What are the highest roads in Australia?
Australia, oceania
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in the Aussie Alps, right? Not what you expect from Down Under, I know! We're talking proper mountains, part of that massive Great Dividing Range that runs down the east coast. This particular stretch of road? It’s a bit of a beast, climbing high into the hills. We're looking at a decent length, enough to make a day of it. Watch out for sharp turns and steep drop-offs – this isn't a Sunday drive in the park! But trust me, the views are totally worth it. Think rugged peaks, eucalyptus forests clinging to the slopes, and panoramas that stretch forever. Forget the beach for a day and head for the hills; this road trip will seriously blow your mind!
Where is it?
What are the highest roads in Australia? is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -23.2363, 132.1508
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -23.2363, 132.1508
Related Roads in oceania
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.
easyHow long is Steve Irwin Way?
🇦🇺 Australia
Cruising through the Sunshine Coast hinterland in Queensland, Australia? You HAVE to hit up Steve Irwin Way! Formerly the Glasshouse Mountain Tourist Route, it was renamed in honor of the legendary Crocodile Hunter. This paved beauty stretches for about 29 km, linking you to some seriously awesome tourist spots. Most of the road is two lanes, though you will find some four-lane sections along the way. Now, let's be real, traffic can get a little crazy, and there have been a lot of accidents here over the years. But don't let that scare you off! This drive is all about the views. The whole drive without stopping is only about 25-35 minutes, but I highly recommend you take your time. You'll be treated to incredible vistas of Beerwah State Forest and the Glass House Mountains – these crazy volcanic formations that popped up from lava eruptions millions of years ago. Definitely pull over and hit one of the walking tracks to a lookout. Trust me, the panoramic views of the dramatic mountain landscape are totally worth the detour!
extremeMacquarie Pass is one of Australia's best drives
🇦🇺 Australia
Okay, buckle up, road trip enthusiasts, because Macquarie Pass in New South Wales, Australia, is calling your name! Nestled in the Southern Highlands, about 115 km southwest of Sydney, this iconic drive winds through Macquarie Pass National Park, promising stunning scenery at every turn. The Illawarra Highway (A48, Tourist Route 8) is fully paved, stretching 13.7 km (8.51 miles) from Tongarra to Robertson. Be warned: it's a narrow, twisty beast, with centerlines popping up in a few spots but mostly absent, adding to the thrill! Macquarie Pass is generally open year-round, but keep an eye out for closures due to wild weather, landslides, or fire danger. Heavy rain can also cause flooding. Trucks, take note: you're better off sticking to Mount Ousley Road and Picton Road. This pass is seriously steep – we're talking gradients of up to 9.9%! Hairpin bends galore will keep you on your toes. Many corners have sneaky humps or dips, visibility can be limited, and those hairpins? Seriously tight. Expect some single-lane sections mixed with two lanes and double "no overtaking" lines. And just to keep things interesting, you'll often be hugging a rock wall on one side and a drop-off on the other. Watch out for other drivers (especially on weekends and holidays when motorcyclists flock here) as this route demands focus. Trucks can struggle with the tighter corners, often needing to swing wide. Leaves, twigs, and damp patches can also add to the challenge, even on otherwise clear days. But it's all worth it, because the views are simply breathtaking. Opened in 1898, Macquarie Pass offers incredible bushwalking, birdwatching, waterfalls, ocean views, and the fiery beauty of Illawarra flame trees. If you're looking for a memorable adventure on the south coast, this is it!
hardWhere is Mount Cheeseman?
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Okay, picture this: you're on New Zealand's South Island, about an hour and a half from Christchurch, heading into the Southern Alps. You're aiming for Mount Cheeseman, home to a sweet little ski area. Now, getting there is part of the adventure. The Mount Cheeseman Access Road is about 12 km of pure, unadulterated 4x4 fun. Forget the pavement, this is a gravel road all the way! We're talking steep climbs, potentially narrow sections, and some serious drop-offs. The road starts at SH 73, a couple of clicks past Castle Hill village. You'll dive into a beech forest before emerging into stunning alpine scenery. Trust me, the views are worth it. Word to the wise: this is 4WD territory. And definitely bring chains, especially if it's winter. The weather up here can change in a heartbeat. You'll climb from around 1,550m to the ski area, with a side trip on the chairlift service road taking you up to 1,862m. Keep an eye out for road closures, and respect them: there's always a good reason! But if the road is clear, get ready for an epic drive.