There's something magical about exploring Australia by road. The vast, ever-changing landscapes, the freedom to set your own pace, and the endless opportunities for discovery make road trips one of the best ways to experience this diverse continent. From coastal drives alongside turquoise waters to red dirt tracks cutting through the ancient Outback, Australia offers road journeys to suit every traveler. In this guide, we've crafted five iconic Australian road trip itineraries to inspire your next adventure.
Essential Road Trip Planning Tips
- Distances: Australia is enormous—never underestimate driving times between destinations
- Vehicle: Choose appropriate transportation for your route (4WD required for many Outback journeys)
- Seasons: Consider weather patterns—northern Australia has distinct wet/dry seasons
- Supplies: Carry extra water, food, and fuel for remote stretches
- Wildlife: Drive cautiously at dawn and dusk when animals are most active
- Connectivity: Download offline maps and be prepared for areas without mobile coverage
1. The Great Ocean Road: Victoria's Coastal Masterpiece
Perhaps Australia's most famous road trip, the Great Ocean Road winds along Victoria's dramatic southern coastline, showcasing breathtaking ocean vistas, lush rainforests, and iconic rock formations.
Route Overview:
Distance: 243 kilometers (151 miles)
Recommended time: 3-5 days
Start/End: Torquay to Warrnambool
Best time to travel: Year-round, though September-April offers warmer weather
Day 1: Torquay to Lorne (45 km)
Begin your journey in Torquay, the official starting point of the Great Ocean Road and Australia's surfing capital. Visit the Australian National Surfing Museum and the iconic Bells Beach, home to the world's longest-running surfing competition.
Continue to Anglesea, where kangaroos graze on the local golf course, before reaching the picturesque town of Lorne. Here, enjoy the stunning beach, explore Erskine Falls in the lush rainforest of the Otway Ranges, and savor fresh seafood at local restaurants.
Day 2: Lorne to Apollo Bay (45 km)
This stretch offers some of the most spectacular coastal scenery on the route. Stop at Teddy's Lookout for panoramic views of the coastline before continuing to Kenneth River, where you can spot wild koalas in the eucalyptus trees and colorful parrots that may land right on your shoulders.
Enjoy lunch in the charming seaside town of Wye River before reaching Apollo Bay, gateway to the Otways. Consider a detour inland to the magical Melba Gully for a nighttime walk to see glow worms illuminating the rainforest.
Day 3: Apollo Bay to Port Campbell (95 km)
Venture into Cape Otway, where Australia's oldest mainland lighthouse stands guard over the treacherous "Shipwreck Coast." The Great Ocean Road then turns inland through the towering forests of the Otway National Park, where towering eucalyptus trees and ancient ferns create a prehistoric atmosphere.
Re-emerging at the coast, you'll reach the spectacular Twelve Apostles, the iconic limestone stacks that rise majestically from the Southern Ocean. Arrive in the late afternoon when the changing light creates the most dramatic views and the tourist crowds have thinned.
Nearby, explore Loch Ard Gorge, named after an 1878 shipwreck, and the eerily beautiful Grotto. Stay overnight in Port Campbell, the closest town to these natural wonders.
Day 4: Port Campbell to Warrnambool (60 km)
Continue west to discover more remarkable coastal formations, including London Bridge (now London Arch after part of it collapsed in 1990) and the Bay of Islands. The limestone coastline here is equally spectacular but far less crowded than the Twelve Apostles.
Complete your journey in Warrnambool, a historic maritime city where southern right whales nurse their calves offshore between June and September. Visit Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village to learn about the region's shipwreck history, or detour inland to the volcanic landscape of Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, teeming with native animals.
Detour Option: Great Otway National Park
Add an extra day to explore deeper into the Otways. Visit the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures for a walkway suspended 25 meters above the forest floor, or seek out Hopetoun Falls and Beauchamp Falls, which rank among Australia's most beautiful waterfalls.
2. The Red Centre Way: Heart of Australia
Discover the spiritual heart of Australia on this circular route through the Red Centre, taking in iconic landmarks, ancient Aboriginal sites, and the mesmerizing landscapes that define the Australian Outback.
Route Overview:
Distance: Approximately 1,135 kilometers (705 miles)
Recommended time: 6-7 days
Start/End: Alice Springs (circular route)
Best time to travel: April to September (cooler desert temperatures)
Vehicle requirement: 4WD recommended for the Mereenie Loop section
Day 1-2: Alice Springs Exploration
Begin in Alice Springs, the Outback's largest town and a hub of Aboriginal art and culture. Visit the Alice Springs Desert Park to understand the region's ecology, explore the historic Telegraph Station, and gain insights into remote medical services at the Royal Flying Doctor Service base.
At sunset, head to Anzac Hill for panoramic views of the town and surrounding MacDonnell Ranges. The next morning, visit one of the Aboriginal art centers, where you can meet artists and learn about their ancient storytelling traditions.
Day 3: Alice Springs to Glen Helen (132 km)
Drive west into the West MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja), stopping at the dramatic Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm. Continue to the cool refuge of Ellery Creek Big Hole, a permanent waterhole perfect for a refreshing swim, before visiting the ochre pits, which have provided Aboriginal peoples with ceremonial paint materials for thousands of years.
Hike part of the Larapinta Trail at Ormiston Gorge, known for its towering red walls and ghost gum trees, before reaching Glen Helen, where the ancient walls of the gorge spectacularly change color at sunset.
Day 4: Glen Helen to Kings Canyon via Mereenie Loop (225 km)
The adventure intensifies as you take the Mereenie Loop (partly unsealed road) through some of the most remote and beautiful landscapes in Central Australia. This region is the traditional homeland of the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people, with numerous sacred sites along the way.
Arrive at Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park by mid-afternoon, allowing time for the three-hour Rim Walk—a spectacular hike that takes you along the edge of the 100-meter high canyon walls, down into the "Garden of Eden" permanent waterhole, and past the weathered domes of the "Lost City."
Day 5-6: Kings Canyon to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (300 km)
Continue to Australia's most recognizable natural landmark, Uluru (Ayers Rock). Arrive in time for sunset, when the massive sandstone monolith seems to glow from within as it shifts through shades of orange, red, and purple.
Spend a full day exploring Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Join a ranger-guided walk around the base of Uluru to learn about its significance to the Anangu people, the traditional owners of the land. Their creation stories explain how Uluru's many caves, waterholes, and rock markings were formed by ancestral beings.
In the afternoon, drive to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a group of 36 massive rock domes that rise dramatically from the desert floor. Hike the Valley of the Winds trail, which winds between these ancient formations, offering constantly changing perspectives of their majesty.
Day 7: Uluru to Alice Springs (445 km)
Rise early for the unforgettable experience of watching the sun rise over Uluru, then begin the return journey to Alice Springs. Along the way, stop at Curtin Springs, a working cattle station that offers insights into Outback pastoral life, and Mt Ebenezer, known for its Aboriginal art gallery.
Arrive back in Alice Springs by late afternoon, completing your circular journey through Australia's spiritual heartland.
3. The Great Tropical Drive: Queensland's Paradise Circuit
Combining pristine coastlines, ancient rainforests, and the Great Barrier Reef, this tropical North Queensland circuit delivers a perfect blend of natural wonders and relaxed beach towns.
Route Overview:
Distance: Approximately 1,200 kilometers (745 miles)
Recommended time: 7-10 days
Start/End: Cairns (circular route)
Best time to travel: May to October (dry season)
Day 1-2: Cairns and the Northern Beaches
Begin in Cairns, the gateway to tropical North Queensland. Explore the vibrant Esplanade with its lagoon pool and visit the excellent Cairns Aquarium to preview the marine life you might encounter on the reef.
Spend your second day exploring Cairns' northern beaches, including the palm-fringed Trinity Beach and upscale Palm Cove, known for its boutique accommodations and spa retreats. Consider a day trip to Green Island, one of the most accessible reef experiences from Cairns.
Day 3-4: Port Douglas and the Daintree (70 km)
Drive north along the spectacular Captain Cook Highway, where the rainforest meets the reef. This coastal road hugs the cliffs with stunning ocean views all the way to Port Douglas, a sophisticated resort town that maintains a relaxed tropical vibe.
From Port Douglas, join a cruise to the outer Great Barrier Reef for world-class snorkeling and diving experiences. The next day, venture north into the Daintree Rainforest, the world's oldest tropical rainforest at 180 million years old. Cross the Daintree River by ferry and explore this prehistoric ecosystem with a guided boardwalk tour, spotting unique wildlife like cassowaries and tree-kangaroos.
Continue to Cape Tribulation, where two World Heritage sites meet—the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Walk on the pristine beach or take a guided night walk to spot nocturnal creatures.
Day 5: Atherton Tablelands Loop (250 km)
Head inland to the fertile Atherton Tablelands, a lush plateau offering cooler temperatures and diverse attractions. Visit the ancient Curtain Fig Tree, swim in volcanic crater lakes like Lake Eacham, and spot platypus at dusk in the clear streams around Yungaburra.
The region is also known for its food trail, where you can sample tropical fruits, locally-made cheeses, coffee grown on Australia's only coffee plantations, and unique wines made from exotic fruits.
Day 6-7: Mission Beach and the Cassowary Coast (160 km)
Travel south to Mission Beach, a laid-back tropical paradise and one of the best places to spot the endangered cassowary, Australia's largest bird. The area consists of four beach villages connected by 14 kilometers of golden sand.
Take a day trip to nearby Dunk Island, or for the adventurous, try white-water rafting on the Tully River or skydiving with beach landings offering views of the reef and rainforest from above.
Day 8-9: Hinchinbrook Island and Wallaman Falls (180 km)
Continue south to Cardwell, gateway to Hinchinbrook Island, Australia's largest island national park. The island is famous for the Thorsborne Trail, one of the world's best wilderness hikes, though day trips are also available.
Detour inland to Wallaman Falls in Girringun National Park, Australia's highest permanent single-drop waterfall, plunging 268 meters in a spectacular display. The diverse ecosystem around the falls supports a rich variety of wildlife.
Day 10: Return to Cairns via the Waterfall Circuit (340 km)
Complete your tropical circuit by traveling north through the historic town of Innisfail, known for its Art Deco architecture, then follow the Canecutter Way through sugar cane country.
Detour to the Josephine Falls and Babinda Boulders, where crystal-clear mountain streams have carved smooth granite boulders into natural swimming holes. Learn about the Dreamtime legend that explains the creation of the Babinda Boulders before returning to Cairns to complete your tropical circuit.
4. The Nullarbor Crossing: Australia's Epic Desert Journey
For true adventurers, crossing the Nullarbor Plain delivers one of the world's great road trip experiences—a journey across Australia's vast, treeless desert connecting the southern edges of the continent.
Route Overview:
Distance: Approximately 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) for the Nullarbor section; 3,000 kilometers (1,865 miles) for Adelaide to Perth
Recommended time: 5-7 days for the Nullarbor; 10-14 days for the full Adelaide to Perth journey
Start/End: Ceduna, South Australia to Norseman, Western Australia (or full journey from Adelaide to Perth)
Best time to travel: April to October (milder temperatures)
Vehicle requirement: Reliable vehicle with good fuel efficiency, though 4WD not essential
Preparation is Crucial
The Nullarbor represents Australia at its most remote—stretches of up to 190 kilometers between roadhouses require careful planning:
- Carry extra fuel, water (at least 10 liters per person per day), and emergency food supplies
- Ensure your vehicle is recently serviced with reliable tires
- Let someone know your itinerary and check in regularly
- Consider a satellite phone or personal locator beacon for emergencies
The Journey Across the Nullarbor
Starting from Ceduna, the last major town in South Australia, you'll soon encounter the official start of the Nullarbor Plain. The name "Nullarbor" comes from the Latin for "no trees," and the vast limestone plateau delivers exactly that—an immense, flat horizon that creates an almost hypnotic driving experience.
Key experiences along the Nullarbor include:
- Bunda Cliffs: Where the plain dramatically meets the Great Australian Bight with towering sea cliffs extending for more than 100 kilometers
- Great Australian Bight Marine Park: Between May and October, stop at lookouts to spot southern right whales nursing their calves
- Eyre Highway: Drive the longest straight road in Australia—146.6 kilometers without a single curve
- Nullarbor Links Golf Course: The world's longest golf course spans 1,365 kilometers with holes at roadhouses and towns along the route
- Roadhouses: These isolated outposts offer fuel, basic food, accommodation, and often colorful characters with tales of Nullarbor life
- Crossing the border: The Western Australia/South Australia border crossing includes quarantine inspections for fruits, vegetables, and honey
The traditional Nullarbor crossing concludes at Norseman, the first town in Western Australia, though most travelers continue to Esperance with its incredibly white beaches, or all the way to Perth to complete the transcontinental journey.
Extended Journey: Adelaide to Perth
For the complete east-west experience, begin in Adelaide and explore the Eyre Peninsula before tackling the Nullarbor, then continue through Western Australia's southern regions to Perth.
This extended route adds spectacular coastal scenery, ancient forests, world-class wine regions, and pristine beaches to the Nullarbor adventure, creating one of the world's great road journeys.
5. Tasmania's East Coast Treasure Trail
Tasmania's compact size makes it perfect for road-tripping, and the east coast route delivers a magnificent combination of pristine beaches, historic towns, and world-renowned national parks.
Route Overview:
Distance: Approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles)
Recommended time: 5-7 days
Start/End: Hobart to Launceston (or reverse)
Best time to travel: October to April (warmer weather, though Tasmania is a year-round destination)
Day 1: Hobart to Port Arthur (95 km)
Begin in Tasmania's charming capital, Hobart, then head east across the Tasman Bridge to the historic convict settlement of Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula. Along the way, stop at Richmond to see Australia's oldest bridge still in use (built in 1825) and explore the natural wonders of the peninsula, including the Tessellated Pavement, Tasman Arch, and the Devil's Kitchen—all spectacular coastal formations created by millions of years of erosion.
Spend the afternoon at the Port Arthur Historic Site, Tasmania's most important convict-era location and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The preservation of the penitentiary, guard tower, and church ruins creates a powerful window into Australia's convict history.
Day 2: Port Arthur to Freycinet National Park (170 km)
Travel north along the east coast, stopping at the quaint seaside town of Swansea for lunch overlooking Great Oyster Bay. Continue to Freycinet National Park, home to the perfect curve of white sand and turquoise water known as Wineglass Bay, consistently rated among the world's top beaches.
Take the moderate 1-2 hour return hike to the Wineglass Bay Lookout for the postcard-perfect view, or for the more energetic, continue down to the beach itself. Alternatively, join a scenic cruise to experience this magnificent coastline from the water, with excellent chances to spot dolphins, seals, and sea eagles.
Day 3: Freycinet Area Exploration
Spend a full day exploring the Freycinet Peninsula. Rise early for the Hazards Beach Circuit, a 11km loop track that offers ever-changing perspectives of the pink granite mountains, azure bays, and white beaches that define this peninsula.
In the afternoon, visit nearby Friendly Beaches for some of Tasmania's most pristine and uncrowded sands, or indulge in a seafood feast at one of the area's acclaimed restaurants, where fresh oysters and rock lobster feature prominently.
Day 4: Freycinet to Bay of Fires (110 km)
Continue north through the fishing town of Bicheno, where you can join a dusk penguin tour to see little penguins returning to their burrows. Visit the blowhole and stunning beaches around Bicheno before proceeding to the Bay of Fires, named for the Aboriginal fires spotted by early European explorers but now famous for its orange-hued granite boulders, crystal-clear waters, and white sandy beaches.
Explore the bay's numerous coves and beaches, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and beach walks. Stay in or near the main town of St Helens, Tasmania's largest fishing port and gateway to the bay.
Day 5: Bay of Fires to Launceston via Pyengana (160 km)
Begin your journey inland, stopping at Pyengana to taste the award-winning heritage cheeses at the Pyengana Dairy Company and visit the picturesque St Columba Falls, Tasmania's highest multi-tiered waterfall cascading over 90 meters from the highlands to the valley floor.
Continue to Launceston, Tasmania's second-largest city, known for its well-preserved colonial and Victorian architecture and the spectacular Cataract Gorge just a 15-minute walk from the city center. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the gorge or ride the world's longest single-span chairlift for panoramic views of this urban wilderness area.
Optional Extensions:
With extra time, consider these additions to your Tasmanian road trip:
- Maria Island: A car-free island accessible by ferry, offering abundant wildlife, convict ruins, and the surreal Painted Cliffs
- Cradle Mountain: Continue north from Launceston to experience Tasmania's most iconic mountain and alpine scenery
- Bruny Island: South of Hobart, this food-lover's paradise offers artisanal cheese, fresh oysters, and stunning coastal landscapes
Road Trip Safety and Sustainability
As you plan your Australian road adventure, keep these important considerations in mind:
Safety First
- Drive on the left side of the road
- Always carry drinking water, particularly in remote areas
- Be cautious driving at dawn and dusk due to increased wildlife activity
- Check road conditions, especially during wet seasons or in Outback areas
- Maintain appropriate speeds for conditions
- Take regular breaks—driver fatigue is a major cause of accidents
Sustainable Travel
- Stay on designated roads and tracks to minimize environmental impact
- Carry all rubbish out with you, especially in national parks
- Observe wildlife from a respectful distance
- Support local businesses and communities
- Consider carbon offset programs for your journey
Australia's vast landscapes and incredible diversity make it the ultimate road trip destination. Whether you're hugging the coast, venturing into the red heart of the continent, or traversing the mighty Nullarbor, the journey itself becomes as memorable as the destinations along the way. The freedom of the open road, the ever-changing scenery, and the sense of adventure that comes with discovering Australia at your own pace create travel experiences that will stay with you long after you've returned home.
