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.

Sandover Highway is one of the most remote roads in the Northern Territory of Australia. With almost six hundred kilometres of sand hills and corrugations, it’s one of the Australia’s best 4WD tracks.

Tablelands Highway, also known as State Route 11, is a very remote drive in the Northern Territory of Australia. There are no towns or services along its length.

Redbank Range Railway Tunnel is located in the small town of Picton, in the Macarthur Region of New South Wales, in Australia. It has seen its share of suicide, murder and accidental death. Over the years residents and tourists all report seeing a white flowing figure of a woman.

Birdsville Track is one of the most iconic dirt roads in Australia. Barren and isolated, drivers need plenty of water and fuel as they make their way from Maree all the way to Birdsvillle. It’s an icon amongst Australian Outback tracks. It’s one of the Australia’s best 4WD tracks.

Mount Kosciuszko is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.228m (7,310ft) above the sea level, located in New South Wales, in Australia. It’s the highest point in the country you can legally take a push bike. It's one of the highest roads of the country.

Snowy Mountains Highway is a stunning scenic high altitude drive in New South Wales, through Australia's high country.

Zig Zag Scenic Drive is a one-way scenic drive down the side of the Darling Ranges in Gooseberry Hill, in the Beelu National Park, in Western Australia. The road provides spectacular views of the city of Perth and coastal plains of the Indian Ocean.

Tucked away in the remote Simpson Desert, in central Australia, the French Line is one of the country’s great touring tracks. It’s the most direct track across the desert. There are a number of large dunes to cross and many of the climbs become degraded in the course of any given season. It’s one of the Australia’s best 4WD tracks.

Located in Fraser Island, off Australia’s eastern Queensland coast, the 75 Mile Beach Road (also known as Fraser Island Beach Track) is one of Australia's most iconic 4WD adventures. It’s one of the Best Coastal Drives in the World.

Waterfall Way (NSW State Route 78) is a very scenic drive located in Northern New South Wales, Australia. The road runs through rainforest, river valleys and waterfalls, including New England and Dorrigo National Parks.

Mount Terrible is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.305m (4,281ft) above the sea level, located to the south-west of Kevington in Victoria, Australia.

Mount Baw Baw Tourist Road is a mountain road located in Victoria, Australia, climbing up to Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort, at an elevation of 1.478m (4,849ft) above the sea level.

South Face Road is a mountain road located in Victoria, Australia, climbing up to Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort, at an elevation of 1.478m (4,849ft) above the sea level.

Trans Access Road is an exciting yet challenging driving linking Western Australia and South Australia via an unsealed road. It’s one of the Australian longest roads.

Built in the 1960s to transport cattle, the Gibb River Road is one of the most iconic roads in Australia. This 647 kilometre mainly unsealed road is an adventure seekers dream. Running from Derby To Kununurra, a journey along the Gibb River Road four wheel drive route is one of the last true outback adventures. The drive can be unpredictable as road conditions are constantly changing. It’s one of the Australia’s best 4WD tracks.

Located in Western Australia, the Great Northern Highway holds the title of the world's longest, most remote paved road, securing its position as one of Australia's longest roads.

Stockton Beach 4wd Track is a very challenging and scenic journey seaside, located in the Australian state of New South Wales. It’s one of Australia’s best 4WD tracks.

Steve Irwin Way is a very scenic drive located in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast Region, in South-East Queensland, Australia.

Mount Hotham is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.862m (6,109ft) above the sea level, located in the Australian state of Victoria. It’s the highest point of the Great Alpine Road (B500).

Charlotte Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.840m (6,037ft) above the sea level, located in New South Wales, in Australia. It's one of the highest roads of the country.

Located in Queensland, Australia, the Peninsula Developmental Road, or PDR, is a captivating route known for its mud, sand, dust, gravel, and dirt corrugations. Serving as Cape York's primary transport link, the road offers travelers a genuine outback experience.

Nestled in the Australian state of South Australia, the Moralana Scenic Drive offers an enchanting journey through the heart of the Flinders Ranges. It is a captivating drive that promises breathtaking landscapes and picturesque views.

Situated in New South Wales, Australia, the Glowworm Tunnel captivates visitors with its luminescent residents. The tunnel, which once served a historical purpose, is now a dark sanctuary illuminated by thousands of glow worms. Although enchanting, reaching this spot requires navigating an unpaved road.

Mount Matlock is a mountain peak at an elevation of 1.372m (4,501ft) above the sea level, located in the south of Victoria, in Australia. Its lofty heights and rugged terrains beckon adventurous souls.

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.

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.

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.

Located in northeast Queensland, in Australia, the CREB Track is one of the 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 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 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.

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.

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 hazardous road with steep descents in Victoria, Australia. This scenic yet perilous journey is challenging, particularly in wet conditions.

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.

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 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.

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 (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.

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.

Seguridad de la página de inicio

Drive Us to Your Road!

We have cataloged over 13,000 roads, but we're always looking for more. Have you traveled a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to submit your road story, and we'll feature it on dangerousroads.org!