Top 5 Scenic Road Trips in Australia
Australia is a land of staggering contrasts—from the windswept cliffs of Victoria’s south coast to the rust-red heart of the Outback, from the tropical rainforests of Queensland to the serene wilderness of Tasmania. Here are five of the most unforgettable road trips you can take, each with its own cast of charming towns and must-see stops.
1. The Great Ocean Road (Torquay → Warrnambool)
Stretching 243 km along Victoria’s rugged coastline, the Great Ocean Road is a rite of passage for any road-tripper. Beyond the iconic Twelve Apostles, you’ll find:
- Torquay – Surf capital and where the journey begins
- Lorne – A seaside gem with coastal walks and artsy cafés
- Apollo Bay – Gateway to the Otway Ranges and fresh seafood
- Port Campbell – Home to the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge
- Allansford (optional) – Historic village near the end of the route
Spend your nights sampling local brews, chasing sunsets, and discovering hidden waterfalls in the Great Otway National Park.
2. East Coast Encompassed (Sydney → Cairns)
For those craving sun, surf and reef, this 2,600 km coastal odyssey delivers:
- Newcastle – Historic port city with a revitalized waterfront
- Port Macquarie – Koala Hospital and coastal walks
- Coffs Harbour – The Big Banana and pristine beaches
- Byron Bay – Bohemian vibes, Cape Byron Lighthouse
- Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast (optional extensions)
Take your time exploring hinterland detours—think rainforests at Dorrigo and wineries in the Hunter Valley—before reaching the tropics of Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.
3. Crossing the Nullarbor (Adelaide → Perth)
One of the world’s longest straight roads (the 90 Mile Straight!) takes you across the Nullarbor Plain. Key stops include:
- Norseman – The “gateway” to the Nullarbor, with its famous horse statue
- Balladonia – Home to the world’s longest golf course holes
- Caiguna & Eucla – Remote roadhouses and rugged coastal cliffs
- Ceduna – Seafood haven on the Great Australian Bight
- Kalgoorlie (start/end options) – Historic gold‑rush town
Pack plenty of snacks, enjoy endless horizons, and look out for wildlife at sunrise and sunset.
4. The Red Centre Way (Alice Springs → Uluru → Kings Canyon → Alice Springs)
Immerse yourself in Australia’s spiritual heart over a sealed loop of about 835 km:
- Alice Springs – Outback hub with desert parks and galleries
- Hermannsburg (optional) – Historic mission village and Aboriginal art
- Kings Canyon (Watarrka NP) – Rim Walk and Garden of Eden
- Yulara (Uluru‑Kata Tjuṯa NP) – Base walks, sunsets and sunrise views
- Glen Helen (optional) – Waterholes in the West MacDonnell Ranges
Experience dawn light on Uluru, starlit nights in the desert, and ancient landscapes carved over eons.
5. The Tasmanian East Coast Loop (Hobart → Freycinet → Launceston → Strahan → Hobart)
Compact but brimming with diversity, this 1,000 km loop covers:
- Hobart – Salamanca Market, MONA and waterfront dining
- Freycinet NP (Wineglass Bay) – Iconic lookout and secluded beaches
- Launceston – Cataract Gorge and historic precincts
- Strahan – Wilderness gateway on Macquarie Harbour
- Devonport (optional) – Spirit of Tasmania terminal travelbugsworld
Wind through eucalyptus forests, sample fresh oysters, and discover Tasmania’s wild, untamed beauty.
