10 Iconic Australian Road Trips

Flying may be a quicker way to get from one destination to another, but nothing beats a good road trip in Australia. Here are ten of our favourite trips.

1. Tasmania’s East Coast

Winding North from Hobart to Launceston, this stretch of road takes in some of Tasmania’s most breathtaking scenery and passes some of the world’s most pristine attractions such as Freycinet National Park. This particular route heads further north to Scottsdale, where enthusiastic drivers will enjoy a challenge through Sideling Pass. As always in Tassie there’s plenty of wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled.

2. Great Ocean Road

One of the most iconic roads in Australia, Victoria’s Great Ocean road provides some of the most breathtaking scenery on offer Down Under. Although some parts have been slowed down for the tourist crowd, there’s still plenty of good driving roads that brim crumbling cliffs and pristine coastline.

3. Nullarbor Plain

A huge drive, the Nullarbor is the quintessential Aussie outback track that will sear its image into the back of your memory sockets. Technically starting at Ceduna in South Australia and ending in Norseman, WA the treeless expanse of country between is dotted with emus, camels, roadhouses, Australia’s longest straight stretch of road (the famous ’90 Mile Straight’) and not much else.

4. Alpine Way

Perhaps best tackled when outside of the coldest months, this road through some of Australia’s most picturesque alpine range provides endless entertainment for keen drivers. The loop from Jindabyne to Khancoban continues back onto itself via Australia’s highest town and our biggest hydro scheme – quite a feat to behold.

5. Cape Tribulation

The trip to Cape Tribulation can start anywhere as far north as Cairns but to take in the most beauty that Queensland offers, it’s best commenced from Brisbane. Towards Cape Tribulation the road joins two world heritage sites - the Wet Tropics Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef. The road itself is nothing short of stunning as its tucks alongside coastal rocks and passes over lush seaside mountains.

6. Darwin to Broome

Travelling along the Great Northern Highway is one of the most iconic Australian trips that you can take, not to mention it’s beautiful. It’s national parks from go to woe on this trip that takes in the jaw-dropping Kimberleys Region. Take as much time as you can along this trip, you don’t want to miss a thing. Our highlights include Nitmiluk National Park and Lake Argyle just over the WA border.

7. Sydney to Nowra via Kangaroo Valley

Rainforests and waterfalls, need we say more? The roads are tree-lined and the views spectacular, particularly once you hit the winding roads through Kangaroo Valley. Short and exciting, it’s the perfect way to introduce the kids to a road trip. Be sure to leave enough time in your day for a picnic lunch and a walk up to the Long Point lookout.

8. Great Alpine Road

As close to Switzerland scenery as you’re likely to find in Victoria, if not Australia. The Great Alpine Road takes in the journey from Wangaratta to Bairnsdale amongst dramatic cliff faces and snow-capped mountains. It’s a must-do road trip that breaks all the rules on what the Australian countryside should look like.

9. Katherine to Cairns

Crossing three states and territories, the Savannah Way is famous in the top end as it is challenging. Over 3,000 kilometres with much of that on unsealed roads, this is an adventure drive through the best of tropical Australia. Starting at around the halfway mark along the Savannah Way, the trip from Katherine to Cairns takes you through some quintessentially Australian spots.

10. Kangaroo Island

For a long time, a secret held close to the chest of South Australians, Kangaroo Island is quickly becoming a tourist destination for all Aussies. This road trip takes you straight off the ferry across to Flinders Chase National Park on the Island’s other side. Take the time to stop by the scenic Vivonne Bay, once voted Australia’s best beach.

What’s on your road trip destination bucket list? Let us know in the comments below or join the conversation on Facebook.