What are the most spectacular roads in Australia?
Australia, a vast continent characterized by its diverse landscapes, offers road journeys that transport travelers beyond mere destinations. They weave stories, history, and the very essence of Australia itself. Starting from the iconic Great Ocean Road, which flaunts the majesty of the Twelve Apostles against a backdrop of the roaring Southern Ocean, to the Pacific Highway where azure waters meet vibrant cities and timeless rainforests, every turn reveals a new spectacle.
But it's not just the coastal drives that beckon. The heart of the continent hides rugged challenges and raw beauty. The Old Telegraph Track in Cape York isn't just a road; it's a testament to Australia's pioneering spirit, where 4WD enthusiasts navigate the challenging terrain and river crossings. The Great Alpine Road, not just the highest year-round accessible paved road but a panoramic marvel, showcases the majesty of the Australian Alps. For the true adventurer, the Canning Stock Route, one of the world's toughest tracks, offers an unparalleled challenge across remote desert landscapes. Meanwhile, Macquarie Pass entices with its winding paths and lush rainforests, a reminder of Australia's ecological diversity.
And then, there's the Outback Highway, a journey of contrasts and history, promising memories that will linger long after the tires stop turning. In Australia, roads are more than asphalt and signs; they are narrative threads weaving the diverse tapestry of the land Down Under.
Driving the Mitchell Highway is a truly outstanding adventure
The Mitchell Highway offers an exhilarating journey, connecting Queensland and New South Wales in Australia. It is advisable to avoid driving at night, and mobile phone coverage along the route can be variable. It’s one of the Australian longest roads.
What are the Australia's longest roads? Top 13
Australia is a vast country, and traversing epic, lengthy roads is a common experience. Given the extensive distances between population centers, certain roads are exceptionally long, featuring trivia signs aimed at keeping drivers alert to enhance safety and reduce accidents and fatalities.
Driving the Scenic Litchfield Park Road in the Northern Territory of Australia
Litchfield Park Road stands out as one of the most picturesque drives in the Northern Territory of Australia, meandering through the stunning Litchfield National Park.
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the CREB Track
Located in northeast Queensland, in Australia, the CREB Track is one of Australia’s most spectacular and challenging four-wheel-drive trails. Make sure you have advanced 4WD experience, all the necessary recovery gear, and a winch if attempting in the wet.
Fairfield-Leopold Downs Road runs through one of the last true wilderness areas on Earth
Fairfield-Leopold Downs Road is a 125 km two-lane unsealed road located in the western Kimberley region of Western Australia, running through the Tunnel Creek National Park.
Corkscrew Road is a popular route for cyclists in South Australia
Corkscrew Road is a famous climb known for the difficulty of riding up its steep and sharp bends, located in Montacute, a small town and suburb in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia.
Driving the Corrugated Ernest Giles Road Through the Desert
Ernest Giles Road is one of the more remote drives in the Northern Territory of Australia. It's suitable for 4WD vehicles only, as there are significant dips, corrugations, and occasional deep sand, with regular closures during the wet season.
Road trip guide: Conquering the Jim Jim Falls
Jim Jim Falls is a colossal 200-meter-high waterfall located in the Northern Territory of Australia. Extreme care is required due to the threat of saltwater crocodiles. The road to the waterfall is a single-lane 4WD track with lots of small bumps and some sandy sections.
Trig Track is a dangerous road with steep descents
Trig Track is a hazardous road with steep descents in Victoria, Australia. This scenic yet perilous journey is challenging, particularly in wet conditions.
The Cahills crossing isn’t for you (if you’re worried about being eaten by crocodiles)
Located in the Northern Territory of Australia, the infamous Cahills crossing is a notorious flooded causeway river crossing with abundance of saltwater crocodiles. Visiting Cahills Crossing is not for the faint of heart. For your safety do not enter the water. It’s one of the most dangerous bridges in the world.
Big Red Track: experienced drivers only
Located in southeast Queensland, Big Red Track is a spectacular and challenging four-wheel-drive. Make sure you have advanced 4WD experience and all the necessary recovery gear. Experienced drivers only.
Duck Creek Road, closed due to heavy rainfall and flooding
Duck Creek Road is a very scenic drive located on the Queensland/New South Wales border in Australia. The road remains closed by Local Council until further notice.
Cooloola Beach Drive is one of the longest beach roads in the world
Located in the Gympie Region of Queensland in Australia, Cooloola Beach Drive is one of the longest beach drives in the world.
Hughenden Muttaburra Road, a gravel nightmare
Hughenden Muttaburra Road (part of the State Route 19) is a challenging drive located in the heart of Queensland Australia. Recommended to 4wd or High Clearance vehicles only.
A journey on the legendary Lerderderg Track
Lerderderg Track is a 4wd track located in the Lerderderg State Park, in Australia. The trail passes through the park, entering from Blackwood in the park's northwest, and exiting south towards Bacchus Marsh via Blackwood.
Driving the Barrier Highway is a truly outstanding adventure
The Barrier Highway is a very exciting journey linking New South Wales and South Australia. Driving at night is best avoided. Mobile phone coverage along the route is varied. It’s one of the Australian longest roads.
Hay River Track, a drive following an extinct river
Hay River Track is a very remote drive into some of the most stunningly beautiful parts of Australia. The track follows the course of an extinct river. Your vehicle will need to be extensively prepared for remote area travel. It’s one of Australia’s best 4WD tracks.
Travel guide to Wolvi Mountain and Salmon Lookout
Wolvi Mountain is a mountain peak at an elevation of 373m (1,223ft) above the sea level, located in Queensland, in northeastern Australia.
Boranup Drive, a great road under the majestic karri trees
Boranup Drive is a charming unpaved but well tended road through the heart of Boranup Forest, in the Margaret River region of Western Australia.
Travel guide to the top of Rawson Pass
Rawson Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.124m (6,968ft) above the sea level, located in the Snowy Mountains in Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales, in Australia. It's one of the highest roads of the country.
If you love to drive, you will love the Hamersley Drive
Located on the south coast of Western Australia, in the Southern Mallee area, the Hamersley Drive Heritage Trail Scenic Drive is a lovely drive through the dramatic coastline.
Kakadu Highway, a 5 stars road in the Northern Territory
Kakadu Highway (State Route 21) is a very scenic drive through the Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory of Australia.
Travel guide to Moonbi Park lookout
Perched on a huge granite outcrop at an elevation of 754m (2,473ft) above the sea level, the Moonbi Park lookout is located in the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia.
Barkly Highway: a scenic remote road in Australia
Barkly Highway is a scenic road located in Queensland and the Northern Territory of Australia.
Landsborough Highway
Landsborough Highway is the principal north-south route serving western Queensland, Australia. It’s named after William Landsborough. It’s one of the Australian longest roads.
The inhumane climb to Mount William with 29% ramps
Mount William (Duwul or Duwil) is a mountain peak at an elevation of 1.167m (3,829ft) above the sea level, located in western Victoria, Australia.
Be totally prepared to drive the Old Andado Track
Old Andado Track is one of the most remote roads in the Northern Territory of Australia. This outback unsealed track is an interesting alternative route from Alice Springs to Oodnadatta through the fringe of the vast Simpson Desert, the largest parallel sand dune desert in the world. Some of its dunes are the longest in the world, running continuously for almost 200km.
Travelling through the scenic Noah Creek bridge
Located in northeast Queensland, Australia, the Noah Creek bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world. The surface of the bridge is wood with some planks.
Mount Spec Road, a sensational drive in Paluma Range NP
Mount Spec Road is a very scenic drive with stunning views in North Queensland, in northeastern Australia.
Binns Track: a memorable road trip in Australia
Binns Track is a very scenic 4x4 journey through some of Australia's most diverse terrain and spectacular scenery. It’s known for its diverse terrain as it courses though mountains, deserts and vast plains. It’s one of Australia’s best 4WD tracks.
North West Coastal Highway
North West Coastal Highway is an amazing coastal route through Western Australia's remote north-west. It’s one of the Australian longest roads.
Travelling through Basin-Olinda Road
Basin-Olinda Road is a very scenic unpaved mountain road located in central-south Victoria, Australia.
Humbert Track: ravine and river crossings
Humbert Track is a challenging track located in the Northern Territory (Australia).
The remote and unpaved Lajamanu Road
Lajamanu Road is an unsealed road located in the arid regions of the Northern Territory, in Australia.
Travel guide to the top of Kosciuszko Express Chairlift
Tucked away in Australia's state of New South Wales, near the Victorian border, Kosciuszko Express Chairlift sits at an elevation of 1.937m (6,354ft) above the sea level. It's one of the highest roads of the country.
Driving through the Tjukaruru Road
Tjukaruru Road is a challenging drive in the Northern Territory of Australia. The unpaved road services many remote communities and tourism activities.
Road trip guide: Conquering the Dampier Lookout
Dampier Lookout is a lookout at an elevation of 1.245m (4,084ft) above the sea level, located in the state of New South Wales in the country of Australia.
Asses Ears Road, a Most Tricky Scenic Drive in Grampians NP
Asses Ears Road is a scenic road located in in western Victoria, Australia.
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Victoria Rocks Road
Victoria Rocks Road is the name of a very scenic drive through the Victoria Rock Nature Reserve, in Western Australia.