Our Must-do Road Trips in Australia

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Road Trips in Australia

Australia is a country that’s practically made for road trips. It's also massive! With stunning coastlines, incredible rainforests, an abundance of iconic landmarks and locations - there's just so much to explore. It's no wonder that hitting the road is a favourite pastime for locals and travellers alike. Our Australian Travel Specialists rave about all the incredible road trip opportunities there are in Australia, and how driving through Australia is one of the best ways to explore the country. With so many places to explore, it can be a bit overwhelming when trying to plan out the best route. We've put together a list of our favourite must-do road trips in Australia, and narrowed it down to each state. If you're planning on visiting Australia any time soon, use this blog as inspiration for your road trip down under!

1. The Great Ocean Road, Victoria

Duration: 2-3 Days
Distance: 243 km
Starts: Torquay
Finishes: Allansford
Alternative Start: Melbourne City

The Great Ocean Road is arguably the most famous road trip in Australia, and for good reason. Starting just outside of Melbourne in Torquay, this coastal drive takes you along some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country. No doubt you have probably seen a photo of Australia's famous Twelve Apostles - a collection of limestone pillars off the shore of Port Campbell National Park. These magnificent natural stone structures offer breath-taking views, and are also one of Australia's iconic locations. The journey along the Great Ocean Road is filled with activities for all types of visitors! From scenic flights along the coastline, hiking in incredible national parks and forests, to visiting world-class chocolate factories and historic sites - there's something for everyone on the Great Ocean Road.

Also, if you're into surfing, Torquay is one of Australia's premiere surf spots! It's the hometown of many famous Australian surfers, as well as the home of the Australian National Surfing Museum. The trip is all about the journey, with plenty of stops along the way, the Great Ocean Road is a road trip you won't soon forget! If you're thinking about exploring the Great Ocean Road, check out our Great Ocean Road Classic tour and Explore the Great Ocean Road Tour for all-inclusive self-drive tours of the Great Ocean Road.

Must-See Stops:

• Bells Beach: World-famous for its surfing, it’s the perfect place to watch some waves or even give surfing a go.
• The Twelve Apostles: These towering limestone stacks are the star of the show. Make sure to catch them at sunset for the best views.
• Otway National Park: Take a detour through the lush rainforest and stop by the Otway Fly Treetop Walk if you’re up for a bit of adventure.

2. Sydney to Brisbane, New South Wales and Queensland

Duration: 7-10 Days
Distance: 900 km
Starts: Sydney
Finishes: Brisbane

If you're after the quintessential Aussie road trip that takes you through vibrant capital cities, cosy beach towns, and everything in between, then a road trip from Sydney to Brisbane is the perfect getaway for you! This roady doesn't seem that long on paper, but when you factor in the sheer amount of locations you can stop by on the way, you'll realise why this road trip in particular is one of the best.

Starting in Sydney, you can leave directly from the airport and check out the popular sights such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the famous Sydney Opera House. Once you leave Sydney, you'll stop by the coastal cities of Newcastle and Coffs Harbour as you venture further north towards Queensland. Newcastle is situated near the Hunter Valley wine region, so if you're after tasting some of Australia's best wines, make sure you spend some time here! If you're after sleepy beach town vibes, a stop at Byron Bay before reaching the Gold Coast is definitely a must! Here, you can visit Australia's most eastern point at the iconic Byron Bay Lighthouse, and if you're lucky, you can watch whales cruising up the coast. 

Once you hit Queensland, experience the thriving coastal city of the Gold Coast - Queensland's fastest growing city. If you're hitting the road with your family, head to the theme parks Dreamworld and Warner Bro. Movie World for some adrenaline fuelled fun for the whole family. If you're into shopping, stop by Pacific Fair in Broadbeach to shop the local fashion outlets. You also can't go wrong with a sunset drink at Burleigh Headlands! After the Gold Coast, head up a short drive to Brisbane city, or if you'd rather another coastal city, head a little bit further north to the Sunshine Coast or Noosa. If you're after some ideas of what you can do in this part of Australia, check out our top 10 things to do in south east Queensland for our favourite picks!

This road trip is best done in summer (Dec - Feb) so you can really get the most out of all the stunning beaches you'll see along the way. If you'd rather go in a quieter time of the year, spring (Sep - Nov) or autumn (Mar - May) where the weather is a bit cooler, but there will be way less traffic. You might even get whole beaches to yourself at some points during the trip if you're lucky! 

Does this sound like the perfect road trip for you? Check out our Australian East Coast Tour or Legends of the East Coast Tour where we have the whole route planned out for you, including awesome activities throughout!

Must-See Stops:

• Newcastle: A coastal city situated near the Hunter Valley Wine region - if you're after tasting some amazing Aussie wine, make sure you stop by here!
• Coffs Harbour: Visit the Big Banana and enjoy some local banana treats. The beaches here are pretty special too.
• Byron Bay: The ultimate beach town, where you can chill out and catch some waves. Don’t miss the Cape Byron Lighthouse for some epic views.
• Gold Coast: Enjoy theme parks, nightlife, shopping, and of course, more stunning beaches

3. Tasmania’s East Coast, Tasmania

Duration: 5-7 Days
Distance: 600 - 1,000 km
Starts: Hobart
Finishes: Hobart

This one here is a little secret from our team, Australia's hidden gem - Tasmania. Tasmania is often overlooked by travellers, and it's definitely to their detriment! Tasmania is pretty much the perfect road trip destination, with the whole island state being accessible by car or campervan. There's so much to see in Tasmania, and it doesn't take long to get from each jaw-dropping location. If you've visited New Zealand, you might find some similarities between the land of the long white cloud, and Tasmania. With incredible mountain peaks, amazing weather, and ancient rainforests, Tassie has it all. If you're interested in learning more about Tasmania, check out our Ultimate Guide to Tasmania. Although you can loop the whole of Tasmania (and you should consider doing so!), we're going to focus on Tassie's east coast - as it's where you can find some of Australia's most stunning beaches, incredible hikes, and smoothest wines. 

Starting in Hobart, Tasmania's capital, you can honestly spend a few days cruising around this stunning harbour city. For a birds eye view, head up to Mt Wellington for incredible views of the city and its surrounds. Check out one of Australia's best art galleries at MONA - If you only have time for one thing, this should be at the top of the list! If you're keen to experience some culture and shopping, head to Salamanca Markets on the wharf for some local treats and bargains. 

After departing Hobart, head east to Freycinet and Wineglass bay. Here you can experience the incredible coastal hike at Freycinet National Park, and also indulge in local wines made in the area. Afterwards, head north to the Bay of Fires to experience Tassie's famous "orange lichen-covered granite boulders" that litter some of the whitest sand beaches in all of Australia. This stunning coastline is perfect for those who want to relax by the beach at cosy beach towns.

Now, the above road trip is already a packed trip full of activities and things to see, but if you want to explore more of Tasmania, you should head west from Bay of Fires to Launceston - Tasmania's northern city. Check out the Cataract Gorge Reserve or hike the mountains at Ben Lomond National Park. If you want to see one of Tassie's most incredible alpine areas, head to Cradle Mountain & St Clair National Park. Here, you'll walk through some of the world's most ancient rainforests - full of native wildlife. 

There's so much more to Tasmania that you can do, but if I went on any further this blog would go on forever! If you're after an idea of what a road trip itinerary could look like in Tassie, check out our Natural Treasures of Tasmania tour or Hidden Tasmania Gems Tour. 

Must-See Stops:

• Freycinet National Park: Home to Wineglass Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Hike to the lookout for unbeatable views.
• Bay of Fires: Known for its striking orange-tinged granite boulders and pristine beaches, it’s a photographer’s dream.
• Port Arthur Historic Site: Take a step back in time and explore the well-preserved ruins of this former convict settlement.

4. The Red Centre, Northern Territory

Duration: 5-7 Days
Distance: 1,500 km
Starts: Darwin
Finishes: Darwin

When you think of Australia, you're probably imagining the Sydney Opera House, Kangaroos, and the iconic Uluru (formerly known Ayers Rock). This sacred site is the home to the Indigenous Australian Anangu people, and is known throughout Australia as the aboriginal people's most revered site. If you're wanting to immerse yourself in the beautiful aboriginal peoples culture, as well as see incredible landscapes and national parks, then this road trip is for you!

Beginning in Darwin, the Northern Territory's capital city, you'll venture inland towards Kakadu National Park - where you can experience an incredible desert forest ecosystem. If you want to see crocodiles (or crocs as the locals call them), then make sure to take a crocodile tour while you're here! Afterward, drive further inland south to Nitmiluk National Park and Litchfield national park before heading down to Uluru and Alice Springs. It's worth mentioning that if you're undertaking the drive from Darwin to Uluru to know that this drive isn't for the faint of heart, and will involve long stretches of open road driving with no towns in sight for miles. So being prepared beforehand is vital for a successful trip! If you want to take out the busy work, and have everything prepared, check out our contrasts of Northern Territory tour or our Darwin & nature's way circuit tours.

When you arrive at Uluru, there are so many sights and experiences to see here that you can spend a few days enjoying. It's highly recommended that you take a guided tour around Uluru as they will not only show you around the ancient site, but also tell you the stories of the aboriginal peoples who call this place home. The stories of the 'Dream Time' are wonderful and really shine a light on just how ancient these people are. For a perfect guide on everything you can do in Uluru and its surrounds, check out our ultimate guide to visiting Uluru to make sure your itinerary is chock-full of incredible activities! 

Must-See Stops:

• Uluru: This ancient monolith is sacred to the local Anangu people and is a must-see for all visiting the Northern Territory. Catch the sunrise or sunset for a truly magical experience.
• Kata Tjuta: These domed rock formations are just as impressive as Uluru and offer some great hiking opportunities.
• Kings Canyon: Hike the Rim Walk for jaw-dropping views over the canyon, take a guided tour for an enhanced experience.

5. The Coral Coast, Western Australia

Duration: 7-10 Days
Distance: 1,700 km
Starts: Perth
Finishes: Perth

To top off our list, it was a really difficult decision between South Australia and the many wine valleys, or Western Australia and its incredible coastlines and wines. In the end, WA took the top spot, but you can definitely have an incredible road trip experience in South Australia. Western Australia is Australia's largest state, and with that it comes with a plethora of destination options! Starting in Perth, you could go either North, South or inland West and have a completely unique experience. For this list though, we're focusing on the southern end of WA, namely Perth, Margaret River, Albany, and Esperance. For more about WA, check out our Western Australia Tours, or our ultimate guide to Western Australia. 

Starting in Perth, you can either head straight down south to Margaret River, or take a quick detour to Rottnest Island. If you want to see one of the cutest animals in the world, the quokka, then Rottnest Island is worth the detour! It's also an incredible diving location for those interested in delving into lush coral reefs. If you decide to head straight to Margaret River, you'll be introduced to an incredible coastal town and famous wine region. It's a hot debate between Aussies about who produces the best wine in Australia, with Margaret River being a top contender for the best wine in Australia (another reason why it's so hard to choose between South Australia and WA!).

After sipping wines and exploring rainforests, continue down south to Albany and the Valley of the Giants before heading to the incredible beaches of Esperance - WA's best kept secret! It's a tough call between Queensland, Tasmania, and Western Australia for who has the best beaches, but Esperance might just take the title. With wildlife galore, long white sand beaches, plenty of reefs to explore and crystal clear water, Esperance is the ultimate beach goers destination, and perfect for any road trip enthusiast! 

Western Australia is often best visited in the "in-between" season such as spring (Sep-Nov) for the best weather and climate. WA can be extremely hot and windy in summer, with spring offering a nice mix of warm, clear sky days, and cool nights. If you're planning a road trip to WA, it's definitely worth booking in advance so you don't miss out - accommodation and car hire in peak times can book out incredibly quick!

Must-See Stops:

• The Pinnacles: These bizarre limestone formations are like something out of a sci-fi movie.
• Kalbarri National Park: Explore the dramatic gorges and coastal cliffs, and don’t miss Nature’s Window rock formation.
• Shark Bay: Meet the friendly dolphins at Monkey Mia and explore the ancient stromatolites at Hamelin Pool.
• Ningaloo Reef: Snorkel or dive with whale sharks, manta rays, and turtles in one of the world’s most accessible coral reefs.

Wrapping Up

There you have it - some of the best road trips in Australia, each with its own unique vibe and must-see stops. There are so many ways to experience Australia that it's hard to fit into one blog, but these road trip ideas should help you start planning your own Aussie roady! If you're wanting a definitive experience that lets you see all the best bits of Australia, then you can't go wrong with a Sydney to Brisbane road trip. This road trip is full of incredible stops and varied things to do that it's hard not to recommend! If you're wanting a more diverse and nature rich experience, Tasmania is your go to. If you're short on time, then the Great Ocean Road is a perfect little getaway to tuck into your Australian travels! 

For help planning your ultimate Australian road trip, chat with our Australian Travel Specialists today and see how we can help plan your next adventure. Feel free to browse our ready-to-go, 100% customisable self-drive tours to start getting some inspiration together, or to book! No matter where you end up exploring in Australia, this country offers so many unique experiences that are bound to stay with you for years to come.