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20 of the Greatest Road Trips of Australia

Australia is a vast country with lots to see and do. From the coast to the outback, we have something special going on here. One great way to see it all is by taking a good road trip and exploring the best this country has to offer. Here are some of the top road trips you can plan next!

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Road Trips In Australia

Great Ocean Road, Victoria

While you can take one day to do this drive, we recommend savouring it over the course of a few days to see the best this coastal drive has to offer, including the 12 Apostles. This 250km drive starts from just outside Melbourne and is probably one of the most famous drives in Australia.

Eyre Peninsula

Another South Australian coastal trip, it can take you six days to explore the sights here. Go swimming with seals in Port Lincoln and take a stroll through Port Lincoln National Park.

Red Centre Way, Northern Territory

This trip between Uluru and Alice Springs will take you through the rugged Outback. Uluru itself is absolutely breathtaking. Its red glow truly makes it feel like the heart of Australia. There is nothing else like it.

The Nullarbor

1,200 km of the Eyre Highway is dubbed the Nullarbor. 146.6 km of the highway holds the world record for 'longest length of straight road'. Between June and October, you may spot some whales at Head of Bight.

The Savannah Way

Stretching all the way from Cairns on the east coast to Broome on the west, this drive is an incredible 3,700 km. Take time to stop at the Cobbold Gorge or to take a walk through the Undara lava tubes.

Launceston to Hobart, Tasmania

This Tasmanian trip is only 7.5 hours long at 559 km, but stretch it out and see the very best Tasmania has to offer. The blue waters of Wineglass Bay are astonishing, as is the Bay of Fires.

Cairns to Cape Tribulation

This 150 km journey will only take less than three hours going right through, but where is the fun in that? This trip will take you to the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge and even more unique places that are worth seeing. Make a whole day (or more) of it!

Sydney to Jervis Bay, New South Wales

Like the Cairns trip above, this is a short road trip at 186 km (just under three hours) but with loads to see along the way. Take a rest at Hyams Beach and explore Booderee National Park.

Sydney to Brisbane

This 10-hour trip (928 km) goes along the NSW coast. Take a couple days and be sure to see Byron Bay, especially at dawn!

Outback, Queensland

You have to see the Outback if you take a road trip in Australia. Travel through Mount Isa, Winton, Longreach, and Charleville from the Gold Coast. Go on a mining tour in Mount Isa and learn about Australian dinosaurs in Winton.

Darwin to Litchfield, Northern Territory

Travelling through Kakadu and Katherine, you’ll explore Australia’s northern scenery. Start at Darwin and witness one of the famous Australian sunsets at Mindill Beach before heading east to enjoy some outdoor activities at Kakadu.

The 75 Mile Road, Fraser Island

Get in a 4WD for this adventure along 75 miles of beautiful sandy beaches. Along the way, explore the Moheno Shipwreck and the beautiful Kingfisher Bay.

Gibb River Road, Western Australia

This may be one of the most adventurous road trips to take, especially if you’re into your 4WDs. Starting near Derby and running 700 km to Kununurra, you can check out The Kimberleys, and some fantastic crystal-clear gorges like Emma’s and Galvan’s Gorge.

Broome to Perth, Western Australia

2,785 km and 32 hours of Western Australian coast await you! This trip can take you two weeks if you stop to see everything. And why not? You’ll never see anything like Turquoise Bay in Exmouth or the Pinnacles Desert through Nambung National Park.

Brisbane to Airlie Beach

There’s 1,000 km of beach to discover with this road trip. If you love to surf, then Airlie Bay is perfect, but you can take 16-20 days travelling up this coast to check out all the other beaches along the way!

Great Alpine Stretch

Start from Benalla, Victoria to enjoy the Great Alpine Stretch through the Alpine National Park to Mallacoota. It doesn’t matter what time of year you go. You’ll find the best scenery all year round in the natural views that have been untouched by humans.

Cairns to Cape York

Go from picturesque Cairns to the northernmost point in Australia, Cape York. The 22-hour and 1,000 km trip. There are plenty of chances to camp and get back to nature in Cape York. It is quite peaceful and away from the busy bigger towns and cities.

River Run, The Murray

This one is for the foodies! There are loads of treats in food and wine to be found along River Run at The Murray. There is a mixture of road and waterways here, so why not hire a houseboat for a few days?

The Great Green Way, Queensland

You’ll find gorgeous greenery in the Great Green Way in Queensland. Lush tropical rainforests and coastal roads can be found here. It’s a very relaxing 410 km drive!

The “Big Lap”

This is the ultimate goal for many Australians: Driving around the entire perimeter of this continent. You will need quite a few months (or an entire year even) to do and see it all, but it is popular amongst 30-somethings who have taken a sabbatical off work for this ultimate Australian adventure.

Stay Safe!

Some of these trips can see you on the road for hours. Tiredness can be a killer. Be sure you stop somewhere safe every two hours for at least 15 minutes to refresh and reenergize.
Some of Australia’s best road trips will take you to some amazing places where you can enjoy outdoor activities, so be sure to bring along your bike, kayak or surfboard. Yakima has a variety of roof racks for cars to hold your outdoor equipment safely during the whole time on the road. Cargo for camping and other gear can be kept in roof boxes, leaving space in your car, so it isn’t cramped on these long trips. Check out our Vehicle Finder to find roof bars for your vehicle!

Last updated: 30th January 2018

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