Fill the tank and switch off with peace of mind – these are the 10 safest road trips in Australia for solo travellers.
Road trips offer freedom and the chance to disconnect – but going it alone can come with question marks. What if something goes wrong? Is the region safe to travel through alone? Will I be able to access help if I need it?
To cut through the guesswork, car insurance company iSelect analysed more than 20 popular road trips to determine the best road trips in Australia for solo travellers. The findings are based on safety metrics that take into account factors including mobile service coverage, solo accommodation options, rest stops, hospitals and the overall social sentiment of the area covered. All that’s left to do is fill the tank and hit the open road.
The 10 best road trips in Australia for solo travellers
1. Legendary Pacific Coast
Scenic views of Nambucca Heads along the Legendary Pacific Coast. (Credit: Destination NSW)
See Mount Warning along the scenic drive. (Credit: Destination NSW)
Explore Lennox Head along the Legendary Pacific Coast. (Credit: Destination NSW)
This 1000-kilometre coastal touring route between Sydney and Brisbane has been crowned the safest and best road trip for solo travellers in Australia. Why? It has 100 per cent phone coverage, plentiful solo attractions and superior logistical ease. Plus, it’s a visual feast. Expect sparkling beaches, charming hinterland-backdropped towns and world-class wineries in the Hunter Valley, promising endless delight.
2. Great Ocean Road
Explore the Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road. (Credit: Visit Victoria / Kirk Richards)
From quiet nights under star-studded skies to winding coastlines and iconic sites like the Twelve Apostles, there’s a lot to love aboutVictoria’s legendary stretch of coast. The Great Ocean Road has already been dubbed the best of our readers’ favourite Aussie road trips, but now it is being recognised as one of the safest, too – its popularity making the area a place solo drivers can confidently explore. Full phone coverage, friendly locals and reliable accommodation options seal the deal.
3. Cape to Cape
Point Picquet, near Dunsborough in WA’s Margaret River. (Credit: Frances Andrijich)
While lesser-explored and more remote, Cape to Cape within the Margaret River region of Western Australia is still one of the top road trips for solo travellers thanks to its great phone coverage, stunning yet quiet coastline and convenient rest stops. Prepare to be awed by Boranup Karri Forest, the lighthouses at Cape Naturaliste and award-winning wineries.
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4. Coral Coast Highway
Hutt Lagoon is a highlight of the Coral Coast highway. (Credit: Tourism Western Australia)
The pink waters of Hutt Lagoon, mars-like formations of the Pinnacles Desert and resident dolphins at Monkey Mia are enough to draw any nature-loving traveller to Western Australia’s Coral Coast Highway. The route, which snakes from Perth to Exmouth along the Indian Ocean, scores high in rest stops, solo stays and attractions – though there aren’t as many hospitals as you’d find along many of the East Coast road trips.
5. Coastal Sydney to Melbourne
Murray’s Beach delivers more than just sunset views. (Credit: Filippo Rivetti)
Speaking of hospitals, the Coastal Sydney to Melbourne road trip has abundant facilities along the way – providing peace of mind for travellers concerned about medical access. Phone coverage is also excellent along this well-loved coastal route, which offers plentiful wildlife (think koalas, dolphins and kangaroos) as well as oyster towns and sprawling national parks.
6. South West Edge
Discover the beauty of Esperance by road. (Credit: Matt Finch)
The South West Edge tracks all the way from Perth to Esperance, passing some of the most astonishingly pristine (and quiet) beaches you may ever lay eyes on. It’s one of the best Australian road trips for solo travellers with its moderate temperatures and copious scenic stops.
7. Grand Pacific Drive
The iconic Sea Cliff Bridge. (Credit: Destination NSW)
You’ve surely seen NSW’s magnificent Sea Cliff Bridge on your social media feed at some point, and it’s one of the highlights of the Grand Pacific Drive. Drivers going the road trip alone will feel at ease knowing there are plenty of locals and travellers populating the region, making it easy to find help if anything goes wrong.
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8. Epicurean Way
Pick some grapes in the Barossa this autumn. (Credit: Barossa Grape & Wine Association)
Let’s not forget about South Australia and the gorgeous road trips it has to offer. Take the Epicurean Way and tick off McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Barossa and Clare Valley while indulging the senses in fine wine and spectacular produce. Full phone service and ample accommodation ensure you’ll stay safe and connected the entire journey.
9. Adelaide to Eyre Peninsula
The Eyre Peninsula’s production of oysters is an industry of abundance. (Credit: Tourism Australia)
When it comes to the best road trips for solo travellers in Australia, the Adelaide to Eyre Peninsula route punches above its weight. Think breathtaking cliff lookouts, fresh seafood, and cheeky sea lions and bottlenose dolphins at Baird Bay.
10. Heritage Highway
You may have heard in-the-know history buffs raving about Tasmania’s Heritage Highway, the original, convict-built inland road between Hobart and Launceston that was developed by the state’s early European settlers. Rich in colonial-era villages and quaint bridges, this road trip isn’t too far off the beaten path but still offers myriad surprises.
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Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and design. She discovered her knack for storytelling much earlier, however – penning mermaid sagas in glitter ink at age seven. Proof that her spelling has since improved, she holds an honours degree in English and philosophy, and a French diploma from the University of Sydney. Off duty, you’ll find her pirouetting between Pilates and ballet classes, or testing her friends’ patience with increasingly obscure vocabulary.
A new generation ofHilton hotels is reshaping Aussie getaways, pairing the brand’s signature comfort with some of the most spectacular outlooks in the country.
When life calls for a reset, there’s nothing quite like checking into a hotel where the view does all the heavy lifting. From spectacular outback landscapes and mountain peaks to shimmering seas, these are the best Hilton hotels for sinking into comfort while soaking up unforgettable vistas from your window.
1. DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs
Enjoy panoramas of the MacDonnell Ranges.
With panoramas of the MacDonnell Ranges from its Mountain View rooms, DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs makes the most of its dramatic Red Centre setting. Set on the banks of the Todd River next door to Alice Springs Golf Club, the hotel offers a relaxed base for exploring the region’s natural attractions, including Alice Springs Desert Park and Anzac Hill, both within a 10-minute drive. An outdoor pool overlooks leafy gardens inhabited by a resident peacock, while tennis courts, a fitness centre and an on-site restaurant round out the resort-style appeal.
2. Hilton Garden Inn Busselton
Wake to views of the ocean in Busselton.
Sitting on the foreshore a seashell’s throw from Busselton Jetty, Hilton Garden Inn Busselton puts one of Western Australia’s most celebrated coastal outlooks front and centre. Guests staying in Ocean View Rooms wake to views of Geographe Bay and the Indian Ocean, while Balcony rooms further enhance the experience, inviting guests to step outside and soak up the sea breeze. For a different perspective, Town View Rooms overlook Busselton’s distinctive peppermint trees. The hotel is perfectly positioned for seaside strolls and easy access to the town centre, with a heated outdoor pool, fitness centre and contemporary dining.
3. Hilton Cairns
Check into Hilton Cairns and soak in the beauty.
In a prime position on the Esplanade, Hilton Cairns gives you front-row views over Trinity Inlet, framed by palm trees and passing cruise ships, or across the lush, mountainous backdrop of the hinterland. In addition to its waterfront setting, guests can unwind beside the lagoon-style pool, stay active in the fitness centre and enjoy a selection of on-site dining and bar spaces, while the Executive Lounge offers another relaxed vantage point over the tidal estuary. Opt for a private balcony room to maximise the unobstructed views.
4. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Choose from rooms looking towards the water or the ranges.
Just down the Esplanade, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns offers similar panoramas, with rooms looking towards the water or the jungle-clad ranges beyond the city – many featuring private balconies. The hotel leans into its tropical setting with landscaped gardens and an enticing outdoor pool, perfect for cooling off after a day exploring the reef or rainforest. Guests can dine at on-site restaurants or linger over drinks at the bar, while a 24-hour fitness centre keeps routines intact. With modern rooms and that signature Hilton comfort, the hotel balances resort-style ease in a central location a short stroll from the lagoon and city sights.
5. Hilton Darwin
Opt for Harbour View Rooms or Suites at Hilton Darwin.
Take in the Top End horizon from Harbour View Rooms or Suites on the upper levels of Hilton Darwin. On Level 20, the city’s only Executive Lounge is the place to be at dusk, where canapés and cocktails are served against a cinematic sky. Set high above the city, the hotel’s outdoor pool invites a leisurely swim, complemented by a fitness centre for those keen to keep moving indoors. Dining spans PepperBerry, showcasing modern Australian cuisine with native bush spices, to the immersive Le Petit Chef experience, plus light bites and drinks in the stylish bar and lounge.
6. DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin
Watch sunsets over Darwin’s Esplanade.
Positioned right on the foreshore, DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin offers a more laid-back alternative near the waterfront parklands. Book an upper-floor ocean-facing room to make the most of the harbour view, especially golden at sunset. King Executive Suites elevate the experience further, with private rooftop verandahs. Guests can relax by the large outdoor pool made for tropical lounging, plus there’s a fitness centre and the Aqua Restaurant and bar, which spills onto an alfresco terrace.
7. Hilton Garden Inn Darwin
Garden, pool and Esplanade views await.
Also located on the Esplanade, Hilton Garden Inn Darwin places you right on the edge of the harbour. From the outset, it feels tailored for easy Darwin living, with an outdoor pool, all-day dining at Together & Co, a fitness centre and a 24-hour snack shop for grab-and-go essentials. Upper-level Harbour View Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and Juliet balconies with unobstructed views of the water. Inside, rooms are modern and practical, with smart TVs, workspaces, Wi-Fi access and contemporary bathrooms. Guests also have access to free parking and a self-service laundry, making for an easy and hassle-free stay.
8. Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences
Look over the iconic Surfers Paradise.
Set in the heart of Australia’s holiday playground, Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences captures the essence of the Gold Coast. Floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies offer uninterrupted Pacific Ocean views, with Surfers Paradise Beach stretching below. Turn inland and the city skyline sparkles at night, a neon grid rising above Cavill Avenue. Beyond it all, the Gold Coast hinterland drifts into soft, green-blue mountain silhouettes. The hotel makes an excellent base for exploring theme parks and other attractions. There’s also four pools, an award-winning spa, two fitness centres and on-site restaurants.
9. Hilton Garden Inn Albany
Look out the room window to Albany Waterfront Marina.
Poised above Princess Royal Harbour, Hilton Garden Inn Albany distils the salt-licked calm of Western Australia’s south coast into a modern waterfront stay. From upper-level Harbour View Rooms, guests arise to magnificent sunrises spilling across Albany Waterfront Marina, where they can watch boats slip quietly in and out like clockwork. The same views carry through to the on-site restaurant and breezy viewing decks. Inside, it’s all clean-lined comfort, with a fitness centre and a casual eatery showcasing local produce.
