Hairy-nosed Highway
5 km
distance
35 min
Contour time
2.8
difficulty
Unsealed
surface
Scenery
Queensland
The Springsure area in the central Queensland Highlands holds one of the largest remaining populations of the northern...
Road quality
Grade 2.75
Every segment scored on 40+ data signals.
Accessibility
Fully sealed
Best in 4WD. Peak season: Dry season (Apr-Oct).
7-day forecast
Compact central Queensland track with moderate technical difficulty. A good starting point for drivers new to the region. Short enough for a half-day trip and close enough to Springsure for easy logistics.
Recommended gear: Recovery boards, Snatch strap.
The road
The Hairy-nosed Highway takes its name from the critically endangered northern hairy-nosed wombat - around 300 individuals survive in the Emerald district, making this one of the rarest mammals in the world. The 5-kilometre track through the central Queensland Highlands near Springsure crosses volcanic basalt and sandstone terrain in open savanna country. The difficulty is moderate and a standard high-clearance 4WD handles it comfortably. The track is short enough for a half-day trip and sits close to Springsure for easy logistics. The real value is as a starting point for the Carnarvon Gorge system 45 minutes west - one of Queensland's greatest natural areas with the largest collection of Aboriginal rock art in the southeast.
Why this road
The region
The Springsure area in the central Queensland Highlands holds one of the largest remaining populations of the northern hairy-nosed wombat - a critically endangered species down to around 300 individuals in the wild. The track name references this connection. The surrounding country is Emerald district savanna with volcanic basalt features and sandstone outcrops giving the area its rolling highland character.
Before you go
Fuel in Springsure or Emerald. A compact, approachable track for Queensland 4WD beginners. Standard high-clearance 4WD is adequate. Best in the dry season - central Queensland wet seasons can be extreme.
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Flag itWorth stopping for
Carnarvon Gorge
One of Queensland's greatest natural areas - 45 minutes west of Springsure, the gorge holds the largest collection of Aboriginal rock art in southeast Queensland.
Mount Moffatt section, Carnarvon NP
The remote western section of Carnarvon is accessed via Injune and offers sandstone escarpment country almost nobody visits.
Route
Start
Springsure region
End
Hairy-nosed Highway end
Gallery
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