by scottmcdot on 8/31/24, 5:29 AM with 29 comments
by macintux on 8/31/24, 11:52 AM
For the U.S., there’s a curated route nearly coast to coast for dirt and gravel roads. Maps for sale at https://www.transamtrail.com/.
I’ve written about various curated routes in the U.S. here: https://opposite-lock.com/topic/12190/u-s-adventure-trails
by ggm on 8/31/24, 6:27 AM
We sometimes find a bit down in Queensland's Granite Belt, and there are thousands of kms left in the real outback, and forested areas. Closer to urban centres like south East Queensland, it's getting scarce.
by grecy on 8/31/24, 2:55 PM
I've driven every bit of that (not in one go) and I'm 100% certain there is no unpaved roads in there. In fact, it's getting close to a majority being 2 lanes in each direction (or 2+1 at least). It's all highway.
by rgmerk on 8/31/24, 8:34 AM
Some of those tracks in the mountainous, forested parts of eastern Victoria are in seriously rugged and isolated country, and I'm not sure all of them are even open to the public.
by defrost on 8/31/24, 7:07 AM
by beej71 on 8/31/24, 6:56 AM
by toast0 on 8/31/24, 9:36 AM
Does Australia mean something else by gravel road than what I'm thinking as a US person?
Biking on gravel roads is unpleasant compared to paved or dirt IMHO. Gravel is unsmooth, loud, and can be loose. I certainly have the wrong tires for gravel, but even with wider tires, I don't think I'd dream of riding on gravel.
by ehnto on 8/31/24, 6:08 AM
No stress for your average country driver but negotiating right of way on a single track road used by heavy freight is not something you get taught at drivers ed! You would also be surprised at just how hilly and windy Victoria can be, and that at some point you will be driving through a rainforest.
Like most states here, it's huge, so if you do venture on an unsealed road adventure just be mindful of your fuel.