This article highlights the best road trips to take in Australia, providing a guide to the most scenic and adventurous routes. From the rugged outback to the stunning coastline, Australia offers some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, making it an ideal destination for road trips.
Australia is a vast country, known for its diverse landscapes and stunning natural beauty. There is no better way to experience the country’s wonders than taking a road trip, where you can witness its diverse flora and fauna, unique wildlife, and breathtaking vistas. Australia’s vast expanse and diverse terrain provide an opportunity to explore various routes that cater to different interests, ranging from rugged outback adventures to coastal drives.
With endless possibilities for adventure, choosing the best road trips can be overwhelming. Here are some of the top road trips to consider for your next adventure in Australia.
The Great Ocean Road, Victoria:
The Great Ocean Road is Australia’s most famous coastal drive, taking you along the rugged coastline of Victoria. This 243-kilometre road trip features some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, including the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Great Otway National Park. Along the way, you can explore seaside towns, swim on pristine beaches, and spot koalas and kangaroos in the wild.
The Gibb River Road, Western Australia:
The Gibb River Road is one of Australia’s most challenging and adventurous road trips, taking you through the remote and rugged Kimberley region of Western Australia. This 660-kilometre road trip takes you through some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes, including towering gorges, waterfalls, and ancient rock formations. You will need a 4WD vehicle to navigate this route, and camping is the only accommodation option.
The Great Alpine Road, Victoria:
The Great Alpine Road is a picturesque drive through the Victorian High Country, offering stunning mountain scenery and charming alpine towns. This 308-kilometre road trip takes you through the Alpine National Park, featuring spectacular views of the Australian Alps, lush forests, and alpine meadows. Along the way, you can stop in charming towns like Bright and Beechworth, famous for their wineries and local produce.
The Savannah Way, Northern Territory, and Queensland:
The Savannah Way is a 3700-kilometre drive that takes you from Cairns, Queensland, to Broome, Western Australia, crossing the remote and rugged landscapes of the Northern Territory. This drive takes you through the heart of the Australian outback, featuring vast savannah grasslands, ancient gorges, and stunning waterfalls. You can experience the unique culture of the Aboriginal communities along the way and explore some of Australia’s most remote and spectacular national parks.
The Eyre Peninsula, South Australia:
The Eyre Peninsula is a scenic coastal drive that takes you along South Australia’s rugged coastline. This 1000-kilometre road trip features some of the country’s most pristine beaches, including Baird Bay, Coffin Bay, and Port Lincoln. Along the way, you can swim with sea lions, shark cage dive, and explore ancient caves. The region is also famous for its seafood, with Port Lincoln being the home of Australia’s largest fishing fleet.
The Nullarbor Plain, Western Australia and South Australia:
The Nullarbor Plain is a 1675-kilometre drive that takes you across the vast and remote desert landscapes of Western Australia and South Australia. This drive takes you along the world’s longest stretch of straight road, crossing the iconic Nullarbor Plain and the Great Australian Bight. Along the way, you can spot unique wildlife, including kangaroos, emus, and camels.
The Red Centre Way, Northern Territory:
The Red Centre Way is an 1130-kilometre loop that takes you through the heart of the Australian outback, showcasing some of the country’s most iconic landmarks. This drive takes you through the Red Centre, featuring ancient rock formations, including Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Along the way, you can explore Aboriginal culture, experience the thrill of hot air ballooning, and visit stunning gorges and waterholes.
The Tasmanian East Coast Drive, Tasmania:
The Tasmanian East Coast Drive is a 176-kilometre drive that takes you along the stunning coastline of Tasmania. This drive takes you through the Freycinet National Park, featuring pink granite mountains, white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Along the way, you can indulge in local seafood, explore charming towns like Swansea and Bicheno, and experience some of Australia’s best hikes.
The Great Barrier Reef Drive, Queensland:
The Great Barrier Reef Drive is a 140-kilometre coastal drive that takes you along one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. This drive takes you from Cairns to Port Douglas, featuring stunning views of the coral sea, tropical rainforests, and the Great Barrier Reef. Along the way, you can explore the Daintree Rainforest, take a scenic flight over the reef, and go snorkelling or diving.
The Ocean Road and The Whitsundays, Victoria and Queensland:
The Ocean Road and the Whitsundays is a 3300-kilometre road trip that takes you along two of Australia’s most iconic destinations. This drive takes you along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, featuring stunning coastal views, and the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland, offering some of the country’s most beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. Along the way, you can explore the Great Barrier Reef, hike through the Otway rainforest, and indulge in local seafood.
The Legendary Pacific Coast, New South Wales:
The Legendary Pacific Coast is a 900-kilometre road trip that takes you along the scenic coastline of New South Wales. This drive takes you through charming seaside towns, stunning beaches, and lush hinterland areas. Along the way, you can explore the Byron Bay lighthouse, surf the famous waves of the Gold Coast, and experience the laid-back coastal lifestyle of Australia.
The South-West Edge, Western Australia:
The South-West Edge is a 1200-kilometre road trip that takes you along the scenic coastline of Western Australia. This drive takes you through some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes, including towering karri forests, pristine beaches, and rugged coastlines. Along the way, you can indulge in local wines and fresh produce, explore the Margaret River region, and spot unique wildlife.
Conclusion:
Australia offers some of the world’s most scenic and adventurous road trips, featuring diverse landscapes, unique wildlife, and charming towns. Whether you prefer coastal drives, outback adventures, or mountain scenery, there is a road trip for everyone. From the Great Ocean Road in Victoria to the Nullarbor Plain in Western Australia, these road trips offer an opportunity to experience Australia’s natural wonders and unique culture. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and embark on an adventure of a lifetime!
