With a long weekend on the horizon (at least for those residing in NSW, VIC, SA, TAS, ACT and NT), there’s never been a better time to pack a bag, queue a great Spotify playlist, hire a Europcar and hit the road. There’s something satisfying about an Australian road trip; it lets you rediscover familiar landscapes through fresh eyes. Whether you’re cruising along the coast or winding through sun-drenched hinterland, the journey is half the fun.
From iconic stretches like the Great Ocean Road to quiet coastal towns and inland hideaways, these are the road trips we’re dreaming of this season.
1. Great Beach Drive (QLD)
Distance: 450km
Duration: 3–5 days
Stretching from Noosa to K’gari (Fraser Island), the Great Beach Drive is the kind of road trip where the beach is the road. Think turquoise water on one side, dense bushland on the other, and the occasional pod of dolphins or kangaroos, depending where you look. Along the way, you’ll pass through coloured sand cliffs, hidden freshwater lakes, and stretches of coastline that feel untouched.
2. Great Ocean Road (VIC)
Distance: 243km
Duration: 2–3 days
The Great Ocean Road is easily one of Australia’s most cinematic drives, where towering limestone cliffs meet windswept beaches, and the road hugs the edge of the land like a ribbon. Start in Melbourne, and wind your way through coastal towns like Tourquay, Lorne and Apollo Bay, stopping for fresh seafood, rainforest walks and ocean swims (the temperatures are chilly, so you’ll need to be brave). While the Twelve Apostles may steal the spotlight, it’s the rhythm of the road itself that makes this journey unforgettable.
3. Grand Pacific Drive (NSW)
Distance: 140km
Duration: 3–6 days
Just south of Sydney, the Grand Pacific Drive is where lush rainforest meets the sea in a seamless, scenic sweep. The route winds through the Royal National Park before opening up to those iconic coastal views — most famously along the Sea Cliff Bridge, where the road curves above the ocean in a near-dreamlike float. Pass through laidback surf towns like Thirroul and Kiama, stop for a swim or a pastry (or both), and embrace the slower pace.
4. Gibb River Road (WA)
Distance: 660km (from Derby to Kununurra)
Duration: 10–14 days
If you don’t mind things a little more remote and adventurous, Gibb River Road might be for you. Stretching through the heart of the Kimberley, this iconic outback track combines red earth, ancient gorges, and big, impossible skies. It’s a journey made for 4WDs and early starts, with plenty of waterfalls that double as swimming holes along the way. It’s less about luxury and more about awe.
5. Epicurean Way (SA)
Distance: 170km (McLaren Vale to Barossa Valley)
Duration: 4–5 days
South Australia’s Epicurean Way winds through four of the state’s most celebrated wine regions – McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Barossa, and Clare Valley – each offering its own blend of vineyard views, cellar doors and long lunches that stretch into the afternoon. It’s a journey best taken at a relaxed pace, where indulgence is encouraged and every stop is a chance to discover something delicious.
6. Great Barrier Reef Drive (QLD)
Distance: 140km (Cairns to Cape Tribulation)
Duration: 3–7 days
Few things are as iconic as the Great Barrier Reef, but did you know you can experience its beauty from the car? Winding along Queensland’s Coral Coast, the Great Barrier Reef Drive offers a front-row seat to one of the world’s most famous natural wonders. From the vibrant greens and blues of the Coral Sea to the lush hinterland, this drive is a stunning mix of turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and reef-fringed islands. Stop in at Port Douglas for a taste of tropical luxury or dive into the reef at one of the many accessible points along the way.
7. Great Eastern Drive (TAS)
Distance: 220km
Duration: 3–5 days (sometimes up to a week)
Stretching along Tasmania’s rugged east coast, the Great Eastern Drive is a journey that’s both remote and beautiful. From the charming town of Orford to the vibrant beaches of St Helens, this drive reveals a series of stunning landscapes, from pristine beaches, to forested cliffs. Along the way, you’ll discover hidden gems like the Freycinet Peninsula (home to the iconic Wineglass Bay), and indulge in some of the freshest seafood on the island.
8. Red Centre Way (NT)
Distance: 1,130 km (from Alice Springs to Uluru)
Duration: 5–7 days
This iconic route traces landscape of the Northern Territory, from Kings Canyon to Uluru. Whether you’re marvelling at the shifting colours of Uluru at sunrise, exploring the gorges of Watarrka National Park, or camping under the stars, this road trip is an unforgettable immersion into one of the world’s most iconic and spiritual landscapes.
9. Explorers Way (SA and NT)
Distance: 2,800 km (from Adelaide to Darwin)
Duration: a minimum of 14 days
The Explorers Way takes you through some of Australia’s most striking landscapes, from the vineyards of South Australia’s Barossa Valley, all the way to the Northern Territory. This scenic route winds through the rugged Flinders Ranges, past salt lakes and ancient gorges, before reaching the vast expanse of the outback.
10. The Coral Coast (WA)
Distance: approx. 1,250 km
Duration: 7–14 days
The Coral Coast Highway is an epic stretch of road that connects Perth to Exmouth, and famous for its striking pink lakes, dramatic gorges, and the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef (where you can swim with whale sharks). You can also interact with the Indo-pacific dolphins of Monkey Mia Beach, who have been swimming close to shore each morning for over 40 years (rangers feed the dolphins up to three times each morning, between 7:45am and 12 midday. It’s recommended to arrive to the beach by 7:30am for the best experience.) There’s also the surreal, otherworldly landscape of the Pinnacles Desert (featuring thousands of ancient limestone spires rising from a stark yellow desert) and the Kalbarri National Park to check out along the way.
With thanks to ROLLIN’ Car Insurance for providing data to support this story.
Feature images by Andrei Castanha, Connor Home, and CH Photography, all via Unsplash.
