Australia is a vast and diverse country, offering some of the most scenic and adventurous road trips in the world. Whether you're a nature lover, beach enthusiast, or history buff, there's a road trip to suit every taste. Embarking on one of these routes allows you to explore Australia's natural beauty, unique wildlife, and charming towns at your own pace. Here are some of the best road trips in Australia that will take your adventure to the next level.
1. Great Ocean Road, Victoria 🏖️
Why? The Great Ocean Road is one of the most iconic coastal drives in the world, stretching for 243 kilometers along Victoria's stunning coastline. With its dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and rock formations like the Twelve Apostles, it’s a must-do road trip for any traveler.
How? Start in Torquay and drive towards Allansford, stopping at famous sites such as the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Great Otway National Park for waterfalls and rainforest walks.
You must know: The road can be winding in some areas, so take your time to enjoy the scenic viewpoints. It’s best explored over two to three days to fully appreciate all the stops.
2. The Nullarbor Plain, South Australia to Western Australia 🌄
Why? For the ultimate outback experience, the Nullarbor Plain is a vast, arid region that offers a true sense of adventure and isolation. The journey spans 1,200 kilometers from South Australia to Western Australia, with long stretches of flat, open road.
How? Begin in Ceduna, South Australia, and head west toward Norseman, Western Australia. Along the way, explore the stunning Bunda Cliffs, the vast salt flats of Lake Eyre, and even stop at the unique Nullarbor Links, the world’s longest golf course.
You must know: Prepare well for this trip, as fuel stations and amenities are sparse. Carry extra water, food, and emergency supplies.
3. Pacific Coast Drive, New South Wales to Queensland 🏝️
Why? This classic route stretches from Sydney to Brisbane, covering about 900 kilometers of stunning coastline, picturesque beaches, and lively towns. It’s perfect for those looking to combine beach relaxation with city exploration.
How? Stop at popular spots like Port Stephens for dolphin watching, Coffs Harbour for the Big Banana, Byron Bay for surfing, and the Gold Coast for theme parks and nightlife.
You must know: The best time to take this road trip is during the warmer months (September to April), when you can enjoy swimming and other outdoor activities.
4. Gibb River Road, Western Australia 🚙
Why? For a rugged and remote adventure, the Gibb River Road takes you through the heart of the Kimberley region. This 660-kilometer unpaved track offers stunning gorges, waterholes, and unique outback scenery.
How? A 4WD vehicle is essential, as the road is rough and may involve creek crossings. Stop at attractions such as Emma Gorge, El Questro, and Bell Gorge to experience the best of the Kimberley's natural beauty.
You must know: The road is usually only accessible during the dry season (April to October), as heavy rains can make it impassable.
5. Tasmania's East Coast, Tasmania 🏞️
Why? Tasmania’s East Coast is a stunning road trip that showcases the island's natural beauty, from crystal-clear bays to historic towns. It’s about 300 kilometers from Hobart to the Bay of Fires, with plenty of stops along the way.
How? Explore the stunning Freycinet National Park, home to Wineglass Bay, then continue north to Bicheno to see little penguins and finally reach the Bay of Fires for its pristine beaches and bright orange lichen-covered rocks.
You must know: Tasmania's weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers and be prepared for sudden changes.
6. The Red Centre Way, Northern Territory 🏜️
Why? The Red Centre Way takes you through the heart of Australia’s outback, allowing you to experience iconic landscapes such as Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), and Kings Canyon. It's about a 1,135-kilometer loop starting and ending in Alice Springs.
How? Begin in Alice Springs, head to Kings Canyon for a rim walk, then continue to Uluru and Kata Tjuta for awe-inspiring desert landscapes and Indigenous cultural experiences.
You must know: Bring plenty of water and fuel, as distances between towns and services are vast. Respect the cultural significance of the area and consider taking a guided tour to learn about the Indigenous history.
7. The Savannah Way, Northern Territory to Queensland 🌿
Why? Spanning over 3,700 kilometers, the Savannah Way crosses from Cairns in Queensland to Broome in Western Australia, passing through rugged outback terrain, tropical rainforests, and remote towns.
How? Start in Cairns and make your way west, stopping at highlights such as the Undara Lava Tubes, Mataranka Thermal Springs, and Kakadu National Park. Finish in Broome, where you can relax on Cable Beach.
You must know: Parts of the route are unsealed, so a 4WD is recommended. The dry season (May to October) is the best time for this road trip.
8. Great Alpine Road, Victoria 🏔️
Why? The Great Alpine Road is a 339-kilometer drive through Victoria's High Country, offering breathtaking mountain scenery, alpine forests, and charming towns.
How? Start in Wangaratta and travel through Bright, Mount Hotham, and Omeo, ending in Bairnsdale. Enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and even skiing in winter.
You must know: The road can be icy and snow-covered in winter, so check conditions and drive carefully if traveling during this time.
9. Eyre Peninsula, South Australia 🦈
Why? The Eyre Peninsula is a haven for marine life enthusiasts, offering unique experiences such as cage diving with great white sharks and swimming with sea lions. The road trip covers about 750 kilometers from Whyalla to Ceduna.
How? Visit Coffin Bay for fresh oysters, Port Lincoln for shark diving, and the rugged coastline of the Great Australian Bight.
You must know: This area is perfect for seafood lovers, with plenty of fresh catch to enjoy along the way.
10. The Big Lap (Circumnavigating Australia) 🏝️
Why? The Big Lap is the ultimate Australian road trip, covering around 14,000 kilometers around the entire continent. It offers the opportunity to experience everything from tropical beaches and rainforests to deserts and bustling cities.
How? This trip can take several months to complete. Popular stops include the Great Barrier Reef, Darwin, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney. Plan your route based on weather patterns to avoid extreme heat in the north during summer.
You must know: This trip requires significant planning, including preparing for long stretches without services and securing permits for certain areas.
These road trips showcase the best of Australia's diverse landscapes and offer endless opportunities for adventure. Whether you choose a coastal drive, a desert trek, or a mountainous journey, you're guaranteed a road trip to remember. 🚗🌞🌏
🏆 Click and find more on [Google] , [Bing], [YouTube]
