There’s nothing better than gearing up for an epic road trip–choosing your route, curating the ultimate road trip playlist and embracing the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of Australia’s most impressive scenic wonders.
Boasting vast open spaces and roads that go on forever, Australia is home to some of the most scenic road trips in the world. However, planning your route can be overwhelming. With so many roads to travel, sights to see and bucket list items to tick off, we’ve picked out five of Australia’s best scenic drives to help steer you in the right direction, plus some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your experience. So pack the car, pin the map and turn up the volume–your epic road trip adventure starts now!
Our picks for Australia’s five best scenic drives are:
- The Great Ocean Road, Victoria
- Sydney to Brisbane, NSW & Queensland
- Nullarbor Plain, South Australia
- The Red Centre Way, Northern Territory
- Hobart to Freycinet, Tasmania
1. The Great Ocean Road, Victoria
There’s a reason why The Great Ocean Road in Victoria can usually be found at the top of any Australian road trip list. An iconic drive stretching more than 240km from Torquay to Allansford, The Great Ocean Road is all about those epic coastline views. For most, the main attraction is the breathtaking views of the Twelve Apostles, where eight limestone stacks still stand along what is aptly referred to as Shipwreck Coast.
Though, if you head inland you can explore Otway National Park or the Kennett River area, where you might spot a cheeky koala or two. Allow ample time to explore coastal and inland areas on this route so that both beach and bush adventures can be equally savoured.
- Estimated Travel Time: Torquay–Allansford, 243km, allow two to three days
- Map Link: here
2. Sydney to Brisbane, NSW & Queensland
An Australian road trip favourite, the drive from Sydney to Brisbane is another coastal extravaganza, serving gorgeous sand, sun and surf views. With so many potential stops along the way, we thought we’d help you out a bit by pointing out some of the most popular destinations along this drive–Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Ballina, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca Heads, Port Macquarie, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Hunter Valley and Yamba. Whether you want to stop for a surf and lighthouse walk in Byron Bay, enjoy dolphin cruises and sand dunes in Port Macquarie, or get the mandatory photo with the Big Banana at Coffs Harbour, it won’t be hard to fill up your itinerary.
- 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
The Nullarbor Plain in South Australia is one of Australia’s best scenic drives, stretching over 1,200km from Ceduna in South Australia to Norseman in Western Australia. This exceptional drive features the longest straight stretch of road in the country, with the Eyre Highway running straight for over 140km–an epic travel experience and fun trivia fact. Along this route, you’ll also find the Nullarbor Links, the world’s longest golf course (there seems to be a recurring theme). You can also enjoy whale watching between May and October at the Head of Bight, confirming this Australian road trip as an absolute must-add to your bucket list!
- Estimated Travel Time: Ceduna–Norseman 1200km, allow two days
- Map Link: here
4. The Red Centre Way, Northern Territory
It’s time to strap in for one of Australia’s most captivating scenic drives–the Red Centre Way in the Northern Territory. Winding through the heart of the country’s iconic Outback landscapes, the 700km loop from Alice Springs and back will lead you through the Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges and allow you to climb to the rim of Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park. We couldn’t mention The Red Centre Way without highlighting its main attraction, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, where you can walk 10km around the base of Uluru, the world’s most famous monolith.
Imagine the magic of driving through the glorious Northern Territory, watching the sunset over the domes of nearby Kata Tjuta and spending your night gazing up at the stars. Unsurprisingly, The Red Centre Way is a standout road trip for its rugged beauty, cultural significance, the opportunity to learn about Indigenous culture and traditions, and the chance to experience Australia’s desert heartland in all its glory.
- Estimated Travel Time: Alice Springs–Alice Springs, 700km, seven days
- Map Link: here
5. Hobart to Freycinet, Tasmania
Finally, without picturesque Tasmania, no list of Australia’s best scenic drives would be complete. This movie-worthy route takes you from the historical capital city of Hobart, through the Derwent Valley, and along the east coast to Freycinet National Park. Make it a loop and head back to Hobart to soak up as much scenery as possible. A nature lover’s dream, this drive offers access to some of the most beautiful national parks in the world, teeming with fauna and flora that must be seen in person. Other highlights include Wineglass Bay, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches, and the town of Bicheno, where you can see fairy penguins at dusk and explore the Bicheno Blowhole. You’re spoilt for choice when putting together the itinerary for this route, which is perfect for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Just don’t forget your hiking boots!
- Estimated Travel Time: Hobart–Freycinet National Park–Hobart, 300km, 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.
Australia is home to breathtaking scenic routes that cater to road trippers of all experience levels. Whether you’re a seasoned road trip master or embarking on your first four-wheeled voyage, with the right amount of planning and preparation, you’ll get the most out of your Australian drive. All that’s left to do is choose which one of Australia’s best scenic drives to explore next. Seatbelts on—it’s time to get going!
