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Best driving roads near Canberra, ACT

Canberra drivers have the Brindabella Ranges directly to the west and the Snowy Mountains within an easy weekend reach.

Roads scored
20
Median RQS
8.7/10
Total kilometres
149 km
ProfileAllSportsMotorcycleEV4WDCaravan
SurfaceAll surfacesSealedMixedUnsealed
Min scoreAny score6+7+8+
  1. 01

    Walwa Shelley Road

    VICSecondary16 km144.1 km away33 grey spots
    9.5
    RQS
  2. 02

    Oallen Road

    VICTertiary1 km94.4 km away2 grey spots
    9.4
    RQS
  3. 03

    Taralga Road

    VICSecondary2 km127.6 km away4 grey spots
    9.1
    RQS
  4. 04

    Corin Road

    ACTUnclassified22 km8.4 km away32 grey spots
    9.1
    RQS
  5. 05

    CPT 149/2 Road

    NSWUnclassified1 km112.3 km away2 grey spots
    9.0
    RQS
  6. 06

    Dunns Creek Road

    NSWTertiary5 km111.9 km away16 grey spots
    8.9
    RQS
  7. 07

    Snow Ridge Road

    VICSecondary7 km75.7 km away17 grey spots
    8.8
    RQS
  8. 08

    Bendalong Road

    NSWTertiary13 km137.4 km away31 grey spots
    8.8
    RQS
  9. 09

    Narrawa Road

    VICSecondary3 km119 km away10 grey spots
    8.8
    RQS
  10. 10

    Wee Jasper Road

    ACTSecondary1 km50.9 km away1 grey spot
    8.7
    RQS
  11. 11

    Paddys River Road

    ACTSecondary17 km13.5 km away23 grey spots
    8.7
    RQS
  12. 12

    North Durras Road

    NSWTertiary4 km119.6 km away10 grey spots
    8.6
    RQS
  13. 13

    Point Hut Road

    ACTTertiary5 km6.6 km away5 grey spots
    8.6
    RQS
  14. 14

    Cobargo Bermagui Road

    NSWSecondary5 km136.9 km away15 grey spots
    8.6
    RQS
  15. 15

    Tumbarumba Road

    VICSecondary1 km123.9 km away3 grey spots
    8.6
    RQS
  16. 16

    Merino Vale Drive

    ACTResidential1 km39 km away2 grey spots
    8.6
    RQS
  17. 17

    Oallen Road

    NSWTertiary7 km100.8 km away17 grey spots
    8.5
    RQS
  18. 18

    Guthega Road

    VICTertiary19 km107.8 km away58 grey spots
    8.5
    RQS
  19. 19

    Batlow Road

    VICSecondary2 km83.1 km away5 grey spots
    8.5
    RQS
  20. 20

    Tidbinbilla Road

    ACTSecondary17 km2.8 km away18 grey spots
    8.5
    RQS

Corin Road, Brindabella Road and Uriarra Road climb into the Namadgi escarpment and offer technical sealed and mixed-surface driving with very little traffic. Heading further south-west, the Snowy Mountains Highway and Alpine Way open up Kosciuszko country. Kings Highway east over Clyde Mountain drops to the south coast.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best driving roads near Canberra?+

Contour's top three scored roads near Canberra are Walwa Shelley Road (VIC, RQS 9.5/10, 144.1 km away); Oallen Road (VIC, RQS 9.4/10, 94.4 km away); Taralga Road (VIC, RQS 9.1/10, 127.6 km away). All are within a two-hour touring drive of the city.

How far should I drive from Canberra to find a great road?+

The nearest excellent-rated road (RQS 8+) is Walwa Shelley Road, about 144.1 km from Canberra. Plenty of good options sit closer if you don't want the full drive.

Are there good motorcycle roads near Canberra?+

Yes. Walwa Shelley Road scores 9.5/10 for motorcycles and sits 144.1 km from Canberra. Several other strong rides sit within the same radius.

What's the best sealed road near Canberra?+

Walwa Shelley Road is fully sealed and scores 9.5/10 for driving quality. It's 144.1 km from Canberra.

Are there any dangerous sections on roads near Canberra?+

Contour has identified grey spots on 20 roads within range of Canberra - sections where the posted speed limit does not match the road geometry. Walwa Shelley Road has 33. Take extra care in wet conditions.

When is the best time to drive near Canberra?+

Brindabella and Snowy roads are snow-gated June-October. Kings Highway can have black ice on winter mornings.

Scores are based on road geometry, surface quality, traffic density, and crash history. Always drive to conditions and follow local road rules.