9 scenic road trip getaways to plan this year

From scenic-rich coastal routes to the remote red-dirt tracks of the outback and gentle country drives past silo art or waterfalls, it’s time to pack the car and mark the map to see all the beauty and quirks of Australia by road.

1. Pacific Coast Way, Qld

You’ll need at least a week – if not more – to make the most of this epic 1800-kilometre journey from the Gold Coast to Cairns. Drive from the buzzy beachside hub of Surfers Paradise to the arts and culture capital of Brisbane and onto Sunshine Coast gems such as Noosa, where golden beaches and coveted surf breaks await. Stop at whale-watching hotspot Hervey Bay, historic cities like Bundaberg, then drive along the stunning Whitsunday Coast to Cairns. It’s a journey across Queensland’s cities, country and coast, topping it off where the Great Barrier Reef meets the Wet Tropics.

wallabies at Cape Hillsborough — Wallabies at Cape Hillsborough. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Jack Harlem)

2. Victoria’s silo art trail

The Silo Art Movement, which began in 2015, captures the unwavering spirit of regional Australia. The cultural and artistic phenomenon now includes more than 50 artworks across the country, 23 of which are located within Victoria – across the Grampians, Murray, High Country and Goldfields regions. Renowned street artists have transformed wheat silos into captivating murals, from a Second World War tribute in Walpeup to portraits of Indigenous Elders in Sheep Hills and a homage to Clydesdale horses in Goorambat. Add them to your itinerary on your next regional road trip.

Admire silo art in rural Victoria, such as *Brim* by Guido van Helten. (Image: Anne Morely)

3. Great Ocean Road, Victoria

This coastal drive is an Australian rite of passage, winding 243 kilometres along Victoria’s coast. Take in rainforest, clifftops and natural wonders that have been carved out by the wild Southern Ocean – including the Twelve Apostles, Lord Ard Gorge, the Island Archway and the Gibson Steps. If you’re only driving in one direction, start your journey in Torquay, so you’re on the ocean side of the road, making it easier to steer towards scenic lookouts. Make sure you carve out time to explore vibrant Warrnambool at the Great Ocean Road’s western end, too.

an aerial view of the Great Ocean Road — Tick off the iconic Great Ocean Road. (Image: Unsplash/Pat Whelen)

4. The Red Centre, NT

Uluṟu captures the attention of most travellers to the Red Centre, and rightly so. But you can see this iconic monolith and more on a five-day 4WD loop along the Red Centre Way from Alice Springs. Drive to West MacDonnell National Park to see its landscape of chasms, gorges and waterholes; walk the rim of the 100-metre-high red sandstone Kings Canyon; and, of course, spend time at inimitable Uluṟu and neighbouring Kata Tjuta before returning to where you began. Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon , Discovery Parks – Alice Springs and Ayers Rock Resort all make for comfortable crash pads along the way.

the view of Kings Canyon — Hit the road in the Red Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

5. Grand Pacific Drive, NSW

Travelling with: Rachael Thompson

Stretching along the dramatic cliffs of the NSW South Coast from Sydney’s Royal National Park in the Sutherland Shire to the Shoalhaven region, the Grand Pacific Drive is one of Australia’s most scenic routes, offering breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean and rugged landscapes. Cruise the coast in an all-electric car, such as the sleek Porsche Macan, enjoying zero-emission travel as you pass through charming towns like Shellharbour and Milton. Stop to explore iconic landmarks, including the Sea Cliff Bridge and Kiama Blowhole, discovering idyllic beaches and hidden waterfalls along the way.

the Grand Pacific Drive as seen from above — Skirt the coast on the Grand Pacific Drive. (Image: Destination NSW/Tim Clark)

6. The EV Network, WA

Western Australia is now home to one of the world’s longest connected electric vehicle charging highways. EV drivers have access to 110 charging points in 49 locations on the WA EV Network, from Mundrabilla near the SA border, throughout the outback and along the coast, to Kununurra in the Kimberley. Conscious car owners can now explore Western Australia’s dreamy landscape more sustainably with the assurance you can charge up when needed.

scenic coastal views at the EV Network, WA — Explore WA’s new EV network.

7. Tasmania by coach

Travelling with: Katie Carlin

AAT Kings has packed the very best of Tasmania into one five-day coach trip along the state’s east coast from Launceston to Hobart. And the best part? You don’t have to share the driving. Highlights include Cataract Gorge, the purple fields of Bridestowe Lavender Estate, a face-to-face encounter with a Tassie devil, plus a rolling hit list of the state’s best towns and a walk to Wineglass Bay Lookout. The journey ends on a high with an optional lap around Australia’s oldest lighthouse with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys .

a scenic view of Wineglass Bay, Freycinet Peninsula — Wineglass Bay features a perfect crescent of white sand. (Image: Tourism Tasmania)

8. Waterfall Way, NSW

The scenic Waterfall Way winds for some 185 kilometres between Coffs Harbour and Armidale in NSW. Drop a few pins on your map app so you can stop and listen to the perpetual roar of the water tumbling down through trees, over rocks and into valleys. Wind through woodlands, rolling farmland and national parks to find wondrous waterfalls such as the not-to-be-missed Wollomombi Gorge. While you can cover the entire distance in about 2.5 hours, watching the churning waters send spumes skyward makes for a dramatic detour to your road trip.

the Crystal Shower Falls, Waterfall Way, NSW — The stunning Dangar Falls in Dorrigo National Park. (Image: Destination NSW/Pat Suraseang)

9. Gibb River Road, WA

The 660-kilometre Gibb River Road cuts through the belly of WA’s Kimberley from Derby to Wyndham via epic spots such as El Questro. The remote 4WD trail was constructed in the 1960s to transport cattle stock and includes dirt tracks and river crossings. Drivers need to be prepared, as there are very few petrol stations. But they also need to be armed with a sense of adventure to discover attractions such as ancient gorges, thundering waterfalls, sacred Aboriginal sites and rock art, sprawling outback cattle stations and a unique pioneering history. Expect to meet some fascinating local characters along the way.

an aerial view of the El Questro Station — The legendary El Questro Station is surrounded by dramatic gorges. (Image: Getty Images/Istock Photo/Mackenzie Sweetnam)

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

“By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

still from kangarro film — See *Kangaroo*, then visit the real-life filming locations.

And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

“There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

artist at Many Hands Art Centre — Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move — Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

“The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

3. Ormiston Gorge

woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs — Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

4. Standley Chasm

woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs — Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

5. Simpsons Gap

three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs — Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs — Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

“It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

7. Larapinta Drive

aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs — Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

8. Todd River

competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs — Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway at northernterritory.com.