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There’s something truly magical about an Australian road trip. This vast country offers a myriad of experiences, from the striking red dust of the Red Centre to the serene white sands of the East Coast.
Given that Australia is the sixth largest country in the world, larger than the entire continent of Europe, covering the whole nation by road may not be practical for everyone. Therefore, we’ve curated a list of our favorite Australian road trips to help you embark on a journey that resonates with you.
From the stunning Great Ocean Road hugging the Southern Ocean to the adventurous Red Centre Way, Australia offers some of the most epic road trips imaginable.
When you’re ready to take the wheel, crank up your favorite playlist, and stock up on snacks, don’t overlook these incredible road trips across Australia.
Tip: If you don’t have your own vehicle, be sure to arrange a rental for your Australian road trip. If you’re coming from abroad, we suggest using DiscoverCars, a pricing comparison site showcasing the best rental companies. For camp-friendly vehicles, check out RV Share, where you can find motorhomes and RVs of various sizes, all available from multiple locations.
1. Great Ocean Road, Victoria
- START | END: Torquay to Warrnambool
- DISTANCE: 250 km
- TIME RECOMMENDED: 2 – 3 days
The Great Ocean Road is not just one of Australia’s most renowned road trips; it’s also celebrated globally as one of the best scenic drives. Starting just an hour from Melbourne in Torquay, this route stretches over 250 kilometers and follows the coastline all the way to Warrnambool. It showcases breathtaking coastal vistas, wildlife, waterfalls, and charming seaside towns.
As you navigate the road, you’ll encounter wind-swept beaches, craggy sea stacks, and stunning coastal landscapes. Don’t miss highlights like The Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Port Campbell National Park, and Apollo Bay. My advice? Don’t rush straight to the Twelve Apostles for a quick snapshot. Take your time to savor all the region has to offer.
It’s best not to attempt this drive in a single day, as it truly deserves a few days for exploration.
Read more: Check out our full guide to a Great Ocean Road road trip.
2. Red Centre Way, Northern Territory
- START | END: Alice Springs to Uluru
- DISTANCE: 468 km
- TIME RECOMMENDED: 5-6 days
No Australian road trip is complete without a journey through the Outback’s Red Centre. Covering over 5.6 million square kilometers, the Outback constitutes 70-81% of Australia’s landmass. Renowned for its remoteness and semi-arid landscapes, this vast region offers otherworldly views.
The Red Centre Way provides a beautiful alternative to the Stuart Highway between Uluru and Alice Springs, traversing impressive landscapes, gorges, and hiking trails in the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Key attractions along this route include Glen Helen Gorge, King’s Canyon, and the iconic UNESCO-listed Ayres Rock. Make sure to allocate ample time to soak in the marvels of Uluru and nearby Kata Tjuta, the true heart of Australia, where multiple experiences await.
3. The Savannah Way, Queensland
- START | END: Cairns to Broome
- DISTANCE: 3,700 km
- TIME RECOMMENDED: 1-2 weeks
The Savannah Way is an extraordinary road trip that stretches from the tropical city of Cairns in Queensland to Broome in Western Australia, covering a substantial 3,700 kilometers. Although I’ve only traveled as far as the Northern Territory border, the experiences from Cairns to this point were certainly a highlight of my time exploring Outback Queensland.
This journey features numerous landmarks in the Top End, such as Millaa Millaa Falls, Atherton Tablelands, Undara Lava Tubes, Cobbold Gorge, and Boodjamulla National Park.
Read more: Consult our ultimate guide to driving the Savannah Way.
4. Cairns to Cape Tribulation, Queensland
- START | END: Cape Tribulation to Cairns (or vice versa)
- DISTANCE: 150 km
- TIME RECOMMENDED: 3-4 days
Tropical North Queensland is one of the most captivating regions in Australia. It’s home to two of our nation’s most iconic natural wonders: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.
The optimal time for visiting Tropical North Queensland is during the winter months when humidity dips and stinger season is avoided. The Cairns to Cape Tribulation road is immersed in ancient rainforest. We enjoyed kayaking along the Mossman Gorge River, right within the breathtaking Daintree National Park. Serious adventurers can venture further to Cape York, though most travelers cap their journeys at Cape Tribulation.
Video: Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation Road Trip, Queensland
Catch our video playlist showcasing the road trip from Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation.
5. Sydney to Brisbane, New South Wales and Queensland
- START | END: Sydney to Brisbane
- DISTANCE: 928 km
- TIME RECOMMENDED: 3-4 days
The legendary Pacific Coast route between Sydney and Brisbane is a popular East Coast road trip, renowned as one of Australia’s finest journeys. Spanning 900 kilometers along the Pacific Coast corridor, this drive offers stunning beaches, rolling hills, picturesque towns, river scenery, wineries, as well as plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching and water sports.
Essential stopping points include the Hunter Valley wine region, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Explorers Way, Byron Bay, Yamba, Kingscliff, and the Gold Coast. If time allows, extend your trip along the coast all the way to Cairns via Port Stephens and the Sunshine Coast to Noosa North Shore.
Consider taking day trips out to amazing island destinations like the Whitsundays or Airlie Beach — a detour that could easily add another week to your itinerary.
Read more: See our ultimate Sydney to Brisbane itinerary and North Coast NSW road trip: Lennox Head to Brisbane Road Trip.
6. Darwin to Kakadu to Katherine to Litchfield, Northern Territories
- START | END: Darwin
- DISTANCE: 950 km
- TIME RECOMMENDED: 2-3 days
Exploring Australia’s Northern Territory from Darwin is incomplete without a loop trip encompassing Kakadu National Park, Katherine Gorge, and Litchfield National Park. This adventure is an absolute must-do when in the Top End.
Your drive begins and ends with spectacular sunsets in Darwin. Along the route, experience the stunning wetlands and wildlife of Kakadu National Park, the breathtaking scenery around Katherine, and the refreshing waterfalls and swimming holes in Litchfield.
The journey includes highlights like the renowned Mindil Beach Markets in Darwin.
Read more: Discover the highlights of a Northern Territory road trip.
7. Gibb River Road Trip, Western Australia
- START | END: Derby to Kununurra
- DISTANCE: 700 km
- TIME RECOMMENDED: 4-5 days
The Gibb River Road in Western Australia is known for its adventurous spirit, offering 4-wheel drive enthusiasts a chance to traverse the heart of The Kimberley, one of Australia’s last wilderness frontiers. This roughly 700-kilometer drive begins near Derby and culminates near Kununurra, featuring splendid gorges, waterfalls, cattle stations, and rich Aboriginal culture.
Whether you choose to travel north or south, be mindful of ever-changing road conditions determined by the season. Travel is generally advisable once the road has been cleared of rain, typically from May through October.
The journey along the Gibb River road leads you past awe-inspiring spots such as Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, Bell Gorge, Adcock Gorge, and Emma’s Gorge. Note that because I lacked a 4WD vehicle, I could only explore the northern sector.
Read more: The ultimate guide to the Gibb River Road: 14-day itinerary.
8. Broome to Perth, Western Australia
- START | END: Broome to Perth
- DISTANCE: 3,900 km
- TIME RECOMMENDED: Minimum 2 weeks
The West Coast of Australia is extraordinary, and the 3,900-kilometer stretch from Broome to Perth showcases some of the nation’s best landscapes and stunning beaches. I recommend taking at least two weeks to explore this scenic coastline—honestly, it could easily occupy your attention for that long!
Don’t forget your snorkeling gear and camping supplies, plus your camera for unforgettable photography opportunities. Consider making a detour from Port Hedland to Karijini National Park, acclaimed as one of Australia’s best national parks.
This drive includes stops at iconic sites such as Cable Beach in Broome, Ningaloo Reef, Coral Bay, Shark Bay, Kalbarri, Monkey Mia, and the remarkable Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park.
9. The 75 Mile Highway, Fraser Island, Queensland
- START | END: Fraser Island
- DISTANCE: 120 km
- TIME RECOMMENDED: 1 day
Did you know that the 75 Mile Beach on K’Gari, also known as Fraser Island, is a part of the Bruce Highway? It’s also the largest sand island in the world!
If you’re eager to venture off-road and enjoy exhilarating beach driving while exploring shipwrecks and pristine lakes, Fraser Island is an ideal destination for thrilling 4-wheel driving experiences.
The drive along the Fraser Island road traverses the legendary 75 Mile Beach with stops at Eli Creek, Maheno Shipwreck, Lake Mackenzie, and Kingfisher Bay.
10. Alice Springs to the Gold Coast, Outback Queensland
START | END: Alice Springs to Gold Coast
DISTANCE: 6,540 km
TIME RECOMMENDED: 1-2 weeks
Returning to the Gold Coast via Outback Queensland, passing Mount Isa, Winton, Longreach, and Charleville was a delightful way to conclude our 18-month Australian road trip.
Along this scenic stretch, we encountered some of the friendliest people and fascinating history in various towns. Key attractions include the Australian Age of Dinosaurs in Winton, the Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach, and the Cosmos Centre in Charleville.
Read more: Explore our 5-night Sandstone Wilderness Road Trip guide.
11. Sydney to Jervis Bay Road Trip, New South Wales
- START | END: Sydney to Jervis Bay
- DISTANCE: 186 km
- TIME RECOMMENDED: 1-2 days
While a direct drive from Sydney to Jervis Bay typically takes about 2.5 hours, several must-see spots are worth stopping for along the journey.
Exiting Sydney, you’ll soon find yourself in the Royal National Park, the second-oldest national park in the world.
Then, the Grand Pacific Drive leads you along the breathtaking coastline toward Wollongong and over the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, passing through Pebbly Beach, Kangaroo Valley, and numerous other picturesque locations before arriving at Jervis Bay.
12. Launceston to Hobart, Tasmania
- START | END: Launceston to Hobart
- DISTANCE: 559 km
- TIME RECOMMENDED: 4-5 days
Tasmania is one of Australia’s great driving destinations, and the scenic road trip from Launceston to Hobart via the east coast includes iconic spots throughout the region.
Starting in Launceston, you can explore St Helens, enjoying the remarkable Bay of Fires and Binalong Bay before continuing south through Bicheno, Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay, and Hazards Beach, ultimately reaching Hobart.
13. The Nullarbor, Western and Southern Australia
- START | END: Ceduna to Norseman
- DISTANCE: 1,200 km
- TIME RECOMMENDED: 3-4 days
Often dubbed the Nullar-Boring, I found our three-day journey across Australia’s longest road stretch to be quite fascinating. The Nullarbor Plain forms an expansive landscape along the Eyre Highway, spanning approximately 2,700 km, with 1,200 km linking Ceduna in South Australia to Norseman in Western Australia.
The wide-open spaces on the Nullarbor can be both stunning and eerily beautiful. You can embark on this route from Melbourne, Adelaide, or Perth, heading either west to east or vice versa.
Be sure to check out the Nullarbor Links, an extraordinary 18-hole golf course stretching 1,365 km, and unique points of interest such as the Bunda Cliffs, whale watching at Head of Bight (from June to October), and more.
14. The Eyre Peninsula, South Australia
- START | END: Elliston
- DISTANCE: 374 km
- TIME RECOMMENDED: 3-6 days
If you’re in the mood for seafood, adventures with seals and sharks, or breathtaking coastlines and serene beaches, the Eyre Peninsula is for you.
We completed a memorable six-day road trip through the Eyre Peninsula, visiting remarkable national parks such as Flinders Ranges and Port Lincoln National Park, alongside stunning highlights such as swimming with sea lions in Port Lincoln and indulging in oysters at Coffin Bay.
Video: Watch our Eyre Peninsula road trip
Don’t miss our videos documenting the Eyre Peninsula road trip, including our swimming escapades with sea lions. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel!
15. Kangaroo Island Loop, South Australia
- START | END: Kangaroo Island
- DISTANCE: 155 km
- TIME RECOMMENDED: 4-5 days
When visiting Kangaroo Island, anticipate spotting koalas nestled in trees, seals frolicking on the beaches, dolphins dancing in the waters, and, naturally, kangaroos bouncing around.
Spanning 155 km, Australia’s third-largest island features breathtaking cliffs, rugged coastlines, dense national parks, towering sand dunes, and unspoiled beaches. Most of the island is preserved, ensuring an authentic experience for visitors now and in the future.
Don’t skip attractions such as the view from Dudley Peninsula (complete with winery vistas!), Kingscote, swimming with dolphins, Flinders Chase National Park, Seal Bay, and the impressive Remarkable Rocks. There’s also the chance to sandboard in the Little Sahara Desert.
Final Thoughts
Here you have some of our personal favorite roadways in Australia. You can tackle these trips one at a time or combine them for a grand journey, often referred to as the ‘Big Lap.’ This megatrip around the country can take anywhere from three months to 18 months to complete (we took 18 months).
Whichever route you choose, ensure your vehicle is adequately prepared and serviced beforehand. Encountering mechanical issues in the Outback can be quite the adventure—not the good kind.
With so much to explore, there’s only one way to truly experience Australia—a road trip. The country boasts stunning attractions, from vast deserts and tropical islands to dense jungles and sprawling coastlines, alongside rich culture and unparalleled wildlife.
Instead of hopping on a flight from point A to point B and missing out on everything in-between, a road trip allows your journey to be as memorable as the destination itself.
More Inspiration for Planning an Australia Road Trip
In need of further inspiration for your Aussie road trip? Check out the following resources:
