Nothing spells freedom like the open road. Whether you’re hugging the coast or heading inland, Australia offers road trips like nowhere else. Why not wind down the Great Ocean Road and spot koalas sleeping in the treetops, or head to the rugged Eyre Peninsula in search of perfectly pink lakes. Australia has so many great road trip options to lead you far and wide.

“Australia’s vast landscapes provide endless opportunities to explore the open road and discover the many wonders of our country”, shares Phillipa Harrison, Managing Director for Tourism Australia. Whether it’s just one day, a week or one month, an adventure of dramatic landscapes and memorable experiences awaits.

So if you’re dreaming of a seeing the beauty of Australia on the road, then let these tarred terrains fuel your wanderlust.

Day Road Trips

Sydney (NSW) to Canberra (ACT)

Nestled halfway between Sydney and Melbourne, Canberra is a worthy addition to anyone’s road trip itinerary. Take the Federal Highway from Sydney to Canberra, a drive of about three hours, to discover urban breweries, cool-climate wines, world-renowned museums and outdoor adventure.

Airlie Beach to Cape Gloucester (Queensland)

Queensland‘s Whitsundays region is brimming with tiny towns and coastal oases. Head north from Airlie Beach to find Cape Gloucester, a beautiful spot with tall palm trees, secret coves and sweeping views of the Coral Sea. Clocking in at just under a one-hour drive, this route can be made into a day trip, or continue on to Townsville and Cairns for a reef and rainforest getaway.

Weekend Getaways on the Road

Perth to Esperance (Western Australia)

Eagle Bay, a secluded escape on Western Australia‘s southwest shores, is just one of the many stops along the jaw-dropping road trip from Perth to Esperance. The 7.5-hour drive offers everything from urban exploring to coastal cruising. The beach paradise of Esperance, home to the sunbathing kangaroos of Lucky Bay, belongs on your bucket list.

The Great Barrier Reef Drive (Queensland) 

Tropical adventures don’t come more picturesque than the 300-kilometre Great Barrier Reef Drive. Following the Queensland coast, you’ll have the world’s largest reef system on one side and the Daintree Rainforest on the other. Stop along the way to snorkel in Port Douglas, learn about Aboriginal culture in the ancient Daintree Rainforest and spot saltwater crocodiles in Cape Tribulation. The drive only takes a day or two, but you’re sure to want to stay a little longer.

A Longer Weekend Away

The Great Eastern Drive (Tasmania)

There are no wrong turns on Australia’s island state of Tasmania; there’s something breathtaking around every corner. As you wind along the coast on the 176-kilometre Great Eastern Drive, make sure you also wander off the main road to enjoy the region’s incredible food, wine and nature.

Melbourne (VIC) to Canberra (ACT)

Take the 7-hour inland route from Melbourne to Canberra to find New South Wales‘ Woomargama National Park. This protected area of forest is perfect for reconnecting with nature through camping, hiking and 4WD touring. You might have to venture off the beaten track to find it, but isn’t that what road trips are all about?

A week long coastal road trip

The Great Ocean Road (Victoria & South Australia)

In need of some coastal bliss? There’s no better place to find it than along the Great Ocean Road, a seaside road trip full of sweeping views, free-roaming wildlife and laid-back Aussie towns. Spend three (or more!) days winding your way from Melbourne to Adelaide, or Adelaide to Melbourne.

Longer road trips

The Road to the Rock (Western Australia)

As Australia’s largest state, Western Australia has endless destinations to explore. Be amazed by the wide-open spaces on the 9-day Road to the Rock road trip. Stop by charming roadside restaurants, explore ancient Aboriginal rock art and cruise the open road as you venture into Australia’s Golden Outback. 

Adelaide to Perth (South Australia)

When it comes to picture-perfect roads, it’s hard to compete with this one. Sometimes called Watermelon Avenue, this narrow track divides the pink waters of Lake MacDonnell, on South Australia‘s Eyre Peninsula, with the neighbouring blue-green waterscape. You can make Lake MacDonnell your final destination from Adelaide, but for a more challenging outback adventure, cruise cross-country along the Nullarbor. Stretching from Adelaide to Perth, this road trip takes at least a few days, so plan ahead for an epic Aussie adventure.

The Stuart Highway (Northern Territory)

There’s something uniquely special about the red earth and vast plains of Australia. Coasting down the Stuart Highway in the Northern Territory, it’s just you, the open road and the quiet beauty of the Australian outback. For an epic journey, take the route all the way from Adelaide to Darwin, stopping at iconic destinations like Alice Springs, Uluru and Kakadu along the way. A fortnight of freedom and so much to discover!

Credit to Tourism Australia for the lovely photos

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