Gunbarrel Highway is one of Australia’s best 4WD tracks

Gunbarrel Highway is one of Australia’s best 4WD tracks

Australia, oceania

Length

1,350 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Get ready for an epic Aussie adventure on the legendary Gunbarrel Highway! This isn't just a road trip; it's a true outback odyssey spanning 1,350 km (840 mi) from Carnegie Station in Western Australia to Giles, near the Northern Territory border. Think of it as a chunk of the even bigger 2,800 km (1,740 mi) Outback Highway.

But hold on tight! This track throws everything at you: washaways, bone-jarring corrugations, rocks, sand, and even flood plains. We're talking seriously rugged terrain that demands a tough 4x4 and some serious driving skills. They built this thing back in '58, and some parts haven't seen a grader since! So, if you're new to desert driving, maybe start with something a little less intense.

Give yourself at least four days to soak it all in. This isn't just a drive; it's a journey through history. You'll be completely off-grid, so pack all the water, food, and fuel you'll need. The longest stretch between fuel stops is a hefty 489 kilometers (Warburton to Carnegie Station), so plan accordingly. Keep an eye on the weather and road conditions. Avoid it during the scorching summer months. Supplies and services are few and far between.

Where is it?

Gunbarrel Highway is one of Australia’s best 4WD tracks is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -22.9549, 138.5108

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Australia
Continent
oceania
Length
1,350 km
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
-22.9549, 138.5108

Related Roads in oceania

What’s on the summit of Mount Matlock?moderate

What’s on the summit of Mount Matlock?

🇦🇺 Australia

Okay, adventurers, listen up! Deep in the south of Victoria, Australia, lies Mount Matlock, boasting a summit of 1,372m (4,501ft). What awaits you at the top? A seriously cool 37-meter fire tower, erected in '94 and bristling with comms gear. Don't expect to check your Insta though, cell service is a no-go. The route? We're talking Corn Hill Road – a full-on unpaved 4WD track that’ll get your tires dusty. You'll find it nestled within the stunning Yarra Ranges National Park. The off-road section is short and sweet – just 1.9 km (1.18 miles) from the C511 (Warburton-Woods Point Road). Don't let that fool you, though. You'll climb 167 meters with an average gradient of nearly 9%, so be prepared for a bit of a grunt. The scenery? Expect views to die for! Just remember to take it slow and steady and enjoy the ride.

Where is Humbert Track?moderate

Where is Humbert Track?

🇦🇺 Australia

Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a killer track for you Down Under. We're talking about the Humbert Track in the remote northern reaches of Australia, specifically south of Timber Creek, nestled inside Gregory National Park. This ain't your Sunday drive! This is a proper outback adventure following the valleys, originally carved out to haul supplies between Humbert River Station and... well, adventure! You'll need a 4x4, no question. Think countless creek and river crossings that'll keep you on your toes. Forget about dodging trees; the driving itself is slow but steady. Just a heads up: when it rains, those creeks become raging rivers, and the track can become impassable. The Humbert Track stretches about 70km between Humbert River Station and Victoria Highway. The scenery's wild and rugged. Expect wide open landscapes and a real sense of being in the middle of nowhere.

Where is Haast Pass?hard

Where 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!

Whaanga Coast Road, an iconic rally challenge in NZmoderate

Whaanga Coast Road, an iconic rally challenge in NZ

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Whaanga Coast Road in the Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island. Forget boring asphalt, this is a proper, rugged gravel adventure! This legendary road is a true Kiwi classic. We're talking 18.3 km of pure, unadulterated, unpaved goodness stretching from Ruapuke Beach Road towards Wainui Road. And the views? Seriously stunning. Think vibrant green hills meeting a dramatic coastline, nestled between Raglan and Aotea harbours. Don't worry, it's generally well-maintained and suitable for 2WD vehicles. As you wind your way along the coast, get ready for postcard-perfect scenery around every bend. You might want to explore the forest, too! This road is your gateway to iconic spots like Maunu Bay, Whale Bay, and Ruapuke beach. It's a trip back in time, this road was first dreamt up back in 1886 but it wasn't bulldozed until 1953 (and metalled 2 years after that). Oh, and did I mention it's often the second-to-last stage of the Rally of New Zealand? Translation: expect an adrenaline-pumping drive with some seriously challenging sections and sheer cliff faces. Get ready for an unforgettable coastal experience!