From The Bogan Way to Thong Avenue, Australia is packed with quirky street names - but which ones take the crown for the funniest?
International freight forwarder International Cargo Express (ICE) analysed every Australian street name on OpenStreetMaps, using computational humour detection techniques, including sentiment analysis and pun recognition algorithms, to identify the quirkiest and most amusing names. The Northern Territory and South Australia weren’t included due to a lack of data.
The list was then ranked by stand-up comedian David Rose, whose online videos have amassed more than 20 million views and who is currently on tour in Australia.
Possibly named after the Victorian town Dookie, renowned for its agricultural college, Dookie Street fits Farrer’s farming-inspired theme, as the suburb itself is named after pioneering wheat breeder William James Farrer. Not just a nod to agriculture, it’s reported that the Dookie Street sign is subject to theft, possibly due to its associations with popular culture such as the Green Day album called ‘Dookie’.
David Rose says: "Dookie Street encapsulated our nation’s capital in a way that no other street could. I think all Australians can agree that Canberra can resemble something of a circus at times. Extra points awarded to this street for sharing a name with a great Green Day album.”
New South Wales: Lois Lane, Minto
A clever play on words, Lois Lane shares the same name as Superman’s famous love interest. The origins of this specific street name are unknown, but similar streets inspired by DC Comics exist worldwide, including in Worcester, Massachusetts.
David says of Lois Lane: "The street name stands out for the simplicity of its name. Australians love nothing more than an on-the-nose joke. If you’re naming a lane, why not call it Lois? It’s a shame it wasn’t in Melbourne, then we could have had the Batman Tunnel leading to Lois Lane. Superman would have been jealous.”
Honourable mentions: New South Wales
Bigga Place, Googong: "Obviously, this has been coined by a man annoyed by the size of his rental property, which is a perennial issue in New South Wales.”
The Bogan Way, Daisy Springs and Bogan Gate: "If Australia ever has a Divine figure who attains enlightenment after throwing back a six-pack of tinnies, that would be the name of our religious text.”
Queensland: Back Passage, Stanmore
Back Passage is a rural road with an unfortunate name, proving Queensland doesn’t shy away from a bit of cheeky humour. In Queensland, street names often derive from various sources, including local history, notable individuals, indigenous words or geographical features.
David says of the tongue-in-cheek name Back Passage: "Enough said. If you can’t get in through the front passage, good luck convincing your partner to use this road.”
Honourable mentions: Queensland
Bum Bum Road, St Auby: "Did the same guy name all of these streets? I think he might have accidentally typed in his search history when he went to work that day.”
Thong Avenue, Stockyard: "Thankfully, this road covers up all of the above.”
South Australia: Cold And Wet Road, Field, Coonalpyn
The name ‘Cold and Wet’ originates from a pastoral station established in the area, aptly named to reflect the challenging climatic conditions faced by early settlers.
David says: "Sometimes, you have to call it as you see it. One of the greatest things about being Australian is our laconic sense of humour. We like to name things as they are: South Australia, Snakes, Northern Territory and Cold and Wet Road. Did you know ‘Australia’ is Latin for ‘Great Southern Land’? I’m going to name my firstborn ‘daughter’.”
Honourable mention: South Australia
Wooly Butt Road, Upper Sturt: "Having said that, I really hope this wasn't a case of naming it as you see it. How hairy do you have to be for it to cover the whole road? Someone get this man some clippers.”
Victoria: Spanker Road, Buchan South (near Nowa Nowa)
Spanker Road likely takes its name from Spanker Knob, a nearby hill in East Gippsland. but its modern connotations make it a hilarious standout.
David says: "When I was growing up, spanking was a common form of discipline. There’s no way they could have a road named this in 2025. If they were naming this today, it’d be called ‘Mild Verbal Discouragement from a Helicopter Parent…Road’.”
Honourable mention: Victoria
Lusty Lane, Nyah West (rural city of Swan Hill): "The morally loose sister of Lois Lane in New South Wales.”
Western Australia - Stoner Street, Innaloo
While Innaloo itself is already an amusing suburb name, Stoner Street makes it even better. The area features other streets reportedly named after Norse mythology figures, such as Odin Road and Thor Street.
David says: "I used to live here but I kept forgetting my address and eating all my food late at night.”
Honourable mention: Western Australia
Struggle Street, Xantippe: "Where every Australian comedian lives.”
Ronald Spahr, Managing Director at icecargo.com.au commented on the findings:
"While humorous, many of Australia’s street names have deep ties to the land and the people who settled it. Australians have always had a knack for turning the mundane into something humorous, it's a way of keeping things light-hearted, even in the midst of hard work, like building a home in the outback or establishing a small community.
"Next time you find yourself bored on a car journey through the outback or country lanes, just look around at the street signs and you’ll soon find yourself amused.”
