road tours in australia

13 Epic Australian Road Trips for Your Bucket List

Looking for the best Australian road trips? Here are 13 of the best from around the country.

Australia is made for road tripping. With vast landscapes, stunning coastlines, and hundreds and hundreds of kilometres of tarmac stretching around the country, there’s no shortage of amazing road trips to add to your bucket list.

I’ve asked fellow travel bloggers for their favourite road trips – and together we’ve curated 13 of the best Australian road trips that are sure to inspire your wanderlust. From quick getaways to epic, weeks-long journeys, each route comes with recommended stops, the ideal duration and a glimpse into what makes each trip unique.

So, get ready to hit the open road and explore this beautiful country on four wheels.

This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

TOP TIP! One of the best ways to road trip Australia is via a campervan. It’s easy to rent a campervan in Australia and I recommend Motorhome Republic . Prefer to stick with a regular car for these Australian trips? Check prices and availability at DiscoverCars .

What's in this article (Click to view)

Brisbane to Cape Tribulation (Queensland)

This drive up the coast of Queensland includes plenty of beautiful beach stops and walks through the oldest rainforest in the world.

Brisbane – Rainbow Beach – K’gari Island – Bundaberg – Yeppoon – Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays – Townsville – Cairns – Daintree and Cape Tribulation

Highlights: 

• Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, the largest reef in the world
• Visit the ancient Daintree Rainforest, where two World Heritage Sites meet
• Cruise through the Whitsunday Islands
• See sugarcane fields and learn about the rum-making process
• Spot unique Australian animals including kangaroos, koalas, dingos and cassowaries

Distance:  1,800 kilometres

Number of days:  14+

When to go: May to October, during the dry season when temperatures will be cooler than during the hot Queensland summers. It’s also safer to swim in Far North Queensland during this time when the stingers aren’t out in force.

The drive from Brisbane to Cape Tribulation ticks off many of the highlights of Queensland and is one of the best Australian road trips for the adventurous.

Leaving from Brisbane, you can opt to stop on the Sunshine Coast or in Noosa, but I recommend driving the four hours to Rainbow Beach. This beach gets its name from the many different colours of the sand. Here, you can hike through Carlo Sand Blow to see giant sand dunes – rent a sandboard to slide down them.

Take a day trip to K’gari Island from Rainbow Beach. The island is stunning, with lakes, hiking trails and a small river you can tube down. K’gari is known for the many dingoes that live on the island – be careful around them, as they have been known to bite people!

Slightly inland is Bundaberg, home to Australia’s famous Bundaberg Rum. The town has lots of sugarcane fields and you can take a tour of the rum factory as well as the Bundaberg Barrel, where they make their iconic ginger beer. While in Bundaberg, stop at the nearby Mon Repos Turtle Centre to learn about the loggerhead turtles that lay their eggs in this area.

A quick stop in Yeppoon or Mackay will break up the drive to Airlie Beach, home to the Whitsunday Islands. You can opt to see the Great Barrier Reef from here, though it is best to wait until you are further north for a shorter boat ride. Snorkelling tours are plentiful from Airlie Beach, and no trip is complete without seeing the beautiful white sandy Whitehaven Beach.

Continuing further north, drive up Castle Rock in Townsville for beautiful views of the city, and if you have time, detour to Magnetic Island for an overnight trip.

Sign up for  a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns . Many options are available, including flights over the reef, snorkelling tours and scuba diving trips.  

After all this time at the beach, it’s time to head even further north, crossing the river by ferry and entering the Daintree Rainforest. Cape Tribulation is the furthest north that you can drive without 4WD.

Lanie from Make More Adventures

Darwin to Broome (Northern Territory and Western Australia)

Traverse the rugged and remote landscapes of Australia’s Top End and Kimberley regions from Darwin to Broome , filled with stunning natural wonders and unique cultural experiences.

Darwin – Katherine – Lake Argyle – Kununurra – Mimbi Caves – Derby – Broome

Highlights :

• Explore the gorges and hot springs around Katherine
• Marvel at Lake Argyle, the largest man-made lake in the southern hemisphere
• Learn about Aboriginal culture and rock art at Mimbi Caves
• Experience the rich history and culture of Broome, including Cable Beach and its famous sunset camel rides

Distance : Approximately 1,870km one-way

Number of days : 10 days to 2 weeks

When to go : During the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is more temperate, and the roads are accessible.

Spanning more than 1,870 kilometres, this journey takes you from the tropical city of Darwin to the coastal town of Broome, passing through some of the most remote and scenic areas of the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

Starting in Darwin, the trip heads south to Katherine, where you can explore the stunning Nitmiluk National Park, famous for its towering gorges and rejuvenating hot springs. Continue on to Lake Argyle near the town of Kununurra, to experience the vastness of Australia’s largest man-made lake. Here, you can take a boat cruise to spot freshwater crocodiles and birdlife.

The road trip also includes a stop at the Mimbi Caves, where you can experience a guided tour that showcases ancient Aboriginal rock art and the fascinating geological formations. Further along the route, Derby serves as a gateway to the wonders of the Kimberley region, including the Horizontal Falls and the iconic Boab trees.

The adventure culminates in Broome, a town rich in pearling history and known for its vibrant sunsets over Cable Beach. Here, you can unwind on the beach or enjoy a sunset camel ride.

East Coast Australia (Victoria, NSW and Queensland)

Award-winning beaches, world-class surfing, incredible coastal hikes and whale watching make the east coast of Australia the perfect road-tripping destination.

Melbourne – Lakes Entrance – Eden – Batemans Bay – Ulladulla – Hyams Beach – Berry – Royal National Park – Sydney – Nelson Bay – Forster – Crescent Head – Hat Head National Park – Nambucca Heads – Coffs Harbour – Lennox Head – Byron Bay – Gold Coast

Highlights:

• Spot migrating humpback whales from the small town of Eden on the Sapphire coast
• Visit Hyams Beach, which has the “world’s whitest sand”
• Discover secluded beaches and spot kangaroos and wallabies in Hat Head National Park
• Soak up the laidback, surfer vibes of small coastal towns like Crescent Head and Lennox Head
• Visit Australia’s most easterly point at the world-famous Byron Bay

Distance: 2100km

Number of days: 7-10 days

When to go: From October-March, the warmest months in Australia. To avoid the summer school holiday crowds, go in October/November or February. February has the warmest ocean temperatures. For whale-watching, go between June and November.

This east coast road trip will show you exactly why Australia is known for its beautiful beaches and laidback lifestyle.

Starting from Melbourne, head east towards the coastal town of Lakes Entrance. Follow the A1 onto Eden, one of Australia’s best whale-watching destinations. The region has been affectionately nicknamed the “Humpback Highway” because of the sheer number of whales that pass through here on their way to and from Antarctica every year.

Continue on through the small coastal towns on New South Wales’ south coast until you reach Hyams Beach. Hyams Beach frequently appears on lists of the world’s best beaches. Just one look and you will see why!

Head north through the historic town of Berry to Royal National Park. Take a scenic hike to Wedding Cake Rock or the Instagram-famous Figure Eight Pools. Drive over the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge or spend a few days exploring the city. There are more than 100 beaches in Sydney alone!

As you head further north, stop off and enjoy the pure holiday vibes of towns like Nelson Bay and Forster. Hike to secluded beaches in Hat Head National Park where there is a good chance you can have an entire beach all to yourself. If you’re lucky, you might get to share it with some eastern grey kangaroos.

Stop off at laidback surfer towns like Lennox Head before reaching the famous Byron Bay, an old hippy town that is now home to the rich and famous. Finally, cross the border into Queensland and enjoy the glitz of the Gold Coast.

Liza from  Atlas Rambler Travel Guides

The Explorer’s Way – Adelaide to Darwin (South Australia and Northern Territory)

This epic 3,000km journey from Adelaide to Darwin along The Explorer’s Way goes through Australia’s diverse landscapes, from the rugged outback to lush national parks and iconic landmarks. It’s one of the most iconic Australian road trips to undertake.

Adelaide – Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park – Coober Pedy – Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – Watarrka National Park and Kings Canyon – Alice Springs – Karlu Karlu – Daly Waters – Mataranka – Katherine – Kakadu – Litchfield – Darwin

• Experience the unique underground town of Coober Pedy
• Marvel at the majestic Uluru and the sacred sites of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
• Explore the dramatic Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park
• Relax in the natural thermal pools of Mataranka
• Discover the ancient Aboriginal rock art and stunning landscapes of Kakadu National Park

Distance : More than 3,000km one-way

Number of days : 10 days minimum

When to go : During the Australian winter (May to September) when temperatures are cooler.

The Explorer’s Way is one of the most legendary Australia road trips, stretching from Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the north.

Starting in Adelaide, the journey begins with a trip through the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, where you can explore ancient mountain ranges and deep gorges. Continuing north, you’ll arrive in the opal mining town of Coober Pedy, famous for its underground homes and surreal, lunar-like landscape.

The road then leads to the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, where the iconic Uluru and the mystical rock formations of Kata Tjuta await. A visit to Watarrka National Park and Kings Canyon is a must, with the Kings Canyon Rim hike the best way to see the areas towering cliffs and lush valleys.

As you head towards Alice Springs, stop at Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles), a sacred site with massive granite boulders. Further north, you’ll discover the hot springs of Mataranka and the historic Daly Waters Pub, a quintessential outback experience.

The final stretch of the journey takes you through Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks, home to stunning waterfalls, wildlife and Aboriginal rock art, before arriving in the tropical city of Darwin.

Gibb River Road (Western Australia)  

The Gibb River Road is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those seeking adventure in the heart of the Kimberley, taking you to some of Australia’s most beautiful gorges and swimming holes.

Kununurra – El Questro – Pentecost River – Mitchell Falls – Ellenbrae Station – Manning Gorge –Galvans Gorge – Bell Gorge – Tunnel Creek – Windjana Gorge – Derby

• Experience the beauty of Emma Gorge at El Questro
• Tackle the adventurous crossing of the Pentecost River
• Try fresh scones at Ellenbrae Station
• Swim beneath the cascading waterfalls of Bell Gorge, Galvans Gorge and Manning Gorge
• Discover dramatic cliffs and ancient rock art at Windjana Gorge

Distance:  660 km (one way)

Number of days:  7 – 14 days

When to go:  The best time to tackle the Gibb River Road is during the dry season (May to October). Flooding and road closures are common during the wet season (November to April). 

The Gibb River Road is the ultimate Outback adventure, a rough road that was once a stock route. The 660-kilometre journey can be done in either direction, starting from Kununurra or Derby.

This Australian road trip takes you through some of the country’s most untouched wilderness. The road is rough and rugged, with plenty of water crossings, so a 4WD vehicle is essential.

The first stop after Kununurra is El Questro Wilderness Park, where you can relax in natural hot springs and enjoy a swim at Emma Gorge. As you continue your journey, you’ll cross the Pentecost River, with the Cockburn Ranges providing a stunning backdrop.

Stop at Ellenbrae Station for a fresh scone. A detour to Mitchell Falls is worth the effort, though it is known as one of the roughest roads in Australia.

Have a refreshing swim at both Manning Gorge and Galvans Gorge. A highlight of the trip is Bells Gorge, where you can swim between the towering gorge walls. As you travel further towards the western end of the road, you’ll discover Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek where you can spot freshwater crocodiles lurking in the water.

The road trip ends in Derby, from where you can start your next adventure and explore the  amazing things to do in the Broome region. 

Aiden & Maddy from aidenandmaddy.com  

Grand Pacific Drive (NSW)

One of Australia’s most iconic road trips, the Grand Pacific Drive lets you drive across the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge while taking in the spectacular NSW coastline.

Sutherland – Bald Hill –  Sea Cliff Bridge – Seaside towns in Illawarra – Kiama Blowhole – Nowra

• View the dramatic NSW coastline with views of the Sea Cliff Bridge from Bald Hill
• Drive across the Sea Cliff Bridge
• Discover the charming seaside towns of Clifton, Wombarra, Scarborough, Coledale, Austinmer, Thirroul and Kiama
• Visit the Kiama Blowhole
• Finish the drive in Nowra, a hub on the NSW South Coast

Distance: 140km 

Number of days: About 1.5 hours if you don’t stop, but you’d be mad not to, so the trip can last all day.

When to go: Anytime of year – although a clear sunny day is best so you can see the coastline. Being on the coast, it can get very windy, particularly on Bald Hill.

The  Grand Pacific Drive  is an iconic Australian road trip. Starting in Sydney’s southern suburb of Sutherland you’ll drive through the Royal National Park to Bald Hill. Here, you’ll get fantastic views of the NSW coastline. Bald Hill is also a popular spot for hang gliders who you might see taking off and landing.

From Bald Hill follow the road over the Sea Cliff Bridge. This bridge was built in 2005 to replace a dangerous section of the previous road that hugged the coast that was prone to rockfalls. The s-shape of the bridge cantilevers out over the ocean. You can park at the end of the bridge and walk back over the bridge for spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

From here, drive through coastal villages before arriving at Kiama. Kiama is known for its blowhole which hopefully will be blowing a treat when you visit. Kiama is a vibrant village on the Grand Pacific Drive with plenty of coffee shops to enjoy a meal.

Leaving Kiama, drive through coastal villages of Gerringong and Gerroa before arriving in Nowra. You could stay in Nowra or head back to Sydney along the Princes Highway. 

Sharyn from Discover Australia Now

Great Ocean Road (Victoria)

One of Australia’s most iconic road trips, the Great Ocean Road has dramatic coastal scenery, lush rainforests and the famous 12 Apostles.

Melbourne – Torquay – Lorne – Apollo Bay – Great Otway National Park – 12 Apostles – Port Campbell – Loch Ard Gorge – The Arch – Bay of Islands – Allansford – Melbourne

• View the famous 12 Apostles and other striking rock formations along the coast
• Explore the lush landscapes of Great Otway National Park with its towering trees and waterfalls
• Discover the seaside towns of Torquay, Lorne and Apollo Bay
• Visit Loch Ard Gorge and learn about the famous shipwreck story
• Enjoy panoramic ocean views along the winding coastal drive

Distance: 600km round trip 

Number of days: 2-3 days minimum

When to go: The best time to drive the Great Ocean Road is during the Australian summer (December to February) for warm weather and clear skies. But it’s actually less crowded during the shoulder seasons (March to May and September to November).

The Great Ocean Road is an iconic Australian road trip and a great way to experience Victoria’s coastal beauty. It’s one of the best Aussie road trips for its accessibility and ease.

Starting in Melbourne, this journey takes you along a winding road that hugs the rugged coastline. Continue on to Torquay, the surf capital of Australia, where you can soak up the sun on famous beaches like Bells Beach. As you drive towards Lorne, you’ll pass through cute seaside towns with lighthouses and more lovely beaches. Fish and chips on the beach each night is a must.

The Great Ocean Road itinerary continues through the dense rainforests of Great Otway National Park, with its towering trees and cascading waterfalls.

But the highlight of the trip is undoubtedly the 12 Apostles, a series of limestone stacks rising majestically from the ocean. Nearby, you’ll find the dramatic Loch Ard Gorge.

As you travel further, visit iconic formations such as The Arch and Bay of Islands before reaching the end of the road trip in Allansford. Head inland to return to Melbourne.

The Great Eastern Drive (Tasmania)

Enjoy stunning coastal landscapes and beautiful beaches on Tasmania’s Great Eastern Drive, one of Australia’s most scenic coastal roads. See fairy penguins nesting, discover Australia’s colonial history at UNESCO historic sites and enjoy delicious local produce along the way.

Devonport – Tamar Valley – Launceston – Saint Helens – Bay of Fires – Bicheno – Wineglass Bay and Freycinet Peninsula – Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula – Richmond – Hobart 

• Wine tasting and picturesque scenery in the Tamar Valley
• The dramatic landscapes of Cataract Gorge in Launceston
• The magical coastal scenery of Wineglass Bay, Binnalong Bay and the Bay of Fires, with powder-white sand, turquoise water and rocks covered in orange lichen
• Watch fairy penguins waddle ashore at Bicheno or Devonport (September to April)
• Visit UNESCO World Heritage historic sites at Port Arthur, Richmond and Hobart

Distance: 750 kilometres (Devonport to Hobart)

Number of days: Minimum 5 days

When to go: The best time to visit Tasmania is in the summer months from November to March when the weather is warm and sunny.  

A road trip is the perfect way to explore Tasmania , Australia’s compact island state. But, to get there from the mainland you’ll need to fly to Launceston and hire a car, or take your car on the ferry. The Spirit of Tasmania ferry leaves from Geelong in Victoria and arrives at Devonport, which is around 100 kilometres from Launceston.

A scenic drive from Devonport to Launceston takes you through the lush green landscapes of the Tamar Valley, Tasmania’s premier wine-producing region. A highlight of visiting Launceston is exploring the dramatic Cataract Gorge. From there, it’s a couple hours’ drive to Saint Helens and the start of the Great Eastern Drive where the coastal scenery is simply magical.

Take a leisurely pace and soak in the stunning landscapes and beautiful beaches. Stop to swim at Binnalong Bay and the Bay of Fires where bright orange lichen covers the rocks and waves break on white sandy beaches. Dusk in Bicheno is the best time to see the fairy penguins as they come ashore under the cover of darkness to their nests on the beach.

Hike through the pristine national park of the Freycinet Peninsula to stunning Wineglass Bay, one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches. Then discover Australia’s convict history at the Port Arthur ruins, set amidst the wild coastal landscapes of the Tasman Peninsula.

Stop to enjoy charming Richmond with its pretty Georgian cottages before continuing to Hobart, the capital of Tasmania and one of Australia’s oldest cities. Once a penal colony, Hobart’s Old Town has cobbled streets, a lovely waterfront area and plenty of historical charm.

To end this road trip, drop your hire car at Hobart airport and fly back to the mainland or return to Launceston (3 hours) or Devonport (4 hours).

Linda from Muy Linda Travels

The Nullarbor (Western Australia and South Australia)

One of Australia’s most remote roads, The Nullarbor is a rite of passage for road trippers. Across the Nullarbor Plain there are endless horizons, dramatic coastal cliffs and remote outback towns.

Norseman – Balladonia – Eucla – Border Village – Nullarbor Roadhouse – Ceduna

• Experience the remote and unique atmosphere of the Nullarbor roadhouses
• Marvel at the stunning Bunda Cliffs along the Great Australian Bight
• Spot southern right whales at the Head of Bight during the migration season

Distance : Approximately 2,700km one-way

Number of days : 3-5 days

When to go : The best time to drive the Nullarbor is between May and October when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for long stretches of driving.

Crossing the Nullarbor (officially the Eyre Highway) is a quintessential Australian experience that involves traversing one of the most remote and iconic landscapes in the world.

The western end of the Nullarbor officially starts in Norseman, and it’s here that you’ll notice the landscape begins to change, becoming more arid and expansive. 

Along the trip, you’ll stop in at remote roadhouses, which serve as lifelines out here with fuel, food and a place to rest. Take a photo at the iconic Nullarbor Roadhouse and wander through its dusty museum.

Stop at the Bunda Cliffs along the Great Australian Bight, where the land meets the ocean in a dramatic display.

During the whale migration season (June to October), the Head of Bight is a must-visit for an incredible opportunity to see southern right whales up close. As you continue east, the Nullarbor officially ends in Ceduna.

There’s nothing quite like crossing the Nullarbor – come prepared with plenty of food, water and fuel and a sense of adventure. 

Perth to Broome (Western Australia)

This road trip from Perth to Broome hits the best of Western Australia’s stunning coastlines and national parks.

Perth – Cervantes – Kalbarri National Park – Shark Bay – Wooramel Station – Exmouth – Karijini National Park – Eighty Mile Beach – Broome

• Discover the remarkable Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park near Cervantes
• Explore the rugged beauty and coastal cliffs of Kalbarri National Park
• Dive into the underwater paradise of Ningaloo Reef near Exmouth
• Experience the dramatic gorges and waterfalls of Karijini National Park

Distance : Approximately 2,600km one-way

Number of days : At least 2 weeks

When to go : The best time for this road trip is during the cooler months from May to September.

Western Australia is Australia’s most remote state and its largest. Its size means there’s everything from pristine beaches to rugged outback scenery, and the best way to see it all is on a Perth to Broome road trip. 

Starting in Perth, the trip quickly takes you to Cervantes, where the unique limestone formations of the Pinnacles Desert will astound. Further north, Kalbarri National Park offers a striking contrast of coastal cliffs and inland gorges, perfect for hiking.

Continue north to Shark Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can experience the natural beauty of the region and meet the famous wild dolphins of Monkey Mia. From there, a stop at Wooramel Station offers a taste of station life and a chance to soak in artesian bore baths under the stars.

Exmouth and the Ningaloo Reef are next on the itinerary, where snorkelling among coral reefs and swimming with gentle whale sharks are the highlights.

The road then leads to Karijini National Park, one of Australia’s most beautiful national parks, renowned for its dramatic red gorges and waterfalls. 

The trip concludes with a drive to the tranquil Eighty Mile Beach, ideal for relaxation, before reaching the vibrant town of Broome. Here, you can unwind on Cable Beach, experience the town’s multicultural history and enjoy an iconic sunset camel ride.

Perth to Esperance (Western Australia)

Experience the wild and wonderful south coast of Western Australia on an epic road trip that showcases the region’s best natural attractions on the journey to Esperance, home to some of Australia’s most stunning beaches.

Perth – Margaret River – Denmark – Albany – Esperance – Perth 

• Savour fine wines and explore world-renowned surf breaks in Margaret River
• Wander among the treetops at the Valley of the Giants and relax at the iconic Elephant Rocks in Denmark
• Witness nature’s power while watching the crashing waves and dramatic coastal cliffs of the Gap and Natural Bridge on the south coast of Albany
• Discover some of Australia’s most vibrant blue waters and white sand beaches in Esperance
• Travel the inland route and visit the unique Wave Rock on the way back to Perth

Distance:  ~1800 km round trip

Number of Days:  10 days minimum

When to go:  The warmer months. Peak season is during the summer months from December to February, but travel during October-November or March-April for that sweet spot of sunny days with fewer travellers.

Get ready for a scenic road trip along the south coast of Western Australia, travelling from  Perth to Esperance  via Margaret River, Denmark and Albany, and discover some of the region’s best natural attractions.

Spend at least two nights in Margaret River, where towering karri forests meet rolling vineyards in this renowned food and wine region. Don’t miss a stop at Hamelin Bay to spot the friendly sting rays, and take time to explore one of the area’s stunning limestone caves.

Continue on your journey through the Southern Forests region, passing through quaint country towns before reaching Denmark. Be sure to visit the Valley of the Giants Tree Top walk for a stroll among the treetops and explore the crystal-clear waters of Greens Pool and the iconic Elephant Rocks in William Bay National Park.

Next, head to the port city of Albany, home to Torndirrup National Park with its raw natural beauty, including the dramatic Natural Bridge and the Gap formations. For the adventurous, the Bald Head trail offers a challenging but rewarding hike with endless coastal scenery.

Upon reaching Esperance, dedicate at least one day to exploring the stunning beaches of Cape Le Grand National Park, including the famous Lucky Bay, where kangaroos are known to frequent the beach. Spend another day discovering the attractions along the Great Ocean Drive – Esperance’s version – including pink salt lakes, breathtaking beaches and coastal lookouts.

Wrap up the memorable journey by taking the inland route back to Perth, stopping to visit the iconic Wave Rock along the way. 

Tess from Tessomewhere

Perth to Margaret River (Western Australia)

Experience the beauty of Western Australia’s coastline, indulge in renowned wineries and breweries, and discover charming coastal towns on this unforgettable road trip.

Perth – Fremantle – Mandurah – Bunbury – Busselton – Margaret River

• Drive the scenic coastal road, stopping at beaches like Yallingup Beach and Meelup Beach
• Explore coastal towns Bunbury and Busselton, which has the longest wooden jetty in the southern hemisphere
• Hike through forests, kayak along the coast or surf at some of Australia’s best breaks
• Indulge in fresh seafood, local produce and gourmet cuisine at restaurants and farmers markets
• Taste world-class wines from renowned wineries like Vasse Felix, Voyager Estate or Leeuwin Estate

Distance:  Approximately 600km roundtrip

Number of days needed for the road trip:  3-5 days

When to go:  Spring (September-November) or autumn (March-May) have fewer crowds and great weather.

Driving from Perth to Margaret River is such a scenic and unforgettable road trip that highlights the best of Western Australia’s coastline and wine region. 

Starting in Perth, wind your way south along the coast, stopping at towns including Mandurah, Bunbury and Busselton. Each town has something different, from historic sites and markets to beautiful beaches and marine life encounters.

The highlight of the trip is Margaret River, known for its world-class wineries, breweries and gourmet food. Explore vineyards, sample delicious wines and indulge in fresh local produce at farmers markets and restaurants.

Beyond the wineries, the region has plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, surfing and stunning beaches like Yallingup Beach and Meelup Beach.

This scenic road trip from Perth to Margaret River is one of the  best things to do in Western Australia .

Sarah from In Search of Sarah 

Red Centre Way – Alice Springs to Uluru (Northern Territory)

Discover the heart of Australia on the Red Centre Way, a loop from Alice Springs to Uluru that showcases the country’s most iconic outback landscapes and cultural landmarks.

Alice Springs – Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – Watarrka National Park/Kings Canyon – Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges – Alice Springs

• Witness the awe-inspiring Uluru and explore the cultural significance of this ancient monolith
• Hike the dramatic Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park, with its stunning cliffs and views
• Explore the rugged beauty of the Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges, home to gorges, waterholes and unique flora and fauna
• Experience vibrant Aboriginal culture and heritage throughout the Red Centre

Distance : 1,135km loop

Number of days : 1 week minimum

When to go : The best time for an Alice Springs to Uluru road trip is during the cooler months from May to September, when temperatures are more comfortable for exploring the outback.

The Red Centre Way is a road trip through the heart of Australia, both geographically and spiritually. You can do this trip with a 2WD, but a 4WD will allow you to get into more remote areas.

The trip begins in Alice Springs, the gateway to the Red Centre, where you can start to learn about the desert at the Alice Springs Desert Park or Olive Pink Botanic Garden.

From there, travel to the iconic Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Uluru, one of the world’s most famous natural landmarks, holds much spiritual significance for the Anangu people, the area’s Traditional Owners. Nearby, the domes of Kata Tjuta offer equally mesmerising scenery and sacred sites.

Next, head to Watarrka National Park to explore Kings Canyon, where towering cliffs and panoramic views provide some of the most breathtaking hikes in Australia.

If you’ve got a 4WD, continue through to Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges, a region known for its stunning gorges, waterholes, and diverse wildlife. (If you’ve got a 2WD, you’ll need to return to the highway to get back to Alice Springs.) Spend a few days going slowly through the many gorges and swimming holes as you make your way back to Alice. 

Did you find this article helpful? Consider buying me a coffee as a way to say thanks!

What are your favourite Australian road trips?

Related posts

Before you go… you might like these Australian travel articles:

• What to pack for a road trip
• Epic Adelaide to Darwin road trip
• How to travel from Darwin to Broome
• How to plan a Perth to Broome road trip
• The ultimate Great Ocean Road road trip itinerary
• The ultimate guide to crossing the Nullarbor

AUSTRALIA TRIP ESSENTIALS

• Book your flight to Australia online with Skyscanner . I like this site because it shows me which dates are cheaper.
• Find a great hotel in Australia. Check prices on Booking.com   and Expedia online.
• Check out the huge range of day tours throughout Australia on GetYourGuide or Viator . There’s something for everyone.
• A copy of the  Lonely Planet guide to Australia will be handy.
• One thing I always purchase is  travel insurance ! Travel Insurance Master allows you to compare across multiple policy providers, while SafetyWing is great for long-term travellers and digital nomads.
• Pack sunscreen (look for SPF50 or higher), a hat and sunglasses because the sun is hot!

PIN IT FOR LATER: THE BEST AUSTRALIAN ROAD TRIPS

Save this guide to the best Australian road trips to Pinterest for later!

About REBECCA

I'm a travel junkie who started dreaming about seeing the world from a very young age. I've visited more than 40 countries and have a Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management. A former expat, I've lived in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Argentina and the United States. I share travel resources, tips and stories based on my personal experiences, and my goal is to make travel planning just that bit easier.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

MORE INFORMATION

ABOUT WORK WITH ME CONTACT PUBLISHED WORK

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES

© 2024 REBECCA AND THE WORLD

Privacy Policy

I ACKNOWLEDGE THE WURUNDJERI AND BOON WURRUNG PEOPLE OF THE KULIN NATION AS THE TRADITIONAL OWNERS OF THE LANDS AND WATERWAYS OF THE AREA I LIVE ON. I PAY MY RESPECTS TO ELDERS PAST AND PRESENT AND CELEBRATE THE STORIES, CULTURE AND TRADITIONS OF ALL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLE ACROSS AUSTRALIA.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

• Meet the Team
• Our Manifesto
• Work with Us
• Budget Travel
• Personal Development
• Work & Travel
• United Kingdom
• More of Europe
• Philippines
• More of Southeast Asia
• More of South America
• More of Central America
• South Korea
• More of Asia
• More of North America
• New Zealand
• Pacific Islands
• More of Oceania
• South Africa
• More of Africa
• More of the Middle East
• Travel Essentials
• Travel Gear

Home » Oceania » Australia » 10 EPIC Australia Road Trips: Big, Bold, and Beautiful

10 EPIC Australia Road Trips: Big, Bold, and Beautiful

Australia: a continental landmass of crocodile-wrestling locals, man-eating dropbears, and gigantic expanses of endless red dirt. Maybe only one of those things is true.

That said, there is truly, truly massive amounts of red dirt. On any Australian road trip through its gargantuan “Red Centre”, you will see endless horizons of ochre hues. Words cannot describe the scope of this untameable land.

In Australia, one can easily drive for days on end without the scenery changing at all and with only the occasional roo – jumping out in front of the car on a suicide mission – to break up the routine. But if you can handle the distances and duck the kamikaze kangaroos, the country can be one hell of a setting for some epic Australian road trips.

Of course, embarking on Australia’s road trips isn’t so simple. First, you’ll need a vehicle. You’ll also need to manage the equally untameable cost of travelling in Australia. (Damn you fuel prices in Oz!)

And of course, you’ll need to decide on which of the best road trips in Australia you’ll be Mad Max-ing. Spoiler: they’re all bloody magnificent.

So that’s why I’ve written this guide to travelling Australia by car (or van). A roundup of the most epic Australian road trips you can possibly sink your teeth and adventurer chomps into!

Fire her up cause we’re headin’ out back, mate.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Exploring Australia: Prepping for the Road Trip

Top 10 epic australia road trips: she’ll be right, 10. kangaroo island, some safety advice for australia, let the great australia road trip commence.

The word Australia is now pretty much synonymous with the word “backpacking”. This is primarily because countless backpackers from all around the world now flock here annually, either to take long working holidays (yay for obscenely high minimum wages) or to try and start a new life.

Meanwhile back in the rest of the world, (certainly in India, South-East Asia and South America) it often feels like most of the other backpackers you meet are Australian (closely followed by Germans then Israelis). In summary Australia = Backpacking . Right?

Despite this, the former prison colony has still not really been properly explored save by only a handful of very brave and foolish souls. Australia is massive, it’s red, it’s angry, and it’s often damn well deadly and therefore, most folks (residents and visitors alike) end up sticking to the coastlines .

However, if you want to discover the real Australia then you need to head away from the beach and into that deliciously daring ‘outback’ . For a proper adventure, you gotta get away from humanity and into the sheer undulating arid heat. If you’re going to do that, then you’re going to need to get yourself a car and set off for an epic road trip in Australia.

The road is calling (here are a few inspiring road trip quotes , just in case you need any more motivation).

How to Travel Australia by Car

Firstly, you will need a driving licence . A serious traveller may even want to get an International licence although most “Western” licence (US, EU, etc.) will be perfectly valid down under . Be sure to get this back in your home country because everything is expensive in Australia.

You’re also going to need a vehicle for a road trip in Australia – no brainer! There are three ways to go about this:

• Hire a car or van in Australia – Renting a car in Australia is easy albeit expensive and much better suited to a short trip. There are heaps of car rental services in Australia but I recommend JUCY Rentals . They’ve been in the game as long as I remember; parked by the beaches of Byron Bay is a time-honoured Australian tradition almost as much as a beer and fish and chips. Probably also in Byron.
• Buy a car or van –  This is option two and the true backpacker way to have a road trip in Australia. Backpackers buying and reselling vehicles in Australia is incredibly common (given the sheer scope of Australia) and acquiring a pre-loved gypsy warhorse and selling it again later is super viable. The best way to go about this is through online listings: social media groups, car sales websites, Gumtree , traveller/hostel message boards, or even dipping into your personal network.
• Steal a car or van – Jokes, don’t do that. Remember how I said Australia was an ex-prisoner colony. Dem fuckers be crazy.

Travel Australia by Van or Car

Right, so you may have noticed how I specified van  OR  car. That’s because both are viable, however, I do have a special love in my heart for living and travelling in a van. And truth be told, Australia’s barren empty wilderness and endless beaches are simply built for the vanlife.

Ultimately though, the choice is yours. A car is cheaper to acquire (generally) and requires less mechanical knowhow, but you won’t have the sheer magnificent awesomeness a home with wheels. That said, vans can be absolute primadonnas and konk out on you at the worst possible time so it’s a matter of choice and desire.

Lastly (and most importantly), it is worth noting that not ALL of Australia will be open to you in a standard van or car. A lot of Australia’s landscape is incredibly harsh and some of the absolute best road trips will only be doable with a four-wheel drive.

Either way, the vehicle type you choose is going to affect your packing for the great Australian road trip . To that end, here is some more recommended reading:

Car Camping in Australia Resources:

• The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List
• The Camping Master Checklist
• Best Budget Backpacking Tents
• Best Sleeping Bags
• And don’t forget a sleeping pad!

Van Travel in Australia Resources

• The Full Guide to Vanlife
• Campervanning in New Zealand Guide

(Yes I know it’s New Zealand but bar the much smaller scope and lack of murderous animals, the countries are quite comparable.)

Oh, and here’s a kickass post discussing the cost of a road trip in Australia . Ta-dah!

A Word on Australian Visas

Pretty much everybody will need a visa to enter Australia. The immigration policies and staff are zealous and you will be given the once over.

Travellers from most Western Countries can enter for tourism purposes on an Australian ETA (subclass 601) . Whilst these are amongst the easiest type to obtain, do remember to apply before you fly or you risk deportation

Ok, no more blabber-blabber: the best road trips in Australia! Let’s hop to it and get this show on the road!

So. Many. Puns.

So. Little. Time.

1. Gibb River Road – Western Australia

Accessible only by four-wheel drive, and completely impossible to do in the wet season, this road is one hell of an adventure. Bringing you 660 km down a dirt track from Broome to Kununurra , you’re likely not to see another soul on the road.

Countless waterfalls and natural springs greet you along the way – just make sure to check for freshwater crocs before you hop in! It’s one of the best routes you can take for an Australian road trip.

2. Cairns to Cape York – Queensland

At the northernmost tip of Australia, practically touching Papua New Guinea, lives a place called Cape York . Far from the backpacker trail, it’s an amazing place to explore. (Other than the saltwater crocodiles lurking in the water. Australia’s wildlife: the reoccurring theme of this guide).

The road travels down dirt roads with many river crossings, so you definitely need a four-wheel drive, much like most of the best spots in an Australia road trip. As you travel up from Cairns , you’ll pass through Cape Tribulation – a tiny town nestled in the rainforest, with the Great Barrier Reef a mere 30-minute boat ride away. It doesn’t get more idyllic than that.

3. Darwin to Uluru – Northern Territory

While this one can be done with an ordinary two-wheel drive vehicle, the route is definitely far from ordinary. A hundred kilometres south of Darwin , you’ll reach the gorgeous Litchfield National Park . With more waterfalls than you can handle, a ton of different bush walks, and a unique (and odd) type of termite mound, you could spend weeks in the park.

Continuing south you’ll get a true taste of the Outback, with roads stretching far into the horizon. But don’t worry, you won’t get bored; those suicidal kangaroos will keep you on your toes as you cruise to the red hot centre of Australia. Be sure to stop in at Alice Springs on your way to Uluru – yes, the famous giant red rock – to check out some traditional Aboriginal art  as well as the stunning views you won’t catch anywhere else on earth. You’ll find a few great hostels in Alice Springs as well. A great route to choose for an Australia road trip!

4. Great Ocean Road – Victoria

The Great Ocean Road is widely mooted as the “greatest” amongst the epic Australian road trips, and one of the best road trips in Victoria . For all those in love with the ocean, this road is an absolute must. Gliding along from every surfer’s paradises to massive plunging cliffs, the road is nothing short of spectacular.

Starting 275 km west of Melbourne , you’ll find the world-famous Twelve Apostles , where huge rock stacks rise from the waves. Love surfing (or the movie Point Break)? Get to Bells Beach , the setting of the last scene of the film, as well as Rip Curl’s surfing competition.

Be sure to stop in at some of the villages along the road as well; from Victorian-era buildings to small fishing communities, there are some great destinations along the Great Ocean Road.

5. The Greater Blue Mountains Drive – New South Wales

Mountains in Australia? Blue mountains ? Yep, they’ve got more than just kangaroos and koalas out there.

Taking you from the metropolis of Sydney right up the middle of the Blue Mountains , this drive is anything but ordinary. From Jenolan Caves , filled with crazy limestone formations, to the Three Sisters rock formation in Katoomba , you will find plenty to do in the area.

And if you get bored of the main route, no worries! The Bluies (a bit of local lingo for ya there) is an absolutely massive mountain range with awesome hostels to stay at tonnes of branching tracks:

• Running from Sydney to Lithgow is the Great Western Highway (the main route).
• Parallel to the Great Western on the other side of the Grose Valley is Bell’s Line of Road .
• There are heaps of dirt roads and fire trails running into the bush everywhere to explore.
• And tonnes of branching roads in other directions. Check out the  Megalong Valley or head towards  Oberon for some more eye candy.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

6. The Nullarbor Plain – West Australia

The long road to Perth takes in 2000km of red Australia at its harshest. It’s flat, it’s long, it’s arid, and it’s a big wide open space so don’t get acrophobic on me now. It’s also an utterly rewarding adventure and one of the best of the epic Austrian road trips you can do.

It’s fair to say that doing the proper crossing of Australia by car is both an Australian and backpacker rite of passage. Take a friend or get used to your own company because it’s a lonely journey and not for the faint of heart. But my god is it a journey.

If, however, this all sounds like too much then see number 7.

7. Tasmania’s Heritage Trail

Tasmania is Australia’s best-kept secret. The region boasts beauty in abundance but has somehow escaped consumption by the backpacker trail. It’s also a lot smaller and compact to travel; like a miniature New Zealand!

This was once the gateway to Australia and was where the original convict chain-gangs were set to work colonising the country. The highwaymen that once haunted these high-ways and by-ways are now gone but you still need to be mindful of those damn roos who may surprise you! This is quite a short and pleasant drive – it’s a lot greener too – so is the perfect contrast to the above Australian road trip.

8. The Alpine Way – New South Wales

Did you know you could fit the entirety of old Wales into New South Wales several times over? However, this route is only 121km long so should only take you a day (plus stops).

The best time to come here is in early spring when the snow is melting (yes, Australia gets snow) but you still get the alpine scenery. There are also loads of great, and safe, places to wild camp along the way.

9. Sydney to Melbourne

Ok, so we did kind of dissed the folks who stick to the coast back there. However, the reality is that if you’re gonna fly all the way to Australia, you will most likely either fly to Sydney or to Melbourne first – two of the best places to stay in Australia . Therefore you may as well make a road trip out of it, right?

There are loads of little coastal towns along the coastal route (think Summer Bay from Home & Away) as well as idyllic little spots for fishing and bird watching. This trip is also perfect if you’re short on time, an inexperienced explorer or if your car is not up to the harder, inland roads.

If the mainland somehow feels too big, then take the ferry from Adelaide across to Kangaroo Island . As the name suggests, it’s an almost untouched animal sanctuary so you can expect more kamikaze kangaroos then we care to mention. To battle stations, comrades: they’re rebelling!

You can take your car onto the ferry (it’s the same deal for Tassie by the way) but if you are renting one, please check that the rental company allows you to do this.

Seriously, there’s a whole other post in this but ok. Pickpockets, terrorists, murderers: these aren’t a concern so much in Australia (Ivan Milat notwithstanding) . There are other concerns, however. Especially for travellers unwitting to Australia’s harshness.

The wildlife is, of course, the bad joke of the global community. Crocs, jellyfish, snakes, spiders, sharks… hell, an emu can kill you if it wants. Generally, you stay away from them, then they’ll stay away from you. The big exception is crocs.

Any area where crocs are common in the water (northern areas of Australia in particular), be hella safe swimming. In fact, probably just don’t swim. If a croc gets you, you’re dead: end of story. Australia isn’t some landscape of bloodthirsty man-eating monsters like people seem to think, but you need to pay attention.

Next, swimming safety. A lot of the beaches are rough and tourists have died going past their limits. Be careful swimming on Australia’s beaches: swim between the lifeguard’s flags, watch out for surfers, and if you get stuck in a rip, let it take you until it subsides. Common sense prevails when swimming in Australia.

Are you done, Dad?  No. Two more things

One More Thing: Australia Road Trip Safety

Road trips in Australia are very different from the States, Europe, or most other places for that matter. Maybe it’s comparable to a hot Siberia.

Populated coastlines are different but in rural areas and especially in the Outback, there are a number of things to be careful about:

• Supplies –  Always have enough food, petrol (including extra tanks),  WATER ; it’s quite possible to go days without seeing another human in Australia’s most vast areas and if you breakdown without these things, she’ll probably not be right.
• Stop, revive, survive – Famous safety motto in Australia: take frequent rest breaks and naps if necessary when driving. It’s actually amazing how many people die on Australia’s long, straight, empty roads – counter-intuitive, right? It’s easy to lose concentration when you’ve been driving in a straight line staring at the same dot on the horizon for 6 hours. It’s easy to fall asleep at the wheel and flip your car or smash into a pole at 120+km/h. Be smart.
• Watch out for wildlife –  All the jokes aside about suicidal kangaroos, imagine hitting one. That can be 6+ feet and 80+ kilograms of proper red-blooded Australian muscle and bone crunching your bonnet and coming through your windshield. It’s the same as hitting a person. Hitting wildlife on an Australian road trip can be just as bad for you as it is for them. Plus, they’re so damn cute! Just watch out for them.
• Roadside Drug Testing –  Can be common in some states and areas and the laws are an absolute mess. Just sayin’…

Last Thing! Get Insured Before Travelling to Australia

What if the kangaroos really do form an army and rise up. Do you know how many kangaroos there are in Australia? We’ll never stand a chance!

Na, you’ll be fine. You know why? Because you’re a smart cookie and you got travel insurance!

A wise man once said that if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t really afford to travel – so do consider backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure! Traveling without insurance would be risky. I highly recommend World Nomads .

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

There! Done dad-ing you now. Now you can go and get yourself killed in Australia!

Kidding! You’re not gonna die. You’re gonna have an amazing time. You’ll see some sights like no where else in the world, you’ll face some challenges that’ll help you grow, and at the end of it you’ll say:

“Strewth, mate! Too bloody right. That was pretty fuckin’ orright!”

Have fun, amigos. Australia is truly breathtakingly beautiful and she offers something no other country in this world can. Truly, she is special.

So go hit her up! Take her for a drive – some epic Australia road trips – and go see something you never have before! Take some weed too. It’s a long fucking drive.

Updated: February 2020 by Ziggy Samuels at Zigz Writes Things .

Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉

Aiden Freeborn

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

10 road trips for discovering all of Australia

Aug 22, 2024 • 8 min read

From short scenic drives to epic countrywide journeys – like National Hwy 1, which takes you over the Sea Cliff Bridge south of Sydney then around the entire country – these are 10 of the best road trips in Australia. Taras Vyshnya/Shutterstock

With a diversity of landscapes and a scale that’s unrivaled anywhere almost in the world, Australia  is a country all but made for road trips.

Whether you want to set out for a day-long excursion or pack up and go wherever the wind takes you, these driving routes won’t disappoint. Here are 10 of our favorite road trips in Australia.

1. Great Ocean Road, Victoria

Best road trip for epic coastal views Torquay–Allansford; 243km (150 miles); allow 2 to 3 days

Follow the wild southern coastline of Australia’s best scenic road trip: the Great Ocean Road . Starting at the legendary surf town of Torquay, you’ll explore welcoming country towns like Lorne and keep an eye out for koalas in the Great Otway National Park , before taking in the iconic  Twelve Apostles . These immense limestone stacks (only eight remain) are the main drawcard for photographers on this stretch of road, which is also known as the Shipwreck Coast. 

While the Great Ocean Road can be tackled in a day, we recommend stretching it over several. This will allow you ample time to stop for seafood in towns along the way (such as Apollo Bay, which hosts an annual seafood festival ) and hike coastal trails found just off the highway.  

Planning tip: The weather is highly changeable along the Victorian coastline, so make sure you’re prepared for all seasons. If you’re behind the wheel, be mindful the roads get slippery when wet.

2. Grand Pacific Drive, New South Wales

Best road trip from Sydney Royal National Park, Sydney–Shoalhaven; 140km (86 miles); allow 1 day

The Grand Pacific Drive makes for an  ideal day trip from Sydney . You’ll kick off by winding south through the eucalyptus forests of the Royal National Park . After crossing the weir at Audley, stop for a break at the Stanwell Tops cliffs, a popular hang-gliding spot and an excellent vantage point for watching whales between May and October.

Then, turn onto Lawrence Hargrave Drive. With both lanes suspended above the ocean, it’s easy to see why this stunning spot has played a starring role in numerous car commercials and photo shoots. You’ll then continue past clifftop pubs, small coastal villages, swimming beaches and rock pools before arriving at the  Kiama blowhole . Finish your day with a walk around the harbor at Shoalhaven.

Detour: Budget enough time for a swim at secluded Wattamolla Beach in the Royal National Park, where you’ll find a cascading waterfall and a calm seaside lagoon.

3. Coral Coast Highway, Western Australia

Best road trip for marine wildlife Perth–Exmouth; 1250km (776 miles); allow 2 weeks

Leave the city behind and head north along Western Australia ’s Coral Coast, with the Indian Ocean to your left and red outback scenes on your right. With countless worthwhile stops along the way, this is a road trip for visitors with time to spare.

The first is the otherworldly Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park , where hundreds of limestone formations rise from the ground. Further north up the coast, you can watch dolphins approach the shoreline at  Monkey Mia in Shark Bay. And along the way, you can camp at traditional outback stations or farms, where living and working on the land is a way of life. 

The highlight of this drive, though, might be its final destination: Ningaloo Reef near Exmouth , which offers some of the country’s best snorkeling and diving, including alongside whale sharks and humpback whales. 

Planning tip: This is one drive you won’t want to see end. Fortunately, if time permits, you can continue your journey further north up the Pilbara Coast to Broome .

4. Hobart to Bruny Island, Tasmania

Best road trip for foodies Hobart–Bruny Island; 100km (62 miles); one day

Located a short drive southwest from Hobart , Bruny Island off Tasmania is one of Australia’s most mouthwatering destinations for foodies. Wear your stretchy pants, as you’ll pass dozens of local producers on this day trip. 

Take the car ferry at Kittering to the north of the island and follow your stomach to feast on freshly shucked oysters, handmade cheese and local whisky direct from the producers at farm gates and cellar doors across the island. Cross the narrow isthmus known as  the Neck – which connects north and south Bruny – and finish your trip with a tour of Bruny Island’s 19th-century lighthouse .

Planning tip: Set out from Hobart early, as the line for the ferry can be long on weekends and public holidays.

5. Great Barrier Reef Drive, Queensland

Best road trip for getting back to nature Cairns–Cape Tribulation; 140km (86 miles); allow at least 2 days

At roughly 150 million years old the world’s oldest rainforest, the Daintree is one of the most biodiverse places on earth, with incredible species such as cassowaries (giant colorful flightless birds) and tree kangaroos hidden beneath its canopy. It’s also significant in that it borders another UNESCO World Heritage site: the Great Barrier Reef .

You can explore both rainforest and reef on this drive into Queensland ’s Wet Tropics. Head north from Cairns , stopping along the way in the resort towns of Port Douglas  – and get ready to dive in: its marina is one of the main departure points for trips to the outer reef. Along the way, detour to explore the Daintree’s Mossman Gorge , where Indigenous Kuku Yalanji guides will demonstrate traditional use of plants beside the crystal-clear Mossman River. Finally, cross the Daintree River on a car ferry to Cape Tribulation , an off-grid eco haven. (Note that some roads sustained heavy cyclone damage in late 2023 and may still be under repair. For up-to-date road conditions, visit QLD Traffic .) 

Planning tip: The heat might be on and the water might look lovely, but only swim if in designated safe swimming areas, for this is crocodile country.

6. Explorers Way: South Australia to the Northern Territory

Best long-distance road trip Adelaide–Alice Springs; 1500km (932 miles); 6 days

Following a route originally mapped out in the late 19th century for the Overland Telegraph Line, the Explorers Way runs all the way from Adelaide to Darwin . Yet you need only drive a portion of the route to understand what a truly enormous feat it was to map. Starting from the neatly manicured vineyards of Adelaide wine country, you’ll watch the landscape shift into the big red majesty of Australia’s outback.

Along the way to Alice Springs , explore Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park , beat the heat by staying in underground accommodation in Coober Pedy – famous for its opal mining – and hit up Uluru and Kings Canyon. As you drive, keep an eye out for feral camels: they’re descendants of the ones first used by Afghan cameleers to help chart the path and transport supplies. 

Detour: Don’t miss the pink-hued waters of Lake Bumbunga , north of Adelaide. Its unique color (which is caused by algae) varies depending on the water’s salinity. It typically has its best Barbie moments in the spring and autumn.

7. Red Centre Way, Northern Territory

Best road trip for taking in the heart of Australia Alice Springs–Alice Springs; 700km (434 miles); six days

This spectacular road trip hits up some of the same spots as the Explorers Way, but takes a more relaxed pace by looping round the Red Centre’s biggest attractions. Departing from Alice Springs, take a break to cool off in water holes at Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges and climb to the rim of Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park . 

The main attraction for most, though, will be Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park , where you can walk 10km (6 miles) around the base of the world’s most famous monolith and head to watch the sunset over the domes of nearby Kata Tjuta.

Planning tip: While all the major attractions along the Red Centre Way can be reached in a regular car, if you plan to complete the full loop, you’ll need a high-clearance 4WD for the Mereenie section.

8. Nullarbor Plain, South Australia

Best road trip for smooth driving and golf Ceduna–Norseman 1200km (745 miles), allow two days

Arid, remote and stretching to the horizon, the treeless Nullarbor Plain is the stuff of road-trip legend: it’s the longest, straightest and flattest road in the country. While most believe that the journey along the Eyre Hwy is only broken by the occasional roadhouse, there are some unexpected surprises along the way. For example, it’s home to the  Nullarbor Links , the world’s longest golf course. The 18-hole course spans a staggering 1365km (848 miles), with one hole in each participating town or roadhouse along the way. A scorecard is available for a nominal fee, which goes towards the upkeep of the course.

9. Gibb River Road, Western Australia

Best road trip for a 4WD adventure Derby–Kununurra; 660km (410 miles); allow 10–14 days.

Wild, unpredictable and remote, the Gibb River Road is pure outback adventure. Open from around May to September during the dry season, this 660km (410-mile) route follows corrugated (washboard) roads, dirt tracks and multiple river crossings, with challenging 4WD sections best left to experienced drivers. Shelter under endemic boab trees said to be over 1500 years old; hike to swim in the cascading natural pools at Mitchell Falls ; and get to know the untamed wilderness of the Kimberley, one of northwestern Australia’s most intriguing and desolate regions.

Planning tip: Be sure to pack adequate supplies, including water, paper maps and fuel. If you break down, stay with your vehicle. If you’re not confident taking a self-drive visit, several tour operators can whisk you around the region.

10. The Big Lap

Best road trip for those who want to see it all Over 14,000km (8700 miles); allow at least six months – or a lifetime

There’s no Australian road trip more iconic than National Hwy 1, one of the longest highways in the world. Encircling the entire country and popular with backpackers and gray nomads, it’s affectionately known as “the Big Lap" – but the exact route and detours you take will depend on your budget , the time of year , your departure point and how much time you have to spare.

Generally, travelers head north in the winter and south in the summer, all in a bid to avoid the wet season. Following the sun will give you a crash course in long-distance car travel, where you’ll build camaraderie with your fellow travelers and see the incredible diversity Australia has to offer.

This article was first published Sep 24, 2020 and updated Aug 22, 2024.

Explore related stories

Aug 23, 2024 • 7 min read

There’s nothing like hitting the road in an RV or camper van – these are the best destinations around the world for an RV road trip.

Nov 22, 2021 • 7 min read

Jun 1, 2021 • 6 min read

Sep 24, 2020 • 7 min read

Aug 26, 2024 • 5 min read

Aug 24, 2024 • 7 min read

Aug 24, 2024 • 10 min read

Aug 21, 2024 • 4 min read

Aug 7, 2024 • 8 min read

Aug 1, 2024 • 11 min read

1-888-359-2877

[email protected]

spectacular

Australia Self Drive Tours & Road Trips

Australian self drive tours are the perfect way to see the highlights of Australia at your own pace. You are in total control of the adventure as you explore Australia’s famous destinations and local gems off-the-beaten path. We take Australia’s incredible road trip itineraries and create spectacular self drive vacation packages including flights, hotels and car rentals. Everything is taken care of so you can have the adventure of a lifetime.

Australian & New Zealand Self Drive Experiences

Dreaming of an epic month-long road trip in Australia? Looking to spend a day trip, 3 weeks, or maybe more, driving along Australia’s coasts? We have a number of designed road trip itineraries that take a leisurely drive holiday across Australia’s most enchanting regions. Our About Australia travel experts are also at hand to create a custom trip entirely from scratch to suit your style and interests. We also arrange motorhome and RV trips in Australia so you can get as up close and personal with the road as you like!

We can create a custom self drive tour for any interest and budget. Connect with your About Australia Travel Advisor to get started on your Australian self guided road trip itinerary.

Great Ocean Road to Adelaide Vacation

COUNTRIES : Australia DESTINATIONS : Melbourne (2 Nights), Port Campbell (1), Halls Gap (1), Victor Harbor (1), Kangaroo Island (2), Adelaide (1), Blue Mountains (2), Sydney (2) STYLE : Independent Travel | Self Drive EXPERIENCE : Beaches, Island & Reef | Wildlife | Nature | Outback

Aussie and Kiwi Marvels Tour

Australian Coastal Road Trip, Wildlife & Icons Package

COUNTRIES : Australia DESTINATIONS : Melbourne (2 Nights), Apollo Bay (1), Mt Gambier (1), Victor Harbor (1), Kangaroo Island (2), Adelaide (2), Port Douglas (4), Sydney (3) STYLE : Independent Travel | Self Drive EXPERIENCE : Nature | Wildlife | Food & Wine

Kiwi Road Trip Adventure

View Details

The  best Road Trips in Australia and New Zealand

An Australia self-drive tour is an unforgettable journey. Our expertly curated self-drive tours are perfect for anyone seeking to dive deep into the authentic lifestyles found in Australia and New Zealand. From the lush, winding rainforest roads to the rugged beauty of the coastal highways, Australia offers a diverse array of road trip holidays perfect for every traveler. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s stunning scenery, from the lush greenery of the North Island to the majestic fjords of the South Island, promises an equally enchanting experience.

Learn about some of the best Australia road trips and New Zealand self-drive tours, then contact us to create your perfect itinerary.

Australia’s Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most iconic drives, offering stunning ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and charming seaside towns. Highlights include the Twelve Apostles, Great Otway National Park, and the picturesque beaches of Lorne and Apollo Bay. Design the perfect trip with an About Australia Travel Advisor and experience the freedom and beauty of this unforgettable journey.

Cairns to Cape Tribulation

The drive from Cairns to Cape Tribulation offers an enchanting journey through tropical North Queensland, where lush rainforests meet stunning beaches and vibrant coral reefs. Along the way, you’ll encounter the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, the ancient Daintree Rainforest, and the picturesque Captain Cook Highway. Plan your perfect trip with an About Australia Travel Advisor and experience the unique beauty and adventure of this captivating route. If you’re lucky you might even see Australia wildlife like an elusive tree kangaroo or cassowary in the wild.

Self-driving through Tasmania is one of our favorite Australian trips, offering a blend of rugged wilderness, historic sites, and charming towns. This is your best chance to spot wallabies, wombats, and echidnas in the wild. Highlights include the stunning landscapes of Cradle Mountain, the pristine beaches of the Bay of Fires, and the rich history of Port Arthur. Experience the freedom of exploring Tasmania at your own pace, uncovering its natural wonders and cultural treasures on an unforgettable self-drive tour designed with your curiosity in mind.

Kangaroo Island

Hobbiton & Geothermal Wonderland

New Zealand’s South Island

planning your self drive trip to australia?

Get expert help from an Australia travel agent who has the knowledge and experience to help you plan and book every detail of your trip.

More Experiences You’ll love

Experience luxury like never before in Australia with our exclusive itineraries crafted for discerning travelers. Indulge in the opulence of Tasmania’s luxury lodges, where pristine wilderness meets unparalleled comfort and service. From the rugged beauty of Cradle Mountain to the serene beaches of Kangaroo Island, each moment is infused with luxury and sophistication. Savor gourmet dining experiences, unwind in world-class spa facilities, and embark on private tours to iconic landmarks such as Freycinet National Park or Remarkable Rocks.

Australian Traveller's Top 100 amazing road trips

Sometimes the journey itself is the base upon which fantastic memories are made. How else to explain our collective passion for the road trip? Offering up the ultimate please-yourself freedom ride, the experience of hitting the open road with a map and a sense of adventure is intoxicating. Here, 100 such glorious journeys to entice, excite and enthral.

• Road Trips by Experience
• Road Trips by State
• More Road Trips

Explore the 100 road trips by experience

Coastal Road Trips

Iconic Road Trips

Outback Road Trips

Regional Road Trips

Weekend Road Trips

Day Trip Drives

No Drive Road Trips

Off The Beaten Track

Food & Wine Road Trips

Two-wheeler Trips

All 100 Road Trips

Latest travel deals.

A luxury escape to JW Marriott Gold Coast

Experience ultimate luxury with two nights’ accommodation, plus breakfast for two daily, two welcome beverages on arrival, self-parking and $50 dining credit daily.

Your heavenly hideaway nestled in nature

Relax & connect with loved ones in these one, two- & three-bedroom villas, set amidst a 7,000 acre wilderness retreat.  

Spend quality time with your tribe nestled in nature

These one, two and three-bedroom villas are awaiting your tribe’s arrival, set amid the epic Greater Blue Mountains.

• Separate lounge & dining
• Private heated pool
• Majestic valley vistas

Relax & connect with loved ones in these two- & three-bedroom villas, set amidst a 7,000 acre wilderness retreat.

Old Chaff Mill: stay 3 nights & save 30%

Pamper yourself at a stunningly restored former Chaff Mill and save 30% -living history amongst organic shiraz vineyards.

It’s time for an adventure

Experience some of NSW’s best scenery, museums, and regional producers in our 1960s sleeping train.

• 5 days, 4 nights;
• boutique group numbers;
• immersive excursions.  

Your Country Escape Awaits

Immerse yourself in the majesty of the Greater Blue Mountains and save 10% when staying two nights or longer. *From complimentary inclusions

• Gourmet meals daily
• Selected wines & beers
• 2 on-site activities daily*

Book a 4-day fabALICE festival pass for only $290!

When booking a 4-day fabALICE festival pass you receive access to five fabulous events for only $290 – retail value of $350. Enjoy priority seating and access, and experience the best events!

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: Madama Butterfly

“A modern Butterfly soars as art and spectacle combine on Sydney Harbour” (Limelight).

• Fireworks every night
• Pop up bars and eateries
• Picture perfect backdrop of the Sydney Opera House

Park, Stay & Play at Hyatt Regency Sydney

Park, Stay, Play package includes a night at the 5 Star, centrally located hotel in a modern, and luxe room with breakfast, a cocktail per person plus complimentary parking and 20% off at bars and restaurants. Save $75.  

• Million-dollar waterfront location
• CBD parking  
• Breakfast and cocktail per person and discounts at bars and restaurants  

Explore the 100 road trips by state

NSW Road Trips

Vic Road Trips

Tas Road Trips

SA Road Trips

ACT Road Trips

WA Road Trips

Qld Road Trips

NT Road Trips

Multi-State Road Trips

More road trips to discover.

Let our partners give you a closer look at some of the unique destinations, experiences and extra road trips in addition to our pick of Australia’s top 100 Amazing Road Trips.

Iconic WA Road Trips: The Kimberley Wilderness Loop

There’s an indescribable energy to the Kimberley, an intoxicating feeling that permeates your body the minute you set foot on it...

Pick the perfect campervan or motorhome for an unforgettable road trip

Is there anything better than a road trip holiday? The call of the open road beckoning you onwards, another discovery around every...

Escape to a luxury bayside retreat in Port Stephens

Whether you’re seeking exploration, adventure, pampering or the perfect hideaway, it’s time to set sail to your very own utopi...

© Australian Traveller Media 2024. All rights reserved.

Big Australia Bucket List

Absolutely EVERYTHING to see, do and experience in Australia

15+ Bucket-List Worthy Road Trips in Australia

Heading out on the open road makes for some of the best adventures + these iconic Australian Road Trips should be all the inspiration you need to hit the road and explore Australia in 2022.

Australia’s rich and diverse landscape is a reason that world travellers have visiting Australia on their bucket list. There is no better way to see some of the magnificent hidden gems than by road. Even Australians have some sort of road trip on their travel bucket list.

From desert to beaches, wild native scrub to historical towns, Australia does not disappoint when it comes to sightseeing.

Not in any particular order, here are 16 bucket-list-worthy road trips in Australia. 

Table of Contents

The Big Lap

You can’t start a list about bucket list worthy road trips in Australia without mentioning The Big Lap. Stretching around the country, from capital city to capital city on the mainland, it is often a road trip lover’s dream to travel all around Australia with a fully stocked caravan or mobile home. ( Click here to learn more about living in a van!)

Travel the 14,500 kilometres through some of the most spectacular sites of mainland Australia, a lot of which feature on this list! Don’t forget to add on Tasmania if you can, and try to complete the Big Lap without an end date. You want to be able to enjoy everything at your own pace especially with a road trip as epic as this. 

Red Centre Way

A 4WD is definitely recommended for this outback road trip in the Northern Territory which starts in Alice Springs and takes you through the magnificent West MacDonnell Ranges, Watarrka/Kings Canyon, and ends at Uluru. 

Waterhole swimming, magnificent gorges and breath-taking Indigenous sites are all part of this 1135 kilometre journey. Bring plenty of water, don’t wear white and be in awe of the stunning rock formations and colours throughout this journey.

If you are new to road tripping in remote areas, there are tour groups you can join for the Red Centre Way, some allowing you to use your own car.

EXTRA: Get back to city life and extend your road trip through the middle of Australia by continuing to drive South to Adelaide which will give you the opportunity to visit the underground town of Coober Pedy, the wine region of Clare Valley and (with a slight detour) explore the magnificent Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park.

75 Mile Beach Road

Safe to say that if you are working your way through some of Australia’s bucket worthy road trips then you are probably doing so in a four-wheel drive (4WD).

As one of the most memorable coastal drives in the world, 75 Mile Beach Road is incredible. But driving along here isn’t for the faint-hearted. The east coast of Fraser Island has tides that change the surface regularly, making hidden bumps and potholes and changing the texture of the sand. Then there is the population of dingoes to keep an eye out for.

While it is a challenge, this memorable and unique style of road trip and a spot of beach driving is worthy of anyone’s bucket list. It is a place for adventure, a challenging drive complemented by stunning beauty.

The Savannah Way

You’ll need a minimum of 2 weeks to travel through 3 Australian States, 20 National Parks and 5 World Heritage Sites when taking on this epic road trip along The Savannah Way.

This journey will take you to breathtaking waterfalls that fall to calm rock pools, and sacred indigenous sites. A 4WD is recommended as the terrain is quite diverse and not all parts of this road trip are sealed.

The 3,700-kilometre journey is best accompanied by easy to set up camping equipment, fishing gear, and no set itinerary, as this will be one of the most special road trips you ever do – especially when you include Cable Beach, Katherine Gorge and so many other incredible sights! 

Regardless of whether you start in Broome, Western Australia or Cairns in Queensland, and depending on your vehicle (i.e. if you have a 4 Wheel Drive), you may also have the option to include another bucket list worthy Australian road trip – the Gibb River Road (Number 15, below), ticking off two road trips from this list!

Great Alpine Road

Winding 339 kilometres through rural Victoria, you’ll encounter some of the most epic landscapes in the state.  From forests, vineyards, the alpine region and glistening waters of the Gippsland Coast. Rich in history from the gold rush era, you will be surrounded by natural wonders during this trip.

Depending on the season, you can enjoy this road trip in a regular car as all the roads are sealed. However, be aware for possible snowfall when travelling in winter to ensure you have the correct tyres and associated cold weather gear to enjoy this road trip. 

The Convict Trail

There is nothing quite like a road trip around Tasmania, so it is sad to think that some people don’t include it in their Big Lap. Regardless of when you get there, road trips in Tasmania are some of the most special in Australia, and the convict trail is one of them.

A suggested four-day itinerary of the Convict Trail is the way to go. It allows you to see all the important historical sites and takes no more than one hour and a half of driving daily, from stop to stop.

Visit the Richmond Gaol set in the beautiful countryside and nearby, have the chance to try some of the best pies in Tassie at the Richmond Bakery. The trail also takes you to the infamous Port Arthur – a site to see not only for its rich history but for its sad significance in modern Australia.

Cairns to Cape York

Hopping in a 4WD and driving to the tropical North of Australia is certainly up there on a road trip bucket list. The goal is to make it to the famous “You Are Standing at the Northernmost Point of the Australian Continent” sign, which obviously points out where you are (and we recommend you take a photo to mark the overwhelming sensation of where you really are!)

Not only are you met with gorgeous scenery for the whole of the 1,964-kilometres of this Queensland road trip, from Cairns to Cape Tribulation (and beyond!) you can drive through the incredible Daintree Rainforest and once you get to Cape York, exploring on foot is the best part. With two walks known as the Top Walk and the Bottom Walk, you can stroll along them to explore the rock pools and enjoy the unique coastal landscape. 

Extra: Take an optional detour from the tip of the top and tour the Torres Strait Islands – some of the most incredible islands of Australia.

The Great Ocean Road

Probably the best-known road trip outside of Australia is the road trip to see the iconic Twelve Apostles in Victoria. Start this journey from the surfing hot spot Torquay and keep venturing past tranquil beaches, explore cute towns, hike the ancient Otway Rainforest and chase more waterfalls than you can shake a stick at!

The Great Ocean Road Victoria is easily done by car and offers lots of great camping spots for those who have tents or have a van where you can sleep on the roof . There is also plenty of traditional accommodation (hotels, BnB’s, vacation rentals etc), making it a great getaway option for any time of year.

Kangaroo Island

Do your travel-loving self a favour and spend (al least!) three days driving around Kangaroo Island. Perfect for a long weekend road trip, you will see some of Australia’s most stunning beaches on the edge of bushland full of unique Australian wildlife.

There are many set routes that you can take, or see where the wind (or the road) takes you.

With every road you take you will find amazing local produce, such as lavender or honey and of course, seafood. There are even more than 10 wineries – one of which you can sit and sip a local blend while actually looking at mainland Australia!

Sydney to Brisbane Coastal Drive

The coastal drive from Brisbane to Sydney can be pieced together depending on the types of stops that you make. Surfing, cute coffee shops and farmer’s markets are in abundance along this stunning coast.

The complete journey from the QLD capital city to the NSW capital city is 920 km on the coast road, and 974km via the inland highway. To really see all the best stops allow anywhere for 7 to 14 days for your journey, meaning that each time you drive you won’t need to be in the car for long at all.

From the iconic Byron Bay to Gold Coast theme parks, Stradbroke Island and national parks waiting for you to explore, this is a road trip where you can plan every detail or leave everything to chance, especially if you are free camping along the legendary Pacific Coast.

The Nullarbor Plain

Route: Norseman in Western Australia to Ceduna in South Australia – or reverse. Highlights: Drive the longest, straightest, flattest road in Australia, explore the Eyre Peninsula, go Whale Watching along the world’s longest line of sea cliffs, keep an eye out for Space Junk that fell to earth.

It can seem overwhelming to think about the vast road ahead of you before you take on the Nullarbor plain. Drive from Adelaide to Perth via the Eyre Highway through the stunning Eyre Peninsula and the Western Australian goldfields.

This 1,256-kilometre journey will take 6 days with moderate stopping. Open plains one minute and native scrub the next, you can tailor the drive around wildlife spotting, with whale watching on the coast and camels, emus, kangaroos, and the possibility of spotting a wombat – or maybe even a thorny dragon – inland.

Tackle this journey in a 4WD and be careful at dusk when the unique Australian wildlife likes to come out to play.

Great Eastern Drive Tasmania

Heading to Tasmania again, this five-day drive takes you through seaside villages, all surrounded by nature along 176km of Tasmania’s East Coast,

You will be hiking in peaceful national parks in the morning and heading on sandy walking trails at sunset. Dine on fresh seafood, with scenery that is like nothing else you will see in Australia.

The breathtaking Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park and the beautiful Bay of Fires are the main reasons that this road trip needs to be on the bucket list, as the waters in these areas do appear like they are hundreds of different shades of blue.

Grand Pacific Highway

Drive out of bustling Sydney to the Grand Pacific Highway. At only 140 kilometres long, the Grand Pacific Drive is a perfect road trip for a long weekend, as it is one of the most incredible, chilled-out, ocean drives.

What makes this Pacific Coast road trip so unique is that some stretches of the road – such as the Sea Cliff Bridge (above) – appear to hover over the ocean and make you feel like you are flying over the rocky coastline.

And to pick your own snacks, time the planning of this well-loved road trip with picking your own fruit (in season) from Darkes Glenbernie Orchard, or strap yourself into the longest zipline in Australia at  Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

Great Barrier Reef Drive

Whether you are a foodie or a water lover, then this road trip is great for you. The coastal road that runs along the spectacular coastline hugging two World Heritage areas, the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforest and is home to some of Queensland’s best beaches.

Base yourself in the beautiful town of Port Douglas and eat your body weight in fresh seafood from stunning restaurants or hop on a boat to discover more of the Great Barrier Reef up close; Or ride the Skyrail from Mossman Gorge and return via the Karunda Scenic Railway to experience the highs and the lows of the Daintree Rainforest.

Gibb River Road

This is one of the outback drives that needs to be on a road trip lovers bucket list. The 660 kilometre stretch of road is only open from April to October due to weather so make sure you plan ahead and take your time to not miss anything – we’d recommend at least 14 days.

In Kununurra and Derby, you can find great Visitors Centres to help you plan your journey and to make sure you do not miss a site. Get ready to be in awe of waterfalls, wild swimming holes and the possibility to fish for barramundi. 

A 4WD and being set up with enough supplies to camp is a must, as well as a fully charged camera to capture the breathtaking scenery. 

Perth to Broome (Or Broome to Perth!)

The coast of Western Australia is quite remote outside the major towns of Perth and Broome, and so while this does mean there are some big driving days, it doesn’t mean there isn’t an incredible amount of stunning places to see and experience. 

Hug the coastline as you look for dolphins in Monkey Mia, swim with Whale Sharks (in season) on the Ningaloo Reef, relax on Eighty Mile Beach in Coral Bay, stare through Nature’s Window in Kalbarri National Park and wander the Mars-like landscape of Nambung National Park (The Pinnacles) – just to name a few of the road trips attractions!

And whether you start or finish this Australian road trip in Perth, it would be criminal not to add on a sneaky little trip to the incredible Rottnest Island – clear blue waters, white sandy beaches, and of course, quokkas. 

Related: While you’re in WA, be sure to explore the South West including the Margaret River wine region, 

Final Thoughts on these Iconic Australian Road Trips

As you can see Australia has road trips for everyone. Families who need all amenities and experienced off-roaders can find a stretch of road that is perfect for them to explore. Regardless of your road trip difficulty level, always make sure you are prepared with a working phone, plenty of bottled water and roadside assistance and your trip will run smoothly and will be one you remember for years.

We hope you enjoyed our guide to some of the Best Road Trips in Australia! Let us know where you want to head to first in the comments below, or alternatively let us know if you have already driven some of these amazing Australian road trips and what your favourite one was!

And if you know someone planning to road trip in Australia, or just needs a little inspiration to organise their next Australia road trip, be sure to share this post (and others!) with them using the share boxes below. Sharing is caring and we thank you in advance!

IF YOU ARE READY FOR SOME TRAVEL INSPIRATION YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN THESE RECENT POSTS, TRAVEL ARTICLES, ROAD TRIP ITINERARIES, DESTINATION GUIDES, VISITOR GUIDES, TRAVELER RESOURCES, TRAVEL GEAR GUIDES AND RELATED POSTS ABOUT OTHER AMAZING PLACES AROUND AUSTRALIA:

• Test Your Aussie Knowledge: The Big Australia Trivia Quiz + 80+ Interesting Facts about Australia
• 100+ Things to do in Australia inc. Sydney, New South Wales, Great Barrier Reef in North Queensland, Mount Gambier in South Australia, Uluru in the Northern Territory & Phillip Island, Mornington Peninsula, Wilsons Promontory & Yarra Valley in Victoria!
• New South Wales: Top Things to do in Sydney (inc. The Sydney Opera House, Byron Bay & the Blue Mountains ) & Best Places to visit in NSW
• General Australia Inspiration:  Best Australian Travel Apps + Australia Travel Tips to Know Before You Go + The Ultimate Aussie Slang Guide
• Queensland News & Events: Things to do on the Gold Coast, Great Barrier Reef & 50 Things to do in Outback Queensland
• South Australia: Best Places to Eat in Adelaide + 35+ Iconic Australian Foods to Eat There!
• Western Australia: The Complete Visitors Guide to Christmas Island

Hi There! Thanks for reading our travel guide to The Best Road Trips in Australia.   I just wanted to let you know that this post may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase something after clicking a link, I may get a small commission – which is at absolutely no cost to you . If you enjoyed this article and are going to be searching for some of the things I mention anyway, I would love it if you could click through from the links above & thank you in advance! Read my full disclosure here .

• GetInspired

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases: “Big Australia Bucket List are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites”

We acknowledge the traditional owners of the country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures and to the elders past, present and emerging.

Copyright © 2020-2022 Big Australia Bucket List . All Rights Reserved

All Destinations , Australasia , Australia , Road Trip Itineraries

Road trip in australia: an itinerary for the whole country.

G’day mates, I’m here to take you on a 6 month long road trip in Australia.

Well, I’m not actually taking you (although maybe I’ll get the chance to do guided road trips around this beautiful country at some point, watch this space!), but, with this 6 month itinerary for the ultimate Australian road trip, you’ll know exactly where to go and when .

This Australia road trip planner is customizable depending on your wishes, but I’ve added suggested lengths of times in each location. I

’m recommending at least six months to orbit Australia (this Australia road trip itinerary takes you into the centre as well).

Australia is big and some days will consist of just driving.

Also, this itinerary doesn’t include for rest and admin days – so do take that into account when you plan your road trip in Australia.

I’ve also got dozens of more detailed itineraries for different segments of the road trip, as well as city and region itineraries for different parts of the country.

You can click through to them using the links below – all links open in a new window.

So wherever you’re visiting on this island, and whether you’re backpacking in Australia or on a road trip with toddlers , you can use this 6 month itinerary to plan your ultimate Australia road trip.

Shall we begin?

When to take the road trip in Australia?

I recommend that you begin the road trip in Melbourne in March or April.

Of course, you don’t have to begin at this time, or even in Melbourne. Most travellers fly into Melbourne or Sydney, and as Melbourne is the most temperamental weather – wise, I thought it would be nice to give you two chances to see it in its glory.

Plus, Tasmania, which I’ve put on the end of this road trip Australia itinerary, is accessible from Melbourne.

I’d recommend starting your road trip from Melbourne in March or April, as this should give you the best weather everywhere – it’ll be a bit cold in the south at first, but it will quickly warm up.

Then once you’ve returned to Melbourne, you’ll have a summer there!

Of course, if you want to start in Darwin (which is the cheapest place to fly into from Asia), then you could do this loop starting in September or October, skipping the rainy season in the north and arriving back there for the high season.

Bear in mind that some parts of the north, like Kakadu and the Gibb River Road, are inaccessible during the rainy season.

The south is still great during the winter, but may be a bit chilly and it is more rainy. Some rough outback roads all over the country can be closed when it rains.

What to pack for the Australia road trip

I’m going to be writing a full road trip Australia packing list very soon, but here’s some staples you’re not going to want to forget:

• A car or van (just in case you forget!). If you want a car like my Subaru, you can find deals on a Subaru model on KBB, BCP, Edmunds and other huge sites. For my budget, I couldn’t have asked for a better car in Australia. It’s a great vehicle for road tripping, with AWD capacities and a fantastic reputation for reliability – actually, its Outback model is on the Consumer Reports’s best road trip vehicle lists!
• High quality tent if you’re not sleeping in your car/ van
• High quality sleeping bag suitable for both tropical and temperate climates
• Mattress – a blow up, camping mat or full on double inflatable mattress (you might want to opt for the latter if you’re camping for six months).
• An esky – that’s Australian for coolbox, by the way – or a cooler bag .
• A camping stove
• Gas for said stove
• Pots and pans
• High quality torches
• Coolant, oil, jump leads, and a spare fuel tank for the car
• Ask for some of these gifts for campers for Christmas as some extras!
• If you’re planning on doing some serious off-roading and have a 4×4 (only do off-roading in a 4×4!) You might also want some quality 4×4 accessories. Check out Lifestyle 4x4s range here. 

If you haven’t left your home country yet, check out my what to pack for Australia list to check you’ve got all of the essentials covered.

Where to stay during your road trip around Australia

I’m presuming you’ll be camping around most of Australia – download the app WikiCamps to help you find free and paid campsites, and check out my free camping in Australia post to get the basics.

In places where campsites, free or paid, aren’t readily available, I’ve recommended some hostels and hotels.

You can also of course use Airbnb (click here for money off your first booking) and Couchsurfing, depending on your travelling style.

Road Trip Australia Itinerary for 6 Months on the Road

Melbourne: 3 days.

There are so many things to do in Melbourne; it’s been voted the world’s most liveable city time and time again for a reason.

From the wealth of museums to the amazing coffee, to cultural attractions like the AMCI and the Victoria Art Gallery, to the many vintage stores, to the beautiful library, you certainly won’t get bored during your time here!

You might not quite have seven days in the city, but this Melbourne itinerary will help you get to grips with the place.

Oh, and are you conscious of not spending too much at your first stop? I got ya! I had an erm… interesting time in Melbourne where I only had about $14 to my name.

Check out my tips for visiting Melbourne on a budget here.

There aren’t many places to free camp near Melbourne – I stayed at Urban Central Hostel, which is decent (although no free parking). You can book in by clicking here .

Victoria Hotel Backpackers is 5km from the city centre, but does have free parking. Click here to book .

Want to stay somewhere a bit more upscale? The Novotel Melbourne is a good option, close to the centre and with free parking. Click here for rates and to reserve .

Melbourne to Sydney: 1 week

The Melbourne to Sydney road trip is one that’s well-trodden with travelers, but it still isn’t hard to find somewhere that’s a little off the beaten path.

Highlights include Wilson’s Promontory National Park , Lakes Entrance , Eden , camping in a NSW state forest and Jervis Bay .

Once you reach Jervis Bay, if you want, you can take a detour inland to Canberra , the nation’s capital and to the beautiful Blue Mountains National Park – a must-see about 3 hours west of Sydney.

Sydney: 3 days

Sydney’s the most famous city of Australia, and one that all tourists want to visit, but there’s more here than just an opera house. Once you’ve seen the crowning glory from a few different angles – from Darling Harbour, Mrs Macquaries Seat and of course, up close are my favourites – check out some of the other things to do in Sydney.

It’s famous for its beaches of course; Bondi, Glebe and Manly are firm favourites. Click here for my three days in Sydney itinerary. There are some really great hostels in Sydney – although they’re bladdy expensive.

Bounce is really well facilitated, but it’ll set you back around $40 for a dorm room. I also really like YHA Railway Square, where you can stay in dorms in train cabins! Click here to book .

If you want free parking, you’ll need to stay a bit further out. I’ve also stayed in Cambridge Lodge Budget Hostel which is near Newtown – it has cheap dorm rates (for Sydney) and free parking. Click here to book .

If you’re looking for a hotel, Veriu Broadway is in a good location and has free parking. Click here to book .

Sydney to Brisbane: 1 week

The Sydney to Brisbane road trip takes in some amazing nature spots, as well as my favourite place in the world, Byron Bay.

Driving north, you’ll reach Newcastle fun things to do in this town here (check out some ) and Port Macquarie before turning inland towards the Waterfall Way .

This hinterland is beautiful, so give yourself a bit of time to properly absorb it all.

Then head out toward Coffs Harbour and up to Yamba , a chill beach town with some great natural spots.

Then it’s time for Byron Bay and its surrounds – check out these great things to do in Bryon Bay and don’t forget to see its hinterland.

Then you’ll cross into Queensland – the Gold Coast is your first point of call, with Surfer’s Paradise being a place to let your hair down before relaxing on some of the other beaches!

Finally, you’ll arrive into the capital of the sunshine state, Brisbane .

Brisbane: 3 days

Brisbane is often an overlooked Australian city, but it’s well worthy of a spot on your road trip around Australia. It’s a chilled out, breathable place, with lots of attractions to pass a few days in.

Check out the Brisbane Botanical Garden, the Brisbane Museum, the City Beach and the sunset from Kangaroo Point Cliffs.

If you’re already missing nature, head to Stradbroke Island which is very close to the centre and feasible as a day or overnight trip. You could even go camping at Adder Rock if you don’t want to return to the city for accommodation!

City Backpackers HQ is my preferred Brisbane hostel – and it has free parking! It’s reasonably priced and has a bar, a pool, a terrace with city views and $10 nightly dinner deals. Click here to book .

For a hotel option, Ibis Styles is a great option in the middle of the city. Click here for rates and book today .

Brisbane to Cairns: 3 weeks

The most popular one of all the Australian road trips, Brisbane to Cairns is the one where you’ll see the most travellers – and for good reason.

There are tons of amazing spots here, and it’s also the perfect spot to make some friends!

Highlights include Noosa National Park , Fraser Island , surfing at Agnes Water , the Aboriginal cultural centre at Rockhampton , the Whitsunday Islands , Magnetic Island , diving or snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef , and the beautiful Daintree Rainforest .

Cairns is another place you’ll probably be wanting to stay in a hostel – all of the free campsites are quite far out.

Gilligans has free parking, and the rest – it’s a really well facilitated place, with lots going on, but is only for those who are dedicated to partying!

If you want somewhere a bit more chilled, Cairns City Backpackers has free parking as well and has a calm courtyard and good atmosphere. It’s a 15 – 20 minute walk from the centre. Click here for rates and book today .

Want a hotel? Double Tree Hilton Cairns is a great place to relax and unwind! Click here for rates and book today .

You’ll need a four-wheel drive for this segment of the road trip; and it’s somewhere really off the beaten track. Think rainforest, crocodiles, rugged tracks and beautiful beaches, eventually making it to the tip of Australia.

Accommodation on the way will be free camping, and there’s only the odd roadhouse or pub – this is proper off the grid living.

Cape York was a spot I didn’t make it to (and I can’t wait to return to Australia and go!) – here’s a great 7 day itinerary for the trip to the tip .

Cape York to Uluru: 1 week

From the base of Cape York, rejoin the highway and head westwards, towards the Northern Territory border .

You’ll see a really distinct landscape here as the terrain changes, and experience towns like Karumba and Burketown (if you take highway one) or Charters Towers and Mount Isa (if you take the A6).

Either way, it’s a lot of country towns, desolate scenery and hot temperatures! Once you reach the Stuart Highway, turn down and head towards your ultimate destination: Uluru .

You’ll be able to see the attractions on the Stuart Highway on the way back up, but by all means stop at them on the way down as well!

Uluru is an unmissable place in Australia and at least 2 full days should be spent here.

Take some time to walk around the base and see the rock art, do some of the walks in the area to the gorges, and see Katja Tutja on the Valley of the Winds walk.

Uluru to Darwin: 2 weeks

After some time at beautiful Uluru, make your way north. If you have a 4WD or an AWD (or you can do it in a 2WD if you’re daring – do double check road conditions before you head out though!) take on the Red Centre Way .

This is a loop that takes you to King’s Canyon and then to Alice Springs the back way.

You’ll get to check out the West McDonnell Ranges , which are really spectacular, and drive along rough, outback roads. You might see wild ponies and camels!

Then head to Alice Springs for a couple of nights.

Next, head north to Tennant Creek , stopping in Wycliffe Well – the UFO capital of Australia – and at the Devil’s Marbles . You’re approaching the top end now; after Tennant Creek spend a night at Daly Waters , a fantastic pub and campground.

Mataranka has some beautiful springs and sweltering Katherine is your next stop, with the Nitmiluk National Park . Then it’s on to Kakadu National Park and finally, to Darwin .

Darwin: 3 days

I love and hate Darwin at the same time.

It’s a great place to let your hair down and party, if that’s your scene – but the backpacker crowd is typically pretty OTT.

There are some fun things to do in Darwin , however – the Military Museum is a must, as is the Art Gallery and Museum of the Northern Territory.

If you have the funds, a day trip to the Tiwi Islands is a must-do as well.

Plus there’s Charles Darwin National Park and the lagoon which is perfect for a dip on a sweltering Darwin day.

Darwin hostels are… interesting. If you’re there to party and don’t mind sacrificing on sleep and erm a certain standard of cleanliness, Youth Shack is an option – I found the dorms and bathrooms not the cleanest, but there is a really nice pool area. (Have I sold it? Click here if you want to book after my rave review 😉 )

Melaleuca has higher cleanliness, but is even more of a party place (if possible!). Click here for more information .

If you want somewhere chill on a budget in Darwin, I’d recommend staying at a campsite out of the city, finding somewhere on Airbnb – use this link for $44 off your first booking – or Couchsurfing .

I’ve done all of these in Darwin!

The Argus Hotel is modern, comfortable and clean and has a pool and on-site restaurant. Click here for rates and to book .

Darwin to Broome (via the Gibb River Road): 2 weeks

Heading south, your first stop should be Litchfield National Park .

I don’t find it as breathtaking as Kakadu, but it’s worth the stop.

Then head west, towards the border with Western Australia. It’s a long old drive, but once you’ve crossed it, head into Kununurra and check out some of the town’s attractions.

Then it’s time for Lake Argyle – this beautiful spot is perfect for kicking back in for a couple of days. Make sure you stay in the Lake Argyle campsite and enjoy its amazing infinity pool!

If you have a 4WD or AWD (I did it in an AWD, much to a lot of people’s disbelief!), take on the Gibb River Road .

This is my favourite part of Australia – 660 kilometres of gorges, waterfalls, secluded campsites and unmissable nature.

You’ll get off the road at Derby, from which it is a 2-hour drive to Broome.

Broome to Perth: 3 weeks

Spend a few days recharging in beautiful Broome , making sure you don’t miss a sunset!

If you’re there during Staircase to the Moon, it’s well worth checking out.

Gantheaume Point is amazing for dinosaur footprints and cliff jumping, and if you have a 4WD Cape Leveque is a great spot to head up to.

Broome town centre has some interesting attractions which nods to its Indigenous heritage and history as a pearling town. If you’re wanting to stay in the heart of Broome or Cable Beach, you’ll need to pay for accommodation.

I spent a month at Cable Beach Backpackers, which is a small hostel with a really nice atmosphere. Click here for more information and to book .

If you want to stay in Broome town Kimberley Klub YHA is a good option. Click here for rates and book today .

For somewhere a bit more private, try Broome Vacation Village. Click here for more information and to book .

Once you hit the road again, your first stop will be 80 Mile Beach and then Port Hedland .

From Port, you can head southwards to Karijini National Park – one of the best in Australia.

Then head out to the west coast to Exmouth and the Ningaloo Reef .

If it is the right time of year, you can go snorkeling with whale sharks here; a bucket list experience.

Diving at the Navy Pier is also incredible. From Exmouth, head south to the country town of Canarvon and then Shark Bay .

Going south more will take you to Kalbarri National Park , Geraldton and then the Coral Coast .

The Indian Ocean Drive here is incredible, as you drive right next to the sea. The Pinnacles, Lancelin and New Norcia round off your west coast itinerary before arriving in Perth.

Perth: 4 days

Perth is my favourite Australian city .

I love the spaciousness, the blue skies, the copious amounts of water. Spend a day in the CBD, seeing the attractions there like Elizabeth Quay and King’s Park.

Day two should be spent in funky Fremantle, a hip suburb with lots of attractions .

On day three, head to the Perth Hills to see another side of the city.

Finally, take a ferry over to Rottnest Island for a slice of island livin’. Billabong Backpackers in Perth offers free parking and also has a pool, a large common area and free breakfast. Click here for more information and to book .

If you’re wanting to stay in Fremantle, the Old Fire Station is the one – check out my review here and book using this link .

OFS does have parking but it’s kind of expensive – I used to park at South Beach and take the free CAT bus there.

For a hotel option, Tribe Perth is clean, contemporary and has free parking. Click here for more information and to book .

Perth to Esperance: 1 week

Once you’ve had your fill of Perth, head back down south (you could stop back into Freo on the way down, I wouldn’t blame you!) toward Margaret River .

This is a beautiful area where you could easily spend a few days. Next on your trip is the karri forests of Pemberton and swing by D’entrecasteaux national park .

There are some amazing beaches around Denmark and Albany , as well as some intriguing natural attractions. Then head to Fitzgerald River National Park and check out the unique biosphere here.

After, it’s time for Esperance , which has a picturesque ocean drive. Head to Cape le Grand National Park after, which has famous white sand beaches and lots of kangaroos.

If you have a 4WD, Cape Arid National Park is worth a visit too, before you head back to Esperance and start the drive north to the Nullarbor Plain.

The Nullarbor: 3 days

The Nullarbor Plain is a place of mystery; it’s a long, arid stretch of road with not much at all to see. But it’s really beautiful, and the feeling of being so in the middle of nowhere is unbeatable.

Take three days to drive it, as you’ll want to take it in properly and avoid driver fatigue. Highlights include Australia’s longest straight road, various quirky road houses and the beautiful Great Australian Bight .

You can free camp near here and watch the sunrise in the morning – it’s a magical experience. At the end of the Nullarbor, the seaside towns of Ceduna and Streaky Bay are worth popping into.

The Eyre Peninsula: 2 days

The Eyre Peninsula juts down at the bottom of South Australia, and is a great destination for 4WDing, beautiful beaches and wild camping.

The terrain varies from what you’ve just experienced on the Nullarbor, and there are a few small towns that are worth checking out around the peninsula.

Port Augusta to Coober Pedy: 4 days

At the top eastern side of the Eyre Peninsula, arriving in Port Augusta will feel like you’ve reached a city. It’s time to head north, up the Stuart Highway, to a town called Coober Pedy.

This is a 550-kilometre detour (plus the return trip) to see a population 3,500 town where everyone lives underground; and I do think it’s worth it.

If you love the weird and wonderful, you’ll find lots of entertaining things to do in Coober Pedy . The drive up there is pretty mesmerizing as well!

Coober Pedy to the Flinders Ranges: 5 days

And the good news is you don’t have to go back the way you came; from Coober Pedy, you can head south east on the Oodnadatta Track – an unsealed but generally in good condition (check before you head out) road connecting the Stuart Highway with the Outback Highway.

You’ll drive around the south side of Lake Eyre (if you have a 4WD and a sense of adventure you might have the chance to go off the track and see it more) and experience even more outback living.

It’s hard to ever get enough, really!

The Flinders Ranges are a beautiful national park that twin mountains and outback – looking otherworldly.

Adelaide: 3 days

From the southern end of the Flinders Ranges, it is about a fiv hour drive to Adelaide (and this is their local national park – told ya Australia was big!).

Adelaide, like Perth, seems to get a reputation for being ‘boring’ but it’s actually a bundle of joy.

The city is really gorgeous, with markets, museums, a great state library and there’s lots of nature around the city, including beaches and vineyards. Make sure you check out the Barossa Valley.

Backpack Oz in Adelaide has a great atmosphere with a bar and organized trips, and is set in a historic building. There isn’t free parking right by the hostel, but there are spots nearby – the hostel staff can advise you. Click here for rates and to book .

If you’re after a hotel, Pullman Adelaide is a good option with free parking. Click here for more information and to book .

Adelaide to Melbourne: 1 week

Between Adelaide to Melbourne, there are a few great attractions, both coastal and inland. Coolong National Park and Mount Gambier are great spots to visit with South Australia, and once you cross over the border, head north towards Gariwerd (The Grampians) National Park .

A couple of hours east from here is the historic city of Ballarat , with attractions geared around its gold-rush history.

From here, zig-zag back down to Warrnambool, where you can enjoy the gorgeous Great Ocean Road. Spend a few days here enjoying the beaches and attractions before completing your loop and reaching Melbourne city once again.

Tasmania: 3 weeks

But your trip doesn’t stop here!

From Melbourne, catch the Spirit of Tasmania over to Devonport .

From here, you can do a circuit of the island state, enjoying attractions like the Bay of Fires, Wineglass Bay, the Tasman Peninsula, the capital Hobart (which is worthy of a few days in itself) and the mighty Cradle Mountain . Make sure you check out the north coast and the beautiful town of Stanley as well.

Three weeks is a great time to see everything properly, although because Tasmania is small compared to the rest of Australia, you can do it in less.

You’ll be able to free camp most of the way around Tasmania, but in Hobart, I recommend staying at Montacute Bunkhouse. It’s a beautiful boutique hostel with lots of features to make a really pleasant night’s stay. Click here for rates and book today .

If you want a bit more space, Riverfront Motel and Villas makes you feel like you’re still in nature while being very close to Hobart city! Click here for rates and to reserve .

Then take the spirit back over to Melbourne and conclude your road trip around Australia!

End: Melbourne, VIC in SEPTEMBER OR OCTOBER

You’ve done it! You’ve circumnavigated Australia, seeing the very best of the country.

If you’re in the country on a year’s working holiday visa, you’ve arrived in Melbourne just as the summer kicks off and the city comes alive. You’ve even got time to do your regional work for another year down under!

Pin Me if You’re Happy!

13 thoughts on “ Road Trip in Australia: An Itinerary for the Whole Country! ”

Oh my goodness, this itinerary is AMAZING!!! What an adventure you would have had!! This is a total dream for my husband and I. I’ve stayed at the Urban Hostel in Melbourne, it’s a great little hostel. I wonder did you do much freedom camping? We dream of kitting out a van or minibus but we’ve heard it can be hard to find places to camp free. Will be bookmarking this itinerary to come back to if we’re lucky enough to get to do this trip someday!

I’m glad you enjoyed this Rhiannon! Are you based in Australia currently? It’s a cool spot isn’t it! Yes I did mainly free camping 🙂 Wikicamps has lots of options and I never had any issues – many of them are serviced by pubs or roadhouses so I just spent a little in the establishments. I have an article about free camping in Australia as well! I hope you get to do this trip, it’s not too expensive and it’s the adventure of a lifetime!!

Hi Claire! Going to Australia early in may to do my 3 months of work asap after arrival. Hopefully i will be ready to kick off my roadtrip somewhere in september starting in Southwestern Aus and travelling the country in a –> (N) <– looking route if you can understand what i mean. Doing this because a want the eastcoast summer and will probably stay there for a while. Im guessing this will take me approximately 7 moths to complete, I dont really have a timeline, but would like to get a full year on my second year visa to settle down and work etc.

What do you think about the route, does it make sense to you considering the weather and all or does it sound completely crazy?

Thank you for your inspo, noted many tips from you! 😉

I think it’s a great idea to do your farm work as soon as you get there. You should be able to find something in Southwestern, I’m not sure what the harvest seasons are like in Margaret River but I know it’s a popular spot for farm work.

In September I actually think I’d go the other way. It’ll be warming up by then down south, you’ll get over to the east coast around November and will still be there for summer (although you don’t really need to be there then above Brisbane, I’d say spring/ autumn are better weather, it is rainy season during the summer as well!), and then after summer you’ll get to enjoy the NT and the Kimberleys after the wet season (when waterfalls are at their best).

The other way would work too, but you’d need to rush the west coast/ Kimberleys/ NT to get it done before the wet season starts and they’re not places you want to rush, trust me!

But do whatever you think is best depending on your preferences 🙂 Let me know if you have any more questions and I’m glad the blog helped!

This looks like an awesome trip! I will probably fly to Australia at the end of august/ beginning of september. Not sure where I will be landing yet, keeping my options open for now. If I would want to start this roadtrip , where would you suggest me to start if i would want to start in september?

Your blog is very helpfull btw!

Hi Claire, We are a family of four (kids 3y and 5y) living in Rocky for one year. We are thinking of a roadtrip Rockhampton-Cairns-back to Townsville-Alice springs- Kings canyon- Aderlaide-Melbourne in 1,5-2 months. What do you think about that? We have a 2w car at the moment, would that be enough? Also thinking about getting a camper trailer for this roadtrip, or du you think it would be enough B&B, motels or hostel on the way to be ok? And we are thinking about doing it between May-August sometime. Or is it preferable a 4W car doing that roadtrip? We are just in the beginning of this plan, so I am happy with every advice you can give me. Regards Frida

Amazing! Your itinerary sounds good, although I’m guessing with kids you’ll want to add some time on so I’d definitely go towards 2 months in your case. As far as I know the only way you’d get from Townsville to Alice Springs on a 2WD track is via Tennant Creek, certainly doable but it will take a while. There is the Outback Way that stretches from Queensland all the way to Western Australia via the red centre but that’s 4WD only.

I love camping and would always recommend it, it does save a lot of money as well. If you’re happy to use tents they’re a great option without having to get a camper trailer! If not, you could probably just about get by without (staying at roadhouses and hostels in bigger places) but I wouldn’t want to say 100%.

May – August is a good time! It might be a bit cold in the south, so you might want to opt for some indoor accommodation then, but it’s still beautiful.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

Claire, I have been planing a solo Australian cross country driving trip from Sydney to Darwin. What have learned is that car rental in Australia is different then USA. My original plan was to land in Sydney, rent a suv and start driving but it doesn’t seems that easy due to your car rental laws.

That said would you be able to advise the best approach to achieve my goal.

Kind regards Tom K. [email protected]

So I’m actually British but spent a long time in Australia, I bought a car in Melbourne no problem and sold it again 8 months later. I did however rent a car in Australia and didn’t have any issues. What is the problem that you are finding with the car rental? Let me know and hopefully I can help!

Hi Claire, I am planning to do road trip with roughly the same itinerary, and I was wondering wether you think a 4*4 car is necessary or not ? And weather 4 or 5 months would be enough to do it? Thanks, Taís.

Myself, my partner and our 2 yr old son are planning to go from Melbourne to Broome via Perth along the West Coast. Then possibly up to Darwin and back down through Alice Springs to Melbourne. We are taking a caravan with us. Firstly, do you think it’s going to be too long and uncomfortable for a 2 old to cope with being on the road so long. And also is 2 months long enough for this trip?

This is a great itinerary! I’m looking to come to Aus and do a roadtrip of as much of the country as possible without rushing too much. I’ll be there late May-August. How much do you think is doable for 3 months? What would you cut out to squeeze this itinerary down?

Thank you!!

hi lovely! wow your trip looked incredible! what an experience. i have 2 months with hubby and 2 kids to do round trip… any tips? i am using some of your stop off as the base 😀

starting in canberra.. wondering if we should head clockwise or anticlockwise? will be starting in june next year (ideally). driving in a 4wd with pop top tent.

thank you any feedback would be amazing. i have no idea where to start..

love from an amateur

Comments are closed.

• New Zealand
• The Philippines
• The Netherlands
• United Kingdom
• Inspiration
• Overland Itineraries
• Packing Lists
• Travel Tips
• Working Abroad
• Accomodation Guides
• Overland Travel
• Preserving Cultures
• Protecting Animals
• Living Abroad

• Destinations
• Travel Tips
• Travel With Us
• Paid Travel Internship
• TTIFridays (Community Events)
• SG Travel Insider (Telegram Grp)

The Ultimate Australia Road Trippin’ Guide — 10 Itineraries For The Perfect Adventure of a Lifetime

From cities to coasts and national parks to natural beauties, an epic road trip is the best way to explore Australia!

Recently, I rented a Blue SG car with my best friend and had a wild time driving 17km from Yishun to Hougang. It barely qualifies as a road trip, but it reminded me of my last trip to Australia . If you didn’t know already, it’s one of the sweetest places for a truly epic road trip!

Across the country, there are tons of routes packed with scenery, action and adventure. And it’s friendly for beginners (a.k.a. driving noobs) too!

It’s a bummer we can’t travel right now, but I’ve found that an instant mood lifter is to get your ‘ revenge travel ‘ plans in order (i.e. a long post-COVID-19 trip that makes up for lost time) — so here are 10 of the best Australia road trips to go full throttle on once we get the green light! 🟢

1) Coastal drive from Sydney to Melbourne

Journey time: 4–8 days (~1,300km) Starting point: Sydney Airport (~8hr flight from Singapore)

Between two of Australia’s largest cities, the coastal drive from Sydney to Melbourne (or vice versa) is sensational. Every inch of the way from New South Wales to Victoria offers quirky seaside towns, golden beaches and wondrous ocean views.

Part of the route includes the Grand Pacific Drive , a 140km stretch along New South Wales’s South Coast . It covers gorgeous attractions like the Royal National Park and the stunning Sea Cliff Bridge .

The drive from Sydney to Melbourne is perfectly beginner-friendly. There are many stops along the route whenever you need to stretch your legs.

Read more: Sydney South Coast Road Trip — 7-Day Itinerary From Sydney to Eden

Now, onto the epic must-dos. First, sign up for some adrenaline-pumping skydiving over Wollongong . Above the magnificent coast, you’ll freefall at speeds over 200km/h, wayyy faster than you’ll ever go on your road trip!

Photo credit: @kattgao via Instagram

After Wollongong, drop by the Kiama Blowhole and be blown away. Well, not literally, but there’s a good chance of getting soaked.

Alternatively, if you’re road trippin’ during summer, spend a night or two in Jervis Bay . You might be lucky enough to catch the phenomenal sea sparkles , or bioluminescence.

Once you’ve crossed the border into Victoria , get ready for even more wow’s (and aww’s ). For nature lovers, don’t miss the adorable Penguin Parade on Phillip Island . It’s a heart-melting treat watching these little fellas waddle out of the ocean and scuttle around the beach.

Check out other island activities like scenic walks and visiting the cuddly Koala Reserve too!

Photo credit: @helenabradbury via Instagram

Before you reach Melbourne , make one last stop at Mornington Peninsula . Here, you can drink deep at exquisite wineries and explore the stellar coastline at Cape Schanck (recommended by Chris Hemsworth 🤩).

Got another week to spare? Extend your road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide just next door! Alternatively, if you’re flying out from Sydney , make the return drive from Melbourne to Sydney via the inland route . After coasts and busy beaches, you can now enjoy the quiet countryside and historic gold-mining towns.

2) Ultimate Australian Outback road trip from Darwin to Adelaide

Journey time: 10–14 days (~3,000km) Starting point: Darwin Airport (4.5hr flight from Singapore)

Cutting across the vast outback, the drive from Darwin to Adelaide takes you through a series of wonderful and unusual landscapes. You’ll pass miles of red earth in the Northern Territory before reaching South Australia’s world-renowned wineries.

This adventurous route is more suited for seasoned travellers as you might be driving long distances (depending on your itinerary). Petrol stations are also few and far between, so plan carefully and refuel at every stop.

To eager first-timers, don’t let the long drives stop you from diving into this road trip! Just add a few more days for exploration and extra rest.

Photo credit: @exploreuluru via Instagram

Deep in the heart of the Red Centre , the hallmark of this outback road trip is the monumental Uluru . Get to know it your way — see it from above with a badass helicopter ride , or join a cultural tour and learn about the sacred land and Aboriginal culture.

Photo credit: @nealjennings via Instagram

Eight hours away lies the strange town of Coober Pedy . It’s the opal mining capital of the world, but the show-stealer is that the locals live underground to avoid the scorching heat!

Staying a night here is a must. It’s not every day you get to live in a posh B&B carved out of natural sandstone, especially one located 25m below .

Photo credit: @alan.timms1 via Instagram

If you thought Coober Pedy was mind-blowing, wait till you hit the Flinders Ranges .

The national park is home to incredibly dramatic landscapes like Wilpena Pound , a massive bowl-shaped crater made up of craggy mountains. The best way to see it is through an exciting scramble up to its rugged ridges or a relaxing scenic flight .

Photo credit: @ashhughesphotos via Instagram

After days of non-stop adventure, wine down in the Barossa Valley — reputed as one of the world’s greatest wine regions. There are over 150 wineries and 80 cellar doors, so take your time to swirl and sip Australia’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon or special Barossa Shiraz.

The excitement doesn’t have to end in Adelaide ! Not too far from the city, there are plenty of jaw-dropping coastlines that are ripe for exploring, which brings us to our next route…

3) Scenic South Australia road trip — Southern Ocean Drive from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island and Mount Gambier

Journey time: 5–7 days (~500–1,200km) Starting point: Adelaide Airport (~7hr flight from Singapore)

With an abundance of coastal scenery, tasty wines and native wildlife, the Southern Ocean Drive is one of the loveliest, lesser-known road trips in Australia. In fact, some consider it a ‘sequel’ to Victoria’s Great Ocean Road drive (more on this later)!

The route is great for beginner road trippers as there are plenty of stops to pull over at. Plus, attractions are relatively nearby one another. It’s likely you won’t drive for longer than three to four hours each day.

Photo credit: @officialfleurieupeninsula via Instagram

South Australia produces half of all the wine in the country, so there’s no excuse not to indulge! Make your first stop at McLaren Vale in Fleurieu Peninsula . It’s home to some of the world’s oldest grapevines, and serves the most delectable wines and local produce you might ever taste in your life.

Photo credit: @promotemytown via Instagram

Nature and wildlife lovers would adore Kangaroo Island . A good part of it is protected in nature reserves, so it’s no surprise to meet wild ‘roos and see other wildlife roaming free!

Photo credit: TripAdvisor

To make your Kangaroo Island experience more unique, stay the night in a quaint cottage by Cape Willoughby Lighthouse . You’ll enjoy a well-deserved package: Exclusive privacy, calming sounds of crashing waves, and a magnificent sunrise view.

If you only have a few days, keep the road trip short and explore Kangaroo Island fully. Otherwise, take a ferry back to the mainland and continue your coastal journey.

Photo credit: @discover_mount_gambier via Instagram

Situated along the Limestone Coast , Mount Gambier is a city built atop an extinct volcano. Its main attraction is the mysterious Blue Lake , a huge crater lake. From April to November, the water is a distinct greyish-blue colour. But once November rolls around, it transforms into a striking turquoise blue.

The Blue Lake is not permitted for swimming, but its smaller cousin is! Satisfy your urge to dip at the Little Blue Lake , a giant sinkhole filled with pleasantly cool waters. It’s free to enter, and makes an awesome photo spot too!

Photo credit: @sarahafindlay via Instagram

4) Northern Territory Top End Nature’s Way Drive from Darwin to Katherine

Journey time: 8 days (~900km) Starting point: Darwin Airport (4.5hr flight from Singapore)

Top End Nature’s Way features a fantastic mix of tropical wonders and the fascinating Australian outback. Peppered with spectacular national parks, timeless Aboriginal culture, and the charming town of Katherine — this triangular route is especially geared for outdoor lovers.

Adventurous as it may be, the drive from Darwin to Katherine is actually easy. Main attractions are about three hours from each other. Roads are also well-paved, so you don’t need four-wheel drives (4WD). What you do need, though, are your best hiking shoes!

Photo credit: @_danieltran_ via Instagram

The first must-visit is Kakadu National Park , Australia’s largest. Take a walk through  Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) , an ancient rock art gallery that showcases Aboriginal traditions. Or, pack your bathers and dip in the beautiful Gunlom Plunge Pool .

Photo credit: @traveling_yorick via Instagram

The huge park is also home to boatloads of exotic wildlife, including 10,000 crocodiles ! Feed your curiosity and join a croc-spotting cruise — you might catch these prehistoric beasts basking lazily in the sun, or silently stalking their next meal.

Photo credit: Tourism Australia

In Katherine, travellers usually make a beeline for Nitmiluk National Park , and it’s easy to see why. The highlight is the Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge , a deep sandstone gorge that transports you to another realm.

While cruises are available, enjoy a bigger thrill by hiring a canoe . During the dry season (May–Sep), you’ll get enchanting views while paddling through ancient landscapes.

Photo credit: @fewdaysbetween via Instagram

Finally, after days of fast-paced action, cool off at Litchfield National Park on your drive back to Darwin. The park has plenty of lush swimming holes, great for refreshing soaks.

In need of more adventure? Fly down to Alice Springs from Darwin and explore the Red Centre Way ! The route snakes through mighty attractions like Uluru and Kings Canyon . Seasoned travellers can rent a 4WD and zip through Mereenie Loop , a dusty dirt road.

Read more: 40 Lesser-Known Things to Do in Australia Highly Recommended by Locals, Travellers and Celebrities  

5) Grand Tasmania road trip — Great Eastern Drive from Hobart to Bicheno and the Bay of Fires

Journey time: 2–5 days (~300km) Starting point: Hobart Airport (~8.5hr flight from Singapore)

Whether you’ve got a week or a weekend, Tasmania’s Great Eastern Drive promises a road trip getaway that’ll clear your head. Expect breathtaking coastal drives, pristine beaches and some of the freshest seafood around.

The drive from Hobart to Bicheno is mainly on sealed roads and highways, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned travellers. Plus, attractions are less than two hours from each other!

Photo credit: Maria Island Walk / Great Walks of Australia

Start your trip by disconnecting from civilisation. Take a 30-minute ferry ride from Orford to Maria Island . Hike to the Painted Cliffs , made magical by its bold swirls of earthy colours. The best time to view it is at sunset when the colours truly pop — just be sure you make it back to the ferry on time!

Photo credit: @itsworthashot via Instagram

Back on mainland Tasmania , dedicate a full day for Freycinet National Park . Wake early (or try your best to) and follow the Mount Amos trail to see Wineglass Bay at sunrise. The famous azure bay looks completely different when it’s bathed in a warm orange glow.

For the rest of the day, treat yourself to juicy, succulent oysters from Freycinet Marine Farm . Or, you could always work a little harder and harvest oysters straight from the waters.

Photo credit: @lady_siu_mei via Instagram

Wildlife lovers, stop by Bicheno for a cute penguin tour . Every evening, little penguins splash out of the waters and waddle around their burrows on the beach. The tour lets you get up close to watch them go about their adorably busy routines.

Photo credit: @_aswewander via Instagram

Finally, drive an hour from Bicheno to the legendary Bay of Fires . Clumped together on the white sand beach, the orange lichen-covered granite boulders are a great place to rest, swim, and take lots of lit photos .

Read more: 16 Picture-Perfect Places Every Australia Itinerary Needs

6) Best of Victoria road trip — Great Southern Touring Route from Bellarine Peninsula to Great Ocean Road and the Grampians

Journey time: 5–8 days (~850km) Starting point: Melbourne Airport (~7.5hr flight from Singapore)

No Australia road trip is more iconic than the Great Southern Touring Route ! You’ll feast well at the gastronomical Bellarine Peninsula , before winding along the marvellous coastline of the Great Ocean Road , and end with adventures in the Grampians .

The weeklong, round-trip drive is great for beginners. Most attractions are within two to three hours from each other, and there are plenty of stops along the way for rest and photos. Add more days if possible — this is one brilliant journey you don’t want to rush.

Photo credit: @littlemusselcafe via Instagram

If you’re travelling to the coasts first, make a quick detour to the Bellarine Peninsula . Bring an empty stomach — the up-and-coming region serves delicious local produce, from insanely fresh seafood to full-bodied wines and decadent desserts.

Recommended eateries include the Little Mussel Cafe , Scotchmans Hill , and the Scandinavian Ice Cream Company . Or, plan your own yummy Bellarine Taste Trail !

And now, the main event: The Great Ocean Road . Take your time for this leg of the journey! It’s totally normal to stop every few minutes and take photos of the unbelievable coastline. But, make sure you’ve allocated enough time to see all its classic sights — the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, the Arch and the Grotto.

As you drive back inland, stop at the Grampians , another must-visit attraction. The National Park is popular with outdoor lovers and travellers, who come to rock climb or conquer its adventurous treks.

If you only have time for one hike, make it the Pinnacle Lookout , one of the park’s highest peaks. The journey from Wonderland Car Park is moderately challenging, but filled with scenery that makes it a highly Instagrammable spot .

For a less gruelling hike, head to MacKenzie Falls . It’s one of the largest waterfalls in Victoria that flows all year round.

Read more: 8D Melbourne Road Trip Itinerary — The Ultimate Road Trip Around Victoria’s Best Adventures

If you’re craving more coastal scenery, extend your Victoria road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide . The route includes Port Fairy , a whimsical seaside town, and picturesque Mount Gambier .

7) Hidden gems in the Australian Capital Territory — Canberra and Coast road trip

Journey time: 5–6 days (~650km) Starting point: Canberra Airport (8hr flight from Singapore)

For an unhurried escape, go on a picturesque road trip around Canberra and the South Coast . This round-trip route meanders from the city to the countryside and coast, topped with a mix of culture, adventure, and best of all — food!

As the road trip is relatively short, it’s great for beginners. Depending on your itinerary, you might be driving for a maximum of three hours a day. But there are many places to rest and take a breather along the way.

Photo credit: @balloonaloftcanberra via Instagram

Canberra is Australia’s capital, but not many travellers get to know the place! Rent a car and explore the city, teeming with friendly locals and cultural gems.

If you’re big on views, sign up for a fancy hot air balloon ride over the city. If not, tour around the impressive Australian Parliament House or the scenic National Arboretum .

Photo credit: @avenuehotelcbr via Instagram

After ticking off the city’s attractions, drive out to the peaceful countryside. There’s an abundance of fresh, farm-to-plate produce to savour, so bring your biggest appetite! During truffle season (Jun–Aug), many truffle farms offer hunting experiences, where you get to team up with a cute truffle dog that’ll sniff for this superb delicacy.

Other places to check out include traditional cider from Sully’s at the Old Cheese Factory , and Tilba Real Dairy for some rich, premium cheeses.

Get some peace and quiet with some overnight glamping! There are many sites to choose from in the South Coast, but the one that holds a special place in our hearts is Tilba Lake Camp . Located in the middle of a sprawling green pasture, you get a cosy lotus bell tent, a comfy bed and a delicious homemade breakfast.

Further down the coast, dip into the beautiful Bermagui Blue Pool . The good news is the natural rock pool offers some of the best views of the ocean, but be prepared — the waters can be quite chilly!

Once you’ve soaked up enough of the coast, end your road trip in Canberra.

8) Fun-filled Western Australia road trip — Indian Ocean Drive from Perth to Kalbarri

Journey time: 5 days (~1,800km) Starting point: Perth Airport (5hr flight from Singapore)

Few road trips are as vibrant as the Indian Ocean Drive . From Perth to Kalbarri , you’ll get a splash of colour driving past earthy landscapes, pink lakes and rich, red gorges. Arrive between Jul–Oct, and there’s also an explosion of multi-coloured wildflowers.

This route is part of Australia’s Coral Coast , and highlights some of the most exotic things you’ll ever see in the country. It’s also fairly easy for first-timers as there are many rest stops along the way. If you’re a seasoned traveller, don’t overlook this stretch — you might just discover something new!

Photo credit: @szjanko via Instagram

Just two hours from Perth, kickstart your adventure with some rad sandboarding at Lancelin Sand Dunes ! It’s a great winter sport substitute if you’re not a fan of cold or frozen snow. Plus, the fine sand makes a soft landing too!

Like the ruins of an ancient city, the Pinnacles Desert at Nambung National Park is one of Western Australia’s definite must-sees. Each limestone structure stands perfectly unique, eroded by centuries of wind. You can stroll around in the daytime, but we’ve found that this place makes an exceptional stargazing site once night falls.

Hutt Lagoon is a classic case of “you must see it to believe it”. The high salinity is what gives the lake its striking pink hue, which changes with the seasons and time of day. Naturally, it’s an Instagram hotspot — so dress your best and get snapping!

The final stop in the Indian Ocean Drive is Kalbarri National Park . It’s one of the most spectacular parks, with beautiful natural attractions around every corner.

Peek through Nature’s Window at the rocky gorge beyond, or check out the Kalbarri Skywalk . The park’s newest addition hovers more than 100m over the Murchison River, offering panoramic views of the arid landscape below.

If you’re here between Jul–Oct, wander around the Everlasting Wildflower Trail . The space comes alive with a burst of pretty, blooming wildflowers .

Photo credit: @roadtrippersaus via Instagram

Afterwards, follow the road back to Perth on your final day. But, if you have more time, extend your road trip down the Coral Coast .

Read also: 11D Western Australia Itinerary — Coastal Road Trip From Perth To Ningaloo

9) Epic Queensland road trip — Great Beach Drive from Noosa Heads to Rainbow Beach and Fraser Island

Journey time: 4–7 days (~420km) Starting point: Noosa Heads (~1.5hr drive from Brisbane Airport, 8hr flight from Singapore)

Here’s something for the young, wild and free! The Great Beach Drive to Fraser Island is as rugged as Aussie road trips get. In a comfy 4WD, you’ll cruise over 100km of beaches, sandwiched between wild bushland and the dazzling Coral Sea.

As the road trip requires a 4WD for off-road driving, it’s perfect for seasoned travellers. The backseat drivers can handle the road trip playlist and the vehicle access permit 😛

Photo credit: @t.becs via Instagram

Starting from Noosa Heads, take a 5-minute ferry ride from Tewantin or make a 40-minute detour to Noosa North Shore . In this unspoilt paradise, enjoy some beachside activities, or play a game to see who can spot wild kangaroos the fastest.

Photo credit: @manuelo.pro via Instagram

Further up, bask in the endless white sands of Teewah Beach . It’s only accessible via a 4WD so this is where your beachy journey begins! It’s also largely undeveloped — check that you’ve packed enough water and supplies, especially if you’re camping overnight .

Photo credit: @tracks.we.travel via Instagram

Continue on to Rainbow Beach . The lovely coastal town is famous for its coloured sand cliffs, caused by minerals staining the sand over thousands of years. Take a slow stroll and observe the natural swirl of colours ranging from white to ochre and red.

Photo credit: @alexxsadventures via Instagram

Finally, brace yourself for the grand event! From Inskip Point, take a short ferry ride across the ocean to Fraser Island . It’s the world’s largest sand island, and many come to conquer the glorious ‘highway’ that is 75 Mile Beach (that’s ~120km, FYI).

During your drive, swing by the Maheno shipwreck for photos and the Champagne Pools for a natural bubbling ‘jacuzzi’. Be sure to visit Fraser Island’s amazing rainforest too — it’s the only one on this planet that grows on sand!

10) Legendary Pacific Coast Touring Route from Sydney to Byron Bay

Journey time: 9–14 days (~1,000km) Starting point: Sydney Airport (~8hr flight from Singapore)

The Legendary Pacific Coast is another iconic route. The drive from Sydney to Byron Bay up to Brisbane is full of quintessential Aussie experiences — bucket-list-worthy adventures, soft, sandy beaches, and countless places to surf.

The route itself is a 10-hour stretch, but it’s pretty manageable if you break the distance down over two weeks. Following this, beginners would drive for a maximum of two hours every day on smooth, sealed roads.

If you’re not keen on exploring the famous Blue Mountains , opt for the quieter Bouddi National Park . Hop on the many scenic tracks , which feature sandstone cliffs, isolated beaches and vibrant native bush.

Photo credit: @sand_dune_adventures via Instagram

Further up north, the adventures begin! Port Stephens is where you’ll find the Southern Hemisphere’s largest moving coastal dunes — and there’s no better way to explore this shifting desert than with quad bikes (your first step to a 4WD!).

Read also: 9-Day Australia Road Trip Itinerary Around The Best Of NSW — Sydney, Blue Mountains and Beyond

Warning: Once you’re in Byron Bay , you might find it terribly hard to leave. The sun-kissed seaside town is arguably the best-kept secret in New South Wales , and there’s absolutely no shortage of things to do.

Read also: Byron Bay Guide: 25 Things to Do in NSW’s Ultimate Hipster Paradise

Experiences we 100% recommend include surfing at Main Beach , dining on fresh seafood at Catch-A-Crab , and watching the sunrise at Cape Byron Lighthouse . Meanwhile, Chris Hemsworth recommends diving at Julian Rocks (no kidding!).

Photo credit: @goldcoast_themeparks via Instagram

If you’re itching for more road trip adventures, drive a little further up to the Gold Coast or Brisbane in Queensland . Take your pick from hair-raising Gold Coast theme parks or the mellow Brisbane Brewing Co .

Read more: 2-Week Australia Road Trip from Sydney to Byron Bay — Discovering NSW’s Legendary Pacific Coast

Driving tips and planning for an unforgettable road trip in Australia

In a land so vast and wondrous, not exploring Australia on a road trip is a real shame. Even then, whether you decide to stay in the cities or hit the road, this country won’t have any problems curing your wanderlust !

All you need to do is find underrated things to do , or seek out socially-distant natural wonders . Hey, safety is sexy, no?

Speaking of safety, here are some useful driving tips for the long road ahead 👇 (1) Rent a GPS or download offline Google maps. Mobile reception isn’t available in remote places like National Parks. (2) Follow the speed limit — even in rural areas. Take it from us, the fines are hefty. (3) Watch out for wildlife on the roads. Drive at the recommended speeds, so that you can slow down or brake in time if an animal crosses in front of you. (4) Similarly, avoid driving in the dark as animals are more active then. If you do, use your high beam to see further ahead. Drop it when there are cars in the other direction (they’ll do the same too).

Need more ideas to plan your next Australia road trip? Find more guides and detailed maps for self-driving itineraries here !

Featured and Facebook image credit: @tracks.we.travel via Instagram

Which Australia road trip are you keen to go on? Share your plans in the comments!

This post is brought to you by Tourism Australia .

For more travel inspiration, follow us on Facebook , Instagram , YouTube , and Telegram !

View this post on Instagram A post shared by thetravelintern.com (@thetravelintern) on Jul 29, 2020 at 4:31am PDT

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Family-friendly Uluru Itinerary — 7 Days in Australia’s Famous Rugged Outback

Rottnest Island Guide — Day Trip with Epic Skydiving, Pristine Beaches, and Selfies with Adorable Quokkas

11D Western Australia Itinerary — Coastal Road Trip From Perth To Ningaloo

6 Epic Road Trips in Australia for First-timers — Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland

11 Unique Things to Do in South Australia — Quirky Wineries, Epic Festivals and an Island Escape

Ultimate 6-Day Adelaide Itinerary — The Best of South Australia’s Underrated Capital City and its Surrounds

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Singapore Travel Promos (19 to 25 Aug 2024) — Deals, Discount...

2D1N Desaru Itinerary — Exciting Things to Do on a Weekend Getaway...

9 Fun Things to Do in Iskandar Puteri, Less Than 30mins...

The Ultimate Guide to eSIM Cards When Travelling

Singapore Public Holidays 2025 — How to Plan Your Leaves for...

• Terms Of Use
• Privacy Policy

• Best Road Trips in Australia for Campervans

Australia Road Trip Planner

18 of the best road trips in australia.

Australia Road Trip Map : Click on the route for a link to the itinerary, or browse below.

East Coast Australia Road Trips

These east coast Australia road trips combine two or more of the above road trips. Itineraries range from 1 to 7 weeks.

Cairns to Airlie Beach Drive 348 km | 7 hrs drive  | 1 - 2 weeks 4 days for the road trip plus 10 days to explore the Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree, Port Douglas, Undara Lava Tubes and the Atherton Tablelands. 

Brisbane to Cairns Drive 2, 177 km | 26 hrs drive | 3 - 4 weeks Explore the tropical northern stretch of the East Coast. 11 days for the road trip, plus 10 days to explore Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays, Atherton Tablelands, the Daintree and Port Douglas. 

Melbourne to Brisbane Drive 2,930 km | 54 hrs drive | 5 weeks 28 days for the road trip, plus 6 days to explore Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. 

Sydney to Cairns Drive 3,487 km | 55 hrs drive  | 5 weeks Nearly all of the east coast. 26 days for the road trip, plus 10 days to explore Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Whitsunday and Cairns. 

Melbourne to Cairns Drive 4,787 km | 55 hrs drive | 6 - 7 weeks Explore the entire East Coast of Australia from end to end. 30 - 40 days for the road trip, plus 10 days to explore Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Whitsunday and Cairns.

Road Trip Around Australia

We have three key routes for a road trip around Australia. 

• The first route is a simple circumnavigation of the continent, but this misses the important central desert region with Uluru, the Olgas and Coober Pedy. 
• The second route includes central Australia and can either start in Cairns and end in Adelaide, or start in Adelaide and end in Cairns. 
• The third route builds upon the second route by looping in Broken Hill, Mungo National Park and rural New South Wales. Its start and end points are Cairns and Sydney.

Road Trips by State

Please check where our vehicles are permitted to travel before planning any trip.

• NEW SOUTH WALES
• SOUTH AUSTRALIA
• WESTERN AUSTRALIA
• NORTHERN TERRITORY

Driving in Australia

Australia is larger than you might think - as large as the USA without Alaska and three quarters the size of Europe. It is also extremely diverse with everything from snow-capped mountains to lush tropical forests, the outback desert and rolling green pastures. If you jet set from city to city, you'll miss all this.

The best (and cheapest) way to experience Australia is to hire a campervan and take a road trip. That way you have the freedom to can set your own itinerary, be spontaneous, take the road less travelled, and stop where you want for as long as you want.

With a kitchen in the back seat, you can pull into a stunning location, make lunch and soak in the views. It's the most convenient, affordable and memorable way to dine. And at the end of an adventure-filled day, your home is where ever you park it. 

You will soon discover the camaraderie of the campervan community - kindred spirits who like to get off the beaten path, who appreciate the beauty of Australia, and are eager to share a few tips and their favorite camping locations with you. As Edith Wharton once said  "One of the great things about travel is you discover how many good, kind people there are."

In this Road Trip Planner we detail some of the best road trips in Australia to help you plan your campervan self-drive itinerary.

• Cairns day trips
• Atherton Tablelands & Wooroonooran National Park
• Kuranda and Barron Falls
• Cairns to Hinchinbrook Is.
• Cairns to Cooktown
• Cairns to Townsville  
• Townsville day trips
• Townsville to Cairns
• Townsville to Airlie Beach
• Queensland Outback  (Townsville - Cunnamulla - Brisbane)
• Airlie Beach to Townsville  (and Cairns)
• Airlie Beach to Brisbane  (and Gold Coast)
• Brisbane to Gold Coast
• Brisbane to Airlie Beach
• Gold Coast to Sydney
• Gold Coast day trips
• Brisbane day trips

New South Wales

• Sydney's National Parks
• Sydney's Top Walks
• Hunter Valley wine region
• Central Coast
• Port Stephens
• Blue Mountains
• South Coast
• Southern Highlands
• The Snowy Mountains
• Sydney - Melbourne Coast
• Sydney - Canberra - Melbourne
• Sydney - Gold Coast
• Broken Hill
• Canberra 
• Grampians | Murray River
• Great Ocean Road
• Mornington Pensinsula
• Phillip Island
• Wilsons Promontory
• Victorian Alps | High Plains
• Yarra Valley | Dandenongs
• Melbourne - Sydney coast
• Melbourne - Canberra - Sydney
• Melbourne - Adelaide

South Australia

• Barossa Valley wines
• Murray River
• Kangaroo Island
• Mt. Gambier
• Coonawarra wine & Naracoorte Caves
• Adelaide Hills & Hahndorf
• Adelaide Hills Activities 
• Fleurieu Peninsula & Coorong
• Adelaide to Melbourne
• Outback: Adelaide to Sydney
• Adelaide to Darwin Road Trip
• Adelaide to Perth Road Trip
• Coober Pedy
• Eyre Peninsula

Western Australia

• 3 days in Perth - things to do
• The Perfect WA Roadtrip (South of Perth)
• Yanchep National Park
• Pinnacles Desert
• Bunbury and Busselton
• Margaret River
• Pemberton Forests
• The Kimberley - Broome to Darwin in 6 days
• Broome to Perth in 19 days
• Perth to Adelaide in 16 days

Northern Territory

• Litchfield National Park
• The Pilbara
• Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge)
• Mataranka Hot Springs
• Alice Springs
• Uluru and the Olgas
• Macdonnell Ranges

Other Blogs & Relevant Information

• Driving Distances and Petrol Prices
• Oz Parks Australia's Newest National Caravan & Tourist Park Chain
• Top Islands to visit in Australia
• Top Australian cultural experiences
• Top Australian animal experiences
• 7 reasons why Cairns is the adventure capital of Australia
• 10 movie locations to visit in Australia

Itineraries

Sign up for amazing offers exclusive access for offers and promotions

Campervan hire depots, airlie beach.

Heart of Reef Shuttles, 48-50 Carlo Drive, Cannonvale, Queensland 4802 Phone: 1800 216 223

20 Noble Avenue, North Gate, Queensland 4013 Phone: 1800 216 223

440 Sheridan Street, Cairns, Queensland 4870 Phone: 1800 216 223

273 Elizabeth Street, Coburg, Victoria 3058 Phone: 1800 216 223

23-25 Erskine Rd, Caringbah, Sydney, NSW 2229 Phone: 1800 216 223

Do you have any questions or need additional information?

New Tour Packages

• Private Guided Tours
• Self Drive Tours
• Melbourne Tours
• Sydney Tours
• Brisbane & Gold Coast tours
• Adelaide Tours
• Great Barrier Reef Tours
• Tasmania Tours
• Western Australian Tours
• New Zealand Tours
• New Caledonia Self Drive Tours
• Testimonials
• Cancellation Policy
• Everyone is Welcome

Tell us about your plans

• When * When is your trip?
• How long is your trip? * How long is your trip? Any trip duration Up to 1 week 1-2 weeks 2-3 weeks More than 4 weeks

Call us instead

Unforgettable Private Tours: Empowering You to Explore Your Way

Welcome to The Road Trip, your gateway to extraordinary private tours that redefine the way you experience Australia. We specialize in creating personalized, Self-drive, or Guided adventures that allow you to immerse yourself in the beauty, culture, and hidden gems of our incredible destinations. With our unparalleled expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence, we are the trusted choice for discerning travelers seeking unforgettable experiences.

Destinations

Specialising in tours throughout Sydney and New South Wales, Queensland including the Gold Coast and Great Barrier Reef, South Australia including the Barossa Valley and Adelaide and Melbourne and Victoria including the Great Ocean Road, Yarra Valley, Grampians and Phillip Island, we can combine trips to include one of or several of these fantastic destinations.

Why Choose Us:

Freedom to Explore

Our private tours offer you the freedom to design your own itinerary and explore at your own pace. With a meticulously crafted route, you can discover the iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path treasures that resonate with your interests. Say goodbye to rigid schedules and hello to a truly personalized adventure.

Tailored Experiences

We believe in creating journeys that reflect your unique travel style. We work closely with you to understand your desires, curating a bespoke itinerary that showcases the very best of each destination. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, a nature lover, or an adrenaline junkie, we’ll ensure every moment aligns with your passions.

Private Guided vs. Self-Drive Tours

We offer two distinct options to cater to your travel preferences. Private guided tours provide the expertise of a knowledgeable local guide, offering valuable insights and ensuring a seamless experience. Our self-drive tours put you in the driver’s seat, allowing you to enjoy the thrill of independent exploration while benefiting from our expertly crafted itineraries and insider tips.

Unrivaled Expertise

With years of industry experience, our passionate team of experts possesses in-depth knowledge of Australia. We’ve curated our network of trusted partners, handpicking the finest accommodations, attractions, and experiences to ensure you receive nothing less than exceptional quality and authenticity.

Prioritizing Wellbeing

Your well-being is our utmost priority. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, private touring is the safest way to ensure your peace of mind throughout your journey. Our resilient approach to travel allows us to adapt seamlessly to changing circumstances, guaranteeing a secure and enjoyable experience.

Personalized Pricing

We recognize that each customer is unique. That’s why we provide personalized pricing for every inquiry. We take into account factors such as travel dates, group size, accommodation preferences, and additional services to craft a tailored package that suits you best. Get in touch with us to receive a bespoke quote for your dream journey.

Thousands of Happy Adventurers

For more excellent reviews, check out our client testimonials  page, our road trip blog.

Best of Coastal scenery and Boutique Villages

Coastal Wonders

An Incredible Charming Coastal Destination

Discover Australia your way, with Australian road trips and Self Drive tours. Cities, wineries, Adventure, nature tours, we do it all!

Contact Info

Free Phone: 1800 865 320 (within Aus) Phone: +64 3 668 1234 (inside and outside Aus – all enquiries)

Email: [email protected]

Level 9, 440 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000

• Terms & Conditions

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Green Global Travel

World's largest independently owned Ecotourism / Green Travel / Sustainable Travel / Animal & Wildlife Conservation site. We share transformative Responsible Travel, Sustainable Living & Going Green Tips that make a positive impact.

10 Awesome Australian Road Trips (For Your World Travel Bucket List)

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. All hosted affiliate links follow our editorial policies .

As a native of Tasmania who has traveled the country extensively, I’d argue that Australian road trips rank among the best in  the world.

Though I may be prejudiced, I think my homeland truly has it all.

There are jaw-dropping natural landscapes, some of the world’s most liveable cities, and minimal road traffic outside of the few major metropolitan areas.

Whether you seek weird and wonderful wildlife, photogenic landscapes, charming historical towns, or simply the wind in your hair, there are a wide range of epic road trips in Australia that will leave you never wanting to stop exploring.

So let’s dive into some of the country’s most iconic scenic road trips, highlighting each drive’s main attractions along with some helpful insider tips.

• The Great Ocean Road (Victoria)
• Tasmania’s East Coast
• Adelaide to Darwin (Australia’s center through the Outback)
• Darwin-Kakadu Loop (Northern Territory)
• The Great Tropical Drive (Queensland)
• Gibb River Road (Outback Adventure)
• Sydney to Brisbane a.k.a Pacific Coast Drive
• Tarkine Drive (Tasmania’s Wilderness)
• Kangaroo Island

THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD

The Great Ocean Road is not only Australia’s most notable drive, but also one of the most popular, scenic, and beloved touring routes in the world.

Stretching for over 150 miles along Victoria’s south coast, the route provides visitors with breathtaking ocean views around every bend.

Hugging the coast for pretty much the entire way from Torquay to Warrnambool, the Great Ocean Road provides incredible natural attractions, wildlife , and seaside towns. Here’s a look at a few of the major highlights along the way:

Your Great Ocean Road journey begins in Torquay, home to one of Australia’s finest surfing beaches. Bells Beach is where the pros come to surf, and Torquay is the birthplace of famous surf brands such as Rip Curl and Quicksilver. Enjoy catching a wave yourself, or simply watch the pro surfers hang ten from the cliff-top car park.

Twelve Apostles

The star attraction of the Great Ocean Road is the Twelve Apostles. This geological attraction consists of a group of limestone monoliths (which were caused by erosion) rising out of the ocean. Despite the attraction’s name, there were originally only nine stacks. The number now stands at eight, since a 160-foot stack recently fell. Have your camera ready in case another one topples, but photographing them just as they are is equally remarkable.

Great Otway National Park

In Great Otway National Park , rugged coastline meets lush rainforest. Here you can see stunning Triplet Falls, or marvel at the glow worms of Melba Gully. The Great Ocean Walk, which extends over 100km from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles, passes through the park (bikes and horses are also permitted). The park is listed as an Important Bird Area and offers several campsites. It’s also ranked among Australia’s best National Parks .

Located in the heart of the GOR,  you’ll find the wildlife-rich area of Apollo Bay. Here you can search for Koalas among the gum trees in the nearby Kennett River Area, or enjoy a guided kayak tour among countless Australian Fur Seals. The area is home to lovely restaurants, cafes, museums, and beaches.

Warrnambool

Finnish your GOR trip in Warrnambool, where you’ll be rewarded with the sight of Southern Right Whales, who return to the waters off Warrnambool’s Logans Beach each year to calve. Take a side trip to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve for guided and self-guided tours to spot Emus, Kangaroos, and Echidnas inside an enormous volcanic crater.

Insider Tips • A great place to spot Koalas in Kennett River is off of Grey River Road. Scan the gum trees carefully: Koalas don’t make much movement during the day, as they are constantly at rest. • As hard as it may be, make sure to keep your eyes on the road. The route is narrow, has many twists and turns, and may be slippery at times. • Watch your speed, since the speed limit changes frequently along the GOR. This will help ensure the safety of the local wildlife. • Take your time and spread the drive over several days in order to truly appreciate the incredible scenery.

READ MORE: The World’s Best Road Trips (World Travel Bucket List)

TASMANIA’S EAST COAST

Tasmania, Australia’s island state, offers incredible landscapes that are filled with an array of native fauna (and not many people). The island’s east coast offers one of Australia’s best road trips, rich with history and the finest beaches. Begin in Hobart and make your way north along the east coast to Launceston (or vice versa) to experience some of Tasmania’s greatest attractions.

Port Arthur

This 19 th  century Australian penal colony-turned-open air museum is one of Tasmania’s main attractions. Explore more than 30 restored buildings and ruins, including the penitentiary, flour mill, Commandant’s House, and the Isle of the Dead cemetery. While in the area you’ll also want to check out natural attractions such as the Tasman Arch, Devils Kitchen, and the Tessellated Pavement.

Maria Island

Offering both wildlife and historical ruins, this island lies in the Tasman Sea and is reached by ferry service from the town of Triabunna. The island is part of  Maria Island National Park , which is home to 11 of the state’s 12 endemic bird species as well as Wombats, Kangaroos, and the famous  Tasmanian Devils . A visit to the Painted Cliffs is an absolute must, and camping overnight will allow you to explore the island in greater depth.

Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park  occupies the Freycinet Peninsula, and is home to one of Tasmania’s most photographed landscapes, Wineglass Bay. Enjoy hiking trails to white sand beaches, which are surrounded by granite peaks and home to beautiful birds such as the Sea Eagles. The park offers basic camping sites as well as luxury eco-lodge accommodation options.

Bay of Fires

Stretching roughly 50km along the northern east coast, the Bay of Fires offers one of Australia’s most scenic coastal landscapes. Visitors can enjoy extremely crystal-clear waters and pure white sand beaches. Named for the aboriginal campfires spotted by early explorers, the area is also ablaze with fiery orange lichen-covered boulders.

Insider Tips • Be sure to check out Hobart, the state’s capital. There you will find the iconic Salamanca Markets, which are held each Saturday and feature hundreds of arts, crafts, and food stalls. • Plan to get to Port Arthur early if you want to beat the crowds. Pre-purchasing tickets online will save time when you arrive. Those tickets are good for two consecutive days, so take your time exploring. Be sure to bring comfortable footwear, sunscreen, and clothing for the weather , as most of the tour is outdoors. • Tasmania becomes very popular during the summer season , which is December through March in the southern hemisphere. So booking accommodations and car rental early is vital. Many campsites either book out far in advance or are on a lottery system, which is held much earlier in the year.

READ MORE:  Tasmanian Devil Conservation on Maria Island, Australia

ADELAIDE TO DARWIN

Cutting through the center of the continent, you’ll find an incredible Australian road trip that takes you through the heart of the iconic Outback. Since it is a solid 30-plus hour drive through vast expanses of desert landscape, you’ll probably want to take several days to a week in order to experience all the gorgeous scenery along the way.

Home to nearly 75% of southern Australia’s population, Adelaide is still far less busy than Sydney or Melbourne. The city boasts an impressive range of museums, cafes, fine dining restaurants, gardens, and great festivals throughout the year. It’s centrally located to explore famous Australian wine regions such as Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Clare Valley.

Coober Pedy

Coober Pedy is the world-renowned town that lies mostly below ground due to the extremely hot summer temperatures. It’s been used as the set for various movies, including Mad Max. Popular activities there include   shopping or fossicking (Australian slang for searching) for Australian opals or staying in an underground hotel.

Uluru  is without a doubt Australia’s most famous natural landmark. Held sacred by the indigenous Pitjantjatjara Anangu people, Uluru is a large sandstone rock rising nearly 350 meters above the Outback. It’s best viewed at sunset or sunrise, when it turns a fiery red color. As darkness falls, you can enjoy a star-filled sky far removed from any light pollution. The area is home to a surprisingly great diversity of flora and fauna, including the adorable lizard known as the Thorny Devil. Sadly, Uluru is currently facing the threat of mass tourism .

Alice Springs

Located halfway between Adelaide and Darwin, the town of Alice Springs is the gateway to exploring Australia’s Red Centre. Explore the area’s wildlife with a visit to the Desert Park , Reptile Centre, or Kangaroo Sanctuary. Natural attractions in this area include the Larapinta Trail, Ormiston Gorge, and West MacDonnell National Park.

Insider Tips • The famous passenger train known as The Ghan follows the same basic route and offers a luxurious return option instead of driving. But it is just a brief overview of what the area has to offer. • Climbing Uluru is currently allowed, but it is  strongly discouraged out of respect for the local Aboriginal people. After October 26, 2019, the climb will officially be closed to the public (hopefully for good). • Be sure to visit the equally impressive Kata Tjuṯa rock formations, which are also known as the Olgas. They consist of 36 orange-colored domes: Mount Olga towers over Uluru at 3,500 feet.

READ MORE:   The 25 Biggest Deserts in the World

THE DARWIN-KAKADU LOOP

This awesome road trip offers visitors a chance to explore the Australian region made famous by Crocodile Dundee . A drive through the Top End of Australia’s Northern Territory provides refreshing waterholes, Aboriginal rock art sites, and, of course, Saltwater Crocodiles.

Kakadu National Park

Kakadu is Australia’s largest national park, filled with one-third of Australia’s bird species as well as a wealth of mammals and reptiles. Take a scenic flight over Kakadu’s Jim Jim Falls and  Twin Falls for a bird’s eye view, or swim beneath them to cool off. Cruise the wetlands and billabongs in search of massive crocodiles and wading birds such as the black-necked stork. You can also see Aboriginal rock art dating back more than 20,000 years.

Litchfield National Park

In this national park you can walk amongst termite mounds the size of basketball players as you make your way to the numerous waterfalls Litchfield is known for. History buffs will want to visit the Bamboo Creek Tin Mine. You can also learn about the lives of Australian pioneers by visiting the Blyth Homestead, which dates back to the 1920s.

Named after the famed naturalist (who sailed there in 1839), Darwin is the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory. Popular activities there include taking a sunset harbour cruise, watching a movie in an open air cinema, or swimming with a massive crocodile at Crocosaurus Cove. Head to the Nightcliff Foreshore for a wide array of outdoor recreation opportunities, food vans, and stunning sea views.

Insider Tips • Crocodiles can be found in nearly every river and waterhole in this area. So always be cautious when swimming, even if Crocodile warning signs are not present. Also, carry plenty of water and bug repellent. • Car rentals in the Northern Territory usually have mileage limits and may not be allowed on unsealed roads. Road-tripping in camper vans and camper trailers  are becoming increasingly popular. •If you dislike crowds, avoid Kakadu from June to August. This is peak tourist season, as it falls within Australian school holidays. April to June will provide smaller crowds with pleasant weather and running waterfalls.

READ MORE:   Top 10 Australian National Parks

 THE GREAT TROPICAL DRIVE

With over two dozen different driving routes, Queensland’s Great Tropical Drive allows you to explore some of Australia’s most incredible destinations. From the Daintree Rainforest and access to the Great Barrier Reef, this is a great region for nature lovers to explore. You can stay in beautiful seaside cities and witness rare and endangered wildlife all along the way.

Daintree Rainforest

Witness the world’s oldest rainforest, which is filled with strange animals that are found nowhere else on earth.  These include large Cassowaries, Tree Kangaroos, Ulysses Butterflies, and Boyd’s Forest Dragons. Then head north towards Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. Your drive will also include an exciting ferry across the Daintree River, where you may spot Crocodiles as you go.

Great Barrier Reef

Easily accessed as a day trip from Cairns and Port Douglas, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, stretching some 2,000 kilometres along the Queensland coastline. Despite coral bleaching, it remains one of the world’s best places to SCUBA dive .It’s home to 30 different species of cetaceans, over 1,600 species of fish, 3,000 species of mollusk, and around 125 species of sharks and stingrays. You can also explore your choice of over 900 islands, including Hamilton, Fitzroy, and Lizard Island.

Cairns, Port Douglas, & Townsville

All three of these cities offer a wide variety of attractions, including museums, sanctuaries, tropical beaches, and more. From here you can access the Great Barrier Reef, take a day trip to the Atherton Tablelands, or hop aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway.

Insider Tips • Head to Mission Beach if you really want to see a wild Cassowary, as they are a common sight here. • Many cities in the area offer a wide range of apartments where you can have your own full kitchen, laundry facilities, and scenic balconies. • Coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef Park was extensive, but 85% of that damage happened on a single 370-mile section. Most tour operators will take you to snorkel/dive more pristine sections.

READ MORE : The 10 Most Beautiful Forests in the World

GIBB RIVER ROAD

For a truly wild Outback adventure, take on the 670km 4WD track that stretches from Wyndham to Derby in Western Australia . Many side roads and even parts of the main road are rugged, with dirt and gravel rather than tarmac. But many improvements have been made in recent years, so you don’t need to have years of 4WD experience to tackle the route.

Windjana Gorge National Park

Windjana Gorge National Park is often touted as the best place in the world to see Freshwater Crocodiles in the wild. Located in the Kimberley region, the park also offers a 100-meter wide gorge with towering cliffs. Visitors can enjoy incredible camping opportunities , but please be aware that access may be restricted during the wet season.

Other Gorges

Driving the Gibb River Road provides access to numerous gorgeous gorges and wonderful waterfalls. The most notable ones are Lennard Gorge, Bell Gorge, Tunnel Creek, and Manning Gorge & Falls. Access to the gorges is usually prohibited during the wet season.

Insider Tips •Travel in this region is restricted to the dry season (April-October), and 2WD is not recommended until well after the wet season due to water on roads. •Although a 4WD vehicle is highly recommended, you can access many of the main attractions in a 2WD vehicle during the peak of the dry season. Always carry spare tires, petrol, and water, just in case!

READ MORE: Top 5 Australia Ecotourism Attractions

SYDNEY TO BRISBANE

This scenic 920-kilometer drive along the Pacific coast includes Australia’s most famous city, with its iconic landmarks, as well as luxury seaside resorts and theme parks. It’s more commonly known as the Pacific Coast Drive, and offers a continuous line of picturesque beaches, national parks, and loveable cities.

Home of the world-famous Opera House and the iconic Harbour Bridge, Sydney is Australia’s largest city. So naturally there’s no shortage of attractions worth exploring, including Darling Harbour, Bondi Beach, and the Taronga Zoo.

Brisbane & Gold Coast

This area is considered the sort of like the Orlando of Australia, including theme parks such as Sea World, Movie World, and Dreamworld. But ecotourism aficionados can also explore beautiful natural attractions such as Springbrook National Park and Lamington National Park by day, and then return to luxurious oceanside resorts by night.

Newcastle, Port Macquarie & Coffs Harbour

There is no shortage of gorgeous cities along the Pacific Coast Drive. Each of them offers a mixture of educational museums, zoos, botanical gardens, lighthouses, surf beaches, and national parks. The highlights include walking along Newcastle’s Nobbys Beach, checking out Coffs Harbour’s Forest Sky Pier, and visiting Port Macquarie’s Tacking Point Lighthouse.

Insider Tips • For adventurous souls seeking an incredible aerial view of Sydney, experience the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb or the Sydney Tower Eye Skywalk. • Oenophiles will want to take a brief detour from the coast in order to see the world famous Hunter Valley Wine Region.

READ MORE: What Is Ecotourism? History & Principles of Responsible Travel

TARKINE DRIVE

Tarkine Drive is a circular route beginning and ending in Stanley or Smithton, which provides access to Tasmania’s true, rugged wilderness. Along the way, you’ll pass through the Australia’s largest patch of temperate rainforest, mountain ranges, rushing rivers, cool caves, and the  craggy western coastline.

Arthur River

Arthur River makes for a great entrance point to coastal walks and forest exploration. Experience the massive waves brought on by the “roaring forties” as they batter the coastline at the Edge of the World, Gardiner Point.

Hiking & Wildlife

The Tarkine is home to some of Australia’s rarest animals , some of which no longer found on the mainland. Search for Tasmanian Devils, Platypus, Echidnas, Wombats, Bandicoots, Quolls, and the extremely rare Orange-bellied Parrot. Numerous hiking trails lead to lookouts, waterfalls, Aboriginal sites, and the picturesque coast.

Insider Tips • Although the Thylacine or Tasmanian tiger has long been considered extinct, they are rumored to possibly still exist in this remote stretch wilderness, which has suitable habitat. • Take a detour south to Corinna Wilderness Retreat for some incredible kayaking and cruises on the Pieman River.

READ MORE:  Tasmanian Devil (Endangered Species Spotlight)

KANGAROO ISLAND

Kangaroo Island is known as the Galapagos Islands of Australia. Access to this wildlife-rich area is available via ferry from Cape Jervis on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula. The island has a large population of Koalas as well as a host of endemic plants found nowhere else. Other rare wildlife found there includes the Glossy Black Cockatoo and Rosenberg’s Goanna.

Flinders Chase National Park

Flinders Chase National Park is located at the western end of of he island. Visitors can enjoy the sight of the beautiful Cape du Couedic Lighthouse as they walk along many hiking trails, including the Platypus Waterholes Walk and the Heritage Walk. Check out the seal colony near Admirals Arch, and the truly and aptly named Remarkable Rocks.

Seal Bay Conservation Park

Located on the southern coast of Kangaroo Island, this park is home to the third largest Sea Lion colony in Australia. Access to the beach where you’ll find the large breeding colony is limited to ranger-led beach tours for their protection. If you don’t care about seeing them up close, you can simply view them from the boardwalk. Tours are held daily, and the visitor center provides further insight into the life of the Sea Lions.

Insider Tips • Get a chance to see Penguins via a night tour of the colony located in Penneshaw, just as you depart the ferry on Kangaroo Island. • Be sure to check out Little Sahara, where you can sandboard down some seriously impressive dunes. • For conservation purposes, there are strict quarantine laws on the island. Be aware that things such as potatoes and honey are no-gos.

READ MORE: Wondrous Wildlife on Kangaroo Island, Australia

THE GRAMPIANS

This excellent Australian road trip takes you through Grampians National Park , which includes sandstone mountain ranges and rich Aboriginal history. Outdoor recreation seekers head to the Grampians for mountain biking, rock climbing, and numerous hiking trails. Scenic lookouts abound, with many easily reached by car. The circular route around the park is easily accessible from Melbourne or Adelaide.

Halls Gap is the main town that services travelers to the Grampians area, offering diverse accommodation options ranging from campsites to luxury 5-star retreats. Make sure to visit the Brambuk Cultural Center, which is owned and operated by Aboriginal people. There you can engage in activities such as boomerang throwing as well as learn about the indigenous culture through artifacts, talks, music, and dance.

MacKenzie Falls

A must-see while driving through the Grampians, this stunning waterfall flows all year long. It can be seen via a lookout point or by taking the lovely MacKenzie Falls Walk. Note that swimming beneath the falls is strictly prohibited.

Pinnacle & Reeds Lookouts

Make your way to the top of Pinnacle Lookout if you want to see the park’s impressive rock formations in detail, as well as Halls Gap below you. Access is available via the Sundial car park, the Wonderland car park, or (for the truly adventurous) from the base of the mountains.

Reeds Lookout is best accessed from Mt. Victory Road, and provides incredible sunset viewing over the Victoria Valley and Range. The lookout path is fully wheelchair accessible.

Insider Tips • You’ll find that wineries in the Grampians region produce incredible Shiraz and Riesling, so pop into a local cellar door for a tasting. • A visit during autumn will reveal vibrantly colored fall foliage that’s just begging to be photographed. • Be sure to check out the Grampians Grape Escape wine, food, and music festival , which is held every year in May. –Megan Jerrard

About the Author

Green Global Travel is the world's #1 independently owned ecotourism website encouraging others to embrace sustainable travel, wildlife conservation, cultural preservation, and going green tips for more sustainable living.

We've been spotlighted in major media outlets such as the BBC, Chicago Tribune, Forbes, The Guardian, Lonely Planet, National Geographic, Travel Channel, Washington Post and others.

Owned by Bret Love (a veteran journalist/photographer) and Mary Gabbett (business manager/videographer), USA Today named us one of the world's Top 5 Travel Blogging Couples. We were also featured in the 2017 National Geographic book, Ultimate Journeys for Two, for which we contributed a chapter on our adventures in Rwanda. Other awards we've won include Best Feature from both the Caribbean Tourism Organization and the Magazine Association of the Southeast.

As Seen On…

Join the 300,000+ people who follow Green Global Travel’s Blog and Social Media

Couple Nomads

Good Vibes Only

A Complete 4 Weeks Road Trip Travel Itinerary Around Australia’s East Coast

Thinking about heading to Australia? Need help crafting the ultimate road trip plan? Look no further! Our guide is packed with must-visit spots, top attractions, the coolest activities, tips on where to stay, and the best ways to get around. Get ready for an unforgettable Aussie adventure!

Unless you have a lot of time, at some point, you’ll have to make the tough call on which part of Australia to explore and what your ideal Australia itinerary will look like. The good news is, there’s no wrong choice! Australia has it all—stunning beaches, top-notch surf spots, vibrant cities, and the vast Australian outback.

While we can’t make the decision for you, if you’re leaning towards an epic road trip, why not join us on our 4 weeks Australia itinerary? We’ve got the perfect adventure mapped out for you from Melbourne to Cairns.

What’s the best way to travel around Australia?

Campervan or motorhome rental.

In our opinion, getting a campervan is the way to go if you’re planning a long road trip around Australia. Buying one could be an option too, but keep in mind you’ll need extra time before and after your adventure to buy and then sell your van.

If you’re looking for awesome deals on campervans, Motorhome Republic is your go-to. They have a super handy search engine where you can save quotes, check out layouts and specs, and compare prices and what’s included in the packages. It’s like your road trip planning sidekick!

If camping isn’t your thing and you want a bit more comfort, you can opt for a regular rental car and stay in hostels or hotels. We recommend checking out the deals on Airport Rentals .

But here’s the scoop: Australia gets super busy in the summer, so it’s smart to book your places to stay well ahead of time. It happened to us a few times specially on weekends.

Australia Itinerary

When we landed in Melbourne after 6 months traveling in Asia, at first, we didn’t have an exact plan of what to do in Australia.

We rented a campervan and drove around 5200km and we got to see and experience many cool spots on the road that we would love to share with you.

We arrived in Melbourne very late at night from the Philippines, around 01:00 am so we went to bed immediately, we didn’t have a plan of what to see or do in Melbourne before arriving, luckily Cristian’s friend, David, who lives in Melbourne for the last 7 years, kindly received us in his house and show us around town every day.

The first night we went to have dinner in a Colombian restaurant (can’t believe how I missed that for so long).

On the second day, David took us to watch a football (soccer) game from the national league, at first I didn’t think so many Aussies were into football, but it was a great atmosphere in the stadium.

The next morning we went with David’s family to pick strawberries and blueberries from a local farm and ended up the day eating fish and chips in the park.

Day 1: Mornington Peninsula

A beachy kind of place where the major attractions may be the hot springs, wineries, local produce, or markets, and it is only an hour drive from Melbourne.

We stayed at Rosebud Foreshore Camping, this campground is just in front of the beach, it also has plenty of shade in the camping space (believe us, this is something essential if you don’t have a gazebo or extended shade from the top of your van), remember the sun in Australia is stronger than anywhere else in the world. The facilities were good and also very convenient located near a supermarket and the town.

Powered Campsite: 30 AUD per night

Day 2-4: Wilsons Promontory National Park

Describing Wilson’s Promontory is like talking about something super magical. It is a huge coastal wilderness in Victoria, and people call it ‘ Wilsons Prom ‘. Think of amazing landscapes and lots of cool animals like wombats and kangaroos all over the place. Wilsons Prom is basically a wildlife paradise.

We arrive at the national park after driving 2.5 hours from Mornington Peninsula to Tidal River Campground, the road is in very good conditions and also the scenic drive through the national park is breathtaking.

Tidal River Campground is a unique place to stay (a must-stay in Australia), as you will be camping with wombats wandering around the campsite at night looking for food (please follow the local instructions and do not feed the animals). The location of the campsite is great because it is inside the national park and you have many hiking trails to choose from directly at your doorstep.

Powered Campsite: 37.50 AUD per night

Walks not to be Missed

Mount bishop summit .

One of the best hikes around in our opinion. It has an elevation of 319 Meters and the views at the top are very rewarding where you can see the infamous Squeaky Beach and Whisky Bay. The hike starts at the Lilly Pilly car park, just 20 minutes walk from Tidal River Campground.

Once you do reach the top there is a massive rock where lots of people would think that the walk is finished. But is not, just need to keep walking to the other side and up a few more rocks to get to the top, which is when you will feel very rewarded with the stunning views.

Mount Bishop Summit Distance:  7.4km return Elevation:  319m Track:  Narrow track bit steep but well maintained Level:  Medium

Norman Beach

This is one of the most popular hikes in Wilsons Prom, the track starts just near the Tidal River Campground Visitors Center and will take you trough the bush for around 20 minutes until you get to the southern part of the beach where you can avoid the crowds. During our walk we saw a few kangaroos. If you want to do the entire loop going through the beach back to the campground as we did, it will take around one hour.

Norman Beach Distance:  6.34 km return Track:  The track is generally in good condition and wanders through the bush Level:  Easy

Pillar Point

This is a good hike to see the sunset. To get there, head to the Tidal River Footbridge on the north side of the campground, cross it, and follow the signs that say ‘ Pillar Point ‘. There’s just one junction where you need to go left, but don’t worry—it’s easy to follow with the signs (they are everywhere).

During your ascend, you will have a stunning views of Norman Beach all the way up to the top. Where you will arrive and get to see Norman Beach, Squeaky Beach and Whisky Bay. Make sure give yourself time to sit, relax and admire the wonderful view. But hold on to your belongings as it can get very windy out on the rocks.

Pillar Point Lookout Distance:  4 km return Duration:  40 min one way Track:  The trail is well-used, and even though it goes uphill, it’s not too steep—more like a gentle climb most of the way. Level:  Easy

Day 4-5: Mallacoota

After driving 7 hours from Wilsons Prom we stopped in Mallacoota for a night. A beautiful coastal town with not many attractions, but a massive beach to walk. A beautiful place to spend the night before continuing our road trip.

We stayed at Mallacoota Foreshore Holiday Park, located a 5-minute walk from the town. It is a very big campground with good facilities and plenty of playgrounds for kids. If you are into fishing, you might want to spend more time here as they hold fishing competitions regularly.

Powered Campsite: 41 AUD per night

Day 5-7: Canberra

After driving 4 hours from Mallacoota we arrived at our next destination, Canberra. This destination is often overlooked by travellers because of its lack of beach we guess, but we honestly believe that this is a mistake. Canberra is like a real Aussie city. Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are very cool, but Canberra is unique because it’s not crazy big, there is no traffic, and everyone seem more relaxed. It’s a special kind of city! We rented scooters and drove around Lake Burley Griffin with some stops to have a drink overlooking the lake.

In the morning we were lucky to coincide with the local farmers market that takes place every Saturday from 7 am to 11 am. If you are in Canberra don’t miss this, you will get freshly produced products (bread, meat, milk, etc…) from the farmers.

Staying in a city, it can be difficult to find a campground near the city or transportation so that you can easily explore without having to find parking for your big campervan. We stayed at EPIC Camp Ground, next to where they hold the farmers market. To be honest, it’s not the best campsite, but it is located next to a tram stop so you have easy and cheap access to transportation to the city.

We also met our friend Tim, who we just got to know a few weeks before in the Philippines, he was kind enough to show us some local places for food and drinks.

Powered Campsite: 40 AUD per night

Day 7-8: Durras National Park

Imagine waking up, opening your door, and the first thing you see is kangaroos chilling in the grass outside. This is exactly how it is at Durras Lake North Holiday Park, but don’t tell anyone! This is a well kept secret, and it is 100% guaranteed that you will see kangaroos when staying at this campground. Located next to Durras National Park you have access to several hiking trails and guess what? There is also a beach. No doubt this was one of our favourites places in Australia, wish we could stay longer.

Powered Campsite: 50 AUD per night

Durras Lake Discovery trail 

Easy, family-friendly hike, it took us 45 min to complete the track, with lots of wilderness and beautiful views along the way of Bullshark Bay.

Durras Lake Discovery trail  Distance:  1.5 km return Duration:  45 min Track:  Well maintained Level:  Easy

Week 1 Video

Watch our video from the first week of our Australia East Coast road trip where we drive from Melbourne to Cairns.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel .

Day 8-10: Sydney

We finally arrived in Sydney, Australia’s most popular city, it took us 4 hours to drive from Durras National Park. We stayed in NRMA Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park, one of the best campsites in terms of facilities and abundance of places for kids to have fun. The location is a bit far from the CBD but the bus stop is just around the corner from the campsite which takes 50 min to reach the city.

Powered Campsite: 55.50 AUD per night

If you are short on time you can do many things in one day as we did. We started the day at Sydney Harbour and the famous Opera House. You can have a coffee or a drink to get ready for what is next, there are many cafes and restaurants in this area to choose from.

Then you can catch the bus from CBD that will take you to the infamous Bondi Beach, this beach is packed with people, so if you want to grab a spot better to arrive early in the day or if you are not a big fan of crowds you can continue walking on the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk and you will find a beach that suits you.

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

This walk takes around 2 hours (6 km) and you will pass through many beautiful beaches as Tamarama Beach, Bronte Beach, Clovelly Beach, Gordons Bay, and Coogee Beach. There are many water refill stations along the way so make sure you bring a water bottle to keep hydrated.

You start at Australia’s famous Bondi Beach, which is a great place to try surfing for the first time. The first stop on the trail is Tamarama Beach, a more chill beach just around the corner from Bondi Beach. It’s not as crowded but equally stunning. Heads up, though—it’s not always the safest for swimming due to tricky waves and currents.

Then you will follow the coastline to Bronte Beach where you will find a nice park with several cafes, if you haven’t had lunch yet this is a very good place to stop and grab something to eat. You will find some natural pools formed by rocks where you can chill for a bit before continuing on the trail.

After Bronte is Clovelly Beach, a very narrow bay ideal if you are looking for a relaxed swim as there are no big waves. After continuing the path you will find Gordons Bay a narrow beach lined with boats, we saw lots of people with scuba and snorkeling gear, guess is a spot to do underwater activities.

The walk continues to your final destination, Coogee Beach. It is a busy place but not as Bondi Beach. This beach is ideal for families and groups of friends as it offers a long stretch of white sand beach and facilities like barbecues and places to picnic.

Here we met our friend Huso, who has been living in Australia for the last 16 years and very kindly showed us around the local pubs to finally get a rewarding beer after this long sunny day.

Day 10-11: Hunter Valley

Australia is well known for its wine so our next stop is a must-visit on your Australia road trip. Located 3.5 hours from Sydney, Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine-growing region and has many wineries.

We stayed in Wine Country Tourist Park, located near Cessnock, it is the closest campground to the wineries in this area. They rented mountain bikes for 30 AUD each (a bit pricey to be honest) and cycled to the nearest wineries. We recommend to take a taxi to the centre of the wineries and walk to the closest ones, this way you have more time (and energy) to do more tastings.

Powered Campsite: 35 AUD per night

We went to two wineries the first one is called Iron Gate just 20 minutes by bicycle from the campground, the tasting menu cost 10 AUD and you get to try 5 types of wines. If you have a preference for grapes they will tailor the selection.

The second winery is called Hanging Tree Wines , this one is another 5 minutes from Iron Gate cycling (by the time you arrive there you are already thirsty). They offer the same kind of experiences but with their own grapes, keep in mind that most of the wines produced in these wineries just exist here and you can’t buy them outside of this region.

So with that, we finish the day in Hunter Valley. Keep in mind most of the wineries close around 4 or 5 PM, our only regret was not staying another day so if you come here we recommend you stay one more day so you get to start early and visit more wineries as there are more than 100 wineries that you can visit.

Below is a small section of the winery map that we got from the campsite, highlighted are the ones we wanted to visit.

Day 11-12: Fingal Bay

The drive from Cessnock to Fingal Bay is 1.5 hours. Our plan was to stay in Nelson Bay, but because it was a weekend and we didn’t book in advance all the campsites were full. Fingal Bay is a nice place to stay with a pristine beach away from the crowds. You can walk from one side to the other side of the beach in around an hour.

We stayed at Fingal Bay Holiday Park just the opposite side of the beach, it has a good location but not much to do in the area.

Powered Campsite: 70 AUD per night

Day 12-13: Pacific Palms

Pacific Palms is famous for its awesome beaches and beautiful lakes. If you’re driving there from Fingal Bay, it’s a nice 2-hour road trip. Imagine a real-life adventure with beaches, lakes, and lots of nature! We stayed in Pacific Palms Caravan Park, the campground doesn’t have many powered sites so make sure you book well in advance. The location is prime, just a few minutes walk to the Booti Booti National Park and Elizabeth Beach.

Powered Campsite: 36 AUD per night

Elizabeth Beach:

Elizabeth Beach is a prime spot in Booti Booti National Park, Pacific Palms. Facing north, this beach is known for its calm waves. The view is something else overlooking Cape Hawke and Seven Mile Beach, it’s like nature showing off its best side! Just 5 min walk from our campinground.

Booti Hill Walking Track via Lakeside Walking

Awesome trail! We kicked off from the Elizabeth Beach entrance, and the whole route clocked in at 9 km in just under 2 hours. It’s a cool mix of strolling through the rainforest and lakeside views. The part along the ocean (rainforest side) is a bit hilly. Keep an eye out for those giant climbing lizards—they’re pretty epic! Only downside is there aren’t many spots to take a break, except for a couple by the lake.

Booti Hill Walking Track via Lakeside Walking Distance:  7.9 km return Track:  The track is generally in good condition and wanders through the bush and then the lake Level:  Easy

Day 13-15: Dorrigo National Park

Located 3.5 hours from Pacific Palms driving up a very steep mountain is Dorrigo National Park – a perfect escape for those who like to hike in mountains and forests. Here we stayed at Dorrigo Mountain Holiday Park a campground with a very good location (the closest to the national park) and great facilities, very close to the centre of town where you can find a grocery shop, few cafes, gas station and restaurant.

Dorrigo National Park offers walks for everyone, from easy paved strolls to challenging trails that feel like you’re deep in the wild. If you time it right after some good rain, the waterfalls become roaring spectacles, and the forest transforms into a lush, vibrant green wonderland.

Powered Campsite: 39 AUD per night

The Wonga Walk is the most popular trail in Dorrigo National Park, walking in Dorrigo National Park is like a continuous delight—no boring parts, just pure awesomeness. The air is filled with the constant chatter of vibrant birdlife.

The Wonga Walk offers a mix of slight climbs and descents, but overall, it’s a relaxed stroll. We suggest planning for at least 2 hours to fully appreciate the stunning rainforest. While you could finish it in under 1.5 hours, the waterfalls and captivating forest views make it worthwhile to take your time and soak it all in.

Prepare to be enchanted by mystical plants, trees, and colourful mushrooms, as well as by two breathtaking waterfalls, Tristania Falls and Crystal Shower Falls.

Wonga Walk Distance:  6.1 km circuit Track:  The track is generally in good condition Level:  Easy

Week 2 Video

Watch our video from the second week of our Australia East Coast road trip where we drive from Melbourne to Cairns.

Looking for flights to Australia? Check prices quickly below via Kiwi.com

Day 15-17: byron bay.

Known for its cool beaches and lively community spirit, the Byron Bay region has transformed over the years. What was once a hub for alternative culture, easygoing surfers, and hippies has now become a refined haven, attracting a diverse crowd from barefoot backpackers to Hollywood celebrities. Byron Bay remains a destination that welcomes everyone.

It took us 3.5 hours to drive from Dorrigo National Park to Byron Bay. When we arrived the weather was not the best, it was raining, cloudy, and cold, so the first night we went to bed early and got ready for a great morning the next day. We stayed in Glen Villa Resort they got plenty of power sites with a very cool layout, located just an 8-minute walk to the city centre.

Powered Campsite: 60 AUD per night

The next morning we started our adventure with a short walk under the sunshine in Byron Bay to the scuba diving school. If you didn’t know, we love scuba diving, and when we were in the Philippines we met an old-school Aussie, maybe around 60 years old, with more than 3,000 log dives, who told us one of the most beautiful places to dive in Australia is called Julian Rocks and is just 10 min boat ride from the coast in Byron Bay.

We booked the dives with a Spanish guy, Inaki, who is a freelance diver. He has a very good attitude and is a very enthusiastic diver (if you want his number just drop us an email and we will share it with you). We paid 164 AUD per person for one dive, it is quite expensive, but that’s a normal price in Australia.

We went for our dive in Julian Rocks for 1 hour where we saw many Grey Nurse Sharks, many soft corals, turtles, and all the schools of fish around. Yeah swim with this massive animal, Cristian is a very big fan of sharks and loves to go very close to them, he does enjoy swimming with this ocean predators.

Day 17-19: Nimbin

Nimbin, just 70 km or 1.5 hours west of Byron Bay, is the ultimate hippie hotspot in Australia. Imagine a town of 2,000 people totally into an alternative lifestyle. The cool part is that the locals are also big on art, organic farming, and living sustainably. So, it’s a mix of a laid-back vibe and a commitment to a chill, eco-friendly way of life.

We drove from Byron Bay via Mullumbimby and it turned out to be one of the most scenic drives we had in Australia, you will drive through the mountains and valleys with lots of koala trees if you are lucky you might find one on the way hanging in the trees.

We stayed at Nimbin Crystal Tourist Park, located just 5 minutes walk from the city centre. There are a few hiking trails in the area, but we did not go to any of them as we enjoyed walking around and relaxing in the city. If you are tight on time, one night is enough to experience this small town, but it is definitely worth the drive inland to take a break from the beach and experience the alternative yet respectful way of living.

Powered Campsite: 45 AUD per night

Day 19-21: Brisbane

After having a relaxing time in Nimbin, we decided that it was time to move further north (2.5 hours) to meet a few friends in Brisbane for the weekend (very good nightlife). Going from Nimbin to Brisbane, you will be passing Surfers Paradise and the Gold Coast which might be tempting stops on any Australian road trip for its attractive beaches, but they are also very crowded.

We stayed in Brisbane Holiday Village (recommended), a 50-minute bus ride to the city center. This site also has many facilities like mini golf and a pool, so if you have kids, this campsite is for you.

Powered Campsite: 55 AUD per night

Day 21-22: Noosa North Shore Beach

It takes 2.5 hours to drive from Brisbane to Noosa, including a short 5 minutes ferry ride that costs 12 AUD for campervans (one-way). We stayed at Noosa North Shore Beach Campground, and to be honest, it wasn’t worth staying only one night, if you do want to stay here for 2 nights and only 1 in Nimbin, that will probably be better. The campsite is right in front of the beach, a place to just to sit down and take it all in and if you are lucky maybe see some kangaroos around the campsite like we did.

This campsite is not the best location if you want to go to Noosa Heads as you will have to take the ferry again.

Powered Campsite: 54 AUD per night

Week 3 Video

Watch our video from the third week of our Australia East Coast road trip where we drive from Melbourne to Cairns.

Day 22-23: Agnes Water

It was a rainy drive from Noosa to Agnes Water, about 350 km, so we arrived quite late and it was one of those days that you want to just sit inside the campervan, listening to the rain and do some work or watch a movie. Creating content and travel at the same time is not what you think, sometimes it can be hard to find time so we have the make the most of the rainy days.

Luckily, this campsite had a takeaway restaurant so we saved some energy not having to cook that night after the long and exhausting drive.

Powered Campsite: 52 AUD per night

We also managed the go on a narrow walking path from the campsite that takes you to the beach, a beautiful beach perhaps 5 km long, maybe more, what a bummer that it was raining the day we were here.

Day 23-25: Cape Hillsborough

If you’re cruising along Australia’s East Coast, here’s a gem for your bucket list: kangaroos on the beach at Cape Hillsborough. It’s like a dream, right? But let me spill the beans—seeing these famous hopping buddies at sunrise is even better! Trust me, it’s like a magical adventure that’s gonna stick in your memory forever.

Cape Hillsborough sits on the east coast of Australia in Queensland, is about 7 hours from Agnes Water, and is roughly 125km south of Airlie Beach. Now, a lot of folks might zoom by Cape Hillsborough, aiming straight for Airlie Beach, but let me tell you, this hidden treasure is worth a little detour.

We stayed in Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park just a few hundred meters from the beach where every morning beautiful wallabies come to the beach for breakfast. Make sure you wake up early before sunrise to catch this beautiful moment. A local ranger is also present to make sure the crowd does not get too close to the wallabies and educates the guests about the animals in the area. An absolutely adorable morning ritual!

Powered Campsite: 47 AUD per night

Near the campsite, you can also find several walking trails, we did the Diversity Boardwalk a tranquil 2.4-km loop trail. A walk that typically takes around 30 minutes, this easy route is a delightful exploration for nature lovers. What’s even better? You’re likely to have the trail mostly to yourself, creating a serene ambiance for a peaceful and uninterrupted stroll.

Day 25-27: Airlie Beach

A town located just 1.5 hours from Cape Hillsborough, Airlie Beach is a popular tourist destination located in the Whitsunday Region of Queensland. It serves as the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. We didn’t have the chance to experience the Whitsunday island because all tours were fully booked and quite pricey so we decided to save that for diving in Great Barrier Reef instead. Although, we have heard great things about the snorkelling tours to Whitsunday.

We stayed at Tasman Holiday Park, which is located 25 minutes walk from the city centre. The town of Airlie Beach is very chill and has a lot of nice bars and restaurants. There is also a lagoon pool in the city (free) where people can go swimming since the sea is too dangerous with stingers being present in the area.

Day 27-29: Mission Beach

Imagine a stretch of long, untouched white sandy beach, surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, dotted with laid-back coastal cafes, and embraced by hills with waterfalls and inviting swimming holes, that is Mission Beach one of our favorite beaches if not the favorite in Australia.

Many people would rather go to Port Douglas, don’t get us wrong it is a beautiful place to go with beautiful beaches, cafes, restaurants, and a wide range of accommodations. But Port Douglas is more like a city with lots of construction going on, making you feel like a busy place.

That’s why we chose Mission Beach instead, we felt so chill as soon as we arrived almost that slow-life vibe you feel on a remote island in South East Asia. We had that long stretch of beach for ourselves. Make sure you swim in the designated areas as you might be aware of the wildlife in Queensland (saltwater crocodiles, sharks, and many more).

Looking for a Travel Insurance?

We recommend using Genki . They are very practical, affordable, reliable, and best of all no commitment, you can pay monthly and cancel it anytime. It is also very easy to process claims with them, we have use it during our trip and we got our claim approved and fully refunded within weeks. Check online how much you would pay for your travel insurance.

We finally arrived in Cairns after 2 hours from Mission Beach and 720 hours since we started our trip in Australia. Cairns is the biggest and most popular city to access the Great Barrier Reef. Every year over 2 million people come to explore the magical underwater world. Although you can find tours from other cities as well, Cairns has more options, and to be honest, it was much cheaper to do the tour from here than in Airlie Beach.

Diving in Great Barrier Reef is a dream come true for us. We booked our tour with Silverswift well in advance as this is a very popular tour and they sell out quickly. Make sure you book in advance, either online, or through a booking agent such as Happy Travels, which are located in most cities and they can book for you as well. The crew and the tour was great, we completed 3 dives in the outer reefs. We saw lots of exciting marine life, including Turtles, Manta rays, Maori Wrasse, and the corals are some of the best kept corals we’ve ever seen.

Where to stay in Cairns

We stayed at The Village Cairns , a hostel in the middle of the city. It is located only 10 minutes walk from the ferry harbour where you take the boat tour.

There are a few nice bars and restaurants and a city mall. There is not much to do in the city, but there are a lot of tours not only to the Great Barrier Reef, but also to the nearby city, Port Douglas, and several wildlife parks. Apart from diving in Great Barrier Reef, we found the other tours a bit too expensive and going to any activities without a car our tour seemed impossible. We recommend to only stay 2 nights in Cairns.

The total distance for this Australia itinerary

And that’s a wrap! We’ve just completed an amazing 4-week virtual road trip around this stunning country together. Now, it’s your turn to share your thoughts. Now is up to you where you want to start first: Melbourne or Cairns.

The total distance for this itinerary is 5,200 kilometres or 3,231 miles.

Remember this distance doesn’t include distances like driving around the cities and towns, if you want to add that to your itinerary, we reckon you should add at least 500 km more to the distance above.

Budget your road trip

To help you prepare for your road trip, we are sharing below how much it cost us to complete this 4 weeks trip (November 2023).

Campervan : 7,983 AUD (This price is for 4 weeks including the full insurance that we do recommend taking so you don’t have to worry if you get hit by a small rock in the windscreen or a flat tire, the price also changes depending on the season and how far in advance you booked).

Petrol: 903 AUD (Diesel).

Campsites: 1,287 AUD (All the campsites were powered but if you feel that could handle few days without electricity, perhaps you could save a bit more on this).

Groceries: 1,785 AUD (This includes all foods, drinks, and other things like spices that you buy only once and keep for the rest of your trip, we also didn’t have any winter clothes and in some parts of Australia was very cold so we had to buy some).

Activities: 1,548 AUD (Diving, wine tasting, football tickets and others)

Public Transport: 76 AUD (Buses and Taxis)

Total: 13,582 AUD (9,100 USD).

The best part of driving with your own vehicle is that you can stop anywhere and don’t need to follow timetables from buses and trains so you have the freedom to decide when and where to go next.

We spent 4 weeks in Australia, our daily spent was 452 AUD (300 USD) for 2 people per day, our average daily travel budget includes all our travel costs in the country and does not include the costs for our flight tickets to and from Australia. We check websites like Budgetmytrip.com to budget for our trips, and here you will find that the average spending is around 340 USD for 2 people per day (November 2023), so we managed to keep it less than that. We like this site because it is fairly accurate and is regularly updated to include recent inflation rates.

Our epic journey around Australia’s East Coast has come to an end. We know it’s sad that the road trip is finished, but If you liked Australia just as much as we did, then you might also be planning your next destination, for us that is New Zealand!

A Complete New Zealand 5 Weeks Road Trip Travel Itinerary

Stay Updated With Our Latest Travel Tips !

We promise we’ll never spam! Take a look at our Privacy Policy for more info.

You have successfully signed up! Check your inbox for updates!

Share this article

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

One response to “A Complete 4 Weeks Road Trip Travel Itinerary Around Australia’s East Coast”

[…] we landed in Auckland after 4 weeks of living in a campervan in Australia and driving up the east coast from Melbourne to Cairns, at first, we didn’t have an exact plan of […]

Road Trips Australia

Travel made easy.

Adventure begins here...

For the best australian road trips and driving holidays, road trips in queensland.

Discover road trips in Queensland: tropical rainforest, stretching from the Bunya Mountains in the south to Baron Gorge in the North. Swim in natural rockpools at Finch Hatton Gorge or snorkel peacefully with fish and coral in the Great Barrier Reef. Relax on a tropical beach: perhaps Mission Beach or Magnetic Island. Remember the sunscreen!

Road Trips in Victoria

Find the best road trips from Melbourne: Venture along the scenic coastline known as the Great Ocean Road. Explore seaside towns before venturing inland to the Grampians or Snowy Mountains. Experience a close encounter with Fairy Penguins on Philip Island, and get close to the most southern point of Australia at Wilson's Promontory National Park.

Road Trips Nothern Territory

Travel Northern Territory: Experience the true Red Centre. Drive through the open savannah to the rolling formations of Devil's Marbles, be wowed by the sheer cliffs of Kings Canyon, and experience Australia's icon Uluru. To the north, behold gorges, warm springs, and waterfalls. Feel a connection to the ancient landscape entwined with Aboriginal culture.

Road Trips in New South Wales

Plan a trip through NSW, with these detailed road trip itineraries. From the vibrant city of Canberra to Australia's highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Follow windy roads through tall eucalypt forests and stop over in historic towns. Take in the views from one of many lookouts over the Blue Mountains, or enter into a cave tour. Fall in love with the deep blue ocean and beaches of Eden, Jervis Bay in the south, and Hat Head and Byron Bay in the north...

Road Trips in South Australia

Plan a South Australia road trip to discover another piece of Australia. Leave Adelaide City behind for a Limestone Coast adventure. Relax watching the sunset over Coffin Bay; how about some Coffin Bay Oysters matched with a local South Australian wine? Uncover the natural beauty of the Gawler Ranges and Flinders Ranges. Travel beyond the vast open desert and visit inland lakes, springs, and historic Ghan railway ruins via the Oodnadatta Track to Coober Pedy... 

Road Trips in Western Australia

Discover self-drive road trips from Perth. These journeys display picture-perfect boulder-lined bays or panoramic vistas from WA's highest peak at Stirling Range. To the north, behold the unique rock formations of the Cervantes and snorkel Coral Bay or feed Dolphins in Denham. Cool off in waterfalls and rock pools at Karijini National Park, surrounded by the rugged red Pilbara region.

Featured Articles

Camp oven delight:, roast lamb shanks recipe, explore outback queensland, 14-day road trip adventure, great ocean road, 7-day road trip from melbourne, road trip from sydney, 14 days of discovery, discover the best road trip planner australia in 2024, too busy to plan we've got this..

Explore Road Trips Australia to discover a wide range of road trip planners and driving holiday itineraries throughout Australia. This content is designed to help you plan the perfect road trip adventure. Whether you’re a family looking to escape on school holidays, a working couple with limited time, empty nesters seeking a group adventure, or an overseas visitor trying to figure out where to start, we’ve got you covered. With our comprehensive guides, travel planning has never been easier.

Why Have a Planned Road Trip Itinerary?

• Having a planned road trip allows you to incorporate and discover new locations and places of interest into your trip.
• Ability use your allocated time away effectively.   
• Not left guessing where to go next.
• Avoid disappointment if a destination is booked out.
• Family and friends know your location (for safety purposes).
• Packing: you can be better prepared if your destinations are known!

All You Need for the Perfect Road Trip Escape

• Choose a planned road trip by Road Trips Australia. Easy Right? 
• Each road trip has a map, and here is your packing list and meal planning guide !
• Consider taking your adventure further from home with a fly-and-drive road trip. You can check out the Motorhome Republic to explore motorhome hire from your chosen capital city. 
• Want a road trip adventure but need the gear? Check out Camplify for RV (Recreational Vehicle) hire near me or our guide to camping gear .

Road Trip Planner for School Holidays Australia

Road Trips Australia has planned amazing road trip itinerary’s , perfect for a school holiday adventure! With 7 and 14-day road trips from every capital city in Australia, it is achievable to explore Australia piece by piece. So begin your quest for an exciting school holiday filled with exploration with Road Trips Australia.

Discover the Best Camping Food

Planning your camping and travel meals ahead of time can make your outdoor adventure even more enjoyable. See our top picks for the best camping food ideas, from quick and simple meals to more gourmet options, including variations for vegan and vegetarian meals. 

Essential Navigation Apps Australia

Embarking on a journey, whether a weekend getaway or a grand driving holiday adventure, requires careful planning and access to reliable information. In the digital age, travel apps have revolutionized the way we explore. Discover essential travel apps that can enhance your travel experience. 

Best Camping Gear Australia

When camping in parts of Australia, having the right gear can significantly enhance your outdoor experience. From tents and sleeping bags to cooking equipment and lighting, explore these articles to discover the best camping gear available in Australia, ensuring you’re well-equipped for your next adventure in the great outdoors!

Find. Travel. Leave.

The "go to" website for best road trips australia, guide to the simpson desert.

Escaping to the centre of Australia may be on your bucket list! This epic trip is definitely not for the faint-hearted. But with our guide to crossing the Simpson Desert, you can be well-prepared for an unforgettable journey through Australia's Desert Parks.

Best Stops Pacific Highway

Be taken on a journey along the NSW east coast Pacific Highway. Discover BIG things, like 'the big axe' to 'the big prawn'! Visit hip seaside towns, stop to enjoy sweeping ocean views or explore rainforests and waterfalls...Ready to go?

Guide to Victoria High Country

Embark on the unforgettable road trip journey through the stunning Victoria High Country. Discover it's beauty, plan your trip, and ensure safety with this ultimate guide to the Australian Alpine country...

7 and 14-day Road Trips

7-day road trip from brisbane.

Discover the best of south-east Queensland on a 7-day road trip escape from Brisbane. Explore beaches, wine regions, charming towns and waterfalls...

South Australia in 7-days

Discover the ultimate 7-day road trip itinerary from Adelaide through South Australia. Follow our guide to an unforgettable adventure that begins here!

14-day Tasmania Road Trip

Embark on a captivating Tasmania road trip, exploring stunning landscapes and cultural treasures. Discover the best of Tasmania on this unforgettable journey...

As Seen in Burnett Today

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we live and travel. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.

Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy

Australia East Coast Road Trip Itinerary: A Complete Guide

Australia’s East Coast is one of the most popular places in the world to travel. It spans the length of Queensland and into New South Wales, and features the larger cities of Cairns and Brisbane. With its world class beaches, ancient rainforests, endless adrenaline activities and charming towns, it’s truly a destination like no other. So the main aim of this guide is to equip you with everything you need to know to plan your own Australia East Coast road trip itinerary.

I’ve done three road trips along Australia’s East Coast (mad, I know!). The first time, I joined an organised tour from Brisbane up to Cairns. It was fast paced and more fun than I could have ever imagined. The second time, I chose to do the journey more slowly in a camper van south from Cairns to Byron Bay. For the third visit, I did an awesome but far shorter one week road trip from Byron Bay to Noosa. So I feel I’ve got really sound experience in devising an East Coast itinerary.

One of the best things about the East Coast of Australia is the sheer variety in things to do. On each East Coast trip, I’ve ended up doing completely different things and each road trip has been equally incredible.

If you’re trying to decide which direction to travel the East Coast, there aren’t really any overarching reasons to go one way and not the other. The biggest factors will be around your plans before and after the East Coast, plus the time you have available. If you are planning to take 6+ weeks, I would suggest perhaps starting in Cairns. Then you could carry on driving south past Brisbane and on towards Sydney and Melbourne.

For the purpose of this blog post, I will share an Australian East Coast road trip itinerary starting in the tropical city of Cairns in the north. From here, the itinerary will weave south past pristine beaches, rugged mountains ranges, waterfalls, tropical rainforest, charming surf towns, some of the world’s best diving spots, as well as the epic K’gari island (also known as Fraser Island).

This guide is aimed at all travellers, with suggestions for both backpackers and those on a slightly bigger budget throughout. It can be used for anyone travelling in Australia as it covers all the best things to do along the East Coast.

Australia East Coast Road Trip Itinerary: Essential things to know

Wow, so where to start! Some of the most important things to consider for an Australia East Coast road trip itinerary are time of year to visit, vehicle type and budget. So let’s get stuck in!

When is the best time to travel the East Coast of Australia?

First things first – when is the best time of year to plan a road trip for Australia’s East Coast?

As you can see below, Australia is a huge country. You can fit about two thirds of Europe into its land mass. And therefore, the weather across the whole of Australia does vary, especially more so in the Australian winter months (May to September). I’ve summarised this below, but do make sure to check out my detailed Australia climate guide too.

Cairns, in Tropical North Queensland, is the largest northernmost town on the East Coast and has hot weather year-round. However, this is divided into two distinct seasons – wet and dry.

During the Australian winter ( May to September ), Cairns experiences warm, dry weather and low crowds .

During the Australian summer ( November to April ), Cairns is hot and humid, with plenty of rain . This tropical monsoonal starts building up in December and by January, the rains are mostly daily and can be torrential.

Although the days can still be hot and sunny, the tropical rains can make diving conditions more challenging, and visibility worse for seeing underwater life. And as Cairns is popular for diving, it could be a real shame to visit and not be able to enjoy this fully.

Another key factor with Cairns and the surrounding area is stinger season. This refers to the presence of tiny stinging box jellyfish in the water. The sting can be extremely painful, and can be fatal in some cases. If you do visit in the months when this is at its worse (Jan to March), you will have to wear stinger suits in the water.

So, where possible, visiting Cairns in the Australian winter means long, sunny days, with minimal rain and no stingers in the water. As mentioned above, conditions for diving in the Great Barrier Reef are optimal with perfect water temperatures and visibility in excess of 50m. It’s also an excellent time to see the magnificent Daintree Rainforest at its best and full of life. Furthermore, the water levels are ideal so white water rafting is an awesome activity to during this time, but can often be too dangerous during the months from January to March.

From personal experience, I found the weather in Cairns during August/September to be perfect. We were able to experience every activity and as this is the start of spring, there was plenty of colour and life in the plants and trees. On my second road trip, we were in Cairns in the month of December which was still quite good, although noticeably hotter and humid. It was early December and we experienced no rainfall, but prices for accommodation were higher. I also got stung by a rogue stinger who had made an early arrival into the waters in the Great Barrier Reef. It was very painful for about 30 minutes, and then the sting subsided.

So to summarise, it depends on the activities you plan to do in Cairns as to when is the best time to visit, but generally the months from May to September are best.

Then, at the southern end of Queensland is Brisbane. It receives some of the most enjoyable and reliable weather in Australia throughout the year. It has a warm-temperate climate, meaning there are few days you’d need a jumper.

As with Cairns, the Australian summer from January to March bring the hottest and most humid weather . During this period is the highest chance of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, although they are mostly in the late afternoon.

The best time to visit Brisbane is April to May and September to November , when temperatures are comfortable and humidity and rainfall are low. However, June through to August is also a great time to go to Brisbane, but the temperatures are slightly cooler.

I found Brisbane in the months of September and December to be really lovely, with long hot, sunny days. However, visiting Brisbane and the surrounding area in February did bring a lot of rain.

So when should I plan my East Coast road trip?

Overall, visiting Queensland, which spans from Tropical North Queensland to just south of Brisbane, is best avoided from January to March in order to have the best experience for most activities. If you’re embarking on a longer Australia trip, then it might be best to spend these months in New South Wales (Sydney and surrounds) and Victoria (for Melbourne and surrounds), as the weather here is at its peak from January to March. The same goes for visiting the Outback, which is generally best visited from April to October/November.

If your Australia trip is focused purely on the East Coast, with the Cairns to Brisbane road trip being the primary focus, then a trip from May to August would be the best time. This also avoids stinger season completely. It would be slightly cooler in Brisbane, but you would still unlikely need a jumper or a jacket.

If you’re on a longer trip in Australia, then as just mentioned, you could spend December – March exploring Victoria and New South Wales, before then heading to the East Coast from April onwards. Alternatively, you could do the Australia East Coast Road Trip Itinerary during August, September and/or October, before heading down to Victoria and New South Wales onwards for the better weather during the Australian summer.

How long does it take to travel East Coast Australia?

If you’re short on time, then it can be done in two weeks. This would cover the highlights. If you can spare longer, perhaps 4-6 weeks you’ll have enough time to see and do just about everything, and have some time to relax!

If you have two months or so, then an awesome adventure would be to drive from Cairns to Melbourne which would easily take in some of the very best parts of Australia. You’d traverse through some seriously different climates and experience both the tiniest beach towns as well as the huge, cosmopolitan cities of Sydney and Melbourne.

Should I go for a car or a camper van for my East Coast road trip?

Any road trip in Australia is best with a camper van. The freedom is unparalleled and you can truly travel at your own pace.

With a camper van, you can adjust your itinerary more easily and generally, it offers better value as the camper van doubles up as your accommodation each night. However, a camper van isn’t for everyone as space can be challenging.

The main camper van companies in Australia are:

• Spaceships Rentals
• Wicked Campers

Pros and cons of a camper van

• Can save costs on more expensive hotel or lodging accommodation
• It can save money on food costs as you have your own stove/kitchen area in the van which is great for easy breakfasts and some dinners
• Is a good way to split fuel costs between friends if there’s a few of you
• You can easily stay longer somewhere you like if you don’t need to look for accommodation
• There are many free campsites, motorway rest stops or areas to park and sleep overnight (check Wikicamping and the state parks’ app/websites )
• You can sleep and wake up so much closer to nature
• You don’t need to carry suitcases or bags in and out of hotels
• In the busiest months, the cost of a camper van can be steep
• You will spend more on fuel as the vehicle is heavier
• Making the bed each night can get a little tiring and sand from the beaches gets everywhere
• You can’t really keep the air-con on overnight without draining the battery, so it gets hot!
• Also, it’s likely you will lose stuff within the van all the time. There are just way too many cubby holes and spaces for things to fall down
• There may be some days you go without a shower
• Can be moments where it’s difficult to park, especially if you visit cities like Brisbane
• There are many ways to lose money from your deposit with a camper van as there are so many more parts to it to break!

If you really fancy resting your head somewhere a little more comfortable each night, then a car is a great option. You still have a huge amount of freedom, but just slightly less freedom as you do need to find somewhere to sleep each night.

Pros and cons of hiring a car

• Lower initial cost for renting a vehicle
• Also lower petrol costs
• Easier to park in general
• You have a boot to keep your suitcase in, and act as an on-the-go wardrobe space
• Less risk of losing things as the vehicle is way smaller
• No need to go without showers and guaranteed a slightly more comfortable and cooler sleep every night
• May save money if hotels, lodges etc include breakfast in the rate
• Need to find a place to stay each night, which can be expensive and time consuming/stressful in peak season
• In my option, there’s a slight less feel of ‘adventure’ with a normal hire car, as opposed to a camper van

Joining an organised tour or using bus services

I joined an organised tour one year with Topdeck (read all about the trip here ). Generally, I don’t tend to join multi-week tours but it was aimed at students and more than 40 of my friends booked on. So as you can imagine, it was one of the best experiences of my life. I enjoyed some awesome adventures each day, with nearly all meals and activities included, it was excellent value. Except for skydiving, all other activities were already paid for, including bungee jumping, white water rafting and admission to the Australia Zoo.

Organised tours along the East Coast of Australia are very popular, but naturally, they don’t allow for any freedom or adjusting the itinerary at all. However, it can be a great way to meet people and have all logistics taken care of.

Some great companies include: Contiki , G Adventures , the Oz Experience, Intrepid

Stray also has a great value Cairns to Sydney bus pass, which you can book online here .

Another alternative is to use bus services such as Greyhound or Premier. Both of these companies offer dozens of buses stopping at hundreds of convenient stops across the East Coast every day. Plus, you can book the tickets just the day before and sometimes on the day, which can be really handy. If you don’t fancy driving the East Coast yourself, this is a great way to travel. They also offer hop-on hop-off bus passes which can be great value – for example, Greyhound has a bus pass that covers you for 90 days and starts at around $349.

Greyhound offers the slightly more expensive bus tickets of the two, but the buses are comfortable and offer on board Wi-Fi.

Finally, I wouldn’t recommend planning to do this trip by hitchhiking. It’s not as common as movies might suggest!

Eating on the East Coast

Three meals a day, plus snacks and coffees/drinks can add up quickly when travelling in Australia.

Fortunately, BBQ-ing in Australia is every bit as popular as you might imagine. There are gas BBQs all over Australia in parks, by beaches, in national parks and next to boardwalks. They are free to use and really easy to operate, most having utensils to use too. There’s always plenty of table space nearby and it’s one of the most easy ways to assimilate into Australian life, as these are equally popular with locals and tourists.

Supermarkets are really geared up to this, and their meat section sells all kinds of meats in different marinades, making it really easy. Furthermore, they always have a delicatessen section with choose-your-own salad bowls and side dishes. It couldn’t be more simple to pull together an amazing BBQ spread in Australia.

The big supermarket chains are Woolworths and Coles, which have the most competitive pricing and a huge range. In some smaller locations, you might find an IGA or a SPAR which can be a tad more expensive.

When you don’t feel like cooking or don’t have the chance to do a food shop, there are popular fast food chains such as Hungry Jacks and Pie Face, or smoothie chains like Boost. I personally prefer to sample the local food in cafes in town, or a family-owned fish and chip shop instead. There are also plenty of pubs in Australia, which are pretty cheap but the quality can be a bit iffy (like Wetherspoons in the UK).

A popular place for a pub-like meal on a Sunday is the local Surf Life Saving Club, and you’ll see these dotted all along the coastline – particularly in the Gold Coast. Mostly aimed at local members, they nearly all welcome in tourists (with sign-in at the door). It’s a very Australian experience if you like beer, local live musicians and ridiculously big portions of chips, nachos and battered fish!

Then of course there are excellent restaurants all across the East Coast.

Deciding where to stay on the East Coast – hotels, lodges, hostels or camping

Even if you do the road trip along the East Coast in a camper van, there will be some nights where you’ll need to opt for a campsite for its shower facilities.

And there are hundreds of campsites along the East Coast. Some are your traditional pitch and stay camping grounds, and some are huge, expansive holiday resorts. Whilst these are typically aimed at domestic travellers, everyone is welcome and you may be blown away by the facilities.

The best resources for campsites on the East Coast of Australia are:

• Pitchup (can book directly on this site too)
• Tourism Australia
• Camping in Queensland
• Camping in NSW

The East Coast is also home to hundreds and hundreds of hostels. There are also some hostel chains in Australia, and nearly always one where you’re travelling. The two biggest chains are Nomads and Base. Staying in one of these means a fairly reliable and comfortable experience. The dorms are clean and secure, and the social areas are often amazing. Staying in hostels add to a quintessential Australia experience. I’ve had some brilliant stays and met some awesome people.

However, I prefer now to travel and stay in hotels where possible. On my most recent visit to Australia, we had a hire car and spent our nights in various Airbnbs and hotels along the East Coast. We stayed in some amazing Airbnbs, including a treehouse in the Gold Coast and a Balinese style villa in Noosa.

However, throughout this itinerary I will suggest a couple of options for each destination that cover campsites, hostels and hotels. I’ve managed to stay in all three types nearly everywhere along the East Coast now, so I’ve got some good experience!

Money and Budget

The currency in Australia is the dollar (AUD). Generally across Australia card payments are widely accepted, and contactless is very popular as the limit is $200.

For slightly more remote locations or for any really small villages you visit, I would recommend keeping cash on hand.

In terms of budgeting, prices are approximately the below:

Accommodation:

• Camping site (tent) – $10-20 per night
• Camper van spot at campsite – $20 – $50 per night, depending on size and facilities of the campground/holiday resort
• Double room in a value hotel or holiday resort: $100-140
• Double room in a 4 or 5 star hotel: $200 – $300 depending on time of year you visit

Food (based on two people):

• On-the-go coffees: $9
• Fast food or take away meal: approx $20
• Local cafe or pub meal: $60
• 3 Course meal in a good restaurant: $140-200

In terms of alcohol, it’s not sold at supermarkets but instead at bottle shops such as Dan Murphy’s. Prices are a little more than in the UK and the US, but they do sell boxed wine, affectionally called ‘goon’ in Australia. Boxed wine doesn’t taste the best BUT it’s cheap and lasts longer than a bottle!

Excursions and activities are likely to be your greatest expenditure. There are so many bucket list activities on the East Coast of Australia vthat I highly recommend putting budget aside so you can make the most of these. As an indication, here are the approximate prices of several activities:

• Animal sanctuary entrance fee: approx $40 per adult
• 15,000 ft sky dive in Cairns: $359 per person (not including video or photos)
• Entry to Daintree National Park and canopy walk: $35 per adult

As an approximate guide, the AUD to GBP conversion is roughly half. So animal sanctuary entrance is around £20 ($40).

The AUD to USD conversion is about 1.5, so animal sanctuary entrance is around USD $25 (AUD $40).

Finally, fuel in Australia is similar in price to the UK, but more expensive than the USA. Fuel for the whole route could cost around AUD$600-800, or more depending on detours you might take.

Deciding where to go on your Australia East Coast Road Trip Itinerary

So you’ve decided when to embark on your epic road trip, and you’ve got your vehicles or bus pass sorted. Now the fun part – deciding where to go!

If you can’t already tell, I love the East Coast of Australia. It has everything AND warm weather year round.

As mentioned above, I have driven the route in both directions but my favourite was probably the Cairns to Brisbane drive. This would also be considered the most iconic road trip for the East Coast of Australia too. It spans world class beaches, dozens of stunning national parks as well as incredible Great Barrier Reef and the twinkly Whitsunday Islands.

So for the purpose of this blog post, we’ll be starting in Cairns but this itinerary can be modified in any way, and of course started in Sydney, Byron Bay or Brisbane. I also list the minimum to maximum number of days needed in each place to help you plan and decide where to visit.

The most important thing to remember is that Australia is BIG . The Cairns to Brisbane road trip spans 1,682km (or 1,045 miles), and that’s taking the most direct route without any detours. It’s around 19 hours of driving if you were to go straight through. There are also some seriously long stretches of driving without any major towns or stops too.

One thing you must remember is to fill your car or van with fuel whenever you can. Never leave a town with less than a full tank – I speak from experience!

So without further ado, let’s jump in with our first stop, Cairns!

Suggested time for Cairns: 3-5 days

This tropical city is one of my favourite places in Australia. Although the town is somewhat unassuming, the adventures to be had in and around Cairns are epic!

The relaxed tropical lifestyle in Cairns will ease you in to an Australia road trip, but could also make a relaxing end point too to your road trip.

Cairns could easily be one of the places where you choose to spend longer, but only if your budget allows. There are countless awesome sights to see and places to visit in Cairns , but the tours can add up and makes Cairns quite an expensive stop. That being said, one of the best things to do in Cairns is free – and that’s spending the day at the incredible Esplanade Lagoon in the heart of town.

Best things to do and see in Cairns

Free or low cost:

• Cool off and relax in the magnificent Cairns Lagoon
• Take a road trip to the Daintree Rainforest at Cape Tribulation via Port Douglas
• Spend the day in the Behana Canyon, a swimming hole surrounded by dense rainforest. Why not join this tour .
• Eat and drink your way around some of the beautiful waterside restaurant and bars
• Visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Centre

More expensive but bucket list activities:

• Join a boat trip to the incredible Great Barrier Reef where you can snorkel or learn to dive
• Take a boat out to the stunning Fitzroy Island
• Brave the ultimate leap of faith at the AJ Hackett bungee jump centre
• Go ATV riding in the rainforest
• Take the train to spend the day at the Kuranda Rainforest Skyway , an awesome journey across the rainforest finishing at the epic Mossman Falls
• Enjoy a hop on hop off beer and drinks tour of Cairns
• Join a tour of the Atherton Tablelands , and visit beautiful waterfalls and scenic lakes (including the famous Milla Milla Falls)
• Enjoy a foodie tour and wine tasting in the Atherton Tablelands
• Visit the Daintree Rainforest and enjoy Cape Tribulation .

Blow-the-budget fun:

• Book a super special day on the Sunlover Reef pontoon , where you enjoy all the activities at this mini village floating on the Great Barrier Reef
• Organise a helicopter ride over the Great Barrier Reef, a true once in a lifetime experience, or even a scenic flight !
• Enjoy an epic skydive over Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef

Where to stay in Cairns

In Cairns, there are no free camping options in the city centre, but there are some paid campsites on the edge of town. Make sure to check this guide on camping near Cairns .

And here are my best picks for accommodation in Cairns:

Best luxury stay: Shangri-La at The Marina (£90pn) or the Pullman Reef Casino (from £97pn)

Great value mid-range stay: Pacific Hotel Cairns (from £63pn)

Best hostel: Gilligans Backpacker Resort (dorm from £17pn, private room from £70) has some of the best facilities I have experienced anywhere. It’s a lively party place but does also offer great value if you book out a 4 or 6 bed dorm for your group.

Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas and the Daintree Rainforest

• Suggested time for the Daintree Rainforest: 1-2 days
• Driving distance from Cairns to Port Douglas: 68km (1hour) along the Captain Cook Highway
• Driving distance from Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation: 75km (1h30)

This beautiful corner of Australia is home to the Daintree Rainforest, which is the world’s oldest! It is also unique as it the only place in the world where two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites meet – the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.

Cape Tribulation however is considered one of the most dangerous beaches in the world. This is due to the huge population of crocodiles that reside here, as well as the often-fatal stings from Box Jellyfish in the water.

Whilst driving to Cape Tribulation can easily be done as a full day trip , it’s well worth an overnight stay if you have the time. I would perhaps recommend opting for a small hire car for the day, instead of taking a camper van however. The roads can be narrow and difficult to drive, especially as you get deeper into the rainforest. Note that driving further north from Cape Tribulation towards Cooktown and the Cape York Village requires a 4WD and some previous experience essential as the tracks here are very challenging.

Port Douglas on route is also a beautiful upscale resort town which is definitely worth a stop for a few hours. The beach is beautiful and over four miles long, and its main street is packed with quirky shops and independent cafes and restaurants. If you visit on a Sunday, make sure to check out the beachside markets too.

In terms of activities in the Daintree forest, there are plenty:

• Soar above the rainforest on a zipline adventure
• Explore the rainforest from the elevated walkways
• Take on some of the best hikes, including the Mount Sorrow hike
• Spot crocodiles on a river cruise on the Daintree River
• River drift snorkelling near Port Douglas
• Explore the deserted and untouched beaches, and see where the rainforest meets the reef
• Visit the Daintree tea plantation
• Swim in the Mossman Gorge

The Cairns to Port Douglas drive is spectacular, with the road weaving between the rainforest and the azure ocean. The views are stunning. From Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation, the road is often surrounded by the dense, lush rainforest and you have to take a small ferry to cross the Daintree River. I’ve written a complete itinerary guide to driving from Cairns to Cape Tribulation, so make sure to check this out.

In terms of places to stay in Port Douglas or Cape Tribulation, there are some wonderful eco-stays including:

• Niramaya Villas & Spa (around £450pn)
• Noah Creek Eco Huts (around £157pn)
• Thala Beach Nature Resort (around £220pn)

In Port Douglas, there is also the beautiful Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort (from £129 pn) too or the stunning Shantara Resort (from £229 pn).

Alternatively, you can of course join a day trip, such as this one which is a full day exploring the Daintree rainforest, the Mossman Falls and Cape Tribulation . Or this day trip, which includes a stop at Port Douglas and Wildlife Habitat .

Mission Beach

• Suggested time for Mission Beach: 1-2 days
• Driving distance from Cairns to Mission Beach: 139km (1h50)

Next stop, Mission Beach. In my opinion, the drive from Cairns south is stunning with the Bruce Highway bordered on both sides by sugar cane plantations, followed by banana trees. The first moderate sized town is Innisfail, which I personally don’t think is worth a stop. So I recommend heading straight to Mission Beach. Make sure to look out for cassowaries at the side of the road!

Mission Beach is popular with backpackers for its laidback vibes and excellent beaches. What it lacks in obvious activities and sightseeing opportunities, it makes up for in huge stretches of glorious sandy beaches and walking tracks in the rainforest. I’ve only ever stopped at Mission Beach in October and December which is stinger season, so we could not enter the water.

I would recommend a night in Mission Beach, especially as it provides a decent break in the long drive between Cairns and Townsville, which is the next large town (347km, 4hrs). Mission Beach is also right next to Tully’s River, which is home to some of the best white water rafting in Australia.

Book your white water rafting trip to Tully’s River here!

Where to stay in Mission Beach

• Best luxury stay: Castaways Resort & Spa Mission Beach (from £100pn)
• Good value mid-range stay: Mission Reef Resort (from £54 pn)
• Best hostel: Jackaroo Treehouse (from £30pn)

Townsville & Magnetic Island

• Suggested time for Townsville: half day (but longer if visiting Magnetic Island)
• Driving distance from Mission Beach to Townsville: 235km (2h40)

This large town is largely residential and also home to a big Australian military and naval base. I personally don’t think there’s a huge amount to see in Townsville but it is home to my absolute favourite wildlife sanctuary in Australia, which is the Billabong Sanctuary .

I cannot recommend stopping at this amazing wildlife sanctuary more! It’s the perfect place to meet a whole host of the most iconic Australian animals, such as the echidna, wombat, koala and kangaroo. Billabong Sanctuary is a really well-run wildlife centre, with lots of opportunities for animal interaction, plus the location itself is beautiful. It’s located 17km south of Townsville, so you could spend the afternoon there as you continue on your road trip south.

Townsville is the starting point for the ferry to Magnetic Island. This slice of paradise is popular with backpackers but a little less frequented by other types of tourists. I haven’t been to Magnetic Island, so I cannot comment from personal experience but I understand it’s super-laidback and full of beautiful, scenic spots. Make sure to book your ferry tickets from Townsville to Magnetic Island in advance here.

If you do choose to spend a night in Townsville, the Oaks Gateway Suites offer great rooms at a good price (£67 pn). Alternatively, there is a BIG4 Holiday Park at Rowes Bay with beachside cabins from £50.

Airlie Beach & The Whitsundays

• Suggested time for Airlie Beach & The Whitsundays: 2-5 days
• Driving distance from Townsville to Airlie Beach: 273km (3h10)

Airlie Beach is the gateway to The Whitsundays, and this stop is a must-do on any East Coast road trip itinerary. Make sure to read my detailed guide to visiting the Whitsunday Islands here .

The town itself is popular with backpackers, although there are few luxury hotels. Those on a slightly smaller budget or tighter time frame can visit The Whitsundays on a full day boat trip.

But if you have time, then I highly recommend splurging on a sailing trip around the Whitsundays. You can spend around 2-3 days on living onboard a sailing boat, where you can snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef and visit Whitehaven, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Alternatively, you could stay on one of the Whitsunday Islands for a couple of nights, for the ultimate barefoot paradise experience.

There are some amazing resort hotels in The Whitsunday Islands, with the InterContinental Hayman Island being one of the very best stays.

I’ve done both a sailing trip and a 3 night stay on the islands, and I honestly couldn’t say which I preferred. Both were incredible.

For day sailing trips, you could wait to book this in Airlie Beach, but you risk the boats being full, so I recommend booking a tour in advance. Here are a few excellent suggestions:

• Whitsundays Full-Day Catamaran Sailing Adventure from Airlie  (£108pp)
• Half Day Whitsunday & Whitehaven 6-Hour Cruise  £63pp)
• Whitsundays Ocean Rafting Tour: Snorkel, Walk & Whitehaven  (£85pp)

For 1 or 2 night sailing trips, you could check the below companies:

• OzSailWhitsunday s (2 day, 2 night trips) – starts at £208pp
• Whitsundays Sailing Adventures  (offer a 1 night sailing trip) – starts at £216pp
• The same company also offers an awesome  3-day, 2-night sailing and diving trip  – starts at £390pp
• Red Cat Adventures  (2 nights) – starts at £260pp
• Wings Whitsundays Adventure  (2 nights) – starts at £260pp
• ProSail offer 2 or 3 night sailing adventures – starting at £398pp

Back on Airlie Beach, there isn’t a huge amount to do, so if you choose to visit the islands as a day trip, you could spend a relaxing day at the Airlie Beach Lagoon.

But this could be a place to splurge and explore the Whitsundays from a difference perspective entirely. For example, this  1-hour scenic flight over the Whitsundays Island archipelago  looks incredible, or what about a  tandem skydive over the Whitsundays ?

Or you could go all out with a  helicopter trip to the Whitsunday Islands . It even lands on Whitehaven beach – possibly the most incredible day imaginable.

Slightly further inland from Airlie Beach (and slightly more affordable), there are some great hiking routes in the Conway National Park and waterfall swimming at the beautiful Cedar Creek Falls.

Where to stay in Airlie Beach

There’s a huge number of places to stay in Airlie Beach, covering every budget. In fact, you can find some seriously nice stays at very good value. Here’s my pick:

• Base Airlie Beach (dorm from £16 per night, double from £53)
• Big4 at Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort (camping from £19 per night)
• Magnums Airlie Beach (from £31 per night)
• Mantra Club Croc Airlie Beach (from £57 per night)
• Airlie Beach Hotel (from £82 per night)
• Mirage Whitsundays (from £117 per night)
• Coral Sea Resort Hotel (from £139 per night)

Where to stay on the Whitsundays

I’ve written about all the various options in the Whitsundays in more detail, which I recommend you check out.

Fortunately, there’s a good range of tropical island resorts to stay on, with Daydream Island offering excellent value. Rates here start from £150 per night.

One of the most luxurious resorts to stay in in the Whitsunday islands is the InterContinental Hayman Island  (formerly the One&Only). Rates start from around £450 per night.

Alternatively, some other ultra-lux options include:

• Beach Club , an opulent hotel on Hamilton Island . Rates start from £397 per night
• Elysian Retreat  can only host 20 people at any time, and is the ultimate in barefoot luxury with all stays on all-inclusive basis. Rates start at £630 per night.
• Or, the exceptional Paradise Cove Resort. I recommend this excellent boat tour and 2 nights all inclusive in a secluded villa  at the island resort. (£311 per person)

Capricorn Caves

• Suggested time for the Capricorn Caves: 1/2 day
• Driving distance from Airlie Beach to the Capricorn Caves: 460km (5hrs)

The stretch south from Airlie Beach is a long one – I think the second longest stretch of driving on this road trip. Optional stops before the Capricorn Caves include Mackay, a small quiet town with some lovely cycling and hiking, but no essential bucket list adventures. After Mackay, the next potential stop point would be Rockhampton, where (without exaggerating) there is nothing to do.

I recommend breaking up the long drive from Airlie Beach to the next key stop (Hervey Bay/K’gari Island) with a visit to the Capricorn Caves. These are fairly near to Rockhampton, so depending on the time you arrive in this area, you may want to consider an overnight stay near Rockhampton or a little further south at Gladstone (137km/1hr41).

The Capricorn Caves are called this because they are located on the Tropic of Capricorn. They are an awesome complex of caves, with over 1.5km of passages to explore. They only way to visit is on a tour, often called the ‘Cathedral Tour’ as they all take in the incredible largest cave, which often holds wedding and special events. The acoustics are incredible and it was like nowhere I’d seen before.

Book a tour to the Capricorn Caves here!

Taking around one hour in total, it’s well worth a visit and is often missed off travellers’ East Coast itineraries.

Suggestions for affordable places to stay around this area:

• Mackay: Central Tourist Park (£41 per night)
• Rockhampton: Denison Boutique Hote l (£54 per night)
• Capricorn Caves: Capricorn Motel (£65 per night)
• Gladstone: Barney Beach Accommodation (£50 per night)

Rainbow Beach

• Suggested time for Rainbow Beach and K’gari Island: ideally 3-4 days
• Driving distance from Rockhampton/theCapricorn Caves to Rainbow Beach: 601km (6hrs40)

From the Rockhampton area onwards, there are a few stops to consider including Agnes Water/1770 and Bundaberg. The latter is famous for its rum, and visiting the Bundaberg Distillery makes for a brilliant stop. Make sure to book a tour to the local brewery too!

The town of 1770, sometimes written as Seventeen Seventy, is the second spot in Australia that James Cook and his crew landed in the year 1770. We did stop here and I was fairly disappointed with the lack of things to do and see, so I wouldn’t necessarily recommend visiting.

So unless you make a brief stop at Bundaberg, I recommend driving straight through to the Rainbow Beach area. It’s a long old drive, that’s for sure! Looking back, that was why we stopped at 1770 – to break it up!

Rainbow Beach is located in the Great Sandy National Park and is a tiny backpacker town, surrounded by huge, towering sand dunes. The town is mostly a starting point for Fraser Island tours, but you can definitely spend a relaxing day here too.

One of my favourite things to do in Rainbow Beach is climb the huge Carlo Sand Blow and admire the spectacular views across the ocean. The Great Sandy National Park is well worth exploring too – you can even do this on horseback !

Where to stay in Rainbow Beach

There are quite a few places to stay in Rainbow Beach, many of which offer great value stays. Here are my suggestions:

• Freedom Hostels (formerly Dingos) – from £26 per night
• Pippie’s Beach House – from £77 per night
• Rainbow Ocean Palms Resort – from £110 per night

K’gari Island

K’gari Island, previously referred to as Fraser Island, is one of the most popular things to do in Australia. Most tours here are typically aimed at a young backpacking crowd and last 2 days/1night or 3 days/2 nights. There are several other options, including day trips too but as the world’s largest sand island, there’s something special about staying overnight if you can. Unless you have a 4WD drive and significant experience driving on sand, you won’t be able to take your own car to K’gari Island. Several tours however let tourists drive the company’s 4WD vehicles though on what they call a ‘tag along’ basis .

If you book an overnight K’gari Island tour you will have a briefing the evening before departure at 6pm, so you’ll always need to stay the night before in Rainbow Beach. You may also want another night in the town once you come back from K’gari so you don’t have to rush straight off. However it’s worth nothing that you can also start a K’gari Island from trip from Noosa or Hervey, if you prefer.

K’gari Island is a bucket list activity in Australia and for good reason. For many people, K’gari Island is the highlight of their Australia trip!

You definitely should book your K’gari Island tour in advance. Do not leave it for on arrival in Rainbow Beach/Hervey Bay/Noosa, unless you’re arriving several days in advance (at least).

These are the best K’gari Island tours:

• Full day Fraser Island tour from Rainbow Beach (£125pp)
• 2 day/1 night tour from Rainbow Beach (£218pp)

Best things to do on Fraser Island

• If you’re over 21 and on a tag-along tour, you’ll have the opportunity to drive the 4WD along the sand, which is epic
• Swim in the crystal clear freshwater Lake Mackenzie
• Bathe in the beautiful Champagne Pools
• Drift along the natural lazy river at Ely Creek
• Explore the tropical rainforest
• Spot dingos (wild dogs) from afar
• If on an overnight tour, spend the evenings around the campfire drinking and relaxing with new friends
• Drive along 75 Mile Beach
• Hike up to Indian Head to spot sharks and stingrays
• Explore the Maheno shipwreck
• Hike to Lake Wobby

If you visit Fraser Island on a one day tour from the mainland, you’ll be able to do most of the above, but at a quicker pace.

• Suggested time for Noosa: 2-4 days (or as long as possible..)
• Driving distance from Rainbow Beach to Noosa: 117km (1hr37)

Noosa is an absolute must-visit on any East Coast road itinerary and is hands down my favourite place in Australia. Whether you’re a backpacker, on honeymoon, a group of friends or a family, Noosa is the perfect place. The town centre is charming with some brilliant shopping, the beaches are phenomenal and the surrounding scenery is just breathtaking. It’s also the place in Australia where I’ve seen the most koalas in the wild.

Best things to do in Noosa

• Explore the magnificent Noosa National Park, which is easily accessed whether on foot from the town centre or if you drive to its entrance and park
• Beach hopping from Noosa Main Beach to the dog-friendly waters at the Noosa Spit and over in Noosaville too
• Get surfing or take part in a surf lesson
• Go on a dolphin-watching safari by kayak , where your chances of seeing dolphins are super high
• Bar hopping along Main Street
• Tucking into some of the town’s best food, including the phenomenal Spanish set menu at 10 Hastings Street
• Kayak through the Noosa Everglades
• Hike nearby Mt Coolumb
• Get stuck into the craft beer scene in Noosa
• Drive to nearby Emundi to go to the popular Farmer’s Market, running Wednesday to Saturday until 1pm or so
• Go hiking in the magnificent Glasshouse Mountains

Most of Noosa’s main attractions revolve around the beautiful beaches, the National park, the surf and the food. It’s pretty easy to see why I love it so much.

Where to stay in Noosa

There are some beautiful places to stay in Noosa, covering all budgets and preferences.

Best luxury hotels: There are some amazing hotels in Noosa. Some of top luxury stays would be Noosa Shores (£350), Netanya or the beautiful Sofitel Pacific Resort (from £158 per night). However, there’s also the more affordable Peppers Resort on the beach (from £92 per night) and Tingirana .

Good value stays: My favourite good value spot is 10 Hastings Street Boutique Motel . It also has one of the best restaurants town downstairs! Rates start from about £60 per night.

Best hostels: Nomads Backpackers is the best spot in town. Dorm rooms start at £37, or a double is £44.

• Suggested time for Brisbane: 1-2 days
• Driving distance from Noosa to Brisbane: 141km (1hr44)

Queensland’s big city! Brisbane is a modern metropolis, with year-round warm weather and unique city beaches. I like Brisbane, but not even half as much as Melbourne and Sydney.

It’s probably a great city to live in, but visiting for a couple of days at a time, I have never fallen for Brisbane. However, it does have a fantastic manmade city beach at South Bank where I have spent many hours catching the rays.

I also have to recommend my favourite restaurant in Brisbane, which is New Shanghai located in the Myer Centre on Queen Street. There’s a few of these dotted across Australia, but for me, the Brisbane one is just amazing.

Things to do in Brisbane

Brisbane as a city may not be quite as cosmopolitan and lively as Melbourne and Sydney, but it does happen to make a fantastic base to visit other nearby areas. The winter months are an especially lovely time to visit the city, so make sure to check out this guide to the top things to do in Brisbane in the winter .

For example, if diving is your thing, then there are some impressive shipwrecks at Moreton Island.

You can also visit the famous Australia Zoo near Brisbane , which is of course known for being founded by Steve Irwin himself.

• Take a boat ride along the river onboard a Kookaburra River Queens Cruise, which are old style paddlewheel vessels
• Hike a bike to explore the city or join a guided segway tour
• Spend some time in the city’s magnificent Botanical Gardens
• Join a guided kayak tour along the river
• Visit the city’s impressive collection of museums and art galleries
• Take the river boat to the popular Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary on this excellent city tour
• Go shipwreck diving at Moreton Island or visit on snorkelling day tour
• Take a day trip to the beautiful Stradbroke or Bribie Islands

Where to stay in Brisbane

Best luxury hotel: W Brisbane is the coolest place to stay, with rooms starting from £127 per night. Another great luxury hotel would be The Westin (from £155 per night).

Great value stay: Royal on the Park is a beautiful hotel, and a steal with rooms starting from £53 per night

Best hostel: Bunk Hostel (dorms from £21) or Base Brisbane (dorms from £11)

Cairns to Brisbane road trip itinerary

So there’s my Australia East Coast road itinerary, covering the Cairns to Brisbane drive. As you can see, this route takes in countless iconic Australian experiences. I would say this is easily one of the best road trips in the world.

For international travellers coming to the end of the trip, Brisbane makes a wise finishing point as it has an international airport.

However, for those flying onto Australian domestic destinations or with more time, then I highly recommend continuing your journey. For example, onto the Gold Coast and Byron Bay where there are domestic airports in both destinations. If you have plenty of extra time, you could do the Brisbane to Sydney drive. Although this is another 1000km and 10hrs driving, the beaches are fantastic. However, as mentioned before, the drive from Byron Bay to Sydney would be quite cool if done in the Australia winter (May to August).

Brisbane to the Gold Coast and Byron Bay

• Driving distance from Brisbane to the Gold Coast: 99km (1hr10)
• Suggested time for the Gold Coast: 1-4 days
• Driving distance from Brisbane to Byron Bay: 166km (1hr50)
• Suggested time for the Byron Bay: 1-4 days
• Driving distance between Gold Coast and Byron Bay: 93km (1hr)

Both Gold Coast and Byron Bay are popular holiday destinations with Australians as well as international travellers. And as mentioned, with domestic airports near both locations, you could potentially also finish your road trip itinerary further south of Brisbane. For example, we finished our road trip from Cairns at Ballina Airport, which is just near Byron Bay. This was really convenient as there were rental companies to return you car or camper van.

Gold Coast and Surfer’s Paradise

Gold Coast is a city made up a dozens of smaller beach areas, with expansive stretches of white sand and some of the best surfing in Australia. This whole area is the most popular tourist place in Australia. It’s like visiting a beach resort town in Florida, USA or a resort in Spain. Gold Coast is where young Australians flock to party and have fun every summer, and there are a lot of bars and activities geared towards this. Surfer’s Paradise is at the heart of all the action but I wouldn’t recommend spending long here, unless partying is something you’re keen to do.

The other beach areas surrounding Surfer’s Paradise are amazing, and a great spot to recoup for a couple of days. In fact, the challenge can be deciding which beach to spend the day at.

Alternatively, Gold Coast is packed with all kinds of tourist attractions, including theme parks like Wet’n’Wild and Dreamworld . My personal favourite thing to do in Gold Coast is to visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary . This is a brilliant place to spend a full day. Plus, they have their own wildlife hospital with huge glass windows so you can see all kinds of animals being operated on. On the day we went, I saw birds, tortoises and koalas being treated!

Best things to do in Gold Coast

• Go hiking in nearby Tamborine Mountain or get your adrenaline pumping at the high ropes course
• Or why not visit Mt Tamborine and stop by the beautiful wineries and distilleries on this tour with lunch
• Explore Springbrook National Park and swim in the refreshing waterfalls
• Meet some of Australia’s most unique wildlife at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
• Head to the farmer’s markets at different beaches – my favourite is at Burleigh
• Rent bikes and cycle from one point to another, for example Burleigh Heads to Mermaid Beach
• Explore the stunning waterways of Coolangatta
• Join a surf lesson in Surfer’s Paradise
• Visit the World-Heritage Listed Lamington National Park and explore the beautiful waterfalls and landscape
• Check out the incredible views from the Sky Point Observation Deck

Where to stay in the Gold Coast

There is a seriously huge amount of places to stay in the Gold Coast. It’s hard to even know where to start.

If you are looking to get stuck into the nightlife, then you could stay right in the heart of Surfer’s Paradise .

Otherwise, I recommend picking a beachside community for a couple of days such as Burleigh or Coolangatta . Due to the sheer number of hotels and places to stay in the Gold Coast, you can definitely find some good value stays!

Check rates for all hotels, lodges and holiday parks in the Gold Coast here.

I’ve stayed in several areas around the Gold Coast, and I particularly love the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort . This resort is beyond stunning, with a huge lagoon beach swimming pool, and access to an amazing health club with golf and tennis.

I could have stayed here for weeks, so I’d say, if there was once place to splurge en route, it would be this resort!

Book your stay at the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort here.

There’s a certain magic in the air in Byron Bay that makes so many fall in love with the town. So many travellers arrive for a couple of days, but end up staying for weeks.

The main thing Byron Bay is known for is surfing, but there’s so much going on away from the away from the waves. The town is particularly popular with backpackers who get quickly drawn into Byron Bay’s hippy, bohemian, anything-goes lifestyle. But there’s increasing appeal for honeymooners, families and even those looking for a spot of luxury.

Best things to do in Byron Bay

• Hit the waves, or take the chance to learn to surf
• Beach hop – as well as the main beach, visit Clarks Beach, Tallow Beach, Belongil Beach and The Pass
• Go dolphin-spotting from your kayak
• Hike to the Cape Byron lighthouse, the most eastern point in Australia
• Visit one of the many local markets, for example the Byron Bay Artisan Market (every Saturday evening from October to March)
• Enjoy live music at one of the awesome bars
• Shop at some the wonderful unique boutique stores
• Stop for happy hour at some of the excellent cafes
• Explore the craft beer scene in Byron Bay
• Experience a scenic hot air balloon journey over Byron Bay
• Get up and close personal with the elusive platypus a nature walk with a local guide
• Take a day trip to nearby Nimbin, a small hippie town stuck in the 60s which is famous for its very liberal attitude towards marijuana. There’s an iconic bus tour which you can book onto.
• Dance the night away with local musicians performing on Main Beach
• Explore the beautiful Nightcap National Park with waterfalls and great hiking routes
• Go hiking along the trails in the Arakwal National Park, followed by a swim in the ocean
• Have a delicious dinner at The Roadhouse , just on the edge of town
• Drive to Byron Bay Farm for day surrounded by farm animals, and for some seriously delicious food

Where to stay in Byron Bay

Best luxury hotel: Far and away, the most opulent hotel is Elements of Byron Resort & Spa . It’s perfect for couples, groups of friends and honeymooners. Rates start from around £245 per night, per villa.

Other great upscale stays include Atlantic Byron Bay (from £130 per night), Azur Villas (from £142 per night), The Bower Byron Bay (from £151 per night).

Great value stays: Bayhaven Lodge (from £71 per night) or Byron Palms (from £70 per night)

Best hostels: There are plenty of hostels in Byron Bay, as it’s so popular with backpackers and Australians visiting for ‘schoolies week’. There is the Byron Bay YHA , Nomads and Wake Up! all with similar rates for double rooms and dorm rooms (around £33 per night).

Finally, I couldn’t not mention the iconic Arts Factory Lodge . Located just outside of town in a beautiful forested area, this a mammoth campground, lodge and artsy bohemian stay all in one.

We chose to stay here with our camper van which was great – it has a pool, on-site cafes and bars, and even things like didgeridoo lessons! A dorm bed here is around £14 per night, and a double room around £68 per night.

Australia East Coast Road Trip Itinerary

So that rounds out my super long and very detailed itinerary guide for an East Coast Australia road trip.

I really hope this is useful for you if you’re planning a trip to the beautiful East Coast of Australia. As you can see, there is literally so much to do, particularly on the Cairns to Brisbane stretch. And as I said, you can do the highlights in two weeks, but the longer you have, the more you’ll be able to take in and soak up. Ideally, a month to 6 weeks would be the best for an Australia East Coast road trip itinerary.

If you enjoyed my Australia East Coast road trip itinerary guide, then please do consider sharing through one of the below links, that would be amazing. Also, if there’s anything else I can share or answer for you, please do let me know in the comments below.

For further Australia guides, please do check out my other guides:

• Visiting the Whitsunday Islands
• Noosa Travel Guide
• Best day trips from Cairns
• Cairns to Cape Tribulation road trip
• Taking the Ghan train from Darwin to Alice Springs

Wanna see more? Check my Instagram  here , my Facebook  here  or my Twitter  here !

Disclaimer: This Australia East Coast road trip itinerary guide is based on multiple visits to Australi a . There was no involvement from any local companies or the tourist board . However icelolly.com arranged two local tours on the East Coast: dolphin watching in Noosa and entry to Currumbin Wildlife Park.

Enjoyed my guide to an Australia East Coast Road Trip Itinerary? Pin it!

You may also enjoy:

Sailing the whitsunday islands in australia: …, new zealand travel guide: best places …, best time to visit australia – climate ….

What an incredible resource! Thank you so much! Do you have something similar for New South Wales and Victoria?

Thank you! Unfortunately no! Although I lived in Victoria, I didn’t travel the state as extensively as Queensland 🙁

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s connect

Australian Outback Tours & Trips

• Choose from 100+ Australian Outback tours
• 100+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
• 24/7 customer support

10 best Australian Outback tour packages

Compiled by

Melissa Australian Outback travel expert at TourRadar

8-Day Adelaide to Uluru Tour

8-day uluru to adelaide tour, 3 day uluru kata-tjuta kings canyon (camping) - from alice springs, uluru & kings canyon adventure, 3 day uluru red centre kings canyon (camping) - from ayers rock, northern territory escape with uluru tour, australia: uluru explorer (4 days), 3 day uluru adventure, outback highlights (short break, 5 days), best of uluru & kings canyon (4 destinations).

“As a small group we were well catered for and the sights and experiences on this trip were exceptional.” Shawn Pace, traveled in June 2024

• Connect with nature on inspiring and rewarding hikes
• Fall asleep in a dugout tucked beneath the Earth’s surface in Coober Pedy
• Unearth the ancient Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

“Amazing views, beautiful sunrise hikes, (bush) camping in swags and learning so much about geological and cultural history.” Minke de Haan, traveled in April 2024

• Christmas & New Year
• See surreal lunar landscapes on the iconic Oodnadatta Track
• Be mesmerised by spiritual sites like Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon

“The tour was extra interesting and memorable.” Maria Lindroth, traveled in January 2024

• Hike through Kata Tjuta's Valley of the Winds
• Trek the towering cliffs of Kings Canyon
• Witness a majestic Uluru sunset with dinner

“Tents no hassle, well organised. A great story teller.” Richard Ives, traveled in April 2024

• Discover bush tucker with First Nations guides
• Explore Kings Canyon's rim and Lost City
• Experience sunrise and sacred sites at Uluru

“Sights were amazing. Group was great, and we learned so much due to Rael's deep knowledge.” PAUL GARWOOD, traveled in July 2023

• Experience Kings Canyon's towering cliffs
• Enjoy campfire meals in the Australian outback
• Explore Uluru's base and sacred rock art sites

• Sightseeing
• Hike through Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm
• Enjoy scenic drives through the West MacDonnell Ranges
• Tour Desert Park's diverse ecosystems

“Very nice trip :-))).” Simon Ceulemans, traveled in July 2022

• Enjoy a sunset BBQ with bubbles in the Outback
• Join a dot painting workshop in Uluru
• Explore Uluru at sunrise for stunning views

“It was a fantastic way to experience Uluru and thre surrounding areas!” Bethan Copner, traveled in June 2023

• Trek the rim of Kings Canyon
• Hike through the domes of Kata Tjuta
• Watch the sunset over Uluru with snacks

• Wander through Munro's magical Field of Light
• Drive to Kata Tjuta for a stunning outback sunset
• Dine under the stars at the Sounds of Silence Dinner

• Walking Adventure
• Learn about native traditions at the Cultural Centre
• Explore Simpsons Gap with a First Nations guide
• Catch the sunrise over Uluru and visit cultural sites

Other Regions in Australian Outback

Discover TourRadar

Epic Australian Road Trips You Can Do Over A Weekend

Australia Recommends 2024

Travel Inspiration

G'day, the short film

Discover your Australia

Travel videos

Deals and offers

Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales

Northern Territory

South Australia

Western Australia

External Territories

The Whitsundays

Mornington Peninsula

Port Douglas

Ningaloo Reef

Airlie Beach

Kangaroo Island

Rottnest Island

Hamilton Island

Lord Howe Island

Tiwi Islands

Phillip Island

Bruny Island

Margaret River

Barossa Valley

The Grampians

Hunter Valley

McLaren Vale

Glass House Mountains

Alice Springs

Uluru and Kata Tjuta

The Kimberley

Flinders Ranges

Kakadu National Park

Eyre Peninsula

Karijini National Park

Great Barrier Reef

Blue Mountains

Daintree Rainforest

Great Ocean Road

Purnululu National Park

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Litchfield National Park

Aboriginal experiences

Arts and culture

Festivals and events

Food and drink

Adventure and sports

Walks and hikes

Road trips and drives

Beaches and islands

Nature and national parks

Eco-friendly travel

Health and wellness

Family travel

Family destinations

Family road trips

Backpacking

Work and holiday

Beginner's guide

Accessible travel

Planning tips

Trip planner

Australian budget guide

Itinerary planner

Find a travel agent

Find accommodation

Find transport

Visitor information centres

Deals and travel packages

Visa and entry requirements FAQ

COVID-19 travel and entry advice

Customs and biosecurity

Working Holiday Maker visas

Facts about Australia

Experiences that will make you feel like an Aussie

People and culture

Health and safety FAQ

Cities, states & territories

Iconic places and attractions

When is the best time to visit Australia?

Seasonal travel

Events and festivals

School holidays

Public holidays

How to get to Australia's most iconic cities

How long do I need for my trip to Australia?

How to travel around Australia

Guide to driving in Australia

How to hire a car or campervan

How to plan a family road trip

How to plan an outback road trip

Blenheim Beach, Jervis Bay, New South Wales © Destination NSW

12-day road trip through New South Wales

Venture beyond landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach, and you’ll be rewarded with world-class wineries, stunning white-sand beaches, and once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters.

By Alissa Jenkins

Its icons are incredible, but  New South Wales  offers much more than the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Driving north from  Sydney , this 12-day circuit takes you to some of Australia’s most beloved beach destinations, across to vibrant wine-producing regions, into ancient forests and south to dazzling white-sand beaches before looping back up to Sydney, the Harbour City.

What to expect

• Swim with wild dolphins in beautiful Port Stephens
• Sample world-class wines from New South Wales’ most renowned wineries
• Explore the Blue Mountain’s dramatic canyons and Jurassic rainforest
• Time: 12 days
• Distance: 1,800 kilometres (1,118 miles)
• Transport: car
• Nearest major city: Sydney
• Price: $$$$

Day 1: Sydney to Newcastle

The Boathouse Palm Beach, Sydney, New South Wales © Filippo Rivetti, Destination NSW

Did you know?

The waves at Merewether Beach are so good, it hosts an international surf competition, Surfest , every year.

Depart Sydney early and drive for an hour northeast to Palm Beach , situated at the top of a long peninsula and surrounded by clear waters and leafy, mansion-studded streets. At the far end of the beach, take the 800-metre (0.5-mile) walking trail to  Barrenjoey Lighthouse and lightkeeper’s cottages for panoramic views over Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park , before lunch at local favourite,  The Boathouse Palm Beach .

Once you’ve eaten, set the GPS for the 2.5-hour drive via the M1 to Newcastle , Australia’s second-oldest city. See why it’s a world-famous surfing destination with a swim at  Merewether Beach , or skip the waves at heritage-listed ocean pool,  Bogey Hole , before a Mediterranean-inspired dinner at popular seaside restaurant  Rustica . Stay overnight at Newcastle’s award-winning  The Lucky Hotel , a historic, renovated pub home to 30 boutique rooms with modern furnishings and luxury bedding.

Day 2: Newcastle to Port Stephens

Sand Dune Adventures at Stockton Beach, Port Stephens, New South Wales © Tourism Australia

Kick-start the day with family-friendly fun at  TreeTop Adventure Park , set among the Australian bush about 30 minutes west of Newcastle. Here, you can climb, weave and fly through the tree tops on self-guided rope courses and zip lines.

After your feet are back in solid ground, continue to drive an hour northeast to the stunning seaside destination of Port Stephens , renowned for its long sandy beaches and the vast  Stockton Sand Dunes — the largest moving dunes in the southern hemisphere. Spend the afternoon on a sand dune safari, which you can experience via 4WD or quad bike tour, or try sand boarding as you surf down the massive 40-metre (130-feet) high dunes.

At night, stay at  The Anchorage Hotel & Spa in Port Stephens, with a range of luxurious, nautical-inspired suites, as well as two waterfront restaurants that showcase locally-sourced produce.

Day 3: Port Stephens to Hunter Valley

Nelson Bay, Port Stephens, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Begin the day with a once-in-a-lifetime adventure — swimming with wild dolphins in the beautiful Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park. With wetsuits, masks and snorkels provided, as well as a light breakfast, guests also have the option to stay dry and watch these magical creatures from the boat or climb into the water for a profound yet playful wildlife encounter.

Back on land, drive 90 minutes west to one of Australia’s leading wine regions, the Hunter Valley . Renowned for producing excellent semillon and chardonnay, spend the afternoon driving or cycling between the valley’s prominent cellar doors, taste testing the talents of winemaking heavyweights like Audrey Wilkinson ,  Harkham Wines , and  Krinklewood Biodynamic Vineyard . For those who prefer beer or spirits,  Ironbark Hill Brewhouse and  Hunter Distillery are also worth a visit. You can also enjoy fine dining and boutique accommodation at many of the Hunter’s wineries, such as  Bimbadgen ,  Tinonee Vineyard Estate and  Whispering Brook .

Day 4: Hunter Valley to Mudgee

Cheese and charcuterie, Mudgee, New South Wales © James Horan, Destination NSW

Before you leave Mudgee, stop by High Valley for a cheese tasting and some delicious edible souvenirs. 

Pack your binoculars and a picnic of Hunter Valley produce to drive 2.5 hours west to  Lees Pinch lookout in the picturesque  Goulburn River National Park . Accessible via an easy one-kilometre (0.6-mile) walking track, there are viewing areas that take in the lush forest, flowing river and sandstone gorge below. Keep watch for native wildlife such as wallabies, wombats, and birds of prey soaring above.

After lunch, continue driving one hour southwest to the charming colonial township of Mudgee , another one of New South Wales’ great winemaking regions. Here, summer is prime time for cherry picking at Mudgee’s delightful  Roth Family Orchard , where you can spend the afternoon picking your own fruit.

In the evening, reserve a table at the award-winning  Zin House restaurant , and enjoy a memorable dinner overlooking vineyards and the restaurant’s organic garden, where much of the produce is grown. Sample more of the region’s best wines from the cobblestone courtyard of  Alby & Esthers wine bar, then walk just ten minutes to Mudgee’s stylish  Perry Street Hotel , with 13 modern suites available.

Day 5: Mudgee to Orange

Vineyard, Orange, New South Wales © Taste Orange

Start the morning with a 2.5-hour drive south to Orange , also popular among travellers for its impressive wine industry and abundance of food producers – don’t miss  Patina ,  Philip Shaw and  Swinging Bridge wineries.

If you’d rather spend your day outdoors, explore the mysterious Borenore Caves , 20 minutes west of Orange. There are easy walking trails around the Tunnel Cave and Arch Cave, just a short walk from the Borenore picnic area, where you can take in these unusual rock formations and their black, orange, and yellow striped markings.

Next, sample Orange’s delicious dining scene with a special dinner at the eminent  Lolli Redini restaurant, famed for its Italian and French-influenced menu. Afterwards, relax at  de Russie Boutique Hotel , with beautifully-appointed suites promising plush bedding and modern amenities.

Day 6: Orange to Katoomba

Scenic World's aerial cable car, Katoomba, Blue Mountains, New South Wales © Scenic World

Venture two hours east into the heart of Australia’s iconic Blue Mountains , arriving at Katoomba. Surrounded by plunging canyons and awe-inspiring rock formations, see this awesome landscape in all its glory at  Scenic World . Board the  Scenic Railway , the steepest passenger railway in the world, and descend into the spectacular Jamison Valley in a glass-bottomed carriage. At the bottom, stroll the 2.4-kilometre (1.5-mile)  Scenic Walkway , taking you on an elevated boardwalk through Jurassic rainforest. On the return trip, glide between cliff tops, suspended 270 metres (885 feet) above ancient ravines, on the Scenic Skyway . With 360-degree views, see renowned local landmarks such as Katoomba Falls, the Three Sisters rock formation, and beyond.

For a more soothing afternoon, enjoy high tea at  The Hydro Majestic Hotel — a revitalised historic property, boasting Art Deco architecture and magnificent views over the Megalong Valley. You can also stay overnight in one of 67 regal guest rooms that combine the hotel’s glamorous past with modern comforts.

Day 7: Katoomba to Bilpin

Hillbilly Cider, Bilpin, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Follow the scenic roads that weave north from Katoomba to the  Blue Mountains Botanic Garden . Take a free guided tour around the 28 hectares (69 acres) of breathtaking, cool-climate gardens, or explore on your own. Continue driving a further 20 minutes to the fruit-growing village of Bilpin, where you can stop at  Bilpin Springs Orchard and pick your own assortment of fresh apples, oranges, pears, peaches and plums — juicy snacks for the day ahead. Don't miss a stop at  Hillbilly Cider , which serves up simple ciders made with Bilpin apples in a quaint shed overlooking the orchards.

Next, drive an hour north into the inspiring wilderness of World Heritage-listed  Wollemi National Park . Home to spectacular canyons, towering cliffs, wild rivers and tranquil forests, there are many bushwalks to explore, such as  Bob Turners Track . This six-kilometre (3.7-mile) loop takes you along the beautiful Colo River, where you can cool off with a swim. Then finish the day with a rejuvenating stay in one of the cottages at  Rustic Spirit in Kurrajong Heights, or treat the whole family to an elegant farmhouse getaway at  Suzarosa in Berambing.

Family road tripping on the South Coast

Day 8: Bilpin to Bowral

Green Lane, Bowral, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Farewell the majestic Blue Mountains and drive two hours south to the sophisticated centre of the Southern Highlands , Bowral. Home to picturesque gardens and popular wineries, Bowral was also the home of legendary Australian cricket batsman, Sir Donald Bradman. Visit the  Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame , which not only celebrates ‘The Don’, who is still widely regarded as the greatest batsman of all time, but also features interactive exhibits, significant memorabilia, the origins of cricket, and how the game has evolved over time.

Spend the rest of the afternoon trawling the antique shops, galleries, and speciality stores that adorn Bowral’s town centre, including  Dirty Jane’s and Lancelot Hill Antiques.

For dinner, head to Harry's on Green Lane to sample their delicious menu with local Southern Highland wine. Suitably full, retire at one of Bowral’s many dreamy stays, including  Peppers Craigieburn or  The Hidden Door Bowral .

Day 9: Bowral to Canberra

National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © VisitCanberra

After a wholesome breakfast at  Raw & Wild , drive two hours southwest to Australia’s innovative capital city, Canberra . A cosmopolitan mix of world-class museums, gourmet dining precincts and kangaroo-dotted reserves, there’s no shortage of attractions to visit. Among them is the vast  Lake Burley Griffin in the city’s centre, with more than 40 kilometres (25 miles) of shoreline to walk or cycle around.

Spend the afternoon perusing your choice of incredible national landmarks overlooking the lake, including the home of Australian politics,  Parliament House , and the  National Gallery of Australia , with 150,000 artworks and counting. Families will especially love  Questacon , housing more than 200 interactive exhibits relating to science and technology.

Stay overnight at the uber contemporary  East Hotel , situated moments from  Manuka Oval — Canberra’s premier cricket venue.

Day 10: Canberra to Jervis Bay

Picnic by Hyams Beach Hampers, Jervis Bay, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Depart the nation’s capital early for a 2.5-hour drive east to the stunning seaside wonderland of Jervis Bay . Stop in Huskisson for lunch at local institution,  Pilgrims Vegetarian Café , serving generously-sized dishes that are equal parts healthy and tasty. Then visit Murrays Beach , known as the jewel in the Booderee National Park for good reason. The pure white sand and clear water are ideal for swimming and snorkelling. 

Alternatively, join a dolphin or whale watching cruise with Jervis Bay Wild . The waters of the bay are abundant in sea life, so you're likely to spot pods of playful dolphins and humpback whales as they splash and breach. Whale migration season runs from mid-May to mid-November.

Afterwards, retreat to the romantic  Hyams Beach Seaside Cottages , or select a coastal escape to suit from  JB Beach Houses .

Day 11: Jervis Bay to Wollongong

Kiama Blowhole, South Coast, New South Wales © Murray Vanderveer, Destination NSW

Journey 50 minutes north through rolling green hills to the heritage town of Berry . Brunch on local, seasonal produce at the rustic Salmon and Co Eatery, and don’t leave town without collecting dessert from the famous  Berry Donut Van . Next, follow the Princes Highway 20 minutes north to laidback Kiama , where you can take in the powerful  Kiama Blowhole , a sea-cliff cavern that spouts seawater 20 metres (65 feet) into the air, or refresh with a swim in the nearby ocean pool .

Continuing north, drive a further 40 minutes to Wollongong, with an impressive array of stunning beaches, acclaimed restaurants, and chic city bars. From the laidback  Illawarra Brewery  and the intimate wine bar at  Mia Mia  to the oceanfront views and exquisite cocktails at  Pepe’s on the beach in North Wollongong, there’s no shortage of night-time entertainment. Stay close to the action at  Novotel Wollongong Northbeach (right above Pepe’s), with spacious, light-filled rooms just steps from the beach.

Day 12: Wollongong to Sydney

Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Finish your road trip on a high (literally) with  Skydive Sydney-Wollongong , where you'll enjoy a scenic plane ride before you make the leap from around 14,000 feet up, and serenely skydive over the coastal surrounds before landing on Wollongong’s beloved North Beach.

Afterwards, enjoy an impeccable breakfast and beach views at local favourite,  Diggies café. Then begin the last leg back to Sydney, taking the spectacular  Grand Pacific Drive route, which includes 140 kilometres (87 miles) of coastal scenery and snippets of the Royal National Park . The highlight is the incredible  Sea Cliff Bridge , 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Wollongong, which curves around towering cliffs while suspended 665 metres (2,181 feet) above the ocean.

Explore more nearby

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.  Find out more . By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

• New Zealand (English)
• United States (English)
• Canada (English)
• United Kingdom (English)
• India (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• Singapore (English)
• Indonesia (Bahasa Indonesia)
• Deutschland (Deutsch)
• France (Français)
• Italia (Italiano)
• 中国大陆 (简体中文)

*Product Disclaimer:  Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.