1. Great Ocean Road, Victoria
One of Australia’s most famous coastal routes, the Great Ocean Road stretches over 240 kilometers along Victoria’s coastline. It’s renowned for its dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and spectacular rock formations like the Twelve Apostles.
Route: Start in Torquay, heading west through towns like Lorne, Apollo Bay, and Port Campbell.
Must-See Stops: Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Arch, and the Otway Rainforest.
Tips: Plan to take your time—stop at the coastal towns, visit surf beaches, and explore the rainforests. The weather can change quickly, so pack layers and always check road conditions.
2. Pacific Coast Way, New South Wales and Queensland
This 900-kilometer stretch connects Sydney to Brisbane and offers stunning views of golden beaches, lush rainforests, and charming coastal towns. It’s a great combination of urban attractions and nature.
Route: Begin in Sydney, heading north to Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, and then up to Brisbane.
Must-See Stops: Byron Bay, the Solitary Islands Marine Park, and the spectacular beaches of the Central Coast.
Tips: Drive in early mornings to avoid heavy traffic, especially around Newcastle and Coffs Harbour. The beaches along the route are perfect for surfing, swimming, and relaxing.
3. The Nullarbor Plain, South Australia to Western Australia
The Nullarbor Plain offers one of the most remote and unique road trip experiences in the world. This vast, treeless expanse is a journey of solitude and incredible natural beauty.
Route: From Port Augusta (South Australia), head west toward Norseman in Western Australia, crossing the iconic Eyre Highway.
Must-See Stops: The Bunda Cliffs, Head of the Bight for whale watching, and the Eyre Bird Observatory.
Tips: Be prepared for long stretches of road with limited services. Carry plenty of water, snacks, and spare fuel. The remote nature of the drive means you’ll need to plan refueling stops in advance.
4. Red Centre Way, Northern Territory
This iconic outback route takes you through the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, offering a unique look at its spiritual and natural wonders.
Route: Starting and ending in Alice Springs, this 1,130-kilometer loop takes you to key destinations like Kings Canyon, Uluru, and the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Must-See Stops: Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), Kings Canyon, and the picturesque Finke Gorge National Park.
Tips: Start early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the intense desert heat. Make sure to have enough water, sun protection, and fuel, especially in remote areas.
5. Tasmanian Wilderness Drive, Tasmania
A beautiful road trip through Tasmania’s stunning wilderness, this drive takes you through pristine forests, rugged coastlines, and national parks.
Route: Starting in Hobart, head west to Strahan and then north to Cradle Mountain and Launceston.
Must-See Stops: Cradle Mountain, the Bay of Fires, the Tasman Peninsula, and the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.
Tips: Tasmania’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack for all conditions. Plan to hike through national parks to truly appreciate the island’s natural beauty.
6. The Outback Way, Queensland to Western Australia
Dubbed Australia’s longest shortcut, The Outback Way spans from Winton in Queensland to Laverton in Western Australia, cutting through the heart of the Australian Outback.
Route: From Winton, head west through Longreach, Boulia, and Alice Springs, and finally to Laverton.
Must-See Stops: The Australian Age of Dinosaurs, the Outback’s most remote roadhouses, and the vast stretches of the Simpson Desert.
Tips: Be prepared for long distances between services. Stock up on water, food, and fuel. It’s a great trip for those seeking an authentic and rugged Australian adventure.
7. Great Barrier Reef Drive, Queensland
This route offers the perfect opportunity to explore both the Great Barrier Reef and the tropical wonders of Queensland’s coast.
Route: From Cairns to the Whitsunday Islands, passing through Port Douglas, Mission Beach, and Airlie Beach.
Must-See Stops: The Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation, and the beautiful beaches of Airlie Beach.
Tips: Snorkeling and diving are a must along this route, especially at the reef itself. Book tours in advance, and be mindful of the weather as storms can affect visibility.
8. The Gibb River Road, Western Australia
The Gibb River Road is one of the ultimate outback 4WD adventures, running through the rugged Kimberley region of Western Australia. This journey is perfect for those seeking adventure and stunning wilderness.
Route: Starting from Derby, drive east through Bell Gorge, Windjana Gorge, and continue toward Kununurra.
Must-See Stops: Tunnel Creek, Manning Gorge, and the stunning Bungle Bungles in Purnululu National Park.
Tips: Only attempt this road in a 4WD, and travel during the dry season (May-October) to avoid dangerous conditions. Prepare for remote conditions with a comprehensive emergency kit and extra fuel.
9. The Alpine Way, New South Wales
The Alpine Way offers one of Australia’s best scenic drives, taking you through alpine forests, towering peaks, and picturesque villages.
Route: Start in Jindabyne, head through Thredbo, and pass the ski resort areas before finishing in the historic town of Mount Beauty.
Must-See Stops: Kosciuszko National Park, Thredbo Village, and the Alpine scenery of the Snowy Mountains.
Tips: The best time for this drive is during the winter months (June-August) for skiing or in spring (September-November) for hiking and wildflower blooms.
10. Snowy Mountains Highway, New South Wales
A picturesque route that takes you through some of Australia’s most stunning alpine scenery, ideal for road trippers with a love for outdoor adventures.
Route: Drive from Canberra to the historic town of Corryong in Victoria, passing through towns like Tumut and Khancoban.
Must-See Stops: The Kosciuszko National Park, the Tumut River, and the Yarrangobilly Caves.
Tips: The region is popular for outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. Pack warm clothes, even in summer, and prepare for occasional snowstorms in winter.