe scenic Crown Range Road in NZ is often covered in snow
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Get ready for an unforgettable ride on the Crown Range Road in New Zealand's South Island! This baby is a wild one, packed with hairpin turns, switchbacks, and seriously steep climbs. Formerly known as State Highway 89, this 50km (31-mile) stretch connects Arrow Junction to the charming town of Wanaka, nestled on the lake's edge. It got a full makeover in 2001 with a smooth seal. Now, don't underestimate this road; it's a real rollercoaster! It can be a bit of a white-knuckle drive, especially for those who aren't fond of heights. Some of those bends are proper hairpins, and the drop-offs can feel like they lead to nowhere. If you're a newbie driver, maybe skip this one. It's not ideal for towing or anything longer than 12 meters. Reaching a dizzying 1,079m (3,540ft) at the Crown Range summit, it's one of the highest roads in the country. Heads up: winter (May-October) can be tricky. Snow's pretty common up top, so drive carefully and keep snow chains handy. Ice and snow can make things extra challenging. But here's the reward: the views are insane! Mountains as far as the eye can see, and vistas that'll take your breath away around every corner. Seriously, plan to stop often and soak it all in. Queenstown looks amazing from up here. The descent into the alpine valley is pure magic, especially in the late afternoon. Allow about 1.5 hours to drive it straight through, but trust me, you'll want to stop. The road can get busy, so be patient and enjoy the ride!
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!