Road Trip Australia: Scenic Drives & Epic Routes

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

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.