Is there a road through the Simpson Desert?
Australia, oceania
262 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, because the French Line in central Australia's Simpson Desert is calling your name! This is *the* most direct route across the desert, stretching 262km (162 miles) from Poeppel Corner to Dalhousie Springs. Think endless red sand dunes – we're talking over 1200 of 'em! – and landscapes that'll take your breath away. Seriously, you'll feel like you're on another planet.
Now, it's not all sunshine and roses. This track is totally unpaved and seriously demanding, with super soft sand the norm. Many of the dunes are tricky, rutted and bumpy. You'll need a heavy-duty 4WD, plenty of extra fuel, water, and a good UHF CB radio, or even better, a satellite phone. Lowering your tire pressure is essential! You’ll also find salt lakes, which are normally firm, but when wet, they become very sticky and sometimes impassable, forcing detours. Leave the trailer at home for this one!
Plan on about 4 days for the crossing, and keep your vehicle as light as possible. April to October is prime time to visit (the desert's closed December to mid-March due to scorching summer heat). Pack at least seven liters of water per person per day, plus emergency supplies. This is an adventure where self-sufficiency is key!
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 262 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in oceania
moderateWhere is Kosciuszko Express Chairlift?
🇦🇺 Australia
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in New South Wales, practically spitting distance from Victoria, lies Kosciuszko Express Chairlift. We're talking serious altitude here, like 1,937m (6,354ft) above sea level – one of the highest points you can reach in Aussie! What's the reward for this climb? Well, near the top, Eagle's Nest Restaurant awaits, boasting what they say are the highest restaurant views in the country. We're talking mind-blowing 270° panoramas stretching 200km, including sparkling Jindabyne Lake and the Victorian Alps. Now, for the nitty-gritty. This isn't your Sunday drive. The 3.3 km (2.05 miles) access road from Thredbo is unpaved, and strictly 4x4 territory, closed to the public. It's STEEP, like, really steep, with gradients hitting 30% in places. You'll climb 523 meters, averaging nearly 16%, so buckle up. This climb is an experience!
hardIs the Road Through Takarau Gorge Paved?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're in New Zealand, on the North Island, just north of Wellington, ready for a real adventure. Forget the tourist traps, we're heading into Takarau Gorge! This place is seriously beautiful. The Ohariu River carved out this canyon, and the road (Takarau Gorge Road) follows right along with it. Now, here's the thing: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is fully paved, but it gets *narrow*. Think winding, single-lane sections hugging steep cliffs, with blind corners galore. Definitely keeps you on your toes! The whole stretch is only about 7.7 km (4.78 miles), connecting Ohariu to Makara Road in a kind of east-southwest direction. The views are incredible, but if you're not comfortable with heights or tight spaces, maybe skip this one. Word to the wise: this road can get flooded, especially after a good rain. They'll close it down if it's too bad, so check conditions before you go. It's usually pretty quiet, but it does get busier on weekends and during the summer. Happy (and careful) travels!
hardGibb River Road
🇦🇺 Australia
# The Gibb River Road The Gibb River Road is absolutely legendary for a reason – this 660-kilometer outback track cuts straight through the heart of Western Australia's Kimberley region, linking Derby to Kununurra in one epic 4WD journey. Back in the 1960s, cattle drovers carved this route through the wilderness, and today it remains one of Australia's most iconic off-road adventures, taking you across sprawling cattle stations, through ancient gorge systems, and across Aboriginal lands in one seriously remote corner of the country. What makes this place so special is the sheer scale of it all. You're driving through landscapes dominated by sandstone ranges that are over two billion years old, tackling river crossings that can vanish under water when the rains come, and discovering hidden gorges tucked away with pristine swimming holes perfect for cooling off. The must-sees are absolutely worth the detours: Windjana Gorge where freshwater crocs hang out on the banks looking prehistoric, the stunning Mitchell Falls with its tiered cascades (rough side track alert), and the jaw-dropping natural amphitheatre of El Questro Wilderness Park. Oh, and the night sky? Some of the darkest, most stars-packed skies you'll find anywhere on Earth – truly spectacular.
extremeJacob's Ladder is a zig-zag mountain road in Tasmania
🌍 Tasmania
# Ben Lomond Road: Tasmania's Ultimate Alpine Adventure Picture this: you're winding through northeastern Tasmania, tackling one of the world's most insane hairpin turn sequences on your way to a 1,452m summit. Welcome to Ben Lomond Road—a 17.7km unpaved journey that'll get your adrenaline pumping and your camera working overtime. Starting at Upper Blessington off the C401, this spectacular drive climbs through dramatic dolerite cliffs with an eye-watering elevation gain of 1,089 meters. The average gradient sits at 6.15%, but throw in sections hitting 13% and you've got yourself a properly challenging mountain road. The real showstopper? Jacob's Ladder—a series of six legendary hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills and nerve in equal measure. There's even a lookout platform at the top where you can catch your breath and soak in the views. Fair warning: only 22-seat buses and smaller vehicles are allowed here, and bus drivers need a special alpine license. Stick to 30 km/h, let oncoming traffic pass, and definitely use your engine brake on the way down. The whole experience takes about 45 minutes (without stops), and trust us—you won't want to rush it. You're driving through Ben Lomond National Park with stunning panoramas at every turn, surrounded by steep cliffs and sprawling rural plains. From here, you're also just 50km from Launceston and close to Tasmania's main ski fields. Winter? Bring chains and antifreeze (mandatory June–September), and watch for sudden road closures due to snow and ice. Keep an eye out for rockfall and local wildlife too. This is raw, real mountain driving at its finest.