Highest roads of Australia
Australia, oceania
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Australia, right? Not just the sunny beaches, but the rugged, mountainous *heart* of the place. Forget what you think you know about the outback because we're talking about alpine passes here! These roads wind and climb, revealing incredible views. We're talking about serious elevation changes, so keep your eyes peeled for hairpin turns and steep grades. This isn't just a Sunday drive; it's an *experience*. The scenery's epic, though. Think dramatic vistas, and maybe even a chance to spot some unique wildlife. Just remember to keep your focus on the road - you're gonna need it!
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in oceania
hardWhere is Baldwin Street?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, so you HAVE to check out Baldwin Street in Dunedin, New Zealand! This isn't just any street; it's legendary—seriously, it's often called the steepest *residential* street on the planet, clocking in with a crazy gradient of 35 percent! You'll find it nestled in North East Valley, just a hop, skip, and a jump from Dunedin's city center, near the harbor. The street is named after William Baldwin, a local newspaper founder and council member back in the day. This straight shot runs for about 350 meters (just over 1,100 feet) from North Road to Buchanan Street, and it's completely paved. Fun fact: the steepest part is concrete, not asphalt, because that angle is so intense the asphalt would MELT on a hot day and slide downhill! Baldwin Street was officially crowned the world's steepest residential street back in 1987. There was a brief period where it lost the title but, don't worry, Guinness World Records gave it back in 2020! A quick walk up will only take about ten minutes. What's the slope like? Think 1:2.86 – for every 2.86 meters you walk forward, you go up a full meter. It's a serious workout. No wonder this place is a magnet for tourists and thrill-seekers wanting to conquer its crazy slope!
moderateUltimate 4wd destination: Tukino Skifield in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Craving adventure in New Zealand's North Island? Then point your 4WD towards Tukino Skifield! This hidden gem sits high up on Mount Ruapehu, an active volcano in the Waikato Region. The adventure starts on State Highway 1, where you'll turn onto the unpaved Tukino Access Road. This 13.2km (8.2 mile) track climbs 634 meters, averaging a 4.80% gradient with some ramps hitting 11%. You'll gain some serious altitude to reach the skifield at 1,705m (5,593ft)! Keep in mind this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is only suitable for 4WD vehicles during winter and a gate blocks access in summer. Snow can strike at any time, making the road impassable even with chains. Always check the forecast and road status before heading up. Pack your gear and be prepared for anything! The views are epic, but safety comes first on this rugged climb up the side of a volcano!
moderateTravel guide to the top of Porters Pass in New Zealand
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising along State Highway 73, also known as the Great Alpine Highway, right in the heart of New Zealand's South Island. You're climbing up to Porters Pass, which tops out at a cool 948 meters (that's about 3,110 feet!). This beauty is smack-dab in the Canterbury region, specifically in the Torlesse Tussocklands Park, named after a couple of farming brothers back in '58. The road stretches for about 32.4 kilometers (or a little over 20 miles) between the alpine village of Castle Hill and the small town of Springfield. The whole route is paved, so no need to worry about bumpy dirt tracks. You can usually drive it year-round, but keep an eye on the forecast in winter – it can get a bit dicey and close temporarily if the weather turns nasty. But trust me, the views are totally worth it. You'll be treated to incredible vistas of the Canterbury Plains spread out below. Get ready for some serious photo ops!
easyPaekakariki Hill Road in NZ is one of the most beautiful coastal drives
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Paekakariki Hill Road, one of the most stunning coastal drives on New Zealand's North Island. This beauty, dating back to 1849, snakes its way along the south-western coast, totally paved and begging to be explored. This isn't just any road; it's a 17km (10.56 miles) ribbon of asphalt connecting Paekākāriki to Pāuatahanui with non-stop views. Budget around 25-35 minutes to soak it all in. But heads up! This road demands your attention. It's known to get a bit slippery when the rains come down, and sometimes Mother Nature throws a tantrum and closes it down for a while. The road climbs up to 242m (793ft), and you'll definitely feel it in some of those steeper sections where the gradient hits 16%. But trust me, those coastal views are so worth it!