Hughenden Muttaburra Road is a gravel nightmare
Australia, oceania
210 km
376 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, folks, picture this: you're in Queensland, Australia, ready for an outback adventure. Got a 4WD or a high-clearance vehicle? Good, because you'll need it for the Hughenden Muttaburra Road (aka part of State Route 19)!
This epic stretch runs 210 km (130 miles) from Hughenden in the north to Muttaburra in the south. Most of it is gravel and technically open to all vehicles, but trust me, you want something tough. See, those black soil sections? When it rains, they turn into a slippery, treacherous mess.
And speaking of rough, the last 100 km into Hughenden are seriously gnarly. Think sharp gravel, deep ruts, and giant, loose boulders just waiting to tear up your undercarriage. The road climbs to a whopping 376m (1,233ft) in elevation too!
Don't be fooled by the 100kph speed limit signs—that's a joke. Even in a truck, you'll be lucky to hit 60kph without rattling your teeth out. Let's just say a 2WD with a caravan would have an absolute nightmare. This road is a real gravel grinder!
Where is it?
Hughenden Muttaburra Road is a gravel nightmare is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -24.9439, 134.7538
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 210 km
- Max Elevation
- 376 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -24.9439, 134.7538
Related Roads in oceania
extremeThe Ultimate Guide to Traveling the CREB Track
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, buckle up for the CREB Track in Far North Queensland - it's a wild ride! This 71km (44 miles) off-road adventure winds its way from Daintree to Wujal Wujal, plunging deep into the lush Daintree Rainforest. Forget smooth sailing; this is a proper 4x4 challenge. Originally carved out to service powerlines to Cooktown, the CREB Track is now famous for its steep climbs, heart-stopping descents, and multiple river crossings, including the infamous Daintree River. Be aware that the track passes through the Burungu Aboriginal community, so tread respectfully. We're talking seriously rough terrain here. Think slow and steady – around 15-20km/h. You'll need a high-clearance 4WD, low range gearing, and all the recovery gear you can carry. Trust me, you'll probably need it! Even a bit of rain turns the track into a muddy nightmare. Speaking of rain, access is typically from May to November. Outside those months, river levels can make it impassable, and the track is officially closed. Seriously, don't ignore the closures – hefty fines apply! Plus, conditions can change in a heartbeat, so always check with the local council before you go. The CREB Track is remote. Breakdowns happen, phone signal is patchy (if any!), and help isn't around the corner. Self-sufficiency is key. But if you're prepared for anything, you're in for an unforgettable adventure through some of Cape York's most incredible scenery.
hardHow long is the Blue Rag track?
🇦🇺 Australia
Craving an Aussie off-road adventure? Blue Rag Range Track, nestled in Victoria's High Country, is calling your name! This isn't your Sunday drive; it's a remote and challenging 15.9km (9.87 miles) of pure 4WD heaven. Starting from Dargo High Plains Road, you'll wind your way along a rough gravel track to the Wongungarra River. Get ready for rocky, steep climbs and descents along those precarious mountain edges! How high does it get? You'll be scaling the heights of the Australian Alps, topping out at 1,715m (5,626ft) near Mount Blue Rag. Keep an eye on the weather, though – snow can fall anytime! Dargo High Plains Road might even be closed during the snow season, so check ahead. Is it tough? You bet! This isn't a trail for beginners. We're talking tight, narrow sections, tricky turns, and steep climbs with serious drop-offs on either side. Some turns require multiple attempts, and ruts can form during rainy days. Grab your experienced friends and a second vehicle for safety. Allow 2-3 hours for the drive, but honestly, you'll want to take longer. The breathtaking scenery of Alpine National Park is a visual feast, and the 360º views from the summit of Blue Rag are simply awesome. Just remember to drive responsibly!
hardIs Treble Cone Access Road paved?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to Treble Cone ski resort in New Zealand's South Island (Otago region), buckle up for one heck of a ride. We're talking about the Treble Cone Access Road - 7.6 km (4.72 miles) of pure, unadulterated Kiwi road trip goodness. Forget smooth asphalt, this baby is entirely unpaved! It kicks off from the Wanaka Mount Aspiring Road and climbs a staggering 925 meters, averaging a 12.17% gradient and maxing out at a butt-clenching 20% in some spots! Expect hairpin turns (eight of 'em!), steep climbs, and a road that’s "precarious in parts". It’s the kind of road where you’ll be thankful for the occasional guardrail. You don't need a 4WD; a 2WD will get you there just fine. The road is usually open year-round, but winter can throw some curveballs. So, keep an eye on the weather, as closures are possible! And pro tip: carry chains during winter, just in case. But trust me, the views are SO worth it. This road winds around Lake Wanaka, serving up incredible reflections of the surrounding mountains on those still, sunny days. The summit boasts panoramic views overlooking the lake and the majestic Mount Aspiring. Get ready for some serious photo ops!
moderateDorat Road: A Memorable Road Trip
🇦🇺 Australia
Dorat Road, also known as State Route 23, is a very scenic, single-lane, sealed road located in the Northern Territory of Australia. The name "Dorat" is an acronym created during World War II (1942) for the Darwin Overland Road Authorities Transport. This collaborative body was established by state transport authorities from Victoria, South Australia, and New South Wales. Its purpose was essential: to organize the movement of materials required for the construction of the Stuart Highway, transporting supplies north from the railhead at Alice Springs toward Darwin. It was built during World War II. In the 1960s, most bridges and floodways were resurfaced, and the entire length is currently sealed. The road is 65 km (40 mi) long and runs north-south, beginning at the Stuart Highway near the town of Adelaide River and then looping back to rejoin the Stuart Highway near the Long Airfield Airstrip. It comprises many narrow sections. No vehicles over 19 meters in length are permitted on this road. While originally part of the strategic Stuart Highway, the Dorat Road's many steep climbs and tight curves led to it being bypassed by the modern Stuart Highway. Today, it is primarily designated as a scenic and historic tourist drive (State Route 23). It is undulating, sealed, and narrow, contrasting sharply with the modern, high-speed main route. The road is fully sealed, but its narrow, undulating, and winding nature is a constant reminder of its historical use as a World War II access road. Drivers should be prepared for tight curves and varying grades. While it is a single-lane sealed road, it is generally well-maintained. The drive is definitely worth it and features scenic views. It provides access to tourist attractions including Robin Falls and Douglas-Daly Hot Springs, and several World War II heritage locations. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.