Winding down your car window to take in the sweet smell of eucalyptus forests, spotting kangaroos on the side of the road, surfing on the beaches of Australia’s east coast, or staying up late to watch the stars fade into the daylight after sleeping under them – it’s all part of traveling in Australia.
This guide will help you choose the road trip that fits your interests and schedule.
Driving the Great Ocean Road is one of the most rewarding journeys on the planet, but the sheer diversity of the country will leave you awestruck. A trip to Darwin will give you an insight into remote Aboriginal communities, whilst Sydney’s pristine harbor provides fun days out on yachts or cruises. What’s more, there’s ample opportunity to head back to nature along the Sturt Stony Desert Trail, or discover gourmet grub on a vineyard tour!
Road trips in Australia will always remain etched in your memory. Whether it’s trundling through outback Australia, spotting the Big 5 on the nightly safari, scaling an amazing waterfall, or relaxing on a secluded beach, Australia’s dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife will amaze you. If you desire to sport some of your gambling skills while passing by some casinos – well, do not resist yourself. Indulge yourself in experiencing Australian real money casinos. Don’t just bask in the glory of nature. Explore casinos in Australia and play the games to enrich the essence of your journey.
Whichever adventure you choose, make sure you pull over to the side of the road for a quick selfie among Australia’s oldest trees – the Eucalyptus. Australia offers a vast number of options for the motorist. Whether you’re traveling through the outback to visit Uluru, driving along the ocean to see the Great Barrier Reef, or taking a scenic train across New South Wales to see the Blue Mountains, you’ll find plenty of options for high-speed travel.
It’s a big country and a long way from top to bottom. And with a diverse climate ranging from the tropical north to the frozen south, Australia presents a range of driving conditions. To make sure you make the most of your road trip, we’ve researched Australia’s Top Five Driving Routes to help streamline your trip planning. Discover the natural splendour of Australia on one of these amazing road trip journeys.
Sydney to Melbourne
Australia’s East Coast is one of the most picturesque coastlines in the world and covers about 13,000 kilometers (8,000 miles). Driving from Sydney southward to Melbourne is a highlight of any Australian road trip.
In this route, you’ll encounter turquoise lagoons, wild camping spots, and a chain of coastal villages and towns, including Milton, Kiama, Lakes Entrance, Narooma, and Bermagui, along with several national parks – Deua National Park, Croajingolong National Park, and Wadbilliga National Park. At Pebbly Beach, you’ll find kangaroos posing for photographs just beside the surf. Make a stop at Maclean – a famous fishing village.
Great Ocean Road, Victoria
The perfect road trip in Australia is 600km of pure, sweeping coastline on the south-eastern coast of Victoria. This route offers stunning views of the ocean cliffs, and the classic rock arches called the Twelve Apostles, as well as hidden beaches, wildlife reserves, beautiful restaurants, and quaint B&Bs. Originally an Aboriginal land trail, the Great Ocean Road was created by European explorers looking for a safer way to travel Australia’s waters.
Uluru to Kings Canyon, Northern Territory
Pick a scenic route from Ayers Rock to Kings Canyon. A recommended driveway would be the Lasseter Highway. If you wish to extend your Outback trip, then commence your five days journey at Alice Springs via the Red Centre Way. You can stop by ancient Indigenous rock art sites and historic towns en route.
The Alpine Way, New South Wales
The more adventurous type will relish the opportunity to explore the rugged terrain of Australia on a road trip between Jindabyne, New South Wales, and Corryong, Victoria. This route follows the High Plains Road and the Snowy Mountains Drive, weaving through lowland forests and up into the snow capped mountains where you can catch alpine rivers in late spring. When you’re ready to break for lunch, stop at one of the scenic picnic spots dotted throughout Kosciuszko National Park and swathe in the views of this breathtaking region of Australia.
Heritage Highway, Tasmania
The drive along the Midlands Highway between Hobart and Launceston is always spectacular. On the southern side of the road is green rolling farmlands, while the northern side gives way to densely forested hills. Bordered by an ancient convict-built stone wall, which winds its way up to huge valleys, this road provides ample opportunities to stop, snap pictures and take in the views. This journey also presents opportunities to uncover hidden treasures along the route including rare wine estates, cafes with decadent cakes and artisanal jams, boutique accommodation set within secluded rainforest settings, or just relaxing on a beach or beside a waterfall.
An Australian road trip offers a unique form of freedom, the chance to travel the open road at a pace that suits you—to go wherever you fancy. And whether you go west, north, or south, there’s outstanding driving, scenery, and outdoor activities along the way, from waterfalls to national parks to vineyards.
