From the outback to the coast, explore Australia’s most spectacular road trips.
Perth to Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Spanning 300 kms of turquoise vistas, coral reefs and rust-coloured gorges, this epic drive deserves a spot on any bucket list.
The Heritage Highway, Tasmania
This road trip is a prime example of why sometimes, it pays to take the scenic route. While this drive from Launceston to Hobart takes 1 to 2 days (compared to 2.5 hours for the direct route), it carves a trail through some of Tassie’s most gorgeous scenery and historic towns.
The Great Ocean Road. Victoria
It would be remiss of us not to mention this World Heritage-listed road trip! Stretching more than 243 kms along the South-Eastern coast of Australia, this coastal drive traverses lush rainforests, iconic surf breaks and breathtaking mountain formations.
The Gibb’s River Road, Western Australia
If you prefer to take your driving adventures off-road, this is the trip for you. The 700 km 4WD track will take you past The Kimberlies region’s famous gorges and epic cattle station in an unforgettable outback odyssey.
The Great Barrier Reef Drive, Queensland
The 150 km journey from Cairns to Cape Tribulation is one you’re not likely to ever forget. It sees you go from cities to jungles to beaches, stopping for plenty of photo opportunities along the way!
Red Centre Way, NT
Take in the best the red outback has to offer on this six-day drive from Alice Springs to Uluru. From the dusty plains and towering gorges to the cultural Indigenous sights, there’s no shortage of things to marvel at.
The 75 Mile Beach Road, Fraser Island, Queensland
Spanning most of the east coast of Fraser Island, this mostly smooth sand road has a few unexpected bumps along the way — it’s all part of the fun!
The Nullarbor, South Australia
It may not win the award for most scenic drive, but this 1200 km journey is an Australian right of passage. While, there’s something so mesmerising about the vast and treeless plains, it’s not completely barren — there’s plenty of unique rock formations and outback wildlife (think dingos and emus) to gawk at.
The Grand Pacific Drive, NSW
If you’re after something a little shorter but still equally impressive, give this road trip a go. The 3-hour coastal drive sees you go from the outskirts of Sydney to the pristine white sand beaches of the South Coast. From the Kiama blowhole to the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, there are plenty of reasons to stop along the way.
Great Alpine Road, Victoria
Australia’s highest accessible sealed road is the perfect vantage point for mesmerising valleys, mountain ranges and sparkling lakes. Victoria’s highest alpine village, Mt. Hotham, is a must-visit on this 500 km road trip.
The Legendary Pacific Coast Drive
You could take an hour’s flight from Sydney to Brisbane — but where’s the fun in that? Stretching 900kms along the Pacific Coast corridor, this road trip takes you past stunning beaches, rolling green hinterland and picturesque seaside towns.
The Savannah Way
Linking Cairns in tropical North Queensland with Broome in Western Australia, The Savannah Way is well worth the 3700 km drive. Spanning 15 national parks and 5 world heritage listed areas, you’ll witness some of the country’s most spectacular natural wonders.
The Outback Way
Known as Australia’s longest shortcut, this 2700 km route snakes from Laverton, Western Australia to Winton, Queensland, via the Northern Territory’s Red Centre. From shimmering canyons to weathered ranges and, of course, Uluru, this is one detour that’s definitely worth taking.
The Alpine Way, NSW
It’s not all about the beaches and deserts. This well-worn, 121 km track through Kosciuszko National Park offers some of the country’s most picturesque mountain views. Snow can be seen from winter through to spring, so plan your trip accordingly.
The Eyre Peninsula, South Australia
Seafood lovers can’t go past this this trip along the stunning South Australian coastline. Known as the ‘Seafood Frontier’, you’ll want to allow plenty of time for this 727 km journey so you can sample some of the country’s freshest culinary delights.
Cairns to Cape York, Queensland
Creep your way up the north tip of Queensland, starting off in Cairns and winding through Palm Cove, Port Douglas and the almighty Daintree National Park. Then comes the real adventure; hop onto the 81 to Cape York and prepare to get in touch with real outback Australia.
Old Grafton Road, New South Wales
Ideal for the history buff, this remote track in regional New South Wales takes in the deserted town of Dalmortan, and the surrounding gold rush-era homesteads. Prior to the creation of the Gwydir Highway back in 1962, this road was the only way to get from the mountains out to the coast and will today take you four hours.
Circle Tasmania, Tasmania
Why not have a crack at taking in the best of the island state? The six-day trek will see you begin in Hobart and wind your way back through the east coast, the wild west and landmarks Wineglass Bay, Cradle Mountain and the Bay of Fires.
The Pilbara, Western Australia
The billion-year-old Pilbara region is well worth a visit at some point, if only for the Instagram potential alone. The best method is to depart Port Hedland and head south through Marble Bar and Newman, Karijini and Tom Price to Point Samson. Expect waterfalls, swimming hols, and gorges galore.
The Big Lap, Australia
Considered the ultimate trek for the road trip devotee, the six month-long Big Lap is really where you prove your worth. The trek around Australia follows all 15,000 kilometres of Highway One, travelling through seven capital cities, and the coastline across Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Broome, Perth, Esperance, Adelaide, Melbourne and Hobart.
Great Beach Drive, Queensland
One for the beach addicts, The Great Beach Drive traverses the Queensland coastline. The trip is a 380 kilometre stretch the joins together the resort hub of the Sunshine Coast through Fraser Island and the rather untouched Fraser Coast further north.
Broome to Perth, Western Australia
This is the kind of trip where you need to bring a camera along, thanks to the sheer number of stunning natural landmarks across the stretch. From Cable Beach head south along the coast, through the Pinnacles Desert, the Karijini National Park and the must-visit natural wonder of Ningaloo Reef.
Brisbane to Cairns, Queensland
Continue along the Great Beach Drive to the delights of Far North Queensland. You’ll take in Bundaberg, Yeppoon, and Airlie Beach, then there’s Bowen, and Yeppoon, but most importantly Mission Beach, which is well worth a stop for a dip.
Darwin to Litchfield, Northern Territory
Take in the Top End with this one-day trip that runs through Litchfield National Park. From the city you’ll head bush, tracing your way through Katherine and Kakadu before you meet Litchfield; a strip overflowing with waterfalls (excuse the pun), swimming holes, and incredible rock formations.
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
With 1,600 kilometres of road, Kangaroo Island beckons to be driven, just be warned that it’s largely unsealed. But the drive there alone is also worthy of an adventure; set forth from Adelaide and make your way to Cape Jervis and the Fleurieu Peninsula, stopping in to Flinders Chase National Park, Admirals Arch and Stokes Bay before you reach your destination.
Hobart to Freycinet, Tasmania
The Apple Isle is calling! Make your way from the capital to its most adored landmarks on this trek that takes you from historic Hobart through Great Oyster Bay, Maria Island and past Coles Bay. It’s just past there you will discover magical Freycinet and its national park.
Perth to Darwin, Western Australia and Northern Territory
Perth to Darwin may be no easy feat, but it’s one well worth the effort. This lengthy run across the red desert takes in Fitzroy Crossing via the Kimberley, before making its way through Purnululu and Kununurra, and straight on to D-Town.
Uluru to Kings Canyon, Northern Territory
Make your way from one outstanding landmark to the next on this three-hour trek through the heart of the Northern Territory. Set off from Ayers Rock along the Lasseter Highway to Kings Canyon, a track littered with camels and red rock formations.
Bass Coast, Victoria
East of Melbourne sits the Bass Coast, a lengthy reach of beaches and clifftop lookouts. The 320 kilometre stretch from the capital to national park Wilsons Promontory takes in the sights of the vineyard-heavy Mornington Peninsula, and Philip Island.
Barrington Tops, New South Wales
Settled in the upper Hunter Valley is The Barrington Tops Forest Road, which makes its way across the Barrington Tops between regional Gloucester and Scone. A vast district of rainforest and subalpine woodland awaits you, just be warned the road may be largely gravel.
Such a beautiful post.
Brings back memories of all the places we’ve been,
And let’s us plan for future trips.
BUT please fact check Gipps River Road – it should read Gibbs River Road.
Hi Sue,
Glad you liked our post! We have made changes to our spelling mistake.
Have a great day =)