Australia’s a huge country with a massive variety of landscapes that vary from state to state – and the best way to see it all is often by car. We’re a land home to some of the world’s greatest road trips, from epic coastal drives to amazing outback driving adventures and much more.
Perhaps the best part about driving in Australia is just how different one road trip can be to the next. There’s enough of a range of scenery to cater to all tastes; all it takes is four wheels and a sense of adventure.
Make your way across the incredible, fiery red interior of Australia to witness some of the world’s most famous natural landmarks, indulge your taste buds with a drive through verdant wine regions, enjoy some amazing slices of sun, surf and sand right near the roadside – the choice is yours.
Road trips tips and tricks
Maximising your road trip experience comes down to smart planning, flexibility and a sense of adventure. Mapping out key stops, checking road conditions and allowing for spontaneous detours ensures a smoother journey. Packing essentials like a first-aid kit, extra water and snacks can make all the difference, especially in remote areas.
Road trips in Australia
A road trip in Australia is the ultimate way to experience the country’s vast and diverse landscapes – from sun-drenched coastal highways to rugged outback tracks. Whether chasing wildlife, exploring vibrant cities or immersing in Indigenous culture, Australia’s road trips offer endless opportunities for discovery.
Road trips in NSW
Regional New South Wales is a hotbed of gourmet delights and lush greenery for road trippers. Embark on a winding journey from Orange to Mudgee to a historic winemaking region through heritage towns and delicious farms on the NSW Food and Wine Trail, or follow the course of the Murray and Darling Rivers for a quality dose of indigenous history from Australia’s pioneer era.
Elsewhere, dense and World Heritage-listed rainforest shines as the backdrop for a drive with both the Rainforest Way (from Byron Bay) and Waterfall Way (from Coffs Harbour to Armidale). Towering waterfalls, amazing bushwalks and exceptional wildlife are just some of the highlights you’ll encounter on these drives.
Road trips in Queensland
Combining the best of the tropics and the outback, Queensland’s road trips showcase some of the greatest World Heritage sites Australia has to offer. From the vantage point of land, multiple coastal drives in Qld are oriented around the magic of the Great Barrier Reef, with several start and end points to choose from.
The most famous may be the extensive journey from Cairns to Cape York the “tip of Australia", but even the stretch from Cairns to Cooktown dubbed the Great Tropical Drive offers an amazing coastal side featuring the best combination of reef and rainforest. Likewise, Cairns to Townsville, a.k.a the Great Green Way incorporates elements of both with added wetlands, waterfalls and mountains as an added bonus.
Of course, Queensland shines for far more than just the coast, and offers some darn good inland drives as well. Head through Outback QLD and tour past historic pubs, amazing sandstone national parks, and dine on regional fresh produce. Alternatively, cross the state from east to west via the Overlander’s Way and encounter incredible archeological discoveries, history-rich towns, and even more unique national parks.
For one of the most unique drives in Australia, hit the sands of K’gari’s 75 Mile Beach for a road trip on a “sand highway" amid a massive and gorgeous World Heritage-listed island.
Road trips in Victoria
Outside of Victoria’s most iconic road trips such as the Great Ocean Road and Yarra Valley are a number of excellent alternatives that may not get as much press, but are worthwhile all the same.
Australia’s longest river forms the backdrop for the Murray River Getaway road trip, blending together the ideal mix of laid-back country towns such as Mildura & Albury Wodonga, and riverfaring history, with the chance for a historic paddle boat ride at Echuca Moama a must-do along the way.
Aim your car towards the eastern corner of Victoria and drive to Gippsland, where verdant farmlands collide with pristine beaches and clusters of popular seaside villages ideal for sampling fresh seafood. Point it west, and take your pick of history or relaxation with a road trip to the Gold Rush-era-rich towns of Ballarat and Bendigo where interesting architecture abounds, or road trip to the Daylesford region for its renowned cross-section of scenery and pampering.
A road trip to the Victorian High Country also delivers, with its various peaks and autumn-draped villages like Bright and Beechworth offering top-notch dining, wines, and other gourmet delights.
Road trips in Western Australia
WA provides a strong showing in the road trip category, with an array of journeys both short and (very, very) long.
Home to some of the most famous 4WD road trips in Australia, it contains the Gibb River Road – a drive that provides one of the last remaining “unfiltered" outback trips available. Stretching from Kununurra to Broome, it’s a staggering mix of massive cattle stations, fiery earth, and escapist wilderness retreats that’s not without challenges but brings massive rewards as well.
The state’s outback theme continues with both the Canning Stock Route – a bumpy route renowned as one of the loneliest of its kind in the world – and the journey from WA to Uluru via the Great Central Road. Providing even more examples of incredible rugged scenery, the route from Port Hedland to Onslow exploring the Pilbara is exceptional, with a top to see the unique rock formations and water holes of Karijini National Park a must.
Keeping things a little less adventurous, but no less rewarding, the more reasonable coastal treks to locations such as Dunsborough (renowned for its whale watching) and Busselton (pretty coastline and an iconic jetty) offer an entirely different colour palette.
Road trips in Tasmania
Tasmania crams so much amazing scenery into such a small space that it makes it the perfect state for road-tripping. Draped in national parks and possessing some of the greatest alpine views Australia has to offer, there’s no shortage of incredible sites within easy striking distance of both Hobart and Launceston.
Tasmania’s East Coast is a typical and much-acclaimed starting point for your Tassie road trip adventures. Driving down here encompasses a blend of bays with pristine sands, varied coastal national parks, and the iconic orange-lichen-coated rocks contrasting with vivid blue waters that make for such a unique panorama. From above Binalong Bay down to Bicheno and on to Freycinet National Park, you’ll be able to witness some of the state’s most famous icons including the Bay of Fires and Wineglass Bay.
On the west coast, a road trip reveals very different scenery – the West Coast Wilderness is a lush green area teeming with towering waterfalls, towns dotted with grand historic buildings, and winding rivers through dense and ancient wilderness.
Those with an interest in history will be in their element in Tasmania, as the Convict Trail road trip blends together Australian pioneer history (including the Port Arthur Historic Site), awe-inspiring seascapes and towering cliff faces.
Lastly, for a taste of the good stuff, a drive through the Tamar Valley presents not only the chance to indulge your taste buds but your eyes as well, encompassing some of Australia’s oldest settlements.
Road trips in the Northern Territory
A road trip through the Northern Territory is an adventure into Australia’s wild and rugged heart – where vast desert landscapes, ancient rock formations, and vibrant Indigenous cultures create an unforgettable journey. Whether you’re driving the iconic Red Centre Way to witness Uluṟu and Kings Canyon, following the Explorers Way from Adelaide to Darwin, or tackling the remote Savannah Way, the NT offers incredible scenery, unique wildlife encounters, and deep cultural experiences. Along the way, you’ll discover natural wonders like Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks, outback towns rich in history, and breathtaking waterfalls, gorges and thermal springs – making every stop as thrilling as the journey itself.
Road trips in South Australia
A road trip through South Australia is a journey of diverse landscapes – from rugged coastlines and world-class wine regions to the vast outback and wildlife-rich islands. Cruise along the Great Ocean Road’s extension into the Limestone Coast, explore the rolling vineyards of the Barossa and McLaren Vale or venture deep into the Flinders Ranges for breathtaking red rock scenery. The Eyre Peninsula offers stunning beaches and fresh seafood, while Kangaroo Island delivers untamed wilderness and close encounters with native wildlife. Whether you’re chasing gourmet food, dramatic scenery or outback adventure, South Australia’s road trips promise unforgettable experiences at every turn.
