Australia’s Best Scenic Drives: A Road Trip Guide

Planning a trip? Looking for a new adventure? Try going on a road trip! There’s nothing like hopping into the car with a couple of bags, your favourite tunes and some awesome mates and just…driving. The possibilities are endless!

That’s also one of the biggest challenges when planning an Australian road trip: what route should we drive? Where will we stop? Where should we start? Where should we finish? And what’s there to see en-route? We’ve done the leg-work for you and rounded up some of the most beautiful drives in the country to make planning easier. Grab a cuppa and let’s get started!

Our picks for Australia’s five best scenic drives are:

1. The Great Ocean Road, Victoria
2. Sydney to Brisbane, NSW & Queensland
3. Nullarbor Plain, South Australia
4. The Red Centre Way, Northern Territory
5. Hobart to Freycinet, Tasmania

1. The Great Ocean Road, Victoria

Starting from Torquay and finishing in Allansford, Victoria, The Great Ocean Road is over 240km of natural beauty. From limestone stacks (did we hear Twelve Apostles?) to historic sites, The Great Ocean Road offers plenty of reasons to pull over and take in the view. The towering limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles are a must-see along the Shipwreck Coast.

Venture further inland for more natural wonders including the Great Otway National Park and the Kennett River, another fantastic location for koala spotting. With both beach and bush on offer, it’s an ideal destination for those wanting to see it all.

• Estimated Travel Time: Torquay–Allansford, 243km, allow two to three days
• Map Link: here

2. Sydney to Brisbane, NSW & Queensland

With such iconic names to choose from, Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Newcastle, Hunter Valley, this list would not be complete without a drive along Australia’s east coast! There are so many towns and cities to choose from, Yamba, Byron Bay, Ballina, Coffs Harbour (home to the famous Big Banana), Nambucca Heads, Port Macquarie and more, so plan carefully or you’ll be travelling non-stop! Highlights include surfing and lighthouse walks in Byron Bay, whale-watching cruises in Newcastle, sand dunes and dolphin cruises in Port Stephens and of course, a few days of fun in the sun at Australia’s best-known beachside tourist destinations, the Gold Coast.

• Estimated Travel Time: Sydney–Brisbane, 900km via the Pacific Coast Highway, allow three-four days
• Map Link: here

3. Nullarbor Plain, South Australia & Western Australia

For the more seasoned road-trip masters out there, consider heading across the Nullarbor Plain between Ceduna (SA) and Norseman (WA). At over 1,200km it’s a sizeable drive with lots to see along the way including the Nullarbor Links (the world’s longest golf course), whale-watching (May – October) at the Head of Bight and the longest continuous straight section of road (over 140km!) in Australia on the Eyre Highway. Allow time to get out and stretch your legs, and plan regular rest stops along the way.

• Estimated Travel Time: Ceduna–Norseman 1200km, allow two days
• Map Link: here

4. The Red Centre Way, Northern Territory

For a different perspective on Australia, venture inland and discover the ancient landscapes of the Red Centre Way. Starting and finishing in Alice Springs in the NT, this roughly 1,135km loop will take you to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park along the Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges. Here, you’ll be able to walk the entire circumference (10km walking track) at the base of the sacred monolith of Uluru and watch the world-famous sunsets over the red-rock formations at Kata Tjuta.

There’s so much more on offer on this fantastic trip including gorges, rock art, wildlife, historical sites and plenty of cultural experiences along the way.

• Estimated Travel Time: Alice Springs–Alice Springs, roughly 1,135km, allow six to seven days
• Map Link: here

5. Hobart to Freycinet, Tasmania

Give yourself a few days to explore Tasmania’s east coast. Starting and finishing in Hobart, head north-east towards Freycinet, with coastal stops along the way. Stops should include Freycinet National Park and its well-known bay, Wineglass Bay, famous for its white sand and crystal-clear waters. Continue your journey to Bicheno where you’ll find a blowhole and the world’s cutest penguins, the tiny, little fairy penguins (best viewed at dusk) before returning back down the coast and heading home.

• Estimated Travel Time: Hobart–Freycinet National Park–Hobart, roughly 400km return before detours, allow two-three days
• Map Link: here

Road Trip Pro Tips

We want you to get the most out of your road trip experience, spending more time taking in the sights and less time dealing with travel admin. So, here’s a list of some pro travel tips to start off your journey on the right foot.

• Plan your route: Before hitting the road, have an idea of the route you’ll be taking. Consider the distance, road conditions, accommodation and points of interest along the way.

• Safety first: Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy by scheduling a thorough check-up before departure and consider investing in a roadside assistance service.

• Don’t forget the essentials: Pack wisely for varying climates and terrains and don’t forget to bring a first aid kit, plenty of water, snacks, a spare tyre, a portable power bank and tools. It’s also a good idea to bring a map or have GPS navigation in case of limited network coverage.

• Get your safety nets in place: Consider purchasing travel insurance for your journey. It might not be the most glamorous part of the road trip planning process, but it’s a good idea to consider protecting your car hire, luggage and plans during travel, especially as rental vehicle-related claims account for nearly one-fifth of domestic claims in Australia. Do your research to work out the best provider and cover for your travel needs.

• Fuel up strategically: Plan your refuelling stops strategically and monitor your fuel gauge. Consider carrying extra petrol containers for longer stretches between stations. Another tip is to use apps to see nearby stations and the price of their petrol to find the best deals.

• Avoid fatigue: According to the Australia Automobile Association, 20-30% of all car crashes in Australia are attributable to fatigue. Take regular breaks, share the driving if possible and keep the environment engaging and the car well-ventilated.

• Embrace flexibility and spontaneity: Allow time for detours, unplanned stops, and spontaneous adventures that may lead to hidden gems. Some of the best memories can be made from unexpected moments on the road.

That’s our list! What are some of Australia’s best drives you’d add to the list? Let us know in the comments. Happy road tripping!