Plenty Highway is a remote outback road in Australia’s Northern Territory
Australia, oceania
494 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: the Plenty Highway, aka State Route 12, smack-dab in the Northern Territory's outback. This isn't just a road, it's an adventure!
Clocking in at 494 km (306 miles), it kicks off from the Stuart Highway, about 68 clicks north of Alice Springs, and winds its way to Tobermorey Homestead near the Queensland border, joining up with the legendary Outback Way. This road started as a humble cattle track, but now it's calling your name.
The first 100km are a smooth sealed dream, but after Ongeva Creek, you're in for a real outback experience with a well-maintained dirt road.
Word to the wise: do your homework before you hit the Plenty. Non-stop, it's a 16-20 hour commitment, but trust me, you'll want 2-3 days to soak it all in. Aim for May to October for the best weather (skip the scorching summer!). And heads up – when it rains, this road can become impassable.
Prepare to be alone out there. This highway cuts through some seriously remote country, so be ready for potential floods (especially to the east), extreme bull dust, and some massive potholes – definitely a dry-weather-only kind of trip. A 4x4 is a must, and caravans should probably sit this one out. Pack solid comms and navigation gear, and you're set to discover the real outback.
Where is it?
Plenty Highway is a remote outback road in Australia’s Northern Territory is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -27.7056, 137.0191
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 494 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -27.7056, 137.0191
Related Roads in oceania
hardWhy is Allison Road famous?
🌍 Tasmania
Okay, picture this: Allison Road, snaking through the quiet countryside near Devonport in Tasmania’s North West. Seems innocent enough, right? Wrong! This little stretch has a seriously spooky rep, whispered about by locals for decades. It all started back in 1921 when poor Chrissie Venn, just 13 years old, vanished on her way to run errands. Days later, they found her… in a tree stump. Gruesome, right? The case was never solved, and now, legend has it, her spirit is still hanging around. So, what can you expect if you dare to drive Allison Road? People talk about seeing a ghostly girl by the roadside, weird lights tailing their cars, and engines mysteriously cutting out near this one spot called "The Dip." Some even swear they've picked up a hitchhiker who vanishes into thin air! And it's not just visual stuff. Think your GPS is reliable? Not on Allison Road. People have reported them going haywire, along with headlights flickering and cars getting unexplained scratches. It's like the road itself is messing with you! There's even a local tradition, a sort of dare, to walk around the tree stump where Chrissie was found at midnight. Talk about a test of courage! One guy even told a story about buying a used car and driving it home at night, only to get completely lost and have his check engine light come on out of nowhere near "The Dip." The light went off and he found his way as soon as he cleared the area. Creepy, right? Whether it’s true hauntings or just collective imagination running wild, Allison Road has definitely earned its place in Tasmanian folklore as one of the scariest drives around. Are you brave enough to uncover its secrets?
easyThe Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Victoria Rocks Road
🇦🇺 Australia
Alright, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're cruising through Western Australia and crave a taste of the outback, Victoria Rocks Road is calling your name. Picture this: you're east of Perth, smack-dab in the Great Western Woodlands, and you're about to embark on a 141km (87-mile) dirt road journey from the Hyden-Norseman Road all the way north to the cool tourist town of Coolgardie. Now, this isn't your average paved highway. We're talking unsealed, baby! The road peaks at a modest 490m (1,607ft), but don't let that fool you. This wide, well-maintained dirt track is generally suitable for all vehicles under 3.5 tonnes. Word to the wise: keep your wits about you. Rain can turn this beauty into a beast, so drive smart and stay aware of local conditions. But trust me, the scenery makes it all worthwhile!
moderateDriving from Townsville to Brisbane: Things to See Along the Way
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: you're hitting the open road between Townsville and Brisbane on the legendary Bruce Highway. This isn't just a drive; it's an *experience*. We're talking roughly 1,300 km of pure Aussie adventure, so clear your schedule – you'll want at least two days, but honestly, stretch it out if you can! Maybe even grab a rental in Cairns for an epic extended trip! First stop, Airlie Beach. Seriously, this place is postcard-perfect. It's basically the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, and trust me, the scenery is unreal. Think turquoise waters, white sand beaches… you might not want to leave! Next up, Rockhampton, about halfway through your journey. This is the perfect spot to recharge those batteries and soak in some history. "Rocky" boomed during the gold rush and evolved into the "Beef Capital" of Australia. Keep an eye out for the Victorian architecture – those old buildings are seriously impressive. And don't miss the Botanic Gardens! Finally, take a little detour to Bundaberg – trust me, it's worth it. Any time of year, you can tour the famous rum distillery or explore Mon Repos Conservation Park. But if you time your trip right (November to March), you absolutely HAVE to witness the sea turtles! You can watch them lay their eggs, or see the baby turtles hatch and make their way to the ocean!
hardTravel Guide to Wolvi Mountain and Salmon Lookout
🇦🇺 Australia
Alright, adventurers, listen up! Deep in the Noosa hinterland of Queensland, Australia, awaits Wolvi Mountain, peaking at 373m (1,223ft) above sea level. Your destination? Salmon Lookout, perched at the summit. This old fire tower (now more about epic views than fires) boasts seriously awesome panoramas stretching across beaches, rolling hills, and lush farmland. Pack a picnic, because you'll want to soak it all in! Getting there is half the fun. Wolvi Mountain Road, a completely unpaved track, winds its way to the top. While a 4WD is ideal for this rough-and-tumble dirt road, regular cars can make it when conditions are dry. Just keep an eye out for a farm gate about 1km from the lookout—open it, drive through, and don't forget to close it behind you! It's locked up in the evenings. The climb itself is a good one! Starting from Gympie Kin Kin Pomona Road, the 5.6 km (3.47 miles) ascent gains a solid 219 meters. With an average gradient of 3.91%, it’s steep enough to be interesting but totally doable. Get ready for some stunning views and a taste of the real Aussie outback!