Road Trip Australia: Scenic Drives & Epic Routes

Australia Road Trip

Iconic Australian Road Trips by State

Australia is made for road tripping — from coastal drives and desert tracks to rainforest routes and outback highways. Whether you’re dreaming of a classic route like the Great Ocean Road, planning a 4WD adventure on the Gibb River Road, or exploring hidden gems like The Old Grafton Road, there’s a journey here for every kind of traveller.
Use the information below to discover some of the best road trips in each state and territory — including distances, highlights, and must-see stops.

National Road Trips

Route Name
Distance
Highlights
Duration
Vehicle Type
The Big Lap
15,000km
Complete circuit of Australia via Highway 1, encompassing major cities, coastal and outback regions. Ideal for long-term travellers, vanlifers, or grey nomads.
3–12 months
Any
The Outback Way
2,800km
Winton (QLD) to Laverton (WA) via Uluru, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, Warakurna
2–3 weeks
4WD
The Savannah Way
3,700km
Cairns (QLD) to Broome (WA) via tropical and outback Northern Territory, including Undara Lava Tubes and Lawn Hill Gorge
3–4 weeks
4WD

New South Wales Road Trips

Route Name
Distance
Highlights
Duration
Vehicle Type
Grand Pacific Drive
140km
Royal National Park to Jervis Bay via Sea Cliff Bridge, Wollongong, Kiama, Shoalhaven
1–2 days
Any
Pacific Coast
900km
Sydney to Brisbane via Central Coast, Port Stephens, Newcastle, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay
5–7 days
Any
Waterfall Way
185km
Coffs Harbour to Armidale via Dorrigo National Park, Ebor Falls, New England National Park
2–3 days
Any
Kosciuszko Alpine Way
320km
Canberra to Albury via Snowy Mountains, Thredbo, Jindabyne
3–4 days
Any
Darling River Run
730km
Walgett to Wentworth via Bourke, Louth, Wilcannia, Menindee
5–7 days
Any

Northern Territory Road Trips

Route Name
Distance
Highlights
Duration
Vehicle Type
Red Centre Way
1,135km
Alice Springs loop via Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, West MacDonnell Ranges
5–7 days
Any
Nature’s Way
550km
Darwin to Kakadu, Litchfield, and Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Parks
4–6 days
Any
Arnhem Way
700km
Katherine to Nhulunbuy via East Arnhem Land (permit required)
7–10 days
4WD
Explorer’s Way
3,000km
Adelaide to Darwin via Alice Springs, Tennant Creek
2–3 weeks
Any

Queensland Road Trips

Route Name
Distance
Highlights
Duration
Vehicle Type
Pacific Coast Way
1,874km
Brisbane to Cairns via Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Bundaberg, Yeppoon, Airlie Beach, Mission Beach
10 days
Any
Great Beach Drive
380km
Sunshine Coast to Fraser Coast, including Rainbow Beach, Teewah Beach, and Double Island Point (4WD only)
3–5 days
4WD
75 Mile Beach, Fraser Island
120km
Iconic 4WD beach drive on K’gari (Fraser Island), featuring Eli Creek and Maheno Shipwreck
2–3 days
4WD
Overlander’s Way
1,550km
Townsville to Tennant Creek via Charters Towers, Mount Isa
5–7 days
Any
Water Tower Art Trails
Various
Explore water towers in Central and North Queensland adorned with murals. Great for photography and public art lovers.
Flexible
Any
Animal Road Sign

South Australia Road Trips

Route Name
Distance
Highlights
Duration
Vehicle Type
Nullarbor Plain
1,256km
Ceduna (SA) to Norseman (WA) via the Eyre Highway, featuring the world’s longest straight road
2–3 days
Any
Eyre Peninsula Loop
1,200km
Adelaide to Eyre Peninsula via Whyalla, Port Lincoln, Ceduna
5–7 days
Any
Flinders Ranges & Outback
1,000km
Adelaide to Ikara-Flinders Ranges, Oodnadatta Track, Lake Eyre
7–10 days
4WD
Seafood Frontier
1,000km
Adelaide to Ceduna via coastal towns famed for oysters, prawns, and fresh seafood
5–7 days
Any

Tasmania Road Trips

Route Name
Distance
Highlights
Duration
Vehicle Type
Tassie Loop
1,200km
Hobart to Launceston via Freycinet, Bay of Fires, Cradle Mountain, Strahan
7–10 days
Any
Heritage Highway
200km
Hobart to Launceston via historic towns like Ross, Campbell Town, and Oatlands
1–2 days
Any
Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail
180km
Devonport to Stanley via artisan cheeses, berries, whisky, and cider tastings
2–3 days
Any
Bruny Island Adventure
100km
Explore Bruny Island’s beaches, wildlife, the Neck Lookout, and gourmet produce at Get Shucked and Bruny Island Cheese Co.
2–3 days
Any

Victoria Road Trips

Route Name
Distance
Highlights
Duration
Vehicle Type
Great Ocean Road
243km
Torquay to Allansford via 12 Apostles, Apollo Bay, Lorne
2–3 days
Any
Great Alpine Road
339km
Wangaratta to Metung via Bright, Mount Hotham, Omeo
3–4 days
Any
Silo Art Trail
700km
Explore regional Victoria’s silo murals in Brim, Sheep Hills, Rupanyup, ideal for photographers and street art lovers
3–5 days
Any
Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges
200km
Melbourne to Healesville via wineries, gardens, Puffing Billy, and Healesville Sanctuary
2–3 days
Any

Western Australia Road Trips

Route Name
Distance
Highlights
Duration
Vehicle Type
Coral Coast Drive
1,200km
Perth to Exmouth via Cervantes, Kalbarri, Monkey Mia, Ningaloo Reef
7–10 days
Any
Gibb River Road
660km
Derby to Kununurra via dramatic gorges, waterfalls, and rugged Kimberley landscapes
5–7 days
4WD
South West Edge
1,200km
Perth to Esperance via Margaret River, Albany, Denmark
7–10 days
Any
Perth to Broome
2,400km
Coastal journey via Shark Bay, Karijini National Park, Eighty Mile Beach
10–14 days
Any

Plan Your Ultimate Road Trip Adventure

Whether you’re chasing sunsets, photographing wildflowers, or camping under star-filled skies, Australia’s diverse landscapes promise unforgettable adventures. Want something more personalised? Head down to Our Personal Road Trip Adventures in Australia to follow our own campervan journeys — including unique routes, photography tips, and custom itineraries. 

You can also follow our travels and photos on Instagram:
📷 @adventuresintheganvan & @susanganphotography

Bike Ride Around Uluru: A Must-Do in Australia’s Red Centre

Discover the unforgettable experience of cycling around Uluru in the heart of the Northern Territory. This unique adventure offers a peaceful, up-close encounter with one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks — all on two wheels. From sunrise shadows to ancient rock art, here’s everything you need to know to make your bike ride around Uluru one to remember.

Where to See Kangaroos in Australia: A Sunrise Encounter at Cape Hillsborough

Kangaroos are one of Australia’s most iconic animals, and seeing them in their natural habitat is a truly memorable experience. Whether watching them bound across open plains, lounge on beaches, or hop through national parks, Australia offers many fantastic spots to encounter kangaroos up close. This guide will help you discover the best places to see kangaroos in Australia, with tips on when and where to visit, and what to expect.

Drive the Benalla Silo Art Trail

Winding through vibrant towns and striking landscapes, the Benalla Silo Art Trail is a top road trip for art lovers and curious travellers alike. Discover giant murals, local cafes, and small-town charm in North East Victoria.

Drive the Great Ocean Road

Victoria’s Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most iconic drives, winding over 240km along the southern coastline of Australia.

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Road Trip Australia: Scenic Drives, Epic Routes & Travel Tips

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