What are the most spectacular roads in Australia?

Located between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean, the Commonwealth of Australia is the world's sixth-largest country, covering an area of 7.7 million square kilometers. With a very diverse landscape, the country has thousands of stunning drives, ranging from coastal drives to high mountain roads.

The most iconic drives are the Great Alpine Road, Australia's highest year-round accessible paved road, and the Canning Stock Route, one of the toughest tracks in the country, running through the vast deserts of Western Australia. The Outback Highway is an adventure track you will never forget.

And the Eyre Highway features the longest straight stretch of road in the country, spanning 146.6 kilometers (91.1 mi) without any turns. It’s one of the longest roads in Australia. It’s also worth driving the Tanami Road, one of Australia's great outback adventure tracks, linking Central Australia and North West Western Australia, running across the Tanami Desert. Due to its size, Australia experiences a range of climates, from tropical in the north to temperate in the south, influenced by its size and geographical features. It’s important to plan accordingly before attempting any drive.

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

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 Birdsville. It’s an icon amongst Australian Outback tracks and one of Australia’s best 4WD tracks.

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

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 during any given season. It’s one of Australia’s best 4WD tracks.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 sea level.

The Mitchell Highway is a very scenic drive, connecting Queensland and New South Wales in Australia. Avoid night driving and don’t rely on the mobile phone coverage along the route. 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 Australia’s best 4WD tracks.

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 sea level.

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

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.

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

Located in Queensland, Australia, the Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR) is a challenging route known for its mud, sand, dust, gravel, and dirt corrugations. Serving as Cape York's main transport link, it offers a true outback experience.

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

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

Located in South Australia, the Moralana Scenic Drive winds through the Flinders Ranges, offering great views of the landscape.

Mount Matlock is a mountain peak at an elevation of 1.372m (4,501ft) above sea level, located in the south of Victoria, in Australia.

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 is one of the most picturesque drives in the Northern Territory of Australia, running through the Litchfield National Park.

Located in New South Wales, Australia, the Glowworm Tunnel attracts visitors because of its glow worms. The tunnel is accessible via an unpaved road.

Located in the southeastern part of Queensland, Australia, Big Red and Little Red are the most iconic Glasshouse Mountains 4WD tracks. Make sure you have advanced 4WD experience and all the necessary recovery gear. Experienced drivers only.

Fairfield-Leopold Downs Road is a scenic drive located in the western Kimberley region of Western Australia.

Located in northeast Queensland, 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.

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

Jim Jim Falls is a 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.

Hughenden Muttaburra Road (part of State Route 19) is a challenging drive located in the heart of Queensland, Australia. It is recommended for 4WD or high clearance vehicles only.

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.

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.

Duck Creek Road is a very scenic drive straddling 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. A beautiful beach ideal for 4x4 driving in low tide.

Barrier Highway is a very exciting trip 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. 

Wolvi Mountain is a mountain peak at an elevation of 373m (1,223ft) above sea level, located in Queensland, in Australia.

The Hay River Track is a very remote drive through some of the most stunningly beautiful parts of Australia. The track follows the course of an extinct river, and your vehicle will need to be extensively prepared for remote area travel. It's one of Australia’s best 4WD tracks.

Boranup Drive is a charming unpaved but well-maintained road running through the heart of Boranup Forest in the Margaret River region of Western Australia.

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