Best Road Trips in Australia: From the Iconic Great Ocean Road Drive to Adventure-Filled Red Centre Way
Looking to hit more than one city on your next trip to Australia? That calls for a road trip! Australia just brims with adventure, no matter which state you visit. Those chasing iconic must-sees definitely have to do the Great Ocean Road drive or legendary Grand Pacific Drive while those craving for an outback adventure have gotta embark on a drive through the Northern Territory's Red Centre Way. Here are some Aussie road trip ideas to inspire your next trip!
Book Your Car Rental on Klook
Can’t do a road trip without a car, so get your car rental settled with Klook! Klook’s car rental service is serviced by top rated suppliers and familiar names for your peace of mind such as Hertz, Europcar and Avis. We also recommend adding on minimum basic protection insurance when you are booking car rental.
After sorting out your vehicle requirements, check out some of the most popular routes for Australia road trips:
- Great Ocean Road
- Grand Pacific Drive
- Pacific Coast
- Legendary Pacific Coast
- Great Barrier Reef Drive
- Perth to Margaret River
- Great Eastern Drive
- Epicurean Way
- The Red Centre Way
Note: Remember that you’re in charge of your road trip, so feel free to add in a few more stops!
1. Great Ocean Road - Melbourne
How many days? Minimum of 2 days, depending on the number of stops.
The Great Ocean Road is a scenic coastal drive along the Southernmost tip of Victoria (one of Australia’s six states) with plenty of seaside sights.
Jumpstart your epic road trip and get a car rental in Melbourne, one of the most well-known cities in the country, then embark on a one-hour drive to the first destination: Geelong.
First Stop: Geelong
Activity: Hot Air Balloon Flight
Duration: 4 hours
Early birds catch the worm and go on hot air balloon rides in Geelong, the best way to see the sunrise in town!
There is a complimentary breakfast served after your balloon flight, but don't fill up too much - because we are going tandem skydiving next!
Second Stop: Connewarre
Activity: Tandem Skydiving Over the Great Ocean Road
Duration: 1 hour
Have a peek of your entire route by tandem skydiving over the Great Ocean Road, where you’ll have the best vantage point of the coast’s beaches, bushlands, and other natural wonders.
After your thrilling ride, hop on a 50-minute drive West to a must-see stop along The Great Ocean Road.
Third Stop: The Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch
You know you’re really on a Great Ocean Road drive when you visit the iconic Memorial Arch, commemorating those who built the road and served in World War One. It’s a road trip bucket list item!
After taking all the IG-worthy pics, head to a one-and-a-half-hour drive for a more laidback nature escape in Weeaproniah.
Fourth Stop: Otway Fly Treetops Walk
You can’t miss going to Otway Fly Treetops Walk, where you can explore a rainforest from 30 meters up high on its canopy for a unique but laidback nature walk.
After your treetop adventure, go on a one-hour drive to another iconic Great Ocean Road stop!
Fifth Stop: 12 Apostles
No trip along the Great Ocean Road is complete without stopping by the 12 Apostles, breathtaking limestone pillars along the shore of Port Campbell National Park. Seeing the rugged coastline where these sculptures of nature stand definitely make for the epic road trip finale.
2. Grand Pacific Drive - Sydney
How many days? Minimum of 2 days, depending on the number of stops.
Another famous road trip in Australia is the Grand Pacific Drive, which you can start in the home of the famous Opera House, Sydney. This strip traverses the Southern coast of New South Wales, over the iconic Sea Cliff bridge, and is filled with plenty of nature and wildlife adventures.
Get your car rental in Sydney ready and start your adventure by driving for 40 minutes to Symbio Wildlife Park for amazing wildlife encounters.
First Stop: Symbio Wildlife Park
Activity: Visit native Aussie wildlife
Whether you’re going on a road trip with your friends or family, a visit to see the native Aussie wildlife and exotic animals at Symbio Wildlife Park will do the trick!
After this, it’s time to embark on a one-hour drive to Knights Hill for an exciting forest excursion.
We do recommend taking the scenic route over the Sea Cliff Bridge though - it'll add about half an hour more to your drive but it's definitely worth it!
Second Stop: Illawarra Fly
Activity: Illawarra Fly Zipline Tour
Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes
On the Illawarra Fly Zipline Tour, you can explore the rainforest the fun way by ziplining 35 meters above ground and going on a self-guided treetop walkway tour (similar to Otway).
After these two activities, it should already be late in the afternoon or evening, depending on how early you started. You can call it a night or further explore the restos and cafés in the area before heading to the third stop in the trip: Jervis Bay.
Third Stop: Jervis Bay
Activity: Dolphin Watch Cruise Tour
Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Jervis Bay is an hour and a half away by car from Knights Hill. Here, you can go on the Jervis Bay Dolphin Watch Cruise Tour and have a surreal marine wildlife encounter and see bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, whales, eagles, and more.
Want to extend your adventure? Drive further south and make it a Sydney to Melbourne drive!
3. Pacific Coast - Cairns, Brisbane, Gold Coast
How many days? Minimum of 6 days
If you’re up for a long road trip, the Pacific Coast drive will take your breath away! This runs along the northeastern coast of Queensland, Australia’s own Sunshine State. The Great Barrier Reef is one of its star destinations, but there’s plenty more to this side of the Land Down Under to see and do.
You can start in Cairns, the Northernmost city on this route, and head South to Airlie Beach. Be prepared for some detours and stops along the way since it’s going to be a seven-hour drive (that’s worth it!).
Airlie Beach is one of the gateways to the fabulous Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier reef, which you can’t miss going to during a Pacific Coast drive.
First Stop: Whitsundays for the 2D1N Reefsleep Under the Stars Great Barrier Experience
Duration: 2 days, 1 night
Have a jam-packed couple of days cruising the Whitsunday Islands, snorkelling, and swimming, and get ready to sleep under the stars at the Great Barrier Reef during the magical and unforgettable Reefsleep experience.
After your Whitsunday escapade, you can drive further south to traverse the Pacific Coast route, where you’ll find many scenic seaside destinations. Or you can head straight to the Gold Coast on a whopping 13-hour drive!
Second Stop: Brisbane
Activity: Story Bridge Day and Night Adventure Climb
Duration: 2 hours
After your nature getaway, it’s time for an urban adventure. The Story Bridge Adventure Climb is an exciting and safe way to see all of Brisbane—it’s an absolute must-try!
After your epic climb, head to the next stop an hour away: the Gold Coast!
Third Stop: Gold Coast
Activity: Beginner Surf Experience on Gold Coast
Duration: 2 hours
With its idyllic beaches and waves, surfing on the Gold Coast is exquisite. No surf experience? No problem—beginners will be well guided the whole time!
4. Legendary Pacific Coast - Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney
How many days? At least 2 days
This route is an extension of the Pacific Coast, one that you can start in good ol’ Brisbane, except you’ll be crossing over from Queensland to the state of New South Wales.
From Brisbane, you can go on a short one-hour drive to the Gold Coast, where another extraordinary climb awaits.
First Stop: Gold Coast
Activity: SkyPoint Climb Experience
Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
On the SkyPoint Climb Experience, you can conquer Australia’s tallest building and see all of the Gold Coast on the SkyPoint observation deck.
After your exhilarating feat, it’s time to drive for an hour to Byron—home to the stars!
Second Stop: Byron Bay
Activity: Dolphin Watching and Kayaking Experience
Duration: 3 hours
Image credit: Tourism Australia
Here, you can visit attractions like the Cape Byron Lighthouse and go on a kayaking experience that will really take you up close and personal with the dolphins and other marine wildlife!
The next drive will definitely make this trip more legendary, so make sure to keep your playlist extra long! A six-hour drive to Port Stephens is in order for an adventure in the sand.
Third Stop: Port Stephens
Activity: Port Stephens Quad Biking Experience
Duration: 3 hours
Speed through the Stockton Beach Sand Dunes on a one-hour quad bike ride with your road trip buddies; it’s the perfect tour-and-thrill combo!
For the final stop, you’ll be embarking on a two-hour drive to Sydney, a.k.a. The Emerald City.
Fourth Stop: Sydney
Sydney is one of the most popular cities in Australia, and for a good reason. Its vibrant harbour is home to the famed Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge—the backdrop to your commemorative photos for your ultimate Aussie road trip!
Tip: You can also turn things around and start here for the ultimate Sydney to Brisbane road trip!
5. Great Barrier Reef Drive - Cairns
How many days? Minimum 1-2 days
Cairns is a city that is considered the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef since plenty of the access points to the reef are situated there. A drive along the coast of Cairns and its surrounding areas is sure to be filled with memorable sights and stops! With most of the stops being close to each other, this is perfect for a weekend drive.
Here are the activities you should try during your Cairns road trip:
First Stop: Kuranda, Cairns
Activity: Army Duck Tour with Skyrail Cable Car and Kuranda Scenic Railway Ride
Explore Kuranda Rainforest, which is only a 26-minute drive from Cairns, in the best ways possible (on land and air!) on the Army Duck Skyrail Cable Car and the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Both rides provide the best vantage points for the scenic forest.
Second Stop: Cairns
Activity: Fitzroy Island Day Tour & Water Activities
Duration: Half-day or full-day
Whether you opt for a half-day or full-day tour of Fitzroy Island, you’re bound to have a jam-packed day with water activities, such as Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), ocean trampolining, and more!
6. Perth - Margaret River
How many days? At least 2 days
While most of the previous road trips are situated on the East and South coasts of Australia, it’s time to head to Western Australia for a road trip in Perth to Margaret River. While it’s only a three-hour drive from end to end, there are heaps of stops in between that you should definitely check out!
So get your car rental in Perth and begin your journey with this wine cruise!
First Stop: Perth
Activity: Swan Valley Gourmet Wine Cruise
Duration: 7 hours and 15 minutes
Sail across the scenic Swan River and enjoy a tour of Sandalford Wine Estate, where premium wines and cheese board selections await you on this gourmet wine cruise.
After your boozy day in Perth, you can head to Chapman Hill the next day for another enriching wine tour.
Second Stop: Chapman Hill
Activity: Wine Tasting Experience at Whicher Ridge Wines
Duration: 1 hour
Experience a wine-tasting tour like no other at Whicher Ridge Wines sensory garden, where you can work your five senses with all the herbs, flowers, and fruit trees in the vicinity.
Third Stop: Margaret River region
Activity: Jewel Cave Tour in Margaret River Region
Duration: 1 hour
Witness true marvels of nature on the Jewel Cave tour, which will take you around three chambers filled with beautiful crystal formations, helictites, cave coral, and pendulous, all naturally sculpted through the years.
7. Great Eastern Drive - Hobart
How many days? Minimum of 4 days
Now we move towards the island state in the South, Tasmania. This area is known for its wildlife and scenery. Fun fact: Tasmania also has the cleanest air in the world, so that you can roll your windows down on the Great Eastern Drive!
The Great Eastern Drive runs along coastal roads along the edge of Tasmania. Here you’ll find seaside villages, national parks, and trails populated by wildlife. You can start your drive in the city of Hobart, which is situated along the River Derwent.
First Stop: Cambridge, Hobart
Activity: Wineglass Bay and Wildlife Aeroplane Tour from Hobart
Duration: 3 hours
On this airplane tour from Hobart, you’ll fly up North to Wineglass Bay (which takes about three hours by car). Keep your eyes peeled for immaculate bays with clear waters, awe-inspiring pink granite mountains, and white beaches!
After a scenic flight, you can spend the rest of your day exploring the city and preparing for your full-day tour for the next day.
Second Stop: Hobart
Activity: Tasmania Seafood Seduction Cruise
Duration: 7 hours
Cruise down the beautiful Derwent River from Hobart on the Tasmania Seafood Seduction Cruise, indulging in the freshest seafood such as rock lobster, sea urchin, oysters, salmon, and more!
After a seven-hour cruise, you can get ready for your trip the next day to Sandy Bay.
Third Stop: Sandy Bay
Activity: Hobart City Kayaking Tour
Duration: 2.5 hours
Paddle away along Hobart’s vibrant waterfront on this kayaking tour, and keep your eyes peeled for seals swimming by. You can even enjoy good ol’ fish and chips in your kayak!
Next up, after your Hobart and Wineglass Bay exploits, it’s time to head north on a three-hour drive to Bicheno, a beloved holiday destination in Tasmania.
Fourth Stop: Bicheno
Image credit: Tourism Australia
After your drive, you might want to unwind at the beach or grab your swimwear, surfboard, or goggles, as Bicheno is a lovely place to go surfing and snorkelling. You can also watch adorable little penguins waddle along the beach on a Bicheno penguin tour!
Cap off your road trip at the next stop, only 11 minutes away!
Fifth Stop: Freycinet National Park
Image credit: Tourism Australia
Freycinet National Park is a preserved treasure of Tasmania with colorful rocky bays dotted with orange lichen-encrusted rocks and lined with turquoise waters. You can also take Instagrammable pics at Wineglass Bay Lookout to commemorate the finale of your drive!
8. Epicurean Way - Adelaide
How many days? Minimum of 2 days
Image credit: South Australian Tourism Commission
If you’re a true blue foodie headed to the state of South Australia, a road trip along the Epicurian Way is a must. This route is not only one of the most scenic drives in South Australia, but it’s also dusted with numerous wineries and restaurants with concoctions that will make your taste buds dance.
Designated drivers won’t have to miss out on the fun, as certain wineries provide bottles to take home—and you can always enjoy the yummy food.
Start at the town of Hahndorf in the city of Adelaide, which is only about half an hour from the Central Business District.
First Stop: Hahndorf, Adelaide
Activity: Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf Half Day Tour
Duration: 4 hours
Explore the wonders of Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf during this half-day tour, which will take you to Mount Lofty’s summit and the quaint villages. Cap off the tour with afternoon tea!
Next stop: Barossa Valley, an hour and 25 minutes away!
Second Stop: Barossa Valley
Activity: Penfolds Wine Blending Class in Barossa Valley Cellar Door
Duration: 1 hour
Learn to blend your own flavourful wine with the help of experts in the Penfolds Wine Blending Class, where you can take your personal blend home as a souvenir.
After becoming a master wine blender, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the area, then get some rest to prepare for a full tour the following day.
Third Stop: Barossa Valley
Activity: Barossa Food and Wine Tour from Adelaide
Duration: 8 hours
Spend an entire day delighting your taste buds on the Barossa Food and Wine tour, where you’ll enjoy a two-course meal, sample some wines, and even pair chocolates with them! Designated drivers can rest easy as you can always call it a day right away at a nearby hotel!
Want to go on a long drive? You can turn this into a road trip to Melbourne from Adelaide!
9. The Red Centre Way - Alice Springs
How many days? Minimum of 3 days
Image credit: Tourism Australia
Last but surely not least is this route in Australia’s Northern Territory: the Red Centre Way. Many road trip goers treat this route as a loop by starting and ending in Alice Springs. Along the route lies several famous destinations, including Kings Canyon, Uluru, and the West MacDonnell Ranges, which brings you back to Alice Springs.
First Stop: Alice Springs
Activity: Alice Springs Half Day Tour
Duration: 4 hours
Image credit: Tourism Australia
Get to know the Outback’s most famous town on the Alice Springs Half-Day Tour, where you’ll visit the first European settlement, the School of Air (which helps children in remote areas), historic telegraph station and the Alice Springs Reptile Centre.
After the half-day tour, spend the rest of the afternoon on a four-hour drive to the famous Uluru, where you’ll embark on a sunset tour the following day.
Second Stop: Uluru
Activity: Uluru Base and Sunset Tour
Duration: Around 5 hours
Put on comfy walking shoes and explore Uluru, a UNESCO-listed landmark, which concludes at sunset— during which you can nibble on snacks and wine.
After watching the vibrant sunrise, get ready to wake up early for a 41-minute drive to Kata Tjuta for a sunrise tour.
Third Stop: Kata Tjuta
Activity: Kata Tjuta Sunrise and Valley of the Winds Tour
Duration: 5 hours and 30 minutes
Start your day on the Kata Tjuta Sunrise tour, where you can watch the sunrise as you eat your breakfast and go on a walk through the Valley of the Winds with your expert guides.
