Whether you’re seeking coastal drives, outback adventures, or scenic mountain routes, Australia has it all. Here are ten unforgettable road trips that you need to experience.

WIKI

Australia’s vast and varied landscape makes it an ideal destination for road trips.

1. The Great Ocean Road Trips, Victoria

The Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most famous coastal drives. Stretching over 240 kilometres from Torquay to Allansford, this route offers stunning ocean views, iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, and quaint seaside towns.

  • Highlights: The Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Otway National Park, Bells Beach
  • Best Time to Travel: Spring and summer (September to February) for the best weather and visibility.
  • Accommodation: Numerous options ranging from budget motels to luxury resorts in towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay.

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2. The Nullarbor Plain, South Australia to Western Australia

The Nullarbor Plain offers a quintessential outback adventure, spanning 1,200 kilometres from Ceduna in South Australia to Norseman in Western Australia. This drive takes you through vast, treeless landscapes and along the Great Australian Bight.

  • Highlights: Nullarbor National Park, Eucla Telegraph Station, Bunda Cliffs, Head of Bight (whale watching)
  • Best Time to Travel: Winter (June to August) to avoid extreme heat.
  • Accommodation: Roadhouses, camping sites, and motels along the Eyre Highway.

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3. The Savannah Way, Queensland to Western Australia

The Savannah Way stretches 3,700 kilometres from Cairns in Queensland to Broome in Western Australia, crossing through the heart of Australia’s tropical savannahs.

  • Highlights: Kakadu National Park, Lawn Hill Gorge, Mataranka Hot Springs, Nitmiluk National Park
  • Best Time to Travel: Dry season (May to September) to avoid flooding and impassable roads.
  • Accommodation: Caravan parks, campgrounds, and lodges in towns along the route.

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4. The Red Centre Way, Northern Territory

Explore the heart of Australia with the Red Centre Way, a 1,135-kilometer loop from Alice Springs to Uluru, Kings Canyon, and back.

  • Highlights: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Kings Canyon, West MacDonnell Ranges, Alice Springs Desert Park
  • Best Time to Travel: Autumn and winter (April to September) for cooler temperatures.
  • Accommodation: Campgrounds, eco-resorts, and hotels in Alice Springs and Yulara.

5. The Great Alpine Road, Victoria

The Great Alpine Road is a scenic drive through Victoria’s High Country, spanning 339 kilometres from Wangaratta to Metung.

  • Highlights: Mount Hotham, Bright, Mount Buffalo National Park, Alpine National Park
  • Best Time to Travel: Year-round, with snow sports in winter (June to August) and hiking in summer (December to February).
  • Accommodation: Bed and breakfasts, lodges, and campgrounds in towns like Bright and Omeo.

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6. The East Coast Escape, Tasmania

Tasmania’s East Coast Escape offers a mix of coastal beauty, historic sites, and gourmet food experiences over 300 kilometres from Hobart to Launceston.

  • Highlights: Freycinet National Park, Bay of Fires, Wineglass Bay, Bicheno Blowhole
  • Best Time to Travel: Spring to autumn (October to April) for mild weather and clear skies.
  • Accommodation: Boutique hotels, seaside cottages, and campgrounds.

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7. The Gibb River Road, Western Australia Road Trips

The Gibb River Road is a 660-kilometre outback track through the Kimberley region, renowned for its rugged beauty and remote gorges.

  • Highlights: Windjana Gorge, Bell Gorge, El Questro Wilderness Park, Mitchell Falls
  • Best Time to Travel: Dry season (May to October) when roads are passable.
  • Accommodation: Campsites, wilderness lodges, and cattle station stays.

8. The Grand Pacific Drive, New South Wales

This 140-kilometer drive from Sydney to Shoalhaven showcases the stunning coastline of New South Wales.

  • Highlights: Sea Cliff Bridge, Royal National Park, Kiama Blowhole, Jervis Bay
  • Best Time to Travel: Year-round, but spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) offer the best weather.
  • Accommodation: Beachside resorts, motels, and holiday parks.

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9. The Overlander’s Way, Queensland

The Overlander’s Way spans 1,100 kilometres from Townsville to Tennant Creek, crossing through diverse landscapes and historic towns.

  • Highlights: Charters Towers, Mount Isa, Kronosaurus Korner, Winton’s Waltzing Matilda Centre
  • Best Time to Travel: Winter (June to August) to avoid the heat and wet season.
  • Accommodation: Roadhouses, motels, and caravan parks.

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10. The Great Green Way, Queensland

The Great Green Way covers 412 kilometres from Cairns to Townsville, featuring tropical rainforests, pristine beaches, and the Great Barrier Reef.

  • Highlights: Mission Beach, Tully Gorge National Park, Hinchinbrook Island, Cardwell Spa Pools
  • Best Time to Travel: Winter (June to August) for pleasant temperatures and fewer rain showers.
  • Accommodation: Beachfront resorts, eco-lodges, and holiday parks.

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