The journey is the destination along the Dargo High Plains Road
Australia, oceania
25 km
1,628 m
moderate
Year-round
Get ready for an Aussie adventure on the legendary Dargo High Plains Road in Victoria! Nestled in the southeast of Australia, this road is your gateway to the Alpine National Park.
Spanning 70km, this route connects the Great Alpine Road to the charming town of Dargo, about 348 km east of Melbourne. Be warned, though - winter brings heavy snow, so it's usually closed from early June to late October. And if you're towing a caravan, this isn't the road for you, thanks to some seriously steep and twisty sections!
The road surface is a mixed bag - about 25km of smooth sealed road from the south, followed by roughly 45km of gravel and cobbles, and then a final kilometer of bitumen leading to the Great Alpine Road. While 2WDs can handle it, expect some rough, dusty patches and slippery conditions after rain.
Reaching a lofty 1,628m above sea level, Dargo High Plains Road offers some incredible views and bursts of spring wildflowers. Set aside about three hours for the drive, and definitely aim for daylight hours. Night driving isn't recommended.
This is a maintained road, but keep your wits about you! Cattle roam freely, even on the paved sections, so drive slow. Logging trucks can cause damage, and there are some steep, slippery climbs. Basically, just drive to the conditions, and you’ll be fine.
Where is it?
The journey is the destination along the Dargo High Plains Road is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -26.8726, 134.6604
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 25 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,628 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -26.8726, 134.6604
Related Roads in oceania
hardBurke Developmental Road is a remote route in Queensland
🇦🇺 Australia
The Burke Developmental Road: your quintessential Aussie Outback adventure! This epic 1,079 km (670 mi) stretch slices through Queensland's heartland, connecting the Far North to the Gulf of Carpentaria and beyond. Think endless savannah and proper remote vibes. Starting near Cairns in Dimbulah, you'll head west, skimming the base of Cape York Peninsula towards Normanton on the Gulf. Then, swing south to Cloncurry, near the Mt Isa mining area. That bit near Dimbulah? Locals call it the Mareeba-Dimbulah Road. Expect a wild mix of sealed and unsealed roads – think bitumen, gravel, and good old dirt. Originally built for beef and mining, it's still a crucial route for those living and working on remote cattle stations. Keep an eye out for single-lane bitumen stretches, and if you see a Road Train (those mega-trucks!) coming, pull *completely* off the road to avoid the dust and flying rocks. This isn't just a drive, it's an *experience*. But be warned: supplies are scarce along this 1,000 km journey. Your best bets for fuel and essentials are Chillagoe, the super-remote Dunbar Station, Normanton, and the historic Burke & Wills Junction. A golden rule for the Outback? Fill up whenever you can – you might find yourself driving over 200 km between fuel stops!
hardWhere does the Canning Stock Route start and finish?
🇦🇺 Australia
Get ready for the ultimate Aussie outback adventure! The Canning Stock Route snakes its way through the heart of Western Australia's deserts, stretching 1,850 km from Halls Creek in the Kimberley to Wiluna in the Mid West region. This isn't a Sunday drive – we're talking about crossing the Gibson, Little Sandy, and Great Sandy Deserts, passing through native title lands. This legendary stock route throws everything at you: think endless horizons, scorching sun, and over 900 sand dunes (some seriously huge!). You'll need around three weeks to tackle it, and your trusty 4WD better be up to the task. Forget luxury – this is about self-sufficiency. Pack enough food, water, and spare parts to last, and brush up on your car repair skills. There are no towns, no services, just you, your vehicle, and the raw beauty of the Aussie desert. While some wells have been restored, don’t count on them. This route sees enough traffic to keep it somewhat accessible, but it's definitely not maintained. So, gather your convoy, make sure your four-wheel drives are in top condition, and hit the road during the cooler months (April to September). Just remember to secure your permits beforehand, and maybe leave the trailer at home – this is about serious off-roading!
hardWhat is the most isolated highway in Australia?
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, picture this: the Great Northern Highway in Western Australia. It's not just a road, it's *the* road—the longest, most remote paved one on the planet! Seriously, this thing is epic. We're talking nearly 2,000 miles (3,195 km) stretching from Perth all the way north to Wyndham. This journey was created by merging various roads and tracks in 1944. Think red dirt, endless horizons, and that feeling of being completely, utterly alone. It's all paved, so no need for a 4x4 (though a comfy ride is recommended!). Mostly you'll find two-lane roads, but be prepared for single-lane bridges, especially up in the Kimberley. Now, a heads-up. This isn't a Sunday drive. It's a major freight route, so you'll be sharing the road with a *lot* of massive road trains. This highway is also prone to accidents. And when the wet season hits (November to May), parts of the road can vanish under several meters of water! Conditions here drastically change along the route, it can be dusty in the dry season and boggy in the wet season. So, fill up your tank, bring *plenty* of water and supplies, and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. Seriously, avoid driving at night. Phone signal is patchy at best. This is an adventure, not a race. Take your time, stay safe, and get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!
hardThe Best Auckland Road Trips
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: Auckland's got it all – beaches, forests, you name it. And the road trip scene? Totally on point. Here are a few spots you gotta check out: **Muriwai Beach:** Surf's up, wildlife's wild, and the views are killer. This west coast gem boasts epic coastal trails stretching about 60 km. Plus, if you're into fresh produce, the local organic markets are a must-stop. It's only a 40 km jaunt from the city, making it the perfect weekend escape. **Matakana:** This place has transformed from a sleepy little town into a hotspot for trendy cafes and bars. Hit up the Saturday farmers market for some local goodness. On the way back, detour to the Puhoi Valley Cheese Factory for a tasting platter – trust me, it's worth it! The drive is roughly an hour from Auckland. **Puhoi:** History buffs, this one's for you. German immigrants settled here way back when. The Bohemian Museum tells their incredible story of grit and perseverance. Grab a pint at a traditional pub or paddle down the river in a kayak. **Cape Reinga:** Get ready for some serious views! This northern tip of the North Island is wild and windswept. Explore Maori legends etched on plaques near the lighthouse. One tale speaks of the meeting of the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea representing the union of male and female energy, another tells of a spirit tree whose roots plunge into the underworld. **Coromandel Peninsula:** If you're short on time but big on scenery, the Coromandel is your go-to. This coastline is ranked among the world's best. Don't miss Cathedral Cove with its iconic archway and golden sands. Nearby Hot Water Beach is another must-do. Dig your own spa pool and soak in the naturally heated water!