The Best Australian Road Trips

Whether it’s coastal beach towns, the true Australian outback or the picturesque beauty of tropical forests, Australia has no shortage of unforgettable road trips. Here’s seven of the best.

1. Great Ocean Road, Victoria

One of Australia’s most iconic road trips, the Great Ocean Road, is a 243km drive along the Victorian coast that offers stunning views of the rugged coastlines, beautiful waterfalls and green forests. Best explored in your own vehicle or a rental, the freedom of self-driving allows you to stop whenever you like and explore the sights that catch your eye! Beginning in Torquay, which is located just 90 minutes southwest of Melbourne, and winding its way to Allansford, this Australian Heritage-listed drive is a must-do for its scenic route, small charming towns and beautiful winding roads. One of the many highlights on this drive, the Twelve Apostles, captivates visitors with its sheer beauty – be sure to capture this moment with a memorable snap!

2. The Stuart Highway: Adelaide to Darwin

The Stuart Highway, spanning almost 3000km from Port Augusta in South Australia to Darwin in the Northern Territory, is one of the longest and loneliest highways in Australia. It is an incredible adventure through the heart centre of the country. This classic drive takes adventurers through the ever-changing Australian landscapes, from the mountainous Flinders Ranges to the breath-taking gorges of the Northern Territory and red rock of the central desert. Among others, the road trip has several other iconic sites, including the majestic Flinders Ranges, the iconic Uluru, the stunning Kings Canyon, and the picturesque Katherine Gorge!

3. The Pacific Coast: New South Wales and Queensland

With stunning coastal views, it is easy to see why the Pacific Coast is one of the country’s most traveled roads. Spanning 900km connecting the capital cities of Sydney and Brisbane, the drive allows travellers to discover the iconic beaches, coastal towns and lush rainforests of the east coast. The journey is covered with popular stops that promise memorable experiences. From feeding pelicans at The Entrance and exploring the historic city of Newcastle to revelling in scenic views and swimming at Port Macquarie. Don’t miss the chance to snap a photo with the famous Big Banana at Coffs Harbour, snorkel alongside sea turtles in Byron Bay, or catch a surf break at Surfers Paradise. Each destination along the way adds its charm to this picturesque coastal adventure, making it an unforgettable drive for those exploring the beauty of Australia’s east coast.

4. Red Centre Way, Northern Territory

The 1,135km Red Centre Way road trip is one of the Northern Territory’s most iconic journeys, a World Heritage-listed adventure that spans five to six days through the heart of Australia. Beginning in Alice Springs and journeying through National Parks, to Uluru and back to Alice Springs, this drive allows travellers to experience the night Light-Towers and Field of Lights at Kings Canyon, the stunning red glow of Uluru at sunset, and picturesque watering holes and Ranges of the Red Centre. This road trip offers an exploration of the region’s natural wonders and cultural richness. Red Centre Way is a road trip that truly deserves a spot on everyone’s bucket list!

5. The Savannah Way, Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland

The epic 3700km road trip from Broome, Western Australia to Cairns, North Queensland, officially opened in May 2004 and is an incredible adventure! It is described as the ultimate, unique self-drive road trip, offering an extraordinary range of landscapes and opportunities for adventure. This drive takes travellers through 3 states and five World Heritage areas. The most popular time to do this unique drive is during the dry season, between April and September. However, the summer months (December – March) is a gorgeous time to experience the wonders of the way, with lush green foliage, clear, full-flowing waterways and even greater numbers of colourful, rare birds in the surrounding wetlands. Whether you are camping or staying in accommodation, travelling the entire Savannah Way or just tackling one section at a time, there are many experiences to enjoy.

6. The South West Edge, Western Australia

The South West Edge hero route is a 12 day adventure that covers 1200km from Perth to Esperance. It’s a road trip that will fill your lungs, leave you in awe, and have you breathing more deeply! The drive from Perth to Esperance features spectacular white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, Karri trees and award-winning wineries. From the beach-loving wild kangaroos at Lucky Bay to the Tree Top walk at the Valley of the Giants this road trip is renowned for its serenity and untouched beauty. Notable highlights of this route include strolling along the Busselton Jetty, wining and dining in the Margaret River Wine Region, exploring Hyden’s iconic Wave Rock, and so much more!

7. The Great Eastern Drive, Tasmania

The Great Eastern Drive stretches 220 kilometres and extends between Orford and St Helens on Tasmania’s east coast. The drive from Hobart to the Bay of Fires takes travellers on a journey where they can indulge at award-winning vineyards, basque in the stunning beauty of local beaches and discover historic ruins in the national parks and make the most of many photo-taking opportunities. With a variety of accommodation choices and small beach towns lining the route, this coastal drive caters to varying schedules – whether for a weekend escape or an extended week-long exploration. It’s an invitation to immerse yourself in the wonders of Tasmania’s mesmerising east coast at your own pace.

These road trips offer the best landscapes, natural wonders and unique experiences that the country has to offer. Whatever you are after, whether it’s coastal drives, a unique outback adventure or discovering stunning rainforests, there’s sure to be an Australian road trip for you. So grab your map and get ready to experience an unforgettable journey through some of the most beautiful and untouched landscapes in the world.