10
australian
road s you have to drive E
veryone loves a good ol’ fashioned road trip. It’s the stuff of legends, immortalised in countless films and song lyrics eulogising the virtues of the open road. It’s the ultimate freedom: sky above, asphalt below and nothing holding you back but your sense of direction. What you need is quality time with your car and a tale to tell when you come back – something that’s a little more feelgood buddy flick and a little less National Lampoon. Here’s a rundown of Australia’s most thrilling must-drive roads.
LASSE
TER HI G H WAY
| NT
With striking 360-degree views of uninterrupted horizon, this is road tripping at its finest. The 244 km Lasseter Highway connects Uluru east to the Stuart Highway through some of Australia’s most aweinspiring landscapes and famous sights, including Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Roll down your windows, slip on your aviators, turn the tunes up and cruise through the Northern Territory’s rugged natural beauty like you don’t have a care in the world.
GORMANSTON ROAD | TAS
24
ROAD ALPINE
There are two options when you travel the Black Spur. The first is to pretend you’re starring in Speed Racer (the anime version, not the live-action disaster) and let adrenaline take charge. The second is to take a more leisurely cruise down its 30 km path between Healesville and Narbethong, so you can enjoy the spectacular surroundings. If you want a relatively clear run, tackle it on a weekday. Weekends are notoriously busy.
The Great Alpine Road got its moniker because it’s considered the mountain equivalent to Victoria’s famous oceanside route. Take this one slowly, piece by piece, to make the most of the towns, wineries, restaurants, fishing spots and scenic stops you’ll find along the way. The Alpine National Park is particularly worth a visit if you’re into Instagram-worthy flora and fauna.
G R E AT
BLACK SPUR DRIVE | VIC
| VIC
The winding road out of Queenstown is so famous for its twists and turns that it’s unofficially known as the 99 Bends. Formally called Gormanston Road, it’s by far the most fun and frightening stretch of black-top you’ll encounter on Tasmania’s West Coast. The curvaceous route over a mountain range is great if you want to put your car through its paces and pretend you’re a pro. Targa Tasmania’s talented rally racers can drive its 6 km in a touch over four minutes.