The 7 best road trips in Australia
Australia is famous for the best road trips in the world. It’s the perfect country to rent a car or campervan and hit the road. There is so much to discover and if you stray off the beaten track, you will usually come across beautiful corners. So let’s get going, we’ve put together the best road trips in Australia for you.
1. the Stuart Highway Road Trip, South Australia to the Northern Territory (2 weeks)
It is uniquely fascinating to see the red earth and the vastness of the Australian outback with your own eyes. As you drive along the Stuart Highway from South Australia to the Northern Territory, it’s just you, the open road and the beauty of the Australian outback. For a trip you’ll never forget, take the route from Adelaide to Darwin and stop at famous destinations such as Alice Springs, Uluru and Kakadu.
2. the Great Barrier Reef road trip, Queensland (weekend getaway)
Tropical adventures don’t get more picturesque than the 300-kilometer Great Barrier Reef Drive. Start in Cairns and drive along the Queensland coast to Cape Tribulation. Here you have the world’s largest reef system on one side and the Daintree Rainforest on the other. Stop for snorkeling in Port Douglas on the way, learn about Aboriginal culture in the ancient Daintree Rainforest and spot saltwater crocodiles in Cape Tribulation. The trip only takes one or two days, a wonderful destination for a weekend.
3. Tasmania’s East Coast (Long Weekend)
There are no wrong turns on this road trip through the stunning east coast of Tasmania – every detour off the map is simply an opportunity to discover something unexpected. Because the truth is, at least on this trip, there’s something breathtaking around every corner. Start in Hobart and make your way to Port Arthur. On the way there, we recommend stopping at the famous bridge in Richmond. From Port Arthur, continue to Freycinet National Park to visit the famous Wineglass Bay. It is always worth leaving the main road to enjoy the incredible food, wine and nature of the region. Continue via Bicheno to the Bay of Fires and then finish the road trip either in Launceston or back in Hobart.
4th road trip from Perth to Esperance, Western Australia (approx. 5 days)
There are many reasons why this road trip should be on your list: one of the reasons is that the beach paradise of Esperance is home to the famous kangaroos of Lucky Bay, who like to sunbathe on the beach. Eagle Bay is another remote hideaway on the southwest coast of Western Australia and just one of the many breathtaking stops on the impressive road trip from Perth to Esperance. The 7.5-hour drive offers everything from city exploration and wine tasting in the famous Margaret River region to coastal drives. Start planning and create a road trip playlist and bring plenty of snacks and water.
5. the Great Ocean Road, Victoria and South Australia (3 days to 1 week)
Australian road trips don’t get much better or better known than the Great Ocean Road. Set the cruise control and explore some of this country’s most beautiful coastal roads in around three days. This seaside road trip offers stunning views, free-roaming wildlife and laid-back Australian towns. You can drive this from Melbourne to Adelaide or vice versa.
6. Adelaide to Perth, South Australia (10 days)
When it comes to picture-perfect roads, it’s hard to compete. This narrow path, sometimes referred to as Watermelon Avenue, divides the pink waters of Lake MacDonnell on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula with the neighboring blue-green waterscape. You can make Lake MacDonnell your final destination from Adelaide, but for a more challenging outback adventure, drive cross-country along the Nullarbor. This road trip stretches from Adelaide to Perth and takes at least a couple of days. So plan ahead for an unforgettable 10-day Australian road trip adventure. Plenty of water and a spare canister of petrol should always be in your luggage.
7. Sydney to Canberra, Australian Capital Territory and back via Batemans Bay and Jervis Bay (long weekend)
Located halfway between Sydney and Melbourne, Canberra is a worthy addition to the road trip bucket list. Take the Federal Highway from Sydney to Canberra, a drive of about three hours to discover small breweries, cool-climate wines, world-renowned museums and outdoor adventures. From there, take a rural road to the coastal regions of Batemans Bay and Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay. Here you can spot dolphins and even whales in the winter months (June to October).
Are you looking for a motorhome to rent for your own road trip? Take a look at our selection of campers here.
