Welcome to the Land Down Under, where gorgeous cityscapes meld with the rough outback and sunburns are indicative of a day well spent. This continent/country is tailor-made for the wide-eyed adventurers. Expansive rainforests, canyons, mountains, and world-famous beaches beckon thousands of visitors every year, but what exactly is the best way to get the most out of a tour in Australia? Eschew the plane in favor of a 4WD! Cruising the open road guarantees the best sights and experiences, so here are 8 of the best road trips in Australia.
- The Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road leads you along some of Austalia’s most stunning coastlines. Gawk at cliffs, rainforests, and shipwrecks and don’t forget to spend a moment taking in the beauty of the Twelve Apostles – a collection of limestone structures just off the shore of Port Campbell National Park.
Recommendation: Twelve Apostles is Port Campbell National Park’s most iconic spot, but don’t forget to wander further. Check out Lock Ard Gorge for the stunning 19th century shipwreck, the Island Archway, and snap a few photos of the Gibson Steps rock formation.
Distance: 243 kilometers
Starting and ending point: Torquay to Allansford, South Australia
Duration: 2-3 days.
Best time to go: February-March or October-November for warmer weather and off-peak prices away from the crowds.
- Gibb River Road
A road trip through the Gibb River Road is definitely one for the books, what with its magnificent displays of wildlife and wilderness. Touted as one of Australia’s greatest 4WD adventures, this road trip takes you through Kimberley where you can explore gorges, waterfalls, outback cattle stations, rock art, and Aboriginal sites.
Recommendation: The Bell Gorge can be a challenge to reach, but the sight itself is worth all the effort. Marvel at cascading waterfalls while swimming in its natural pools!
Distance: 660 kilometers
Starting and ending point: Derby to Wyndham, Western Australia
Duration: One to two weeks.
Best time to go: Catch the dry season from April to September when waterfalls are fully fed by the previous rainy season. The road is closed December to March due to heavy rains and flooding.
- The Great Eastern Drive
For adventurers seeking a little solace, the Great Eastern Drive offers the peace and quiet of Tasmania with the hustle and bustle of only its wildlife. From Orford to St. Helens, this reflective journey takes you through the east coast wine country, forests, beach towns, and stunning farmlands. The region’s bountiful produce and seafood guarantee you’ll be munching something along the way.
Recommendation: The Freycinet National Park is a worthy detour with its crystal-clear bays, waters and rich birdlife.
Distance: 176 kilometers
Starting and ending point: Orford to St. Helens, Tasmania
Duration: 2-5 days.
Best time to go: The autumn months of March-May for crowd-free travel.
- Roadtrip to The Tip
Looking to get lost in the wilderness? A trip to Cape York, one of Australia’s most remote landscapes, offers more than a thousand kilometers of untamed and rugged rainforest beauty. This picturesque route features river crossings infested with crocs, ancient rock art, and two World Heritage sites in the Wet Tropics. Beautiful as it may be, here’s some bad news for your social media followers: Cape York has very limited phone reception, so bye-bye Instagram (that’s right, take this time to reconnect with Mother Nature!)
Recommendation: Take a guided tour through the Quinkan Galleries at Laura to gawk over 30,000-year-old rock art.
Distance: 1000 kilometers
Starting and ending point: Cairns to Cape York, Queensland
Duration: One to two weeks
Best time to go: During the cooler months of June to October. Other times of the year might be met with road closures and floods.
- Australia’s Coral Coast
Nature lovers, buckle up your seatbelts. This trip from Perth to Ningaloo promises to offer you the best that Mother Nature has to offer. Here, the sprawling Indian Ocean converges with the rugged outback, offering countless adventures on both land and water. Explore the Pinnacles Desert and the Kalbarri National Park for land-dwelling creatures and the World Heritage Shark Bay to spy on manta rays, dolphins, and whale sharks.
Recommendation: Dedicated divers must check out the Navy Pier – one of the world’s top 10 on-shore dive sites.
Distance: 1200 kilometers
Starting and ending point: Perth to Ningaloo, Western Australia
Duration: 1 week
Best time to go: Come between June to September for a stunning display of vibrant wildflowers.
- Great Alpine Road
Cruise along the continent’s highest accessible sealed road to marvel at scenic mountain ranges, deep valleys, and spectacular wine regions. The waterways of the Gippsland Lakes region are a must visit. Looking to reflect? The journey is studded with charming historic towns, such as Omeo, Beechworth, and Bright.
Recommendation: Visit Mt. Hotham, Victoria’s highest alpine village, for rejuvenating mountain air and absolutely breath-taking alpine views. Lots of action here for snowboarders, skiers, and sledders!
Distance: 500 kilometers
Starting and ending point: Wangaratta to Metung, Victoria
Duration: 3 days
Best time to go: Any time of the year, but some roads may be closed during winter (June to August)
- The Savannah Way
Our penultimate road trip will have you traveling 3,700 kilometers across five World Heritage sites and 15 national parks, all without ending up in another country or kissing the ocean. This epic road trip may be grueling, but this is one journey that truly offers the Australian outback experience. Expect lots of time spent in nature from grassy plains to lush rainforests, waterfalls, ancient rock art, remote cattle stations, and turquoise waters.
Recommendation: The Boodjamulla National Park is a must-visit. Gawk at magnificent gorges, 25-million-year-old fossils, emerald waters, and orange sandstone cliffs.
Distance: 3700 kilometers
Starting and ending point: Cairns, Queensland to Broome, Western Australia
Duration: 10 days to 3 weeks.
Best time to go: Come during the dry season between May to September.
- The Big Lap
Ready for an adventure of a lifetime? The Big Lap is for die-hard road-trippers – an epic road trip that encompasses the entirety of Australia. If you have 6 months or more to spare, this road trip promises more than just spectacular sights and the full Australian experience, you’ll also get lifelong bragging rights. Highway 1 links Australia’s seven capital cities and skirts around Brisbane, Darwin, Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns, Broome, Esperance, Hobart, and Adelaide. The Big Lap offers everything Aussie: verdant rainforests, bustling cities, coastal towns, the rough outback, and crystal beaches. This is one road trip unlike any other.
Recommendation: Add more to the experience by including Alice Springs, Kakadu, and Uluru, all accessible via the Stuart Highway in NT.
Distance: 15,000 kilometers
Starting and ending point: This is an epic road trip around Australia with no definite start or end points. You will be cruising along Highway 1 which skirts around the entire continent, with some divergences if you want to explore key cities
Duration: Six months to a year
Best time to go: If it’s summer, December to Australia head south. During winter, June to August, head north or explore the red center. Wet seasons from November to May may close roads and national parks.
If you want an amped up travel experience, explore Australia on four wheels. The greatest part of a road trip isn’t about arriving at your destination and this rings true in the Land Down Under. This continent offers a myriad of sights and adventures you just might miss when traveling on air!