Driving the Scenic Litchfield Park Road in the Northern Territory of Australia
Australia, oceania
132 km
218 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for Litchfield Park Road, an absolute stunner winding right through the heart of Litchfield National Park in Australia's Northern Territory.
Once part of the old B30, this baby's been fully paved since 2019, making for a smooth 132km (82 mile) cruise from Batchelor all the way to the B34 near Blackmore. Word on the street is they were even widening some sections in mid-2021, so it's only getting better!
Give yourself about 2 hours for the drive, *without* stops – but let's be real, you're gonna be pulling over constantly for photos. Seriously, the views are that good. Just keep your eyes peeled for those sneaky saltwater crocs – wouldn't want an unexpected swim!
This road isn't all flat, though. Expect some steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 10% in places. The highest point peaks at 218m (715ft) above sea level, giving you panoramic vistas you won't forget. Get ready for an epic Aussie adventure!
Where is it?
Driving the Scenic Litchfield Park Road in the Northern Territory of Australia is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -27.3146, 134.2130
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 132 km
- Max Elevation
- 218 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -27.3146, 134.2130
Related Roads in oceania
easyHike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: the road to Cape Campbell Lighthouse, right there on the northeastern tip of New Zealand's South Island. It's not a super long haul, clocking in at around 25 kilometers, but don't let the distance fool you. This is an adventure! Starting near Ward, you're in for a ride that steadily climbs, gaining about 150 meters in elevation. This isn't just a scenic drive; it's a bit of a challenge. Expect gravel sections that demand your attention. Speaking of challenges, keep an eye out for wildlife! Sheep, cows, and other farm animals consider this road their stomping ground. But oh, the views! Coastal panoramas are the name of the game here, showing off the rugged beauty of the New Zealand coastline. And at the end of it all, you're greeted by the iconic Cape Campbell Lighthouse, a true beacon in a land of dramatic landscapes. This drive is a must for anyone wanting to experience the wild, raw beauty of New Zealand.
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!
moderateDriving to Island Saddle, the Highest Public Road in New Zealand
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Alright, fellow adventurers, let's talk Island Saddle! Perched way up in the New Zealand high country at a cool 1,371m (4,498ft), this spot might just be the highest public road in the whole country! You'll find it straddling the Canterbury and Marlborough regions in the North Island, tracing a route etched back in the 50s when they needed to get power lines up to Nelson and Buller. Forget smooth tarmac – this is strictly unpaved territory. We're talking about Rainbow Road (aka Rainbow Valley–Hanmer Road), a 112km (70 mile) beast of a track stretching from Hanmer Springs to Saint Arnaud. A 4WD is essential to get over the Saddle (though 2WDs can access Lake Tennyson). Keep in mind, this route cuts across private land within the Crimea Range. It's generally only open to the public from late December to early April, so time your trip right. The views are out of this world!
hardTamborine Mountain Road is The Goat Track
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Tamborine Mountain Road, aka "The Goat Track" to the locals, in Queensland, Australia. This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's a real adventure! This beauty stretches for almost 24 km (15 miles) from near Witheren up to Beaudesert Beenleigh Road, climbing through the lush Tamborine Mountain rainforest. Just so you know, part of it is State Route 95. Built way back in the early 1920s, it was one of the first bitumen roads around! Now, hold on tight because this road is STEEP. We're talking an average gradient of 8%, but be prepared for a punch with a maximum of 16% over a 1.5km stretch. You'll climb to a peak of 561m (1,840ft). Low gear is your friend here! Word of warning: this road is prone to landslides, and it's actually closed overnight from midnight to 5 AM. Always check conditions before you go. There are also some narrow sections, so keep your eyes peeled. Allow about an hour to drive it straight through, but trust me, you'll want to stop. The views are absolutely breathtaking! Take your time, drive safely, and get ready for an unforgettable experience.