Atherton Road

QLDTertiary road3.6 km8 segments

2.4Sports

6.8Safety

3.6 kmTotal length

8Segments

Atherton Road is a 3.6 km sealed tertiary route in Queensland, Australia. It scores 6.5/10 for 4WDs with flowing corners and fair surface.

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Vehicle scores

2.4/10

SPTSportsSealed roads, curviness, mountain passes

5.5/10

MOTMotoTight bends, switchbacks, technical roads

4.0/10

EVEVSmooth surface, sealed roads, range-friendly

6.5/10

4WD4WDGravel access, off-road suitability

2.6/10

VANCaravanSmooth sealed, gentle grades, no steep passes

Segment quality distribution

Sports score - 8 segments

Poor (<4)100%

Sports score IQR: 2.4 - 2.4

Surface

Surface coverage

Sealed16%Unsealed84%

Score breakdown

Median component scores across all segments

Surface

5.0

Median surface quality. Smooth sealed asphalt scores 10. Chipseal 8. Gravel 5.

Curviness

6.3

Median curviness. Higher scores mean more bends per kilometre.

Speed

7.4

Speed limit suitability. Sweet spot is 60-110 km/h.

Road classTertiary road

9.0

Road classification. Motorways score zero. Tertiary roads score 9.

Traffic

9.0

Estimated traffic density. Lower traffic = higher score.

Elevation

3.4

Elevation change per kilometre. More climbing = higher score.

Road intel

Wet riskElevated

Average wet sensitivity across segments, based on surface, drainage, gradient and local rainfall.

Night riskPresent

Visibility at night across the road, weighted by lighting, tree canopy density and curves.

Wind exposureModerate

Average wind exposure across segments, based on measured wind speed, terrain and shelter. Relevant for motorcycles and caravans.

Road environment

Geometry and climate-derived risk indicators

Wet road exposure58%

Night driving risk60%

Wind exposure47%

Sun glare risk25%

Wildlife strike risk11%

Risk values derived from road geometry, orientation, weather station data, and satellite canopy cover. 0 = minimal risk, 1 = maximum risk.

Road roughness

NAASRA roughness index - median across segments

3.84IRI m/km

Coverage: 9% of segments surveyed. Source: Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Segments

Top 14 segments by sports score

IDSurfaceLengthSportsMotoEV

#142139303Asphalt0.28 km7.57.57.5 #142466035Paved0.19 km7.27.17.1 #142466036Paved0.11 km6.26.16.5 #142928117Paved0.14 km3.45.05.9 #142887512Gravel0.49 km2.45.74.0 #142361283Gravel0.50 km2.45.94.0 #142887510Gravel0.50 km2.44.94.0 #142361282Gravel0.50 km2.46.04.0 #142887513Gravel0.01 km2.44.44.0 #142928116Gravel0.08 km2.44.54.0 #142887511Gravel0.50 km2.44.54.0 #142361284Gravel0.50 km2.46.04.0 #142361281Gravel0.14 km2.45.04.0 #142361285Gravel0.46 km2.46.04.0

API reference

Road aggregate data via the Contour API

GET/api/v1/roads/atherton-road-qldRoad aggregate - scores, stats, risk profile, activity, segment list

GET/api/v1/roads/search?q=Atherton%20Road&state=QLDSearch roads by name

Councils & Government

This road is part of QLD's road network. Contour scores every road in Australia for surface condition, curviness, grey spot classification, and 4WD track passability. If your organisation manages this road or promotes tourism in the region, this data is available via API.

Enquire about council data access →

Frequently asked questions

How long is Atherton Road?+

Atherton Road is approximately 3.6 km long. At typical touring speeds, expect a few minutes of driving end to end, excluding stops.

Is Atherton Road sealed?+

Yes. Atherton Road is fully sealed for its entire length.

Is Atherton Road good for motorcycles?+

It is passable. Atherton Road scores 5.5/10 for motorcycles. Consider it a connector rather than a destination ride.

Can I drive Atherton Road in a caravan?+

Not recommended. Atherton Road scores 2.6/10 for caravans due to geometry, surface or gradient. Consider an alternative route if towing.

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Road data last updated: 28 April 2026. Scores are based on road geometry, surface, and traffic data. Always drive to conditions and follow local road rules.

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