Australian road trips offer an extraordinary gateway into the heart and soul of the country’s vast and diverse landscapes. From iconic coastal routes with ocean spray on your windshield to the dusty veins of the Outback where kangaroos race your shadow, driving through Australia is more than a means of travel — it’s a rite of passage. Whether you’re weaving through the lush rainforests of Queensland or sipping your way through world-renowned wine regions, each turn unveils a new chapter of Australia’s natural and cultural story. For those with an adventurous spirit and a reliable vehicle, the open road promises unforgettable experiences and surprising discoveries.
Along the coastline, few journeys rival the legendary Great Ocean Road, stretching 243 km through Victoria’s southern cliffs. With viewpoints overlooking the Twelve Apostles and winding curves hugging the sea, it’s no wonder that millions take this route annually. On the other side of the country, the Margaret River Region in Western Australia blends beach bliss with gourmet indulgence, offering one of the most picturesque drives for wine lovers and surfers alike. Heading north, the Pacific Coast Touring Route from Sydney to Brisbane delivers sun-drenched beaches and charming coastal towns.
For a taste of the Red Centre, the Stuart Highway offers an epic 2,800+ km journey through desert landscapes and Aboriginal heritage. This stretch, linking Adelaide and Darwin, is ideal for well-planned expeditions, offering stops at Uluru and Alice Springs. These remote routes form the backbone of Australian road trips, connecting remote communities with stories as ancient as the land itself.
Meanwhile, tropical Queensland is a paradise for rainforest and reef explorers. Drives like the Great Barrier Reef Drive and the winding road from Cairns to Cape Tribulation reveal two UNESCO World Heritage sites side by side: the world’s oldest rainforest and the largest coral reef system. With over 2 million people visiting the Daintree Rainforest every year, the drive alone is worth the journey, offering encounters with cassowaries, pristine beaches, and ancient ferns.
For those seeking peace and flavour, Australia’s wine regions provide some of the most relaxing and indulgent road trips. The Barossa Valley near Adelaide offers a tapestry of cellar doors and farm-gate tastings set among rolling hills. Meanwhile, Yarra Valley and Hunter Valley deliver weekend escapes from Melbourne and Sydney, drawing millions with their cool-climate wines and pastoral beauty.
Whether it’s a short coastal escape or a rugged multi-day expedition through the Outback, Australian road trips cater to every type of traveller. With thousands of kilometers of well-maintained roads, countless natural wonders, and vibrant communities welcoming visitors year-round, driving across Australia remains one of the best ways to explore its vast, unforgettable beauty.
Coastal Escapes: Scenic Drives Along Australia’s Shorelines
Great Ocean Road Wonders
The Great Ocean Road in Victoria stretches over 243 kilometers, offering one of the most iconic Australian road trips. Known for the Twelve Apostles, this route attracts over 2.5 million visitors annually. The winding road hugs dramatic cliffs and passes through charming towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay, offering countless spots to pull over and admire the surf or spot koalas in eucalyptus trees.
The Legendary Pacific Coast Drive
Running between Sydney and Brisbane, the Pacific Coast Drive covers approximately 900 kilometers. This stretch features beautiful coastal towns such as Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, and Port Macquarie. According to Tourism Australia, over 4 million domestic tourists drive this route every year, enjoying surfing beaches, hinterland forests, and top-rated eateries along the way.
Tasmania’s East Coast Escape
The East Coast of Tasmania offers 220 kilometers of road trip delight from Orford to St Helens. Known for the Bay of Fires and Freycinet National Park, this route sees an annual tourist growth rate of 8.3%. It’s a perfect segment for eco-conscious travelers, with over 60% of Tasmania’s land protected in reserves and national parks.
Grand Pacific Drive Adventure
Just south of Sydney, this 140-kilometer journey passes through the Royal National Park, the Sea Cliff Bridge, and the Shoalhaven region. Popular with weekend travelers, it supports over 500 local tourism businesses. The scenic Sea Cliff Bridge alone draws 200,000 sightseers each year. It’s a short but breathtaking example of Australian road trips that blend nature and culture.
Outback Adventures: Exploring the Red Centre by Road
The Stuart Highway: From Adelaide to Darwin
Spanning 2,834 kilometers, the Stuart Highway is the backbone of Central Australia. This legendary outback route crosses Alice Springs and Katherine, with Uluru as a detour highlight. Roughly 600,000 vehicles travel this highway annually. Fuel stops are sparse, so planning is essential for this epic Australian road trip.
Red Centre Way Loop
This 1,135-kilometer loop takes drivers from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon and Uluru, covering iconic outback destinations. The region experiences around 450,000 tourist visits yearly. Key highlights include MacDonnell Ranges, Finke Gorge National Park, and dramatic desert sunsets. Travelers often encounter Aboriginal cultural experiences along the way.
Birdsville Track Expedition
Originally a cattle route, the Birdsville Track is a 517-kilometer journey through South Australia into Queensland. It’s one of the most rugged Australian road trips, suitable only for well-equipped 4WD vehicles. The annual Birdsville Races in September attract over 6,000 visitors to this otherwise remote trail.
Oodnadatta Track Discovery
Running for 620 kilometers from Marree to Marla, this route follows the old Ghan railway line and passes through ruins, mound springs, and Lake Eyre. Around 35,000 vehicles traverse this dusty track annually. Rich in history and geological wonders, it’s ideal for explorers wanting a more authentic Outback experience.
Rainforest to Reef: Tropical Road Journeys in Queensland
Cairns to Cape Tribulation Drive
A 140-kilometer tropical route, this journey takes you through the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest and onto pristine beaches. Daintree receives over 400,000 visitors annually. As one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, it’s a must-stop for eco-travelers. This drive is a gem among Australian road trips, blending dense forest and coral reef access.
Atherton Tablelands Circuit
The 180-kilometer circuit through the Tablelands includes lush waterfalls, volcanic crater lakes, and charming heritage villages like Yungaburra. Tourism Queensland reports over 350,000 road trippers pass through this area each year, drawn by attractions like Millaa Millaa Falls and the Curtain Fig Tree.
Great Barrier Reef Drive
Stretching 140 kilometers from Cairns to Port Douglas, this coastal highway runs alongside the Coral Sea. Tourists along this route contribute to over $2 billion in reef-related tourism annually. Highlights include snorkeling stops, palm-fringed beaches, and luxury resorts. The reef and rainforest connection defines this top-tier Australian road trip.
Savannah Way Adventure
One of the longest themed drives in Australia, the Savannah Way spans 3,700 kilometers from Cairns to Broome. This inter-regional trip traverses 15 national parks and five World Heritage sites. Annual travel on this route includes over 50,000 long-distance road trippers, making it a bucket-list journey for adventure seekers.
Wine Regions and Countryside Trails: A Taste of Rural Australia
Barossa Valley Wine Trail
Just 70 kilometers northeast of Adelaide, the Barossa Valley is a premier wine region hosting over 1.2 million visitors annually. The scenic loop connects over 80 cellar doors, including Penfolds and Jacob’s Creek. This wine country drive is ideal for relaxed Australian road trips focused on gourmet food and wine.
Yarra Valley Drive
Only an hour from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley boasts over 160 wineries and is known for its cool-climate wines. The region welcomes over 5 million tourists yearly. Highlights include Healesville Sanctuary and chocolateries, perfect for family or couple getaways amidst rolling vineyards and misty mornings.
Margaret River Gourmet Route
Located in Western Australia, Margaret River attracts over 1.5 million visitors a year. It features a compact 110-kilometer drive filled with world-class wineries, artisan cheese shops, and rugged coastline. The scenic route is a cornerstone of luxury Australian road trips, offering both beach and bushland experiences.
Hunter Valley Wine Trail
Two hours from Sydney, this historic wine region includes over 150 wineries and gourmet produce farms. With over 2.5 million yearly visitors, the Hunter Valley is among the top countryside destinations. From horseback vineyard tours to balloon rides, it’s a road trip that combines rural charm with refined tastes.
