The 15 best Australian road trips

Route: Torquay to Allansford

Why go? Widely lauded as the most popular road trip in the country, the Great Ocean Road is one of the best things you can get up to if you're in Victoria. Snaking all along the southwest coast of the state, starting in Torquay (1.5 hours from the Melbourne CBD) and finishing up just before Warrnambool,  this winding stretch of road offers up multiple bushwalks, wildly beautiful beaches and, as a final prize, the towering wonders of the Twelve Apostles. You won't forget it in a hurry. 

How far: 243km

How long: 2-3 days

When to go: September to early December for warm weather, but outside peak season.

Necessary pit stop: Apollo Bay Bakery – for one of their famous curried scallop pies.

Route: Sydney to Brisbane

Why go? If you're in Sydney and want to follow in the gold-hued footsteps of sunseekers before you, you're going to want to hop on this classic road trip up north. Let it be known you can smash this trip in one go, or (the better option) take your time and see more world-famous NSW landmarks than we have time to tell you about. This neat roadie will take you through beach and wine country in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley to Coffs Harbour, up through the verdant hills of Bellingen and the Dorrigo Rainforest, and then to former hippie paradise, Byron Bay. Keep on the highway from Byron and pass through the lush Gold Coast hinterland, into the carnival centre of the Gold Coast itself, and then end in Brisbane. 

How far? 1,000km 

How long? 9 days 

When to go? September to April, for beach weather and stunning sunsets.

Necessary pit stop: The Big Banana, of course!

Route: Alice Springs to Uluru

Why go? Heads up – you're better off doing this one with a 4WD. In the centre, the road gets rocky. Starting in Alice Springs, you'll drive down long, stretching roads through the rolling red dunes of the outback. This loop will take you past incredible ridgelines and permanent waterholes to cool off in – one of the best being at Ormiston Gorge in the immense hills of Tjoritja (also known as the West MacDonnell Ranges). The aim of your trip is probably to get to Uluru, though, which we definitely recommend you do. 

How far: 1,135km

How long? 6 days

When to go? During the dry season from May to September, to avoid the scorching summer heat.

Necessary pit stop: Head 40 minutes away to Kata Tjuta/Mount Olga to watch the sunset over the glowing red domes. 

Route: Cairns to Cape Tribulation

Why go? If submerging yourself in some of the most lush, verdant and powerful nature on Earth is your idea of a good time, you're going to want to pop this very short–but–very–sweet road trip on your list. Starting in Cairns, you'll coast north to Port Douglas – and then hop over to the Great Barrier Reef for a rainbow-hued snorkel. After that, you can dip in the croc-safe swimming oasis of Mossman Gorge, nestled within the ancient Daintree Rainforest. Finish up with a drive to Cape Tribulation to see where two immense World Heritage-listed pieces of wilderness meet together in perfect harmony – the reef and the rainforest. 

How far? 140km

How long? 2 days

When to go? May to October, for sunny days with low humidity and low rainfall.

Necessary pit stop: Mossman Gorge, to swim in cool waters or take a guided Dreamtime walk through the lush rainforest.

Route: Hobart to Bay of Fires

Why go? The East Coast is Tassie's sunniest side, and therefore (in our humble opinion), the best side for a road trip. Starting in Hobart, you'll drive north through long lines of coast and leafy forests. Well signposted and fitted out with countless delicious food and rest stops along the way, this road trip is perfect for those who like a side of oysters and fresh savvy B with their highways. With countless wineries, untouched wild beaches and national parks packed with ancient, old-growth trees along the way, the Eastern Drive will not disappoint. End with a bang at the pristine waters and red rocks of Bay of Fires, and then pop over to Wineglass Bay for a swim. 

How far? 220km

How long? 5 days 

When to go? September to February, so you can make the most of the warmer weather.

Necessary pit stop: Binalong Bay in the Bay of Fires – named the world's best beach in 2025.

Route: Sydney to the Sapphire Coast

If driving down long coastal roads with epic, stretching views of the ocean, plentiful whales and more than one pristine and secluded beach to dip into is your kinda thing, this road trip is for you. Starting in Sydney, you'll head south towards the Royal National Park (which you should totally stop in, by the way), and then get to what is arguably the most good-looking stretch of road in Australia – the legendary Seacliff Bridge past Coalcliff. You'll feel like you're in a car commercial on this wild, elevated bridge that cuts through the water. After that bit of drama is over, you'll cut through countless quaint towns, pristine beaches, oyster farms and jaw-dropping coastal views along NSW's southeast coast, ending up in the oceanic oasis of Eden. Pro tip: keep your eyes open for whales. 

How far? 473km

How long? 6-7 days (or, if you want a short day trip from Sydney, you can just drive to Seacliff Bridge and back).

When to go? August to November, to catch the end of whale season and to avoid the summer crowds.

Necessary pit stop: Kiama Blowhole, which is actually the largest in the world and can spray up to 25 metres in the air.

Route: Perth to Esperance

Why go? There are few places on Earth as beautiful as Western Australia's untouched southern coastline. If you've got time to spare, this rugged road trip from Perth to Esperance will likely blow your mind. If you don't mind traversing long distances and being exposed to a vast wilderness of space, light and ocean, this one's for you. You'll drive through wine country, historic towns and crystal clear beaches where wild dolphins will literally swim around your knees. After you pass the wonderful Margaret River, you'll be able to walk through the mammoth old trees in the Valley of the Giants, see wild orcas at Bremer Bay, swim at the world's best beach and then end with a perfect, celebratory dip in the azure waters of Esperance. 

How far? 1,896km

How long? 9-12 days

When to go? December to March, for mild weather and longer daylight hours.

Necessary pit stop: Busselton Jetty – the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.

Route: Norseman (WA) and Ceduna (SA)

Why go? Stretching from Western Australia to South Australia, the Nullarbor is one of the straightest and flattest road trips in the world. The word Nullarbor comes from the Latin nullus arbor – meaning ‘no trees’ – and that’s a pretty accurate description of the scenery. You’ll journey along the iconic Eyre Highway, passing the world’s longest golf course (Nullarbor Links), the biggest temperate woodland on Earth (Great Western Woodlands) and Australia’s largest outback town (Kalgoorlie). A big highlight is driving down the 90 Mile Straight – Australia’s longest straight road, spanning 146.6 kilometres. Make sure to have snacks ready!

How far? 1,200km

How long? Five days

When to go? May to October, to avoid the scorching summer heat (when temperatures reach 40 degrees).

Necessary pit stop: Stop in at Head of Bight Whale Watching Centre – one of the world’s best land-based spots to see a whale nursery. From June to October, you can witness southern right whales gathering en masse to give birth and nurture their calves.

Route: Hobart to Launceston

Why go? If you’re keen for a road trip but short on time, Tasmania’s Heritage Highway is for you. This charming route linking the island’s two biggest cities forces you to slow down and take it all in. Sure, the Midland Highway only takes a couple of hours to drive, but those 176 kilometres are packed with more history and culture than any standard motorway. You’ll cruise past dozens of convict-built sites, from the Ross Female Factory History Site to the Red Bridge in Campbell Town, the oldest surviving brick arch bridge in the country. Then make sure you leave time to wander through the region’s historic towns, including Oatlands, which is home to Australia’s largest cluster of golden-hued colonial sandstone buildings. Rustic bakeries, antique shops and local galleries are also guaranteed at every stop.

How far? 176km

How long? 2.5 hours (but leave time for plenty of stops and detours)

When to go? Year-round

Necessary pit stop: Detour 45 minutes to Ben Lomond National Park for the 12.7-kilometre Jacob’s Ladder hike.

Route: Perth to Exmouth

Why go? If surfing with dolphins, seeing frolicking whales and swimming with the Earth's largest (and gentlest) shark in the wild appeals to you, you're going to want to hop on the Coral Coast Highway in Perth and head straight for Exmouth. If you've got two weeks to devote to this trip, you'll have ample time to explore the countless wonders along the way. From the staggering, moon-like limestone formations of the Pinnacles Desert, to the dolphins at Monkey Mia in Shark Bay – end with a swim with whale sharks on the Ningaloo Reef. 

How far? 1,250km

How long? 2 weeks

When to go? April to October, for comfortable driving temperatures, almost no rain and to catch whale shark season.

Necessary pit stop: Monkey Mia, to see the famous wild dolphin experience.

Route: McLaren Vale to Clare Valley

Why go? Foodies, this one’s for you. Just 40 minutes out of Adelaide sits the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula region, where you’ll find some of South Australia’s most exceptional coastal and culinary experiences. Pack your picnic basket and take a few days to cruise along the Epicurean Way, where you’ll pass through four major wine regions and more than 100 cellar doors. Stock up on seasonal produce at Willunga Farmers Market before letting your tastebuds lead the way through the renowned McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Barossa and Clare Valley. It’s not all about wining and dining though, with plenty of charming, old-world towns worth stopping at along the way, including the picture-perfect Mintaro and Greenock – also known as a ‘little Scotland’.

How far? 223km

How long? 4 days

When to go? Year-round

Necessary pit stop: Beerenberg Farm – to pick your own fresh strawberries from November to April.

Route: Adelaide to Alice Springs

Why go? If you like long drives and epic views, this appropriately named roadie from South Australia to the Northern Territory is one for you. Intrepid, rugged and full of Crocodile Dundee-esque outback characters and moments, this adventurous trip starts in Adelaide's wine country and winds past incredible formations like the pink waters of Lake Bumbunga, and then into the desert. Sleep underground in the opal town of Coober Pedy, then head to Uluru and Kings Canyon. If you have the time and energy to keep going, keep on going on the Stuarts Highway up to Darwin and check out the sizzling wonders of the Top End.

How far? 3,000km

How long: 2 weeks

When to go: April to September, for mild weather.

Necessary pit stop: Katherine Hot Springs – for a rejuvenating dip. 

Route: Huon Valley to Bruny Island

Why go? If driving down coastal roads with cliff-top views, thermal springs, forest walks and rare wildlife sounds like your kind of thing, then the Southern Edge drive in Tasmania is for you. Start your trip with a cider trail through cascading hilltops in the Huon Valley before taking a detour by ferry to Bruny Island, where you’ll find farm-fresh cheese and freshly shucked oysters, not to mention the infamous albino wallabies. After returning to the mainland, head to Newdegate Cave – the largest dolomite cave in Australia – where you’ll gaze up at a labyrinth of mineral chandeliers. Venture further down to Australia’s southernmost edge in Cockle Creek, where a serene beach awaits and the only thing separating you from Antarctica is the Southern Ocean. Talk about bucket-list worthy.

How far? 500-600km

How long? 3-5 days

When to go? November to March, for warmer weather.

Necessary pit stop: If you make it all the way to Geeveston, the Tahune Airwalk is a must.

Route: Broome to Kununurra

Why go? For a true-blue Aussie outback odyssey, Gibb River Road is calling. Get yourself a 4WD and take the long road through The Kimberley, where you’ll journey across vast wilderness that was originally used to transport cattle. Along the way, stop off at ancient gorges with cascading waterfalls and freshwater swimming holes. Then, set up camp under the stars where you’ll witness the cosmos without light interruption from a nearby city. 

How far? 660km

How long? 7-14 days

When to go? During the dry season from May to September, to avoid road closures caused by flash flooding and extreme heat.

Necessary pit stop: Lake Argyle in Kununurra – a massive man-made lake, with magical sunset cruises. 

Route: Most drivers start and end in Hobart or Launceston

Why go? Unlike Western Australia or Queensland, Tassie is small enough that you can do it properly in just two weeks – and there’s no better way to explore it than on a self-guided campervan adventure. We suggest starting in Hobart – named the world’s most beautiful road trip destination – and booking free campsites along the way. Follow the coastline to Port Arthur, Freycinet, St Helens, Launceston and the Tamar Valley, before heading inland to Cradle Mountain. If you've got extra time, you should squeeze in a few days on Maria and Bruny Island.

How far? 1,500km

How long? 7-14 days

When to go? December to February is prime time for hiking, swimming and comfortable camping.

Necessary pit stop: Bay of Fires, for a swim in Australia’s best beach for 2025.