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 hunting down Sydney's cosiest cafes.
No matter your age and no matter your interests, Victoria’s coastal Bellarine region makes for a memorable getaway for the whole family.
Curving into Port Phillip Bay and extending south from Geelong, The Bellarine is a gorgeous coast-meets-country destination. It’s a captivating mix of beachside towns, rolling farms and vineyards, effortlessly cool eating and drinking spots and coastal vistas that seem to stretch beyond the horizon.
Among its many highlights is a plethora of family-friendly activities to suit all ages and all interests. Here’s your guide to the ultimate Bellarine getaway guaranteed to keep every generation happy.
1. Tuckerberry Hill Farm
Pick your own fruit at Tuckerberry Hill Farm.
There may be no better way to spend an early morning than by foraging and feasting on your own bounty of berries. At Tuckerberry Hill Farm, you can pick blueberries, strawberries and stone fruit from November through March. Take them home or enjoy on the farm’s sun-dappled grounds.
Tuckerberry also has a regular market selling farm-fresh produce, plus an inviting on-site cafe doing light lunches, drinks, home-baked treats and condiments – many of which incorporate the farm’s own harvest.
2. The Oxley Estate
Wake up to the neighbours.
A memorable holiday starts with a memorable place to stay, and The Oxley Estate delivers. Situated in the relaxed coastal town of Portarlington, the sprawling site offers thoughtfully styled rooms and activities that’ll keep both parents and kids entertained.
Wander the fragrant rose gardens, olive grove and fruit-laden orchards. Meet the resident alpacas, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens and ducks. Challenge your crew to a round of giant chess or mini golf. Or cool off in the shimmering saltwater pool after a busy day of exploring.
Different room types cater to different groups, with the largest able to comfortably sleep eight.
3. Oneday Estate
Taste small batch wines at Oneday Estate.
Oneday Estate is a must-visit, featuring a restaurant, winery and bar. The winery lets you try small-batch, estate-grown shiraz, pinot noir and riesling. It’s also a vibrant and character-filled Sunday lunch spot in an eclectic stone-and-timber hall crafted from recycled materials and 100-year-old relics repurposed from the surrounding region.
The on-site eatery and bar hosts weekly Sunday Sessions accompanied by tunes from local musicians, a buzzy atmosphere and flavour-packed food and drink. Order a round of delicious woodfired pizzas with toppings to suit all tastes, alongside a glass of Oneday’s signature wine.
4. BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon
Kids will love BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon.
BIG4 holiday parks are renowned for their all-ages appeal, and BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon in the coastal enclave of Queenscliff is no different. The pool and gym are a given, but there’s also a playground, pickleball and basketball courts, a jumbo-sized jump pad, an interactive games arena and an indoor games room equipped with toys, activities and entertainment.
The diverse range of accommodation spans compact studios designed for three guests, all the way up to expansive beach houses accommodating up to 10, providing comfort and flexibility to suit every size of family.
5. Bellarine Railway
Take a journey aboard the Bellarine Railway.
If your entourage includes any locomotive enthusiasts, book a journey aboard the Bellarine Railway. The more than 100-year-old steam train transports you to a bygone era and takes you through the rolling farmland and windswept coastal landscapes that make The Bellarine so beautiful.
The Swan Bay Express is an easy 45-minute ride perfect for younger passengers (and even allows dogs on board), or you could opt for a themed trip. There are seasonal events like the Polar Express (a festive favourite in the lead-up to Christmas), along with the Blues Train (a high-energy experience of live music and dancing) and The Q Train (a roving fine-dining feast celebrating regional produce).
6. The Dunes
Save room for dessert. (Image: Visit Vic)
The Dunes offers the perfect balance of polished and playful, a breezy beachside bar and restaurant that appeals to adults and kids alike.
Feast on moreish snacks, share plates and mains from the Italian-inspired menu, or a selection of San Marzano-topped pizzas fresh from the wood-fired oven. Pair your meal with a classic cocktail, an ice-cold beer or a glass from the generous drinks menu, which brims with local drops. Little ones are well catered for with a line-up of kid-approved meals for breakfast and lunch.
If you’re simply swinging by en route to the family-friendly beach, grab a bite at The Dunes’ beachside kiosk before strolling down for a paddle or surf.
7. Sea All Dolphin Swims
Spot the locals with Sea All Dolphin Swims. (Image: Visit Vic)
The sparkling waters around The Bellarine are home to dolphins, fur seals, plus a flurry of seabirds. Sea All Dolphin Swims lets you see some of these magnificent animals up close aboard one of their small-group vessels.
Head out on a sightseeing tour and spot local wildlife darting around the boat, or dive right in with a swim adventure tour. You’ll be swimming alongside dolphins and seals in their natural habitat – a bucket-list experience you won’t forget fast.
Swimming and snorkelling gear is provided, and guides are trained to ensure a gentle, eco-friendly encounter for both swimmers and sea creatures.
8. Jack Rabbit
Everyone has a menu to enjoy at Jack Rabbit. (Image: Visit Vic)
If your mood leans laid-back, the House of Jack Rabbit is a lovely spot for brunch, lunch or dinner. The cafe serves a produce-driven all-day menu filled with seasonal mains, generous sharing platters and a playful kids menu to suit even the pickiest of eaters.
If you’re after something more elevated, Jack Rabbit Restaurant does plates that change with the seasons and incorporate plenty of local produce. Even younger guests are well catered to, with a considered yet familiar kids’ menu that’s just as vibrant as the grown-up one.
