Introduction
Travelers looking for breathtaking road trips and scenic drives!
Australia is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from rugged coastlines to sweeping deserts and lush rainforests. What better way to explore these stunning vistas than by hitting the open road on an epic road trip or scenic drive?
If you’re looking for adventure, freedom, and unforgettable scenery, these nine unmissable road trips and scenic drives in Australia should be at the top of your bucket list. Each one offers a unique experience, whether you’re after wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, or simply the thrill of the open road.
So pack your bags, rent a car, and get ready to explore some of Australia’s most spectacular sights. From the Great Ocean Road to the Red Centre Way, these road trips and scenic drives are not to be missed.
1. Great Ocean Road, Victoria
This iconic drive follows the rugged coastline of Victoria’s southwest region, offering stunning views of the Southern Ocean and the towering limestone cliffs of The Twelve Apostles. Along the way, you’ll also find picturesque towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay, lush rainforests, and plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities.
2. Gibb River Road, Western Australia
This 660 km dirt track takes you through the heart of the Kimberley region of WA, from Derby to Kununurra. The road passes through ancient sandstone gorges and along riverbanks, with spectacular views of waterfalls and secluded swimming holes. Keep an eye out for mobs of wallabies, wild horses, and rare bird species.
3. Flinders Ranges Way, South Australia
This 800 km drive takes you from Adelaide to the rugged Outback landscapes of the Flinders Ranges. Stop off at Barossa Valley for some wine tasting or explore the ancient gorges and fossils of Wilpena Pound. There’s plenty of wildlife to spot along the way, including kangaroos, emus, and rare bird species.
4. The Savannah Way, Queensland/Northern Territory
This 3000 km drive stretches from Cairns all the way to Broome in Western Australia, passing through some of Australia’s most stunning landscapes. Highlights include Undara Lava tubes, Cape Tribulation and the breathtaking Tablelands region. Wildlife fans will be in their element here, with plenty of opportunities to spot crocodiles, wallabies, snakes, and more.
5. Outback Way, Queensland/Northern Territory
The 3100 km Outback Way passes through some of Australia’s most remote and spectacular landscapes, from Cairns to Uluru. Highlights include the towering sandstone formations of Bungle Bungle National Park, Mount Isa’s underground mine tours, and the desert oasis of Alice Springs.
6. Red Centre Way, Northern Territory
This 800 km drive takes you through some of Australia’s most iconic landmarks, including Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon. Along the way, you’ll find stunning desert landscapes dotted with ghost gums and dramatic rock formations. Keep an eye out for native wildlife like red kangaroos, emus, and wedge-tailed eagles.
7. The Coast Road, New South Wales
This stunning drive takes you from Sydney to Coffs Harbour along the NSW coastline, offering picturesque views of beaches, headlands and ocean cliffs. Highlights include the charming coastal towns of Newcastle and Port Macquarie, as well as endless opportunities for whale watching and sea kayaking.
8. Great Alpine Road, Victoria
This 465 km drive takes you from Wangaratta to Metung, winding through the spectacular Victorian Alps and Gippsland region. Highlights include snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear rivers, and alpine villages like Bright and Falls Creek. There are plenty of opportunities for camping, hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and more.
9. The Rainforest Way, New South Wales
This picturesque drive takes you from Lismore to Tweed Heads via a lush rainforest route. Along the way, you’ll find several national parks and World Heritage sites such as Dorrigo National Park and Minyon Falls. Stop off at quaint towns like Byron Bay or Nimbin, enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the many waterfalls or lakes, or go wildlife spotting in the subtropical rainforest. There are also plenty of opportunities for bushwalking, swimming, and canoeing.
Conclusion
There’s no better way to explore Australia’s stunning landscapes than by taking a road trip. So get out there and start exploring! You’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience full of adventure, discovery, and the thrill of the open road.
By embarking on these road trips, you’ll get to experience Australia’s natural beauty up close, from the rugged coastline of Victoria to the ancient rock formations of the Northern Territory.
So what are you waiting for? Get behind the wheel and start your adventure on one of these unmissable road trips and scenic drives in Australia!
Happy travels!