How long is the Zig Zag Scenic Drive?
Australia, oceania
2.9 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising down Zig Zag Scenic Drive, a wild one-way adventure carved into the side of the Darling Ranges, right in Gooseberry Hill, Western Australia. This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a 2.9km (1.8 miles) descent through Gooseberry Hill National Park that'll have you on the edge of your seat.
We're talking hairpin turns, people! This narrow bitumen ribbon of road twists and turns, offering up a constantly changing landscape. One minute you're hugging rock faces, the next you're peering over steep drops with panoramic views stretching all the way to Perth city and the Indian Ocean.
Originally, this zig-zagging route was part of a railway line hauling timber, but now it's a photographer's dream and a birdwatcher's paradise. Just be warned, it's narrow with limited pull-off spots, so share the road with cyclists and pedestrians. It's a popular spot, but with a 40km/h speed limit! The road opens at 11 am and closes at 8:30 pm seven days per week. And while the views are killer, be aware that some drivers can get a little rowdy with the screeching tires. But don't let that stop you – the Zig Zag Scenic Drive is a must-do for anyone chasing stunning scenery and a bit of an adrenaline rush.
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 2.9 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in oceania
hardOld Dunstan Road: Ultimate 4wd destination in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Ready for an off-road adventure in New Zealand's South Island? Buckle up for the Old Dunstan Road in Otago, a legendary 4x4 track steeped in gold rush history! This is the route the prospectors took from Dunedin to the Central Otago goldfields back in the 1860s. Also known as The Dunstan Trail, this track is a mixed bag, starting with smooth sealed roads that soon turn to gravel after about 9 km. From there, expect a wild ride of gravel, clay, and bare rock. It's often rutted, slick when wet, dusty when dry, and completely off-limits during winter due to snow and ice. Respect the environment by sticking to the marked path. Spanning 46 km from State Highway 87 near Clarks Junction to Upper Taieri-Paerau Road, the road climbs steeply to Rough Ridge, peaking at 1,040 meters above sea level. Expect closures for roughly four months in winter (June to September). This route has no shelter, and the weather can change on a dime, especially when a southerly wind sweeps through. A 4WD vehicle is your best bet for tackling the Old Dunstan Road. Rainy days turn the track into a muddy challenge with deep water crossings. Dry conditions make the track more manageable, though loose gravel and flat rocks can still cause slips, particularly on downhill stretches. So, pack your sense of adventure and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
hardCan you drive to the top of Te Mata Peak?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Cruising up to Te Mata Peak in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand is an absolute must-do! This peak, reaching 389 meters (1,276 feet), gives you views for days. You can totally drive to the top! The road winds its way up the Te Mata Hills, and while it's paved, be warned: it gets narrow and steep in sections, with some one-way areas requiring extra care. The road to the summit (known locally as the Sleeping Giant) from Havelock North is only 5.7 km (3.54 miles), but packs a punch. You'll gain 343 meters in elevation, averaging a 6% gradient, with some ramps hitting a crazy 18%! Expect hairpin bends, but trust me, it’s worth it. Give yourself about 15-25 minutes to drive to the top, and prepare to be wowed. From the summit within Te Mata Park, you'll be treated to sweeping views across Hawke's Bay. It’s a photographer’s dream! As the highest point around, Te Mata Peak boasts 360° panoramas. You can spot Napier and the Mahia Peninsula, the Ruahine, Kaweka, and Maungaharuru ranges, and even Mount Ruapehu on a clear day. Seriously, the views are epic.
moderateAcheron Road is an unforgettable drive in New Zealand
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're in New Zealand's Marlborough high country and craving an unforgettable road trip, you HAVE to check out Acheron Road. Picture this: You're cruising along a 200km (124-mile) stretch from Blenheim to Hanmer Springs, originally a sheep drover's track but now upgraded (thankfully!) It winds through Molesworth Station, which is HUGE – the largest farm in New Zealand, covering nearly half a million acres! Locals also call it Molesworth Road or Molesworth Station Road. You'll transition from vineyards to grassy expanses and then climb into scree-covered hills. A 2WD or AWD with decent clearance should be fine, but leave your caravans, buses, or anything over 7 meters at home. Trailers? You'll need a special permit for those. Word to the wise: this narrow, unpaved beauty is a backcountry road and can close without warning due to weather or fire risk. It climbs high – much of it is above 900m, topping out at Wards Pass at 1,145m (3,757ft), so snow is a real possibility. Typically, it's open 7 am to 7 pm daily, from October 1st to either Easter Monday or the second Sunday in April (whichever is later). Just a heads up - it's been opening October 1st since 2022. Get ready for some incredible views!
easyExplore Steve Irwin Way - A Scenic Road Honoring the Legacy of the Crocodile Hunter
🇦🇺 Australia
Cruising along Steve Irwin Way in Queensland's Sunshine Coast hinterland is an absolute must-do. It's part of State Route 6, totally paved, and clocks in at around 29 km after peeling off the Bruce Highway. Most of it is a classic two-lane road, with a few wider four-lane stretches thrown in. Originally called the Glasshouse Mountain Tourist Route, it was renamed to honor the legendary Crocodile Hunter back in '06. This road has seen a lot more traffic lately, so keep your eyes peeled, but it's worth it to access many popular tourist spots. Give yourself around 25–35 minutes to enjoy the whole route without stopping. You'll wind through the stunning Beerwah State Forest and get killer views of the Glass House Mountains—ancient volcanic plugs that formed about 20 million years ago! Be sure to pull over and stretch your legs on one of the walking tracks to a scenic lookout. Trust me, the panoramic mountain views are postcard-perfect.