Australia’s sheer size and diverse landscapes make it one of the world’s greatest countries for road trips. From winding coastal highways and mountain passes to remote desert tracks and rainforest loops, these iconic drives offer more than just beautiful views — they promise adventure, freedom, and unforgettable experiences.
Here are some of the best scenic road trips in Australia that every traveler should consider.
1. Great Ocean Road (Victoria)
- Distance: 240 km (149 miles)
- Duration: 2–4 days
- Route: Torquay to Allansford
One of the most famous coastal drives in the world, the Great Ocean Road takes you along dramatic cliffs, historic towns, and some of Australia’s best surf beaches.
Highlights: - The Twelve Apostles
- Great Otway National Park
- Bells Beach
- Koala spotting in eucalyptus forests
Ideal for: Coastal scenery lovers, short scenic trips, and photography enthusiasts.
2. Pacific Coast Way (Queensland)
- Distance: 1,700 km (1,056 miles)
- Duration: 7–10 days
- Route: Brisbane to Cairns
Travel through Queensland’s subtropical and tropical coasts, with easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, beach towns, and rainforest hideaways.
Highlights: - Sunshine Coast & Noosa
- Fraser Island (K’gari)
- Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays
- Daintree Rainforest
Ideal for: Families, beach lovers, and marine life encounters.
3. Red Centre Way (Northern Territory)
- Distance: 1,135 km (705 miles)
- Duration: 5–7 days
- Route: Alice Springs to Uluru via Kings Canyon and back
Explore the heart of Australia with a journey through red deserts, Aboriginal culture, and breathtaking rock formations.
Highlights: - Uluru (Ayers Rock)
- Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)
- Kings Canyon Rim Walk
- West MacDonnell Ranges
Ideal for: Cultural travel, hiking, and outback landscapes.
4. The Nullarbor Plain (SA to WA)
- Distance: 1,200 km (746 miles)
- Duration: 4–6 days
- Route: Ceduna to Norseman
This cross-country journey takes you across one of the most remote and flat regions in Australia, perfect for adventurous travelers seeking solitude.
Highlights: - Bunda Cliffs
- Whale watching at Head of Bight (May to October)
- The world’s longest straight road
Ideal for: Off-the-grid explorers and road trip purists.
5. Great Alpine Road (Victoria)
- Distance: 340 km (211 miles)
- Duration: 2–3 days
- Route: Wangaratta to Metung
Australia’s highest year-round accessible sealed road winds through vineyards, mountain ranges, and alpine towns.
Highlights: - Mount Hotham
- Bright and the Ovens Valley
- Gippsland Lakes
- Local food and wine
Ideal for: Nature lovers, gourmet travelers, and mountain views.
6. Coral Coast Drive (Western Australia)
- Distance: 1,250 km (777 miles)
- Duration: 6–9 days
- Route: Perth to Exmouth
This colorful drive hugs the coast and offers spectacular natural attractions, from pink lakes and deserts to reefs teeming with marine life.
Highlights: - The Pinnacles Desert
- Kalbarri National Park
- Shark Bay & Monkey Mia
- Ningaloo Reef
Ideal for: Snorkeling, wildlife encounters, and dramatic coastlines.
7. Tasmania’s East Coast Drive
- Distance: 300 km (186 miles)
- Duration: 3–5 days
- Route: Hobart to Bay of Fires
Tasmania’s East Coast offers a compact but diverse drive filled with secluded beaches, historic towns, and wilderness.
Highlights: - Freycinet National Park & Wineglass Bay
- Maria Island
- Bay of Fires
- Fresh oysters and cool-climate wines
Ideal for: Road trippers who love nature, food, and quiet beaches.
Final Thoughts
Australia’s road trips are more than just drives — they’re immersive journeys through landscapes that shift from coast to desert, from rainforest to snow-capped peaks. Whether you’re chasing sunsets along the Great Ocean Road or diving into the turquoise waters off the Coral Coast, each route promises unforgettable stories and wide-open freedom.
Ready to hit the road? Choose your route, plan your stops, and let the journey unfold.
