Is Mount Baw Baw Tourist Road sealed?
Australia, oceania
51.2 km
1,478 m
moderate
Year-round
Cruising up to Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort in Victoria, Australia? You've gotta take the Mount Baw Baw Tourist Road (aka C426)! This fully paved beauty stretches for 51.2 km (31.81 miles) from Piedmont, taking you on a wild ride up to 1,478m (4,849ft).
Forget the other access road, this one's way more fun with its twists and turns – perfect for any 2WD vehicle. You'll wind through the National Park, soaking in all the views, and even pass through the charming town of Noojee for a quick bite.
Now, cyclists, listen up! This climb is no joke. Some say it's one of the toughest in the country, even comparing it to Tour de France climbs! The first half is manageable, but the last 6km from the gatehouse? That's where the real challenge begins, with gradients hitting over 20%!
Heads up: you're high in the Great Dividing Range, so the weather can change in a heartbeat. Pack warm clothes and sunscreen, and fill up your gas tank before you head up. During the snow season, snow chains are mandatory, no matter the conditions. You can grab them in Neerim South.
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 51.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,478 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in oceania
moderateDriving the wild Danseys Pass in NZ
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Danseys Pass Road! This epic gravel track winds through the heart of New Zealand's South Island, straddling the Canterbury and Otago regions. We're talking Kakanui Mountain views at a lofty 910m (2,985ft)! Don't worry about needing a monster truck – this 51.5km (32-mile) stretch from Naseby to the Livingstone-Duntroon Road is usually fine for any car. Just cruise along and soak in the scenery as you trace a route carved from the Haast Schist bedrock. Originally blazed for sheep barons and gold-rushers back in 1862 (named after a local landowner, William Heywood Dansey), this road is steeped in history. But be warned: it's a steep climb, hitting gradients of up to 13% in sections! Leave the buses, campervans, and caravans at home for this one. While it's generally well-maintained, the road can get narrow with some tricky blind corners. Expect postcard-perfect views as you wind through farmland and rugged, tussock-covered mountains. Keep an eye on the weather, though! Danseys Pass is notorious for sudden closures due to snow or heavy rain, especially during winter. It's super exposed up there, so if the forecast looks dodgy, maybe save this adventure for another day. But if the sun's shining, get ready for an unforgettable ride!
moderateSydney Highway
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Sydney Highway in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands – yeah, that dreamy Aussie territory way out in the Indian Ocean. This isn't your average highway; think palm trees swaying, ocean breeze, and a gravel road hugging the coastline. It's about 12 km of pure island vibes. Heads up though, cyclone season hits from October to April, so keep an eye on the weather. Trust me, the views are worth it!
hardDuck Creek Road is closed due to heavy rainfall and flooding
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Duck Creek Road, straddling the Queensland/New South Wales border in the heart of Lamington National Park, is calling your name... well, eventually. Word is, this beauty is currently closed, but let's dream a little, shall we? This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking a 15.6km (9.69 miles) unpaved track that links Kerry Road to Lamington National Park Road. A 4WD is a must! It's known to get seriously narrow and incredibly steep in sections. Think a climb from a mere 143 meters above sea level to a lofty 875 meters! That's a whopping 732-meter elevation gain, making for an average gradient of 4.69%. Built back in 1980, Duck Creek Road took a beating from Cyclone Debbie back in 2017. The road suffered some major damage making it impassable. Let's hope they fix her up soon, because once it reopens, this promises to be one epic, scenic adventure!
hardSawcut Gorge
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, so you're heading to the South Island of New Zealand? Sweet as! If you're looking for a place to cool off, you HAVE to check out the Sawcut Gorge. Trust me, on a hot day, those swimming holes are absolute bliss, and the rock faces are just epic. Now, getting there is part of the adventure! You'll be cruising along Ure Road, a 12-kilometer stretch that's mostly gravel. It's narrow and steep in sections, so keep your wits about you. But honestly, the scenery is so stunning, it's hard to keep your eyes on the road! Just drive carefully and soak it all in. You won't regret it.