Roadtrips are famously known as a journey without destination yet it offers a uniquely enjoyable experience. Nevertheless, there’s no greater happiness than taking a road trip abroad.
Australia offers stunning sceneries and rich landscapes with a pleasant ecological environment. Carving your path around the country will give you quite a lot of inspiration and insights throughout the route.
If you’re an adventurous weekend or seasoned traveler, select one of these incredible destinations, get a vehicle, and hit the road!
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Sea and Scenery
01. The Great Ocean Road, Victoria
Start: Torquay | Finish: Allansford | Duration: 7 days | Best time: Late Summer (March – April)
Great Ocean Road, Victoria © Johan Drone Adventures / Instagram
Start with a classic sightseeing trip from Melbourne. The Great Ocean Road reveals beach towns, national parks, and the Twelve Apostles sea stacks. But the road is more than just a tourist trail. It is a war memorial that spans 243 kilometers along some of Australia’s most stunning coastline. The route traces the coast of Victoria from Torquay to Allansford.
The beachside town of Lorne is a popular stop with weekenders from Melbourne. From here, continue to Wye River and Apollo Bay. The road then cuts through the Great Otway National Park with its giant forest. It rejoins the coast at the Twelve Apostles, a group of limestone stacks that will take your breath away. The Great Ocean Road ends at Allansford while it’s worth continuing to the historic town of Port Fairy. Not a road trip to rush – Savor the sea views, stop by a paddle on beaches, and hike through the forests.
02. The Grand-Pacific Drive, New South Wales
Start: Royal National Park | Finish: Nowra | Duration: 5 days | Best time: May – November
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Bring along your camera for this spectacular coastal drive. The Great Pacific Drive is a 140-kilometer scenic coastal road that takes you through a rainforest, over the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, and coastal city-towns along the way. That’s not all – it will be a drive that clutches the coastline down to the Shoalhaven region in New South Wales, taking you through some of the most beautiful cliff faces within the state.
Don’t miss the opportunity to stop at Kiama, witness the mighty water jets and migrating whales. Drive further to the renowned surf spot of Werri Beach for an endless experience to be enjoyed along your way.
Sand and Sun
03. Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park, Tasmania
Start: Hobart/Launceston | Finish: South/North | Duration: 5 days | Best time: December – February
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It has long been hailed as the jewel in Freycinet’s crown, Wineglass Bay nestled at the feet of forest-covered mountains, formed by a crescent of white sand with the emerald green water cross-screening sky-lake. Begin the road trip along St Helens, Swansea, and Bicheno. From snow-capped mountains to sapphire bays, Tasmania is overwhelming with natural beauty. Arrive at historical Hobart, heading north to exquisite Fire Bay, its blindingly white beaches, fresh air, and breathtaking views take you on cloud nine. The beautiful-tranquil east coast of Tasmania is rich in produce wine, cheese, and seafood.
04. Esperance, South West Edge
Start: Perth | Finish: Esperance | Duration: 10 – 14 days | Best time: January – April
It will be a road trip that hops from one stunning setting to the next (probably a road less traveled ) from the bubbly city of Perth to small towns like Margaret River, Albany, and Esperance. Throughout the days, you may experience towering forests, white dunes, calm bays, and pristine beaches at each stop. Whether it’s deep underwater or miles up, it offers out-of-the-ordinary adventures.
Best of all, immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture by joining the Kumar Dreamdusk Didgeridoo Cave Tour at Margaret River. Alternatively, hit the road to Esperance – to view the famous pink lake neighboring the dark blue ocean – Lake Hillier is located about 70 miles from Esperance.
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Historic Drive
05. Wilpena Pound, South Australia
Start: Adelaide | Finish: Darwin| Duration: 10 – 14 days | Best time: May – October
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It’s only a five-hours drive from Adelaide along the Explorers Way to visit this spectacular natural wonder – Wilpena Pound. It is an extraordinary 800-million-year-old landform and home of the Adnyamathanha people for millions of years. It is a natural amphitheater that looks like a giant meteorite crater. Winds from Adelaide all the way to Darwin, passing through ancient gorges, weathered peaks, and extraordinary views of red rock canyons. All along, you’ll see the underground city of Coober Pedy, and as you cross the border into the Northern Territory, soon see the majestic Uluru and Kata Tjuta appear ahead.
Wilpena Pound Resort which is 430 kilometers North of Adelaide, is the only accommodation within the Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park. Visit the South Australian outback and experience the stunning beauty of one of the oldest landscapes on earth.
06. The Pinnacles, Nambung National Park, Western Australia
Start: Perth | Finish: Broome | Duration: 10 – 14 days | Best time: July – October
The most iconic landmark is located on Australia’s Coral Coast – The Pinnacles. You will find limestone formations standing up to four meters in altitude in the Nambung National Park, representing a collection of faces, shapes, and sizes. Riding through the desert will be a great experience to unlock. Alternatively, outside of the desert, there are many more ideal spots to explore for water sports within the Jurien Bay Marine Par.
Looking for something more historical? A trip to Lake Thetis is a top priority. The stromatolites around are produced by organisms undetectable to the human eye recognized as “ancient living fossils.” It is a remarkable sight to see in the Pinnacles of Western Australia.
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Grab a map, and start driving.
