Whether you are planning for some recreation or planning to go out somewhere, an Australia road trip is one of the best options. Stretched across a wide area of land, Australia has a lot to offer for road trips.
Road trips in Australia can be fun if you have pre-planned your entire trip. Even if you have not, there is nothing to worry about. Read the article to learn more about the fantastic road trips in Australia.
Guide To An Australia Road Trip
Australia is a place that is filled with numerous tourist attractions. The national parks, the dense forest, and the oceans are some of its major attractions. Apart from that, Australia is also home to various species of animals.
Along with the variety in wildlife, Australia is also filled with many marine creatures. You can easily find them on the beaches and various other waterways present in the country. It also has a wide range of forests, from the tropical rainforest to the dense and dark canopy. This place will leave you amazed.
Whether it is South Australia, Western Australia, the northern territory or even the east coast, everything has something or the other to offer. Let us dive into a detailed explanation of the Australia road trip.
1. Tropical North Queensland
It starts with a 3 days drive from Cairns to Townsville and then from Townsville to Airlie Beach. Along the drive, you will be able to visit some of the world heritage sites like the rainforest-clad mountains and the Great Barrier Reef.
Some other amazing views on the way include the mission beach, diving in the reef, wildlife, unique tropical fruits, waterfalls of the very famous Wooroonooran National Park, Hinchinbrook Island, and various swimming holes.
2. Sunshine Coast
It is a 4-8 days long drive that starts from Airlie Beach and ends at Brisbane. You are going to find many beautiful beaches on the way. The road trip is filled with amazing views of beaches and tropical waters that pass along the Great Barrier Reef.
Some of the highlights of this road trip include an incredible barrier reef drive and hopping on the Airlie beach. You can experience the Agnes waters, the Eungella National Park, the Fraser Island, Glasshouse Mountains, the Great Sandy National Park, Cape Hillsborough, Noosa Heads and Lady Musgrave Islands.
Apart from all these beautiful views, you will also get the chance to witness the whale sharks at Hervey Bay. The road trip from Airlie Beach to Brisbane will be about 1,120 km in total.
3. Queensland Outback Drive
It is a 4-6 days road trip that includes a journey from Townsville-Cunnamulla to Cunnamulla-Brisbane. The total journey of this trip is going to be about 1,700 km.
You will have to start the journey from Brisbane and drive towards the west coast of Cunnamulla. There are several towns and beautiful places that people generally get to experience along the way. You will have the chance to witness the fantastic landscapes of the outback of Australia before you return to the tropical coastal Townsville city.
The highlights of this road trip include stargazing, outback art, bilby encounters, red dunes, dinosaur footprints, canyons, numerous wildlife, museums and historic towns. In addition, you will also get the chance to witness the Charters Towers.
4. East Coast Australian Road Trip-I
It is a 5-9 days trip covering an area of about 1050 km. The road trip covers the area of Sydney to Brisbane.
The major highlights of this trip include camping on the beautiful beaches, surfing on the surf beaches, visiting the glow-worm tunnels, visiting the ancient forests, witnessing kangaroo life on the kangaroo island, and visiting the Wollemi National Park.
5. East Coastal Route Australian Road Trip-II
The total area covered in this road trip is 1200 km and stretches from Sydney to Melbourne. It is a 5-10 days trip that includes Australia’s coastal towns and regions. Generally, for people who love swimming, listening to the sound of the waves, star gazing and spending time on the seashore, this road trip is definitely for you.
The main highlights of this trip are seeing the Royal National Park, climbing the Pigeon House mountain, spending time with the friendly wildlife of Booderee National Park, diving into the ocean with the seals, eating cheese in the famous Tilba Tilba, watching the graceful whales, and also having mouthwatering food. The Freycinet National Park is also a great location on this route.
In addition, you can also see fresh oysters and go for a swim at the Mornington Peninsula.
6. Snowy Mountains
The total area covered by this trip is around 1,450 km and is a 5-10 days trip. While travelling on this route, you will be able to see the snow-capped mountains of Australia.
The major highlights of this road trip wind up some of the favourite activities and famous spots of Australia road trip. They are witnessing the spectacular view of the mountain landscapes, experiencing the wine of the cool climate, witnessing the bright autumn colours, and seeing the penguins and various other wildlife.
The trip covers some areas of Sydney, Snowy Mountains, Melbourne and Canberra.
7. Great Ocean Road
The epic Great Ocean road trip lasts for 7-12 days and covers about 1,500 km. The excellent road trip is defined by ocean views, surfing, excellent scenic route and wine.
Some of the major highlights of the Great Ocean Road trip are hiking, self-driving, visiting wine regions of various kinds, witnessing the unique wildlife at the Kangaroo Island, visiting the very famous glow warm cave, and visiting the ancient forests and vineyards.
8. Outback And Broken Hill
The road trip covers some parts of Sydney and Adelaide Drive. The estimated duration of this road trip is around 7-14 days and the distance covered is 1,800 km. During this trip, you will be able to witness the national park of Blue Mountain, which consists of infinite walks, orchards, and art colonies.
While driving along the path, you will also get the opportunity to see the fantastic landscapes of Australia.
9. Grand Pacific Drive
The fantastic road trip of the Grand Pacific Drive passes along some of the unique townships of Australia like Shell harbour, Wollongong, Shoalhaven and Kiama. If you take a 140 km drive from Sydney, you will be able to witness some of Australia’s best beaches, amazing landscapes, rugged islands and many other mesmerizing views.
You will have to drive over the Sea Cliff Bridge, and a well-designed architecture spread over the ocean. The Seacliff bridge is a major attraction of this place.
10. The Savanna Way
If you are an adventure-loving person, this road trip is just for you. You will have to drive from Tropical North Queensland and reach the western Australia Kimberly region via northern territory on this trip.
You will find different national parks weaving through the outback cattle stations. You will also get the opportunity of visiting some world heritage-listed places. In addition, there are turquoise waters, waterfalls and other waterways.
The wildlife of western Australia is another attraction of this place
11. Great Alpine Road
The fantastic 500 km journey covers some of the best areas of Australia, namely, Wangaratta, Gippsland Lakes Area and Victorian High Country. You will get to cross many towns and villages.
If you take this trip during the summer season, you will have the opportunity for horse riding and fishing. Whereas during winters, it is advised to pack some boots, wheel chains and skis.
12. Pacific Coast
Taking a drive through the pacific coast is one of the best decisions you can make. Take a 5-days time out of your busy schedule and enjoy the tropical paradise of the northern coast.
The 900 km Australia road trip crosses through unique places such as Coffs Harbor, Central Australia coastal towns, Port Stephens, Newcastle, Byron Bay and Ballina. The road also hits the Gold Coast and arrives at Brisbane city.
13. Big Lap
It is the best and probably the longest among all other Aussie road trips. It covers Darwin, Cairns, Brisbane, Broome, Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, and Esperance.
The 15,000 km road trip is not something you can finish in a week or two. You will need at least a few months to complete the entire road trip.
14. Gibb River Road
It is a 660 km road trip that passes through some famous ancient lands like Derby, Kimberly, and Wyndham. Major attractions along this road trip are dipping in the cold waterholes known to be fed by waterfalls.
15. Darwin To Port Augusta
The fantastic road trip of South Australia through the Stuart Highway explores some of the rich regions in Australia.
Some attractions of this place are the Red Centre and the Kakadu National Park. In addition, you will also get the opportunity of exploring the rock formations, canyons and gorges. There are also several lakes and rivers of South Australia that you will encounter on your way.
You can end the drive on a beautiful note at the Port Augusta town situated on the east coast of Australia’s spencer gulf.
16. The Eyre Peninsula
Visiting the Eyre Peninsula is one of the wisest decisions you can make during your stay in Australia. You will get to see the native wildlife and the national parks. In addition, you will also get the opportunity of having the best seafood.
If you love exploring new places, you should move out and start exploring the south coast of Australia. All the food served on the way is fresh and has an authentic taste. It is for sure going to be an epic road trip.
17. The Coral Coastal Drive
The coral coastal drive is a very famous touring place in Australia. During this road trip, you will be able to see amazing coastal sceneries and unique desert colours.
The road trip winds between Broome and Perth and has rock formations, gorges, rugged islands and turquoise waters.
18. Nullarbor Plain
It is a treeless land that is situated on the Eyre Highway. It has a 146 km long road, also known as the longest straight road in the world. The location of the Nullarbor Plain is so excellent that you can reach it from many cities and towns in Australia, such as Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne.
You can indulge yourself in the fantastic view of this place, and it will not turn you down.
19. Cairns To Cape York
The road trips along this route in Australia are filled with sceneries and coastal views. The Cape Tribulation is a fantastic place to stop by on your journey. You can feel free to admire the beauty of this place. It is also the perfect travel destination for nature lovers.
You will also have to encounter some wildlife and marine creatures on the empty beaches that are present on the way. These wildlife and marine creatures are found in almost every forest and beach in this country.
20. Perth To Pilbara
Pilbara is one of the ancient regions of Australia. The top-notch scenes and sceneries are what make this place famous. It is often comprehended as an epic road trip in Australia.
It is rich in iron ore and arts made up of indigenous rock. It also has plenty of swimming holes, gorges, various waterways and mesmerizing landscapes.
Conclusion
Australia road trips are famous all over the world. It is the best place for planned road trips. Depending upon the likes and dislikes of everyone, Australia has a lot to offer.
Whether you are a nature lover or an animal lover, this place has covered you. You will get a lot of options that you can choose from. Just pack your pack, and get on the road with your loved ones!
Also check out, Best Things to Do in Port Douglas.
