Australia is a country built for road trips. From coast-to-coast highways to remote outback tracks, every journey offers something unique. But not every drive is about sunny beaches and stunning landscapes — some roads carry eerie reputations, ghostly legends, and downright spine-chilling stories.
At Redspot Car Rentals, we know the thrill of a great road trip is sometimes in the unexpected. So buckle up: here are six of the spookiest roads in Australia — and why exploring them with a reliable hire car (and maybe a good sense of humour) could make for a road trip story you’ll never forget.
1. Mount Victoria Pass, NSW — The Lady in Black
Just outside Lithgow in New South Wales, the Mount Victoria Pass is infamous for its ghostly hitchhiker: The Lady in Black. According to stories dating back to the 19th century, a mournful woman dressed head-to-toe in black clings to passing vehicles, sometimes causing terrified drivers to lose control.
The figure is believed to be the ghost of Caroline Collits, who was murdered in 1842 and whose story inspired Henry Lawson’s haunting poem The Ghost at the Second Bridge. Whether you believe in spirits or not, this winding mountain road is enough to raise goosebumps — especially after dark.
🚗 Redspot Tip: If you’re planning a Blue Mountains road trip, hire a car in Sydney and head west via the Great Western Highway. It’s a beautiful drive, but best taken slowly and carefully — ghost or no ghost.
2. The Tanami Road, NT/WA — Outback Isolation
Stretching from Alice Springs in the Northern Territory to Halls Creek in Western Australia, the Tanami Road is one of Australia’s most isolated highways. Out here, your only company might be kangaroos, dingoes, and the occasional long road train.
The creep factor? The Tanami passes near Wolfe Creek Crater — made famous (or infamous) by the horror film Wolf Creek. The movie’s chilling tale of stranded travellers has made many think twice about camping in the outback alone.
🚗 Redspot Tip: Always book a reliable rental vehicle if you’re heading out of town. A sturdy SUV or 4WD with plenty of fuel is essential. Out here, mobile service is patchy and roadside assistance can be hours away — so planning ahead is non-negotiable.
3. Newell Highway, NSW — The Pilliga Princess
The Newell Highway near Coonabarabran carries the legend of the Pilliga Princess. Known in life as a local recluse who pushed a shopping trolley along the highway, she tragically died in a truck accident in 1993. Truck drivers still report seeing her ghostly figure walking the roadside late at night.
The mix of bushland shadows, long night drives, and highway fatigue makes this a genuinely eerie place to travel. Even seasoned truckies admit to keeping their eyes peeled for the Princess on quiet nights.
🚗 Redspot Tip: If you’re road tripping through NSW, plan your stops and avoid long night drives. Fatigue is one of the biggest dangers on highways like the Newell — spookier than any ghost.
4. Anti-Gravity Hill, VIC — Straws Lane, Woodend
Sometimes the spooky isn’t about ghosts at all — it’s about science that doesn’t seem to make sense. Near Woodend, Victoria, is Anti-Gravity Hill, a stretch of road where cars appear to roll uphill instead of down.
Pour water on the bitumen and it flows the wrong way. Place your car in neutral at the bottom of the hill and watch as it slowly moves backwards — uphill. Optical illusion or paranormal activity? You decide.
🚗 Redspot Tip: This is an easy detour from Melbourne — hire a car in the city and head north toward the Macedon Ranges. Perfect for a quirky day trip.
5. Belanglo State Forest, NSW — The Backpacker Murders
Belanglo State Forest is known for its trails, campsites, and off-road tracks. But its darker claim to fame is the Backpacker Murders of the 1990s, carried out by Ivan Milat. Seven bodies were discovered in the forest, and questions still linger about whether Milat acted alone.
For locals and travellers alike, Belanglo remains a place of both natural beauty and chilling history. Many visitors report feeling uneasy driving through at night.
🚗 Redspot Tip: If you’re renting a car to explore NSW’s forests, always check whether your hire car is permitted on unsealed tracks. Some require 4WD clearance, and others are excluded from insurance cover. Better safe than spooky.
6. Wakehurst Parkway, NSW — The Nun in the Back Seat
Wakehurst Parkway, just north of Sydney, is the kind of road that earns whispered reputations. Drivers claim to see a ghostly woman in a white dress on Middle Creek Bridge, while others report a nun appearing suddenly in the back seat of moving cars.
The stories have inspired documentaries and even paranormal investigations. Whether you’re a sceptic or a believer, it’s the kind of road that makes you glance in your rear-view mirror just a little more often.
🚗 Redspot Tip: The Parkway is also a busy commuter route. Keep your eyes on the road, even if the back seat feels a little… crowded.
Driving Spooky Roads Safely
Haunted roads aside, the real danger for drivers is often fatigue, isolation, or poor preparation. Here are a few practical reminders before you set out:
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Choose the right rental vehicle: For city detours, a compact car is perfect. For outback adventures, book an SUV or 4WD.
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Plan your stops: Long night drives can be dangerous. Break your trip into manageable stretches.
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Stay connected: Download offline maps and let someone know your travel plans if you’re driving remote routes.
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Insurance matters: Some of the strangest accidents are also the hardest to explain. Having the right rental cover means peace of mind — whether it’s a roo on the road or a ghost in the headlights.
Final Thoughts: Brave Enough to Drive Them?
Australia’s roads hold countless stories — some beautiful, some tragic, and a few just plain eerie. From optical illusions to chilling ghost tales, these routes remind us that driving is about more than getting from A to B — it’s about the journey, and sometimes, the mystery.
At Redspot Car Rentals, we’ll leave the ghosts to your imagination — but we’ll make sure you have the perfect car to explore Australia safely, comfortably, and with a story or two to tell when you return.
👉 Ready for your own adventure? Book your Redspot rental car today and explore Australia’s roads — spooky or not — your way.