8 great Australian road trips

Travel & Touring | WA Things To Do

20 October, 2022 By: Monique Ceccato

Every country has its iconic driving routes, but in Australia those great drives are truly unique, with many offering experiences and attractions that are unlike anywhere on the planet.

From the coast to the rugged and ancient outback, the week-long trip to the weekender, here are nine of the country’s best road trips.

1. Coral Coast Highway, WA

Hugging the Indian Ocean coastline right the way from Perth to Exmouth, the Coral Coast Highway has been dubbed as one of the most spectacular drives in all of Australia. Passing through two of WA’s three World Heritage areas – Shark Bay and Ningaloo – the route takes you from coastal heathland to expanses of deeply fractured red earth to lakes in seemingly unnatural shades of pink.

The once-in-a-lifetime sightings don’t stop at Hutt Lagoon’s bubble-gum-pink lake, either. Pull in just before Denham in the Shark Bay Wilderness Area to see a beach blanketed entirely in tiny white cockle shells which are up to 10m deep in some spots. Then, overnight in Coral Bay or Exmouth, where you can head out on the Ningaloo Reef for an unforgettable swim along the world’s largest fringing reef. Depending on the time of year, you can swim with humpback whales, whale sharks, turtles or manta rays.

• Distance: Approx. 1,250km. Take at least eight days to complete the drive, more if you want to explore the route in depth.
• When to visit: The drive is spectacular any time of the year, but each season offers a different experience.
  • Summer: Snorkelling at the Abrolhos Islands and on the Ningaloo Reef.
  • Autumn: Fresh fruit and vegetables from Carnarvon plantations.
  • Winter: Swim with the whale sharks and humpbacks off Exmouth.
  • Spring: Wildflower season right the way up the Coral Coast.
• Highlights: The Pinnacles Desert at Nambung National Park, Whale sharks on Ningaloo Reef, Dolphins at Monkey Mia, The Kalbarri Skywalk, Hutt Lagoon.

2. South West Edge, WA

Glittering bays, fields of golden wheat, and endless outback plains; The South West Edge has got it all.

As you make your way from the bustle of Perth towards the white sand bays of Esperance, the scenery beyond the windscreen changes rapidly and dramatically. Near Margaret River, the lush Boranup Karri Forest surrounds you with impressively tall karri trees. Drive a little further, and the forests make way for coastal heathlands, butting right up to the turquoise bays of Denmark and Esperance. As you round the bottom section of the loop and redirect back towards Perth, the scenery changes again, with large agricultural plots as far as the eye can see. Passing through the countryside, stop for a photo in the curve of Wave Rock, and take a tally of quirky equine sculptures along Kulin’s Tin Horse Highway as you whiz on by.

• Distance: Approx. 1,200km. Allow 12 days or more to complete the loop.
• When to visit: Drive ‘The Edge’ at any time of year and you will be thoroughly impressed by what is on display. Spring sees the countryside burst into bloom, while winter is when the Southern Ocean is at its most turbulent. Summer means plenty of ocean swims and lunches at the wineries, and autumn is the perfect time to take a hike or go mountain biking.
• Highlights: Wave Rock, Porongurup Range, Elephant Rock, truffles in Manjimup, kangaroos lazing on the beach at Lucky Bay.

3. The Great Ocean Road, Victoria

Though relatively short in the grand scheme of ‘great Australian road trips’, there’s plenty to see and do along The Great Ocean Road. Starting in the surfing capital of Torquay and ending in the historic fishing village of Port Fairy, the long-weekender route showcases Victoria’s native wildlife, lush rainforest regions, raging surf breaks, and magical misty waterfalls.

Follow along the clifftop roads to see the famed 12 Apostles (of which there are now only eight) before heading deep into the cover of the beech and ferns of The Otways. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for koalas, kangaroos, and whales.

• Distance: Approx. 664km. The drive is doable in a day but allow three to explore thoroughly.
• When to visit: Driving the Great Ocean Road is a joy year-round.
  • Summer: Enjoy the warm weather and endless stretches of beach.
  • Autumn: Watch the whales on their annual migration.
  • Winter: See Sheoak and Hopkins falls at their fullest.
  • Spring: Go on a wildflower-spotting hike.
• Highlights: The 12 Apostles, Hopetoun Falls, Loch Ard Gorge, Port Fairy, Otway Rainforest.

4. The Grand Pacific Drive, NSW

Ask for coastal drama, and you’ll get it in spades along the Grand Pacific Drive.

Starting at the Royal National Park, the route follows the changing Pacific Ocean coastline through the townships of Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, and the Shoalhaven region, into your final stop at the idyllic beachside town of Jervis Bay. Before hitting the coast, head deep into the forest and enjoy the peace and calm of the Heathcote National Park, where waterfalls and wildlife abound. Then head south to pass over what is, arguably, the most scenic part of the drive – the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge. Check the water periodically, and you might catch some frolicking whales and dolphins, common right the way from Sydney to Jervis Bay.

At the end of the journey, continue on south over the Victorian border and into the Sapphire Coast region, or turn around and head back to Sydney on the inland route.

• Distance: Approx. 200km – the perfect weekender.
• When to visit: This drive can be done any time of year.
• Highlights: Sea Cliff Bridge, Austinmer Beach, Lake Illawara, Minnumurra Rainforest, Kiama Blowholes.

5. Red Centre Way, Northern Territory

Beginning and ending in the heart of the Northern Territory’s dusty ochre desert, the Red Centre Way is the quintessential ‘Aussie outback’ route.

Loop your way from Alice Springs through the mountains and gorges of the West Tjoritja MacDonell Ranges and domes of Kata Tjuta, and back again, spending a day or two in town on either side of the trip. Stop along the way to submerge yourself in the cool waters of Ormiston Gorge Waterhole after a short hike through the national park. Watch Uluru glow in the early morning sun, and peruse the colourful local galleries full of Aboriginal artworks from around the region.

Add on an Aboriginal-led tour or activity at one of your stops to fully immerse yourself in the culture and history of the red centre. Permits are required to travel through Aboriginal lands in the Northern Territory so check in with a local visitor centre before you travel.

• Distance: Approx. 1135km by four-wheel drive, or 1750km on the sealed road. Give yourself at least six days to complete the loop, more if you take the fully sealed route.
• When to visit: Temperatures are at their most comfortable from March to November, with peak drive season in June and July.
• Highlights: West MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja), Kings Canyon (Watarrka), Mount Conner AKA ‘Fooluru’, Uluru, Kata Tjuta National Park

6. Great Barrier Reef Drive, QLD

Pack your swimmers and snorkel and set out on this short but sweet route from Cairns to Cape Tribulation. It passes by some of Tropical North Queensland’s most famed spots, from the Great Barrier Reef to the mighty Daintree Rainforest, and more stop-worthy beaches than you can count on two hands.

Prior to embarking on the Great Barrier Reef Drive, spend some time getting to know Cairns. It’s the perfect base for an expedition out to the Great Barrier Reef, and the town centre is buzzing with busy boutiques, restaurants, and craft breweries. Just a touch further north in Port Douglas, hiking enthusiasts can hit beachside or rainforest trails, and keen anglers can throw a line in at Daintree to chance hooking a prized barramundi.

• Distance: Approx. 140km. It’s a weekend drive, but we recommend stretching it out over five days.
• When to visit: May to October is the best time to visit the reef, so if you’re planning on snorkelling or diving, plan your drive for around that time.
• Highlights: The Great Barrier Reef, days spas at Palm Cove, Port Douglas markets, Mossman Gorge, barramundi fishing at Wonga Beach.

7. Great Eastern Drive, Tasmania

Take a deep breath, relax, and let the wild and raw nature of Tasmania’s east coast completely envelop you. Follow along the gently winding roads of the Great Eastern Drive from Orford to St Helens, and track past white sand bays, thick forests, and acre upon acre of undulating farmland. Food and wine lovers will have a field day en route, as there are plenty of boutique cool-climate wineries to call into along the way and charming beachside towns beckoning you in for a pick-me-up coffee and cake stop.

Turn off from the Tasman Highway on to Coles Bay Road and head to Coles Bay and the stunning Freycinet National Park. Your final destination, St Helens, is a seafood haven. You can pick up the catch-of-the-day and oysters by the dozen at the waterside fish punts and consume them with a view of the area’s most famed natural attraction, the lichen-covered Bay of Fires.

• Distance: Approx. 176km. Plan to do it over four to five days.
• When to visit: Visit in summer to make the most of the white sand beaches and fresh, in-season seafood.
• Highlights: St Columba Falls, St Helen’s mountain biking trails, Bay of Fires, cool climate wineries, Bicheno blowholes.

8. Clare Valley and Flinders Ranges, South Australia

This trip starts in the picturesque vineyards of the Clare Valley and ends amidst the rugged beauty of ancient Flinders Ranges.

Spend some time exploring the renowned vineyards of the Clare Valley along with the world-class restaurants. Hire a bike and hit the Clare Valley’s Riesling Trail which showcases the wine this region is famous for.

Continue on to Melrose to access the many walk trails in the Mount Remarkable National Park, in the Southern Flinders Ranges. Stop in at the small town of Quorn, home of the historic Pichi Richi Railway. The Pichi Richi Explorer steam train has carriages dating from the 19th century and does two-hour return trips to Woolshed Flat.

From Quorn head north-east to Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park and take in the park’s many natural wonders, including spectacular gorges and canyons and the vast, natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound.

• Distance: Approx. 460km. Allow around five to seven days.
• When to visit: The Flinders Ranges experience hot summers so plan to travel when the temperatures are milder. In winter, the Clare Valley can be quite chilly.
• Highlights: The Clare Valley’s Riesling Trail, Quorn and the historic Pichi Richi Railway, Mt Remarkable National Park, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, Wilpena Pound.

Bonus road trip - Canberra and the Sapphire Coast, ACT & NSW

Get to know the nation’s capital and surrounding areas a little better on this cruisy long-weekender.

Stay a day or two in Canberra, ticking off the National Gallery of Australia, National Museum of Australia, National Portrait Gallery, and the Australian War Memorial. Giving yourself some time in the city means you can also make the most of its thriving cafe, restaurant, and bar scene. In the morning, grab a takeaway coffee and head approximately two hours south, to New South Wale’s sparkling Sapphire Coast. Here you’ll find a striking, unspoilt coastline with beautiful beaches, interesting coastal towns and plenty of local seafood to enjoy, including oysters fresh from the region’s estuaries.

Visit during the whale-watching season, and your coastal trip will be all the more special, the giant mammals breaching and splashing just offshore for your viewing pleasure.

• Distance: Approx. 250km. It’s driveable on a weekend but take three days to really get to know the region.
• When to visit: Catch Floriade – Canberra’s spring floral festival – from September to October. Or, visit from August to November to watch the whale migration up the Sapphire Coast.
• Highlights: Lake Burly Griffin, National Gallery of Australia, seals and historic lighthouse at Montague Island, Depot Beach rainforest walk, Middle Lagoon walking track.