8 Great Australian Road Trips: Routes, Stops & Tips
Australia’s coastlines, alpine roads and remote outback highways make it well suited to self-drive travel. These eight great Australian road trips range from short coastal escapes to multi-day journeys through tropical and remote regions.
This guide compares the main routes, suggested driving times, key stops and practical considerations, including seasonal conditions, road surfaces and essential equipment.
The Best Road Trips Australia Has to Offer
Let us cut to the chase. Here are the best road trips in Australia, broken down by region, so you can pick the one that suits your style and timeframe.
1. Great Ocean Road, Victoria
This is the classic choice. The Great Ocean Road follows Victoria’s south-west coast for 243 kilometres from Torquay to Allansford, passing surf towns, rainforest and dramatic limestone cliffs along the way.
Must-see stops:
Bells Beach – a famous surf stop near Torquay Lorne and Apollo Bay – relaxed seaside towns with beaches, cafés and coastal views Great Otway National Park – rainforest drives, walking trails and waterfalls The 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge – dramatic limestone formations and Shipwreck Coast history
How long: Allow 2 to 3 days to enjoy the main stops without rushing. A one-day trip is possible, but it leaves little time for walks and detours. Official local itineraries range from one to five days, while Visit Victoria recommends a three-day touring route.
Best for: Coastal scenery, surf culture, wildlife and an easy road trip from Melbourne.
2. Pacific Coast Way – Gold Coast to Cairns, Queensland
If you have time for a longer coastal trip, this route has plenty of variety. The Pacific Coast Way runs for around 1,784 kilometres from the Gold Coast to Cairns, linking major cities, beach towns, island gateways and tropical destinations along Queensland’s east coast. Travellers starting further north can also follow a Brisbane to Cairns road trip with more time for key coastal stops.
Key stops:
Gold Coast and Brisbane – beaches, rainforest experiences and riverside city attractions
Sunshine Coast – surf beaches, sheltered waterways and the Glass House Mountains hinterland
Hervey Bay and Bundaberg – seasonal whale watching, access to K’gari and turtle nesting at Mon Repos
Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays – island trips, sailing and Great Barrier Reef experiences
Townsville, Mission Beach and Cairns – tropical beaches, nearby islands and access to reef and rainforest adventures
How long: The full route involves around 20 hours of driving before stops. Allow about 10 to 14 days for a comfortable trip, and longer if you plan to include K’gari, Whitsunday or reef excursions.
Best for: Beaches, island trips, national parks, regional towns and a longer journey through Queensland’s changing coastal landscapes.
3. Great Barrier Reef Drive – Cairns to Cape Tribulation, Queensland
This is a shorter drive, but it packs a punch. The Great Barrier Reef Drive follows the coast for around 140 kilometres from Cairns to Cape Tribulation, taking you between the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforest.
Must-do stops:
Port Douglas – reef trips, waterfront dining and relaxed coastal stays
Mossman Gorge – rainforest walks and Kuku Yalanji cultural experiences
Cape Tribulation – where the reef meets the rainforest
How long: Allow 2 to 3 days for a shorter trip, or 5 to 6 days if you want time for reef tours, rainforest walks and longer stops.
Best for: Reef and rainforest experiences, coastal scenery and Kuku Yalanji culture.
4. Red Centre Way – Alice Springs to West MacDonnell
The Red Centre Way takes you through some of Central Australia’s best-known landscapes. Starting and finishing in Alice Springs, the roughly 1,135-kilometre loop connects Uluru, Kings Canyon and the West MacDonnell Ranges, with plenty of desert scenery and walking opportunities along the way.
Key highlights:
Alice Springs – the starting and finishing point, with galleries, museums and local attractions
Uluru and Kata Tjuta – cultural experiences, walking trails and changing colours at sunrise and sunset Kings Canyon – canyon walks and sweeping views across Watarrka National Park West MacDonnell Ranges – gorges, waterholes and walking trails west of Alice Springs
How long: Allow at least 6 days. The full loop includes the unsealed Mereenie Loop, which is recommended for 4WD vehicles and requires a permit. Travellers in a 2WD or restricted hire vehicle should use the longer sealed route via the Stuart and Lasseter highways.
Best for: Desert landscapes, Aboriginal cultural experiences, hiking and stargazing.
5. Great Alpine Road, Victoria
For a road trip that moves from valleys and mountain towns to the Gippsland Lakes, the Great Alpine Road offers plenty of contrast. This 339-kilometre sealed route runs from Wangaratta through Bright, Mount Hotham and Omeo before finishing in Metung. It is recognised as Australia’s highest year-round accessible sealed road. Winter travellers should check alpine road conditions before departure. Vehicles entering Mount Hotham during the declared snow season must carry suitable wheel chains, including AWD and 4WD vehicles.
Must-do stops:
Milawa and Beechworth – local produce and cellar doors, with a detour to Beechworth for gold-rush history
Mount Buffalo and Bright – granite formations, waterfalls, alpine lookouts and a lively riverside town
Mount Hotham and Dinner Plain – snow activities in winter and mountain trails during the warmer months
Omeo – gold-rush heritage and a convenient base for exploring the surrounding alpine country
Bairnsdale and Metung – cultural attractions and a relaxed finish beside the Gippsland Lakes
How long: Around 5 hours of driving from Wangaratta to Metung, not including sightseeing stops, walks or detours.
Best for: Alpine scenery, historic towns, regional food and wine, and landscapes that change from mountain country to lakeside villages.
6. Great Eastern Drive, Tasmania
Tasmania’s east coast is made for a slower road trip. The signposted Great Eastern Drive covers around 220 kilometres between Orford and St Helens, although many travellers extend the journey from Hobart to the larapuna / Bay of Fires area.
Must-do stops:
Orford and Maria Island – coastal scenery, wildlife and walking trails
Freycinet National Park – Wineglass Bay, white-sand beaches and the pink granite Hazards
Bicheno – seafood, coastal views and little penguin experiences
St Helens and larapuna / Bay of Fires – white beaches, clear water and orange-lichen-covered rocks
How long: Allow 4 to 5 days for an extended Hobart-to-Bay of Fires trip. Tourism Australia’s suggested itinerary covers the journey over five days.
Best for: Beaches, coastal walks, wildlife, seafood and cool-climate wine.
7. The Nullarbor Crossing – South Australia to Western Australia
This is one of Australia’s classic long-distance drives. The core Nullarbor crossing covers around 1,200 kilometres between Norseman in Western Australia and Ceduna in South Australia, following the sealed Eyre Highway across vast plains and along the Great Australian Bight.
Key highlights:
The 90 Mile Straight – a 146-kilometre stretch between Balladonia and Caiguna with no bends
Eucla and Border Village – remote stops near the Western Australia–South Australia border
Bunda Cliffs – a long line of limestone cliffs overlooking the Great Australian Bight
Head of Bight – coastal lookouts and the chance to see southern right whales during the winter migration season
Nullarbor roadhouses – character-filled stops for fuel, meals, accommodation and a break from long driving sections
How long: Allow about 5 days for the Norseman-to-Ceduna journey if you want time to break up the drive and visit the main lookouts and roadside stops.
Best for: Wide-open landscapes, dramatic sea cliffs, native wildlife and a classic remote Australian driving experience.
The Eyre Highway itself is sealed, but some side trips require a 4WD. Fuel, water and overnight stops should be planned before departure.
8. The Great South West Edge, Western Australia
This route brings together wine country, tall forests and some of Western Australia’s most striking southern beaches. The main South West Edge journey covers around 1,200 kilometres from Fremantle to Esperance, passing through Bunbury Geographe, Margaret River, the Southern Forests and the Great Southern.
Must-see stops:
Margaret River – wineries, regional food, surf beaches and limestone caves
Pemberton and Walpole – towering karri forests, walking trails and treetop experiences
Denmark and Albany – rugged coastline, beaches and local produce
Esperance and Lucky Bay – bright white sand, clear water and the chance to see kangaroos near the coast
How long: Allow 9 to 14 days for the full South West Edge journey, depending on how long you spend in the wine regions, forests and coastal towns along the way.
Best for: Food and wine, forests, coastal walks, beaches and wildlife.
How to Plan Your Australian Road Trip Itinerary
A well-planned Australia road trip itinerary can make the difference between an unforgettable adventure and a stressful mess. Here is how to plan yours.
Choose Your Route and Duration
Match your drive to your available time.
Trip Duration | Recommended Routes |
About 1 day | Great Alpine Road — around 5 hours of driving, excluding stops and detours |
2–3 days | Great Ocean Road; Great Barrier Reef Drive for a shorter trip |
4–7 days | Great Eastern Drive; Nullarbor Crossing; Red Centre Way; Great Barrier Reef Drive with reef and rainforest activities |
9–14 days | Pacific Coast Way from the Gold Coast to Cairns; the South West Edge from Perth to Esperance |
Best Time to Go
Route type | General timing |
Great Ocean Road | Year-round; allow for winter rain and changing coastal conditions |
Tropical Queensland | Dry season is generally easier for road travel; check wet-season closures |
Red Centre | Cooler months are more suitable; summer heat can be extreme |
Great Alpine Road | Year-round, but winter requires snow and chain planning |
Tasmania east coast | Warmer months provide longer daylight, but conditions can change year-round |
Nullarbor | Cooler months are generally more comfortable for long-distance driving |
Budget and Accommodation
Australia has accommodation options for every budget. You can camp under the stars, stay in caravan parks, book motels in country towns or splurge on boutique hotels and luxury lodges. Just remember to book ahead during school holidays and peak tourist seasons, especially in popular spots like the Great Ocean Road and the Sunshine Coast.
Packing Essentials for the Open Road
Here is what you should not leave without:
A physical map (phone reception is patchy in remote areas)
Plenty of drinking water – more than you think you will need
Non-perishable food and snacks
A first aid kit
Sun protection – hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
Insect repellent
Warm layers – desert nights can get surprisingly cold
Emergency supplies for remote stretches
A reliable power source and charging cables
Phones, cameras, camping lights and portable fridges can be harder to keep powered between remote towns or away from powered campsites. A car’s 12V outlet may suit smaller devices while driving, but it is less practical overnight or when several items need power.
A portable power station offers a flexible backup for road trips, with the right size depending on the trip length and the devices or appliances you plan to run.
The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus Portable Power Station suits weekend road trips and lighter camping setups, supporting a portable fridge, phones, cameras, laptops and camping lights during overnight stops.
Longer journeys or trips with more equipment may be better matched to the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus Portable Power Station, which provides extra capacity for a fridge, several devices and occasional cooking appliances between charging stops.
Having reliable power on the road means you can plan out a road trip with more flexibility. You are not tied to caravan parks with power sites.
Safety Tips for Driving in Australia
Driving in Australia is mostly safe and straightforward, but there are a few things you need to know, especially if you are heading into remote areas.
Watch for Wildlife
Kangaroos, wallabies and wombats are most active at dawn and dusk. Avoid driving at night if you can, and always be alert for animals on the road. If you see one, slow down, avoid swerving suddenly and remain alert for additional animals near the roadside.
Beware of Road Trains
Road trains are common on highways in outback and remote Australia. These long, multi-trailer heavy vehicles need considerably more room to turn, stop and overtake than an ordinary truck. Keep a safe following distance and wait for a long, clear stretch of road before passing. Never overtake near bends, crests or intersections, and avoid pulling back in too closely once you have passed.
Plan Fuel and Rest Stops
Fuel, food and accommodation can be hundreds of kilometres apart on some regional and remote routes, while smaller roadhouses may operate limited hours. Check opening times and plan each fuel stop before departure, rather than relying on the next service being available. Carry sufficient drinking water, food and essential emergency supplies, and take a break at least every two hours to manage fatigue.
Check Weather and Road Conditions
Weather in Australia can change quickly. Check road closures and weather forecasts before you set out each day, especially in northern Australia during the wet season. Allow buffer time in your itinerary for unexpected delays – sometimes the best part of a road trip is the unplanned detour.
Conclusion
Great Australian road trips offer a wide range of scenery and travel experiences, from the surf-sprayed coastline of the Great Ocean Road to the desert landscapes of the Red Centre. Whether you are planning a weekend escape or a longer journey, check road conditions, organise fuel and rest stops, and allow enough time to explore along the way. Packing suitable gear and planning how to keep essential devices powered can also make remote or unpowered stops easier to manage.
FAQs
What is the most famous road trip in Australia?
The Great Ocean Road in Victoria is arguably Australia’s most famous self-drive route. Winding 243 kilometres from Torquay to Allansford along the rugged southern coastline, it passes iconic sights like the 12 Apostles, Bells Beach and the Otways rainforests. It is the road trip that appears on every traveller’s bucket list, and for good reason.
Which Australian road trip is best for first-time visitors?
The Great Ocean Road is the best choice for many first-time visitors because it is easy to reach from Melbourne, well signposted and manageable in two to three days. It can be driven in a standard car and has regular towns, accommodation and visitor facilities along the route. Travellers can experience beaches, rainforest and dramatic coastal scenery without the complex fuel, road-access and vehicle planning required for a remote outback drive.
What is the best time of year for an Australian road trip?
It depends on your route. For coastal drives like the Great Ocean Road, year-round is viable, with spring and autumn being most pleasant. For outback routes like the Red Centre Way or the Nullarbor, the cooler months from April to November are best – summer heat can be extreme and dangerous. Always check seasonal conditions before you go.