the road trip australia

Australia Recommends 2024

Come and Say G'day

G'day, the short film

Discover your Australia

Travel videos

Deals and offers

Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales

Northern Territory

South Australia

Western Australia

External Territories

The Whitsundays

Mornington Peninsula

Port Douglas

Ningaloo Reef

Airlie Beach

Kangaroo Island

Rottnest Island

Hamilton Island

Lord Howe Island

Tiwi Islands

Phillip Island

Bruny Island

Margaret River

Barossa Valley

The Grampians

Hunter Valley

McLaren Vale

Glass House Mountains

Alice Springs

Uluru and Kata Tjuta

The Kimberley

Flinders Ranges

Kakadu National Park

Eyre Peninsula

Karijini National Park

Great Barrier Reef

Blue Mountains

Daintree Rainforest

Great Ocean Road

Purnululu National Park

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Litchfield National Park

Aboriginal experiences

Arts and culture

Festivals and events

Food and drink

Adventure and sports

Walks and hikes

Road trips and drives

Beaches and islands

Nature and national parks

Eco-friendly travel

Health and wellness

Family travel

Family destinations

Family road trips

Backpacking

Work and holiday

Beginner's guide

Accessible travel

Planning tips

Trip planner

Australian budget guide

Itinerary planner

Find a travel agent

Find accommodation

Find transport

Visitor information centres

Deals and travel packages

Visa and entry requirements FAQ

Customs and biosecurity

Working Holiday Maker visas

Facts about Australia

Experiences that will make you feel like an Aussie

People and culture

Health and safety FAQ

Cities, states & territories

Iconic places and attractions

When is the best time to visit Australia?

Seasonal travel

Events and festivals

School holidays

Public holidays

How to get to Australia's most iconic cities

How long do I need for my trip to Australia?

How to travel around Australia

Guide to driving in Australia

How to hire a car or campervan

How to plan a family road trip

How to plan an outback road trip

10 of Australia’s most iconic road trips

• Share Share on Facebook Share on Messenger Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp Copy Link

Feel the freedom of the open road with these unmissable road trips.

By Leah Dobihal and Carly Spek

There’s no shortage of adventure on the spectacular Legendary Pacific Coast between Sydney and Brisbane , boasting the wineries of the Hunter Valley , the sparkling beaches of Port Stephens , the hippie-chic scene of Byron Bay and the glitz of the Gold Coast . It’s a wind-the-windows-down kind of road trip that embraces Australia’s coastal beauty and laid-back vibes, even passing one of the most iconic road trip pit stops: the Big Banana .

Drive the Legendary Pacific Coast Touring Route

From world-class wine to sparkling beaches and ancient rainforest walks, the New South Wales Legendary Pacific Coast is a drive to be savoured.

Read time • 8min

Coastal drives fit into a road trip category of their own, with the endless ocean on one side and sweeping landscapes on the other. One of Australia’s most spectacular coastal drives is New South Wales’ Grand Pacific Drive . Beginning just south of Sydney , the road clutches the coastline, unfurling onto the Sea Cliff Bridge, which seemingly levitates above crashing waves. Along the way, visit a dramatic blowhole in Kiama, stroll along the bone-white shores of Hyams Beach and witness ancient history .

Sydney to the Sapphire Coast road trip

With pockets of paradise like Eden and Merimbula, the Sapphire Coast in New South Wales is so much more than just a whale-watching mecca.

Read time • 6min

The central Australian outback is a place of transformation. Ancient ochre landscapes, dynamic cultures and starry skies create an energy unique to Australia’s red heart. Driving the Red Centre Way, a loop beginning and ending in the outback town of Alice Springs , means meeting Australian icons at every turn. Ulu r u, Kata Tju t a and Watarrka National Park are the heavy hitters, but don’t overlook the dramatic gorges and cool swimming holes of Tjoritja (the West MacDonnell Ranges).

Alice Springs to Uluru: a 7-day road trip

Tour the ancient landscapes of Central Australia on this iconic Aussie road trip through Alice Springs, Kings Canyon and Uluru.

Not all great drives are long drives, even in a place as big as Australia. From the tropical city of Cairns to the wilds of Cape Tribulation, the Great Barrier Reef Drive offers more than its fair share of wonders. Where else can you stand on the border of two World Heritage Listed sites ? Or spot the vibrant colours of both cassowary birds and coral? Amid your travels between the reef and the Daintree Rainforest , you can chill beneath palms, search for tree kangaroos and snorkel over the kaleidoscope of colours and creatures on the reef .

14-day Tropical North Queensland Drive

Drive from Cairns to Townsville via Cooktown, through World Heritage-listed reef and rainforests to golden outback savannah, taking in tropical Queensland at its finest.

Read time • 11min

Meandering all the way from Adelaide to Darwin , the Explorers Way passes through a tapestry of ancient gorges, weathered peaks and red rock canyons. In South Australia’s outback, you’ll find the natural wonders of the 600-million-year-old Flinders Ranges as well as the underground city of Coober Pedy. After crossing the border into the Northern Territory , you’ll soon see the majestic Ulu r u and Kata Tju t a appear ahead as the earth turns red beneath your tyres.

14 days along the Explorers Way

This 14-day adventure takes you down the centre of Australia, from Darwin to South Australia. Along the way you'll explore striking landscapes from wetlands to deserts, as well as outback towns, world-class wineries and beautiful beaches.

Read time • 10min

From snow-capped mountains to sapphire-blue bays, Tasmania is overflowing with natural beauty. Take in Tassie’s coastal wonders as you follow one of the island’s grandest road trips – the Great Eastern Drive . Head north from Hobart to the Bay of Fires , where the beaches are white, the air is clean and the scenery is magnificent. Wander around the sandstone ruins of the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur convict settlement one day and find yourself admiring the perfect curve of Wineglass Bay the next. 

5 days on Tasmania’s Great Eastern Drive

Sample the splendours of Tasmania’s stunning east coast, from seafood and wine to lush rainforest and powder-white beaches.

Read time • 5min

If experiencing Australia’s wide-open spaces is on your wishlist, set your sights on the Nullarbor Plain , located along the Great Australian Bight. There are incredible experiences to be found as you drive along the open road, from wandering the wild coast of South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula to hitting the holes on the world’s longest golf course . Add in caves, old gold mining towns, the remains of a space station that crashed to Earth and character-rich roadhouses, and the Nullarbor becomes a bucket list Aussie road trip.

Driving across the Nullarbor Plain

Widen your horizons driving the Eyre Highway across the vast Nullarbor Plain, four times the size of Belgium.

Read time • 9min

The centre of the Kimberley is as vast and majestic as its famous coastline. The Gibb River Road , which stretches from Derby (near Broome ) to almost as far as Kununurra , is a legendary outback route for good reason. Offering secluded gorges, rocky ridges and that indescribable open-road feeling, it’s a drive that will transform you with each passing kilometre. Head off in a 4WD to explore bulbous boab trees, glimpse the rugged Cockburn Range and soak in glassy waterholes.

Gibb River Road: a 12-day adventure

Journey across one of the country’s greatest 4WD adventures through Western Australia’s captivating Kimberley wilderness.

The route between Perth and Esperance truly has it all: blindingly white beaches, strikingly clear water, some of the tallest trees in the world and premium wineries. Lose yourself in the natural beauty, seclusion and tranquillity of the South West Edge road trip. Pay a visit to Lucky Bay’s beach-loving kangaroos, bounce along a walkway suspended in the treetops at the Valley of the Giants and join an expedition to see killer whales (between late January and April). And that’s just the start.

Western Australia's South West: 14 day road trip

Experience the extraordinary landscape of the South West in one great road trip.

Read time • 16min

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most thrilling drives, studded with dramatic views of rugged coastline. Take it slow and enjoy the breathtaking views along this iconic stretch of road before heading inland to discover dense forests and misting waterfalls. Seize the chance to marvel at the famous 12 Apostles’ towering limestone rock formations – stunning at any time of day, but especially as the setting sun turns the cliff face a fiery red.

6 days on the Great Southern Touring Route

Take a road trip along Victoria’s eye-popping southern coastline, through Aboriginal history and into sparkling spa country. It’s nature, nurture and wonder all the way.

More articles like this

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.  Find out more . By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

• New Zealand (English)
• United States (English)
• Canada (English)
• United Kingdom (English)
• India (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• Singapore (English)
• Indonesia (Bahasa Indonesia)
• Deutschland (Deutsch)
• France (Français)
• Italia (Italiano)
• 中国大陆 (简体中文)

*Product Disclaimer:  Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Oceania » Australia » 10 EPIC Australia Road Trips: Big, Bold, and Beautiful

10 EPIC Australia Road Trips: Big, Bold, and Beautiful

Australia: a continental landmass of crocodile-wrestling locals, man-eating dropbears, and gigantic expanses of endless red dirt. Maybe only one of those things is true.

That said, there is truly, truly massive amounts of red dirt. On any Australian road trip through its gargantuan “Red Centre”, you will see endless horizons of ochre hues. Words cannot describe the scope of this untameable land.

In Australia, one can easily drive for days on end without the scenery changing at all and with only the occasional roo – jumping out in front of the car on a suicide mission – to break up the routine. But if you can handle the distances and duck the kamikaze kangaroos, the country can be one hell of a setting for some epic Australian road trips.

Of course, embarking on Australia’s road trips isn’t so simple. First, you’ll need a vehicle. You’ll also need to manage the equally untameable cost of travelling in Australia. (Damn you fuel prices in Oz!)

And of course, you’ll need to decide on which of the best road trips in Australia you’ll be Mad Max-ing. Spoiler: they’re all bloody magnificent.

So that’s why I’ve written this guide to travelling Australia by car (or van). A roundup of the most epic Australian road trips you can possibly sink your teeth and adventurer chomps into!

Fire her up cause we’re headin’ out back, mate.

Exploring Australia: Prepping for the Road Trip

Top 10 epic australia road trips: she’ll be right, 10. kangaroo island, some safety advice for australia, let the great australia road trip commence.

The word Australia is now pretty much synonymous with the word “backpacking”. This is primarily because countless backpackers from all around the world now flock here annually, either to take long working holidays (yay for obscenely high minimum wages) or to try and start a new life.

Meanwhile back in the rest of the world, (certainly in India, South-East Asia and South America) it often feels like most of the other backpackers you meet are Australian (closely followed by Germans then Israelis). In summary Australia = Backpacking . Right?

Despite this, the former prison colony has still not really been properly explored save by only a handful of very brave and foolish souls. Australia is massive, it’s red, it’s angry, and it’s often damn well deadly and therefore, most folks (residents and visitors alike) end up sticking to the coastlines .

However, if you want to discover the real Australia then you need to head away from the beach and into that deliciously daring ‘outback’ . For a proper adventure, you gotta get away from humanity and into the sheer undulating arid heat. If you’re going to do that, then you’re going to need to get yourself a car and set off for an epic road trip in Australia.

The road is calling (here are a few inspiring road trip quotes , just in case you need any more motivation).

How to Travel Australia by Car

Firstly, you will need a driving licence . A serious traveller may even want to get an International licence although most “Western” licence (US, EU, etc.) will be perfectly valid down under . Be sure to get this back in your home country because everything is expensive in Australia.

You’re also going to need a vehicle for a road trip in Australia – no brainer! There are three ways to go about this:

• Hire a car or van in Australia – Renting a car in Australia is easy albeit expensive and much better suited to a short trip. There are heaps of car rental services in Australia but I recommend JUCY Rentals . They’ve been in the game as long as I remember; parked by the beaches of Byron Bay is a time-honoured Australian tradition almost as much as a beer and fish and chips. Probably also in Byron.
• Buy a car or van –  This is option two and the true backpacker way to have a road trip in Australia. Backpackers buying and reselling vehicles in Australia is incredibly common (given the sheer scope of Australia) and acquiring a pre-loved gypsy warhorse and selling it again later is super viable. The best way to go about this is through online listings: social media groups, car sales websites, Gumtree , traveller/hostel message boards, or even dipping into your personal network.
• Steal a car or van – Jokes, don’t do that. Remember how I said Australia was an ex-prisoner colony. Dem fuckers be crazy.

Travel Australia by Van or Car

Right, so you may have noticed how I specified van  OR  car. That’s because both are viable, however, I do have a special love in my heart for living and travelling in a van. And truth be told, Australia’s barren empty wilderness and endless beaches are simply built for the vanlife.

Ultimately though, the choice is yours. A car is cheaper to acquire (generally) and requires less mechanical knowhow, but you won’t have the sheer magnificent awesomeness a home with wheels. That said, vans can be absolute primadonnas and konk out on you at the worst possible time so it’s a matter of choice and desire.

Lastly (and most importantly), it is worth noting that not ALL of Australia will be open to you in a standard van or car. A lot of Australia’s landscape is incredibly harsh and some of the absolute best road trips will only be doable with a four-wheel drive.

Either way, the vehicle type you choose is going to affect your packing for the great Australian road trip . To that end, here is some more recommended reading:

Car Camping in Australia Resources:

• The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List
• The Camping Master Checklist
• Best Budget Backpacking Tents
• Best Sleeping Bags
• And don’t forget a sleeping pad!

Van Travel in Australia Resources

• The Full Guide to Vanlife
• Campervanning in New Zealand Guide

(Yes I know it’s New Zealand but bar the much smaller scope and lack of murderous animals, the countries are quite comparable.)

Oh, and here’s a kickass post discussing the cost of a road trip in Australia . Ta-dah!

A Word on Australian Visas

Pretty much everybody will need a visa to enter Australia. The immigration policies and staff are zealous and you will be given the once over.

Travellers from most Western Countries can enter for tourism purposes on an Australian ETA (subclass 601) . Whilst these are amongst the easiest type to obtain, do remember to apply before you fly or you risk deportation

Ok, no more blabber-blabber: the best road trips in Australia! Let’s hop to it and get this show on the road!

So. Many. Puns.

So. Little. Time.

1. Gibb River Road – Western Australia

Accessible only by four-wheel drive, and completely impossible to do in the wet season, this road is one hell of an adventure. Bringing you 660 km down a dirt track from Broome to Kununurra , you’re likely not to see another soul on the road.

Countless waterfalls and natural springs greet you along the way – just make sure to check for freshwater crocs before you hop in! It’s one of the best routes you can take for an Australian road trip.

2. Cairns to Cape York – Queensland

At the northernmost tip of Australia, practically touching Papua New Guinea, lives a place called Cape York . Far from the backpacker trail, it’s an amazing place to explore. (Other than the saltwater crocodiles lurking in the water. Australia’s wildlife: the reoccurring theme of this guide).

The road travels down dirt roads with many river crossings, so you definitely need a four-wheel drive, much like most of the best spots in an Australia road trip. As you travel up from Cairns , you’ll pass through Cape Tribulation – a tiny town nestled in the rainforest, with the Great Barrier Reef a mere 30-minute boat ride away. It doesn’t get more idyllic than that.

3. Darwin to Uluru – Northern Territory

While this one can be done with an ordinary two-wheel drive vehicle, the route is definitely far from ordinary. A hundred kilometres south of Darwin , you’ll reach the gorgeous Litchfield National Park . With more waterfalls than you can handle, a ton of different bush walks, and a unique (and odd) type of termite mound, you could spend weeks in the park.

Continuing south you’ll get a true taste of the Outback, with roads stretching far into the horizon. But don’t worry, you won’t get bored; those suicidal kangaroos will keep you on your toes as you cruise to the red hot centre of Australia. Be sure to stop in at Alice Springs on your way to Uluru – yes, the famous giant red rock – to check out some traditional Aboriginal art  as well as the stunning views you won’t catch anywhere else on earth. You’ll find a few great hostels in Alice Springs as well. A great route to choose for an Australia road trip!

4. Great Ocean Road – Victoria

The Great Ocean Road is widely mooted as the “greatest” amongst the epic Australian road trips, and one of the best road trips in Victoria . For all those in love with the ocean, this road is an absolute must. Gliding along from every surfer’s paradises to massive plunging cliffs, the road is nothing short of spectacular.

Starting 275 km west of Melbourne , you’ll find the world-famous Twelve Apostles , where huge rock stacks rise from the waves. Love surfing (or the movie Point Break)? Get to Bells Beach , the setting of the last scene of the film, as well as Rip Curl’s surfing competition.

Be sure to stop in at some of the villages along the road as well; from Victorian-era buildings to small fishing communities, there are some great destinations along the Great Ocean Road.

5. The Greater Blue Mountains Drive – New South Wales

Mountains in Australia? Blue mountains ? Yep, they’ve got more than just kangaroos and koalas out there.

Taking you from the metropolis of Sydney right up the middle of the Blue Mountains , this drive is anything but ordinary. From Jenolan Caves , filled with crazy limestone formations, to the Three Sisters rock formation in Katoomba , you will find plenty to do in the area.

And if you get bored of the main route, no worries! The Bluies (a bit of local lingo for ya there) is an absolutely massive mountain range with awesome hostels to stay at tonnes of branching tracks:

• Running from Sydney to Lithgow is the Great Western Highway (the main route).
• Parallel to the Great Western on the other side of the Grose Valley is Bell’s Line of Road .
• There are heaps of dirt roads and fire trails running into the bush everywhere to explore.
• And tonnes of branching roads in other directions. Check out the  Megalong Valley or head towards  Oberon for some more eye candy.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

6. The Nullarbor Plain – West Australia

The long road to Perth takes in 2000km of red Australia at its harshest. It’s flat, it’s long, it’s arid, and it’s a big wide open space so don’t get acrophobic on me now. It’s also an utterly rewarding adventure and one of the best of the epic Austrian road trips you can do.

It’s fair to say that doing the proper crossing of Australia by car is both an Australian and backpacker rite of passage. Take a friend or get used to your own company because it’s a lonely journey and not for the faint of heart. But my god is it a journey.

If, however, this all sounds like too much then see number 7.

7. Tasmania’s Heritage Trail

Tasmania is Australia’s best-kept secret. The region boasts beauty in abundance but has somehow escaped consumption by the backpacker trail. It’s also a lot smaller and compact to travel; like a miniature New Zealand!

This was once the gateway to Australia and was where the original convict chain-gangs were set to work colonising the country. The highwaymen that once haunted these high-ways and by-ways are now gone but you still need to be mindful of those damn roos who may surprise you! This is quite a short and pleasant drive – it’s a lot greener too – so is the perfect contrast to the above Australian road trip.

8. The Alpine Way – New South Wales

Did you know you could fit the entirety of old Wales into New South Wales several times over? However, this route is only 121km long so should only take you a day (plus stops).

The best time to come here is in early spring when the snow is melting (yes, Australia gets snow) but you still get the alpine scenery. There are also loads of great, and safe, places to wild camp along the way.

9. Sydney to Melbourne

Ok, so we did kind of dissed the folks who stick to the coast back there. However, the reality is that if you’re gonna fly all the way to Australia, you will most likely either fly to Sydney or to Melbourne first – two of the best places to stay in Australia . Therefore you may as well make a road trip out of it, right?

There are loads of little coastal towns along the coastal route (think Summer Bay from Home & Away) as well as idyllic little spots for fishing and bird watching. This trip is also perfect if you’re short on time, an inexperienced explorer or if your car is not up to the harder, inland roads.

If the mainland somehow feels too big, then take the ferry from Adelaide across to Kangaroo Island . As the name suggests, it’s an almost untouched animal sanctuary so you can expect more kamikaze kangaroos then we care to mention. To battle stations, comrades: they’re rebelling!

You can take your car onto the ferry (it’s the same deal for Tassie by the way) but if you are renting one, please check that the rental company allows you to do this.

Seriously, there’s a whole other post in this but ok. Pickpockets, terrorists, murderers: these aren’t a concern so much in Australia (Ivan Milat notwithstanding) . There are other concerns, however. Especially for travellers unwitting to Australia’s harshness.

The wildlife is, of course, the bad joke of the global community. Crocs, jellyfish, snakes, spiders, sharks… hell, an emu can kill you if it wants. Generally, you stay away from them, then they’ll stay away from you. The big exception is crocs.

Any area where crocs are common in the water (northern areas of Australia in particular), be hella safe swimming. In fact, probably just don’t swim. If a croc gets you, you’re dead: end of story. Australia isn’t some landscape of bloodthirsty man-eating monsters like people seem to think, but you need to pay attention.

Next, swimming safety. A lot of the beaches are rough and tourists have died going past their limits. Be careful swimming on Australia’s beaches: swim between the lifeguard’s flags, watch out for surfers, and if you get stuck in a rip, let it take you until it subsides. Common sense prevails when swimming in Australia.

Are you done, Dad?  No. Two more things

One More Thing: Australia Road Trip Safety

Road trips in Australia are very different from the States, Europe, or most other places for that matter. Maybe it’s comparable to a hot Siberia.

Populated coastlines are different but in rural areas and especially in the Outback, there are a number of things to be careful about:

• Supplies –  Always have enough food, petrol (including extra tanks),  WATER ; it’s quite possible to go days without seeing another human in Australia’s most vast areas and if you breakdown without these things, she’ll probably not be right.
• Stop, revive, survive – Famous safety motto in Australia: take frequent rest breaks and naps if necessary when driving. It’s actually amazing how many people die on Australia’s long, straight, empty roads – counter-intuitive, right? It’s easy to lose concentration when you’ve been driving in a straight line staring at the same dot on the horizon for 6 hours. It’s easy to fall asleep at the wheel and flip your car or smash into a pole at 120+km/h. Be smart.
• Watch out for wildlife –  All the jokes aside about suicidal kangaroos, imagine hitting one. That can be 6+ feet and 80+ kilograms of proper red-blooded Australian muscle and bone crunching your bonnet and coming through your windshield. It’s the same as hitting a person. Hitting wildlife on an Australian road trip can be just as bad for you as it is for them. Plus, they’re so damn cute! Just watch out for them.
• Roadside Drug Testing –  Can be common in some states and areas and the laws are an absolute mess. Just sayin’…

Last Thing! Get Insured Before Travelling to Australia

What if the kangaroos really do form an army and rise up. Do you know how many kangaroos there are in Australia? We’ll never stand a chance!

Na, you’ll be fine. You know why? Because you’re a smart cookie and you got travel insurance!

A wise man once said that if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t really afford to travel – so do consider backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure! Traveling without insurance would be risky. I highly recommend World Nomads .

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

There! Done dad-ing you now. Now you can go and get yourself killed in Australia!

Kidding! You’re not gonna die. You’re gonna have an amazing time. You’ll see some sights like no where else in the world, you’ll face some challenges that’ll help you grow, and at the end of it you’ll say:

“Strewth, mate! Too bloody right. That was pretty fuckin’ orright!”

Have fun, amigos. Australia is truly breathtakingly beautiful and she offers something no other country in this world can. Truly, she is special.

So go hit her up! Take her for a drive – some epic Australia road trips – and go see something you never have before! Take some weed too. It’s a long fucking drive.

Updated: February 2020 by Ziggy Samuels at Zigz Writes Things .

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

New Tour Packages

• Private Guided Tours
• Self Drive Tours
• Melbourne Tours
• Sydney Tours
• Brisbane & Gold Coast tours
• Adelaide Tours
• Great Barrier Reef Tours
• Tasmania Tours
• Western Australian Tours
• New Zealand Tours
• New Caledonia Self Drive Tours
• Testimonials
• Cancellation Policy
• Everyone is Welcome

Tell us about your plans

• When * When is your trip?
• How long is your trip? * How long is your trip? Any trip duration Up to 1 week 1-2 weeks 2-3 weeks More than 4 weeks

Call us instead

Unforgettable Private Tours: Empowering You to Explore Your Way

Welcome to The Road Trip, your gateway to extraordinary private tours that redefine the way you experience Australia. We specialize in creating personalized, Self-drive, or Guided adventures that allow you to immerse yourself in the beauty, culture, and hidden gems of our incredible destinations. With our unparalleled expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence, we are the trusted choice for discerning travelers seeking unforgettable experiences.

Destinations

Specialising in tours throughout Sydney and New South Wales, Queensland including the Gold Coast and Great Barrier Reef, South Australia including the Barossa Valley and Adelaide and Melbourne and Victoria including the Great Ocean Road, Yarra Valley, Grampians and Phillip Island, we can combine trips to include one of or several of these fantastic destinations.

Why Choose Us:

Freedom to Explore

Our private tours offer you the freedom to design your own itinerary and explore at your own pace. With a meticulously crafted route, you can discover the iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path treasures that resonate with your interests. Say goodbye to rigid schedules and hello to a truly personalized adventure.

Tailored Experiences

We believe in creating journeys that reflect your unique travel style. We work closely with you to understand your desires, curating a bespoke itinerary that showcases the very best of each destination. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, a nature lover, or an adrenaline junkie, we’ll ensure every moment aligns with your passions.

Private Guided vs. Self-Drive Tours

We offer two distinct options to cater to your travel preferences. Private guided tours provide the expertise of a knowledgeable local guide, offering valuable insights and ensuring a seamless experience. Our self-drive tours put you in the driver’s seat, allowing you to enjoy the thrill of independent exploration while benefiting from our expertly crafted itineraries and insider tips.

Unrivaled Expertise

With years of industry experience, our passionate team of experts possesses in-depth knowledge of Australia. We’ve curated our network of trusted partners, handpicking the finest accommodations, attractions, and experiences to ensure you receive nothing less than exceptional quality and authenticity.

Prioritizing Wellbeing

Your well-being is our utmost priority. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, private touring is the safest way to ensure your peace of mind throughout your journey. Our resilient approach to travel allows us to adapt seamlessly to changing circumstances, guaranteeing a secure and enjoyable experience.

Personalized Pricing

We recognize that each customer is unique. That’s why we provide personalized pricing for every inquiry. We take into account factors such as travel dates, group size, accommodation preferences, and additional services to craft a tailored package that suits you best. Get in touch with us to receive a bespoke quote for your dream journey.

Thousands of Happy Adventurers

For more excellent reviews, check out our client testimonials  page, our road trip blog.

Best of Coastal scenery and Boutique Villages

Coastal Wonders

An Incredible Charming Coastal Destination

Discover Australia your way, with Australian road trips and Self Drive tours. Cities, wineries, Adventure, nature tours, we do it all!

Contact Info

Free Phone: 1800 865 320 (within Aus) Phone: +64 3 668 1234 (inside and outside Aus – all enquiries)

Email: [email protected]

Level 9, 440 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000

• Terms & Conditions

• Destinations
• Travel Tips
• Travel With Us
• Paid Travel Internship
• TTIFridays (Community Events)
• SG Travel Insider (Telegram Grp)

The Ultimate Australia Road Trippin’ Guide — 10 Itineraries For The Perfect Adventure of a Lifetime

From cities to coasts and national parks to natural beauties, an epic road trip is the best way to explore Australia!

Recently, I rented a Blue SG car with my best friend and had a wild time driving 17km from Yishun to Hougang. It barely qualifies as a road trip, but it reminded me of my last trip to Australia . If you didn’t know already, it’s one of the sweetest places for a truly epic road trip!

Across the country, there are tons of routes packed with scenery, action and adventure. And it’s friendly for beginners (a.k.a. driving noobs) too!

It’s a bummer we can’t travel right now, but I’ve found that an instant mood lifter is to get your ‘ revenge travel ‘ plans in order (i.e. a long post-COVID-19 trip that makes up for lost time) — so here are 10 of the best Australia road trips to go full throttle on once we get the green light! 🟢

1) Coastal drive from Sydney to Melbourne

Journey time: 4–8 days (~1,300km) Starting point: Sydney Airport (~8hr flight from Singapore)

Between two of Australia’s largest cities, the coastal drive from Sydney to Melbourne (or vice versa) is sensational. Every inch of the way from New South Wales to Victoria offers quirky seaside towns, golden beaches and wondrous ocean views.

Part of the route includes the Grand Pacific Drive , a 140km stretch along New South Wales’s South Coast . It covers gorgeous attractions like the Royal National Park and the stunning Sea Cliff Bridge .

The drive from Sydney to Melbourne is perfectly beginner-friendly. There are many stops along the route whenever you need to stretch your legs.

Read more: Sydney South Coast Road Trip — 7-Day Itinerary From Sydney to Eden

Now, onto the epic must-dos. First, sign up for some adrenaline-pumping skydiving over Wollongong . Above the magnificent coast, you’ll freefall at speeds over 200km/h, wayyy faster than you’ll ever go on your road trip!

Photo credit: @kattgao via Instagram

After Wollongong, drop by the Kiama Blowhole and be blown away. Well, not literally, but there’s a good chance of getting soaked.

Alternatively, if you’re road trippin’ during summer, spend a night or two in Jervis Bay . You might be lucky enough to catch the phenomenal sea sparkles , or bioluminescence.

Once you’ve crossed the border into Victoria , get ready for even more wow’s (and aww’s ). For nature lovers, don’t miss the adorable Penguin Parade on Phillip Island . It’s a heart-melting treat watching these little fellas waddle out of the ocean and scuttle around the beach.

Check out other island activities like scenic walks and visiting the cuddly Koala Reserve too!

Photo credit: @helenabradbury via Instagram

Before you reach Melbourne , make one last stop at Mornington Peninsula . Here, you can drink deep at exquisite wineries and explore the stellar coastline at Cape Schanck (recommended by Chris Hemsworth 🤩).

Got another week to spare? Extend your road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide just next door! Alternatively, if you’re flying out from Sydney , make the return drive from Melbourne to Sydney via the inland route . After coasts and busy beaches, you can now enjoy the quiet countryside and historic gold-mining towns.

2) Ultimate Australian Outback road trip from Darwin to Adelaide

Journey time: 10–14 days (~3,000km) Starting point: Darwin Airport (4.5hr flight from Singapore)

Cutting across the vast outback, the drive from Darwin to Adelaide takes you through a series of wonderful and unusual landscapes. You’ll pass miles of red earth in the Northern Territory before reaching South Australia’s world-renowned wineries.

This adventurous route is more suited for seasoned travellers as you might be driving long distances (depending on your itinerary). Petrol stations are also few and far between, so plan carefully and refuel at every stop.

To eager first-timers, don’t let the long drives stop you from diving into this road trip! Just add a few more days for exploration and extra rest.

Photo credit: @exploreuluru via Instagram

Deep in the heart of the Red Centre , the hallmark of this outback road trip is the monumental Uluru . Get to know it your way — see it from above with a badass helicopter ride , or join a cultural tour and learn about the sacred land and Aboriginal culture.

Photo credit: @nealjennings via Instagram

Eight hours away lies the strange town of Coober Pedy . It’s the opal mining capital of the world, but the show-stealer is that the locals live underground to avoid the scorching heat!

Staying a night here is a must. It’s not every day you get to live in a posh B&B carved out of natural sandstone, especially one located 25m below .

Photo credit: @alan.timms1 via Instagram

If you thought Coober Pedy was mind-blowing, wait till you hit the Flinders Ranges .

The national park is home to incredibly dramatic landscapes like Wilpena Pound , a massive bowl-shaped crater made up of craggy mountains. The best way to see it is through an exciting scramble up to its rugged ridges or a relaxing scenic flight .

Photo credit: @ashhughesphotos via Instagram

After days of non-stop adventure, wine down in the Barossa Valley — reputed as one of the world’s greatest wine regions. There are over 150 wineries and 80 cellar doors, so take your time to swirl and sip Australia’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon or special Barossa Shiraz.

The excitement doesn’t have to end in Adelaide ! Not too far from the city, there are plenty of jaw-dropping coastlines that are ripe for exploring, which brings us to our next route…

3) Scenic South Australia road trip — Southern Ocean Drive from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island and Mount Gambier

Journey time: 5–7 days (~500–1,200km) Starting point: Adelaide Airport (~7hr flight from Singapore)

With an abundance of coastal scenery, tasty wines and native wildlife, the Southern Ocean Drive is one of the loveliest, lesser-known road trips in Australia. In fact, some consider it a ‘sequel’ to Victoria’s Great Ocean Road drive (more on this later)!

The route is great for beginner road trippers as there are plenty of stops to pull over at. Plus, attractions are relatively nearby one another. It’s likely you won’t drive for longer than three to four hours each day.

Photo credit: @officialfleurieupeninsula via Instagram

South Australia produces half of all the wine in the country, so there’s no excuse not to indulge! Make your first stop at McLaren Vale in Fleurieu Peninsula . It’s home to some of the world’s oldest grapevines, and serves the most delectable wines and local produce you might ever taste in your life.

Photo credit: @promotemytown via Instagram

Nature and wildlife lovers would adore Kangaroo Island . A good part of it is protected in nature reserves, so it’s no surprise to meet wild ‘roos and see other wildlife roaming free!

Photo credit: TripAdvisor

To make your Kangaroo Island experience more unique, stay the night in a quaint cottage by Cape Willoughby Lighthouse . You’ll enjoy a well-deserved package: Exclusive privacy, calming sounds of crashing waves, and a magnificent sunrise view.

If you only have a few days, keep the road trip short and explore Kangaroo Island fully. Otherwise, take a ferry back to the mainland and continue your coastal journey.

Photo credit: @discover_mount_gambier via Instagram

Situated along the Limestone Coast , Mount Gambier is a city built atop an extinct volcano. Its main attraction is the mysterious Blue Lake , a huge crater lake. From April to November, the water is a distinct greyish-blue colour. But once November rolls around, it transforms into a striking turquoise blue.

The Blue Lake is not permitted for swimming, but its smaller cousin is! Satisfy your urge to dip at the Little Blue Lake , a giant sinkhole filled with pleasantly cool waters. It’s free to enter, and makes an awesome photo spot too!

Photo credit: @sarahafindlay via Instagram

4) Northern Territory Top End Nature’s Way Drive from Darwin to Katherine

Journey time: 8 days (~900km) Starting point: Darwin Airport (4.5hr flight from Singapore)

Top End Nature’s Way features a fantastic mix of tropical wonders and the fascinating Australian outback. Peppered with spectacular national parks, timeless Aboriginal culture, and the charming town of Katherine — this triangular route is especially geared for outdoor lovers.

Adventurous as it may be, the drive from Darwin to Katherine is actually easy. Main attractions are about three hours from each other. Roads are also well-paved, so you don’t need four-wheel drives (4WD). What you do need, though, are your best hiking shoes!

Photo credit: @_danieltran_ via Instagram

The first must-visit is Kakadu National Park , Australia’s largest. Take a walk through  Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) , an ancient rock art gallery that showcases Aboriginal traditions. Or, pack your bathers and dip in the beautiful Gunlom Plunge Pool .

Photo credit: @traveling_yorick via Instagram

The huge park is also home to boatloads of exotic wildlife, including 10,000 crocodiles ! Feed your curiosity and join a croc-spotting cruise — you might catch these prehistoric beasts basking lazily in the sun, or silently stalking their next meal.

Photo credit: Tourism Australia

In Katherine, travellers usually make a beeline for Nitmiluk National Park , and it’s easy to see why. The highlight is the Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge , a deep sandstone gorge that transports you to another realm.

While cruises are available, enjoy a bigger thrill by hiring a canoe . During the dry season (May–Sep), you’ll get enchanting views while paddling through ancient landscapes.

Photo credit: @fewdaysbetween via Instagram

Finally, after days of fast-paced action, cool off at Litchfield National Park on your drive back to Darwin. The park has plenty of lush swimming holes, great for refreshing soaks.

In need of more adventure? Fly down to Alice Springs from Darwin and explore the Red Centre Way ! The route snakes through mighty attractions like Uluru and Kings Canyon . Seasoned travellers can rent a 4WD and zip through Mereenie Loop , a dusty dirt road.

Read more: 40 Lesser-Known Things to Do in Australia Highly Recommended by Locals, Travellers and Celebrities  

5) Grand Tasmania road trip — Great Eastern Drive from Hobart to Bicheno and the Bay of Fires

Journey time: 2–5 days (~300km) Starting point: Hobart Airport (~8.5hr flight from Singapore)

Whether you’ve got a week or a weekend, Tasmania’s Great Eastern Drive promises a road trip getaway that’ll clear your head. Expect breathtaking coastal drives, pristine beaches and some of the freshest seafood around.

The drive from Hobart to Bicheno is mainly on sealed roads and highways, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned travellers. Plus, attractions are less than two hours from each other!

Photo credit: Maria Island Walk / Great Walks of Australia

Start your trip by disconnecting from civilisation. Take a 30-minute ferry ride from Orford to Maria Island . Hike to the Painted Cliffs , made magical by its bold swirls of earthy colours. The best time to view it is at sunset when the colours truly pop — just be sure you make it back to the ferry on time!

Photo credit: @itsworthashot via Instagram

Back on mainland Tasmania , dedicate a full day for Freycinet National Park . Wake early (or try your best to) and follow the Mount Amos trail to see Wineglass Bay at sunrise. The famous azure bay looks completely different when it’s bathed in a warm orange glow.

For the rest of the day, treat yourself to juicy, succulent oysters from Freycinet Marine Farm . Or, you could always work a little harder and harvest oysters straight from the waters.

Photo credit: @lady_siu_mei via Instagram

Wildlife lovers, stop by Bicheno for a cute penguin tour . Every evening, little penguins splash out of the waters and waddle around their burrows on the beach. The tour lets you get up close to watch them go about their adorably busy routines.

Photo credit: @_aswewander via Instagram

Finally, drive an hour from Bicheno to the legendary Bay of Fires . Clumped together on the white sand beach, the orange lichen-covered granite boulders are a great place to rest, swim, and take lots of lit photos .

Read more: 16 Picture-Perfect Places Every Australia Itinerary Needs

6) Best of Victoria road trip — Great Southern Touring Route from Bellarine Peninsula to Great Ocean Road and the Grampians

Journey time: 5–8 days (~850km) Starting point: Melbourne Airport (~7.5hr flight from Singapore)

No Australia road trip is more iconic than the Great Southern Touring Route ! You’ll feast well at the gastronomical Bellarine Peninsula , before winding along the marvellous coastline of the Great Ocean Road , and end with adventures in the Grampians .

The weeklong, round-trip drive is great for beginners. Most attractions are within two to three hours from each other, and there are plenty of stops along the way for rest and photos. Add more days if possible — this is one brilliant journey you don’t want to rush.

Photo credit: @littlemusselcafe via Instagram

If you’re travelling to the coasts first, make a quick detour to the Bellarine Peninsula . Bring an empty stomach — the up-and-coming region serves delicious local produce, from insanely fresh seafood to full-bodied wines and decadent desserts.

Recommended eateries include the Little Mussel Cafe , Scotchmans Hill , and the Scandinavian Ice Cream Company . Or, plan your own yummy Bellarine Taste Trail !

And now, the main event: The Great Ocean Road . Take your time for this leg of the journey! It’s totally normal to stop every few minutes and take photos of the unbelievable coastline. But, make sure you’ve allocated enough time to see all its classic sights — the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, the Arch and the Grotto.

As you drive back inland, stop at the Grampians , another must-visit attraction. The National Park is popular with outdoor lovers and travellers, who come to rock climb or conquer its adventurous treks.

If you only have time for one hike, make it the Pinnacle Lookout , one of the park’s highest peaks. The journey from Wonderland Car Park is moderately challenging, but filled with scenery that makes it a highly Instagrammable spot .

For a less gruelling hike, head to MacKenzie Falls . It’s one of the largest waterfalls in Victoria that flows all year round.

Read more: 8D Melbourne Road Trip Itinerary — The Ultimate Road Trip Around Victoria’s Best Adventures

If you’re craving more coastal scenery, extend your Victoria road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide . The route includes Port Fairy , a whimsical seaside town, and picturesque Mount Gambier .

7) Hidden gems in the Australian Capital Territory — Canberra and Coast road trip

Journey time: 5–6 days (~650km) Starting point: Canberra Airport (8hr flight from Singapore)

For an unhurried escape, go on a picturesque road trip around Canberra and the South Coast . This round-trip route meanders from the city to the countryside and coast, topped with a mix of culture, adventure, and best of all — food!

As the road trip is relatively short, it’s great for beginners. Depending on your itinerary, you might be driving for a maximum of three hours a day. But there are many places to rest and take a breather along the way.

Photo credit: @balloonaloftcanberra via Instagram

Canberra is Australia’s capital, but not many travellers get to know the place! Rent a car and explore the city, teeming with friendly locals and cultural gems.

If you’re big on views, sign up for a fancy hot air balloon ride over the city. If not, tour around the impressive Australian Parliament House or the scenic National Arboretum .

Photo credit: @avenuehotelcbr via Instagram

After ticking off the city’s attractions, drive out to the peaceful countryside. There’s an abundance of fresh, farm-to-plate produce to savour, so bring your biggest appetite! During truffle season (Jun–Aug), many truffle farms offer hunting experiences, where you get to team up with a cute truffle dog that’ll sniff for this superb delicacy.

Other places to check out include traditional cider from Sully’s at the Old Cheese Factory , and Tilba Real Dairy for some rich, premium cheeses.

Get some peace and quiet with some overnight glamping! There are many sites to choose from in the South Coast, but the one that holds a special place in our hearts is Tilba Lake Camp . Located in the middle of a sprawling green pasture, you get a cosy lotus bell tent, a comfy bed and a delicious homemade breakfast.

Further down the coast, dip into the beautiful Bermagui Blue Pool . The good news is the natural rock pool offers some of the best views of the ocean, but be prepared — the waters can be quite chilly!

Once you’ve soaked up enough of the coast, end your road trip in Canberra.

8) Fun-filled Western Australia road trip — Indian Ocean Drive from Perth to Kalbarri

Journey time: 5 days (~1,800km) Starting point: Perth Airport (5hr flight from Singapore)

Few road trips are as vibrant as the Indian Ocean Drive . From Perth to Kalbarri , you’ll get a splash of colour driving past earthy landscapes, pink lakes and rich, red gorges. Arrive between Jul–Oct, and there’s also an explosion of multi-coloured wildflowers.

This route is part of Australia’s Coral Coast , and highlights some of the most exotic things you’ll ever see in the country. It’s also fairly easy for first-timers as there are many rest stops along the way. If you’re a seasoned traveller, don’t overlook this stretch — you might just discover something new!

Photo credit: @szjanko via Instagram

Just two hours from Perth, kickstart your adventure with some rad sandboarding at Lancelin Sand Dunes ! It’s a great winter sport substitute if you’re not a fan of cold or frozen snow. Plus, the fine sand makes a soft landing too!

Like the ruins of an ancient city, the Pinnacles Desert at Nambung National Park is one of Western Australia’s definite must-sees. Each limestone structure stands perfectly unique, eroded by centuries of wind. You can stroll around in the daytime, but we’ve found that this place makes an exceptional stargazing site once night falls.

Hutt Lagoon is a classic case of “you must see it to believe it”. The high salinity is what gives the lake its striking pink hue, which changes with the seasons and time of day. Naturally, it’s an Instagram hotspot — so dress your best and get snapping!

The final stop in the Indian Ocean Drive is Kalbarri National Park . It’s one of the most spectacular parks, with beautiful natural attractions around every corner.

Peek through Nature’s Window at the rocky gorge beyond, or check out the Kalbarri Skywalk . The park’s newest addition hovers more than 100m over the Murchison River, offering panoramic views of the arid landscape below.

If you’re here between Jul–Oct, wander around the Everlasting Wildflower Trail . The space comes alive with a burst of pretty, blooming wildflowers .

Photo credit: @roadtrippersaus via Instagram

Afterwards, follow the road back to Perth on your final day. But, if you have more time, extend your road trip down the Coral Coast .

Read also: 11D Western Australia Itinerary — Coastal Road Trip From Perth To Ningaloo

9) Epic Queensland road trip — Great Beach Drive from Noosa Heads to Rainbow Beach and Fraser Island

Journey time: 4–7 days (~420km) Starting point: Noosa Heads (~1.5hr drive from Brisbane Airport, 8hr flight from Singapore)

Here’s something for the young, wild and free! The Great Beach Drive to Fraser Island is as rugged as Aussie road trips get. In a comfy 4WD, you’ll cruise over 100km of beaches, sandwiched between wild bushland and the dazzling Coral Sea.

As the road trip requires a 4WD for off-road driving, it’s perfect for seasoned travellers. The backseat drivers can handle the road trip playlist and the vehicle access permit 😛

Photo credit: @t.becs via Instagram

Starting from Noosa Heads, take a 5-minute ferry ride from Tewantin or make a 40-minute detour to Noosa North Shore . In this unspoilt paradise, enjoy some beachside activities, or play a game to see who can spot wild kangaroos the fastest.

Photo credit: @manuelo.pro via Instagram

Further up, bask in the endless white sands of Teewah Beach . It’s only accessible via a 4WD so this is where your beachy journey begins! It’s also largely undeveloped — check that you’ve packed enough water and supplies, especially if you’re camping overnight .

Photo credit: @tracks.we.travel via Instagram

Continue on to Rainbow Beach . The lovely coastal town is famous for its coloured sand cliffs, caused by minerals staining the sand over thousands of years. Take a slow stroll and observe the natural swirl of colours ranging from white to ochre and red.

Photo credit: @alexxsadventures via Instagram

Finally, brace yourself for the grand event! From Inskip Point, take a short ferry ride across the ocean to Fraser Island . It’s the world’s largest sand island, and many come to conquer the glorious ‘highway’ that is 75 Mile Beach (that’s ~120km, FYI).

During your drive, swing by the Maheno shipwreck for photos and the Champagne Pools for a natural bubbling ‘jacuzzi’. Be sure to visit Fraser Island’s amazing rainforest too — it’s the only one on this planet that grows on sand!

10) Legendary Pacific Coast Touring Route from Sydney to Byron Bay

Journey time: 9–14 days (~1,000km) Starting point: Sydney Airport (~8hr flight from Singapore)

The Legendary Pacific Coast is another iconic route. The drive from Sydney to Byron Bay up to Brisbane is full of quintessential Aussie experiences — bucket-list-worthy adventures, soft, sandy beaches, and countless places to surf.

The route itself is a 10-hour stretch, but it’s pretty manageable if you break the distance down over two weeks. Following this, beginners would drive for a maximum of two hours every day on smooth, sealed roads.

If you’re not keen on exploring the famous Blue Mountains , opt for the quieter Bouddi National Park . Hop on the many scenic tracks , which feature sandstone cliffs, isolated beaches and vibrant native bush.

Photo credit: @sand_dune_adventures via Instagram

Further up north, the adventures begin! Port Stephens is where you’ll find the Southern Hemisphere’s largest moving coastal dunes — and there’s no better way to explore this shifting desert than with quad bikes (your first step to a 4WD!).

Read also: 9-Day Australia Road Trip Itinerary Around The Best Of NSW — Sydney, Blue Mountains and Beyond

Warning: Once you’re in Byron Bay , you might find it terribly hard to leave. The sun-kissed seaside town is arguably the best-kept secret in New South Wales , and there’s absolutely no shortage of things to do.

Read also: Byron Bay Guide: 25 Things to Do in NSW’s Ultimate Hipster Paradise

Experiences we 100% recommend include surfing at Main Beach , dining on fresh seafood at Catch-A-Crab , and watching the sunrise at Cape Byron Lighthouse . Meanwhile, Chris Hemsworth recommends diving at Julian Rocks (no kidding!).

Photo credit: @goldcoast_themeparks via Instagram

If you’re itching for more road trip adventures, drive a little further up to the Gold Coast or Brisbane in Queensland . Take your pick from hair-raising Gold Coast theme parks or the mellow Brisbane Brewing Co .

Read more: 2-Week Australia Road Trip from Sydney to Byron Bay — Discovering NSW’s Legendary Pacific Coast

Driving tips and planning for an unforgettable road trip in Australia

In a land so vast and wondrous, not exploring Australia on a road trip is a real shame. Even then, whether you decide to stay in the cities or hit the road, this country won’t have any problems curing your wanderlust !

All you need to do is find underrated things to do , or seek out socially-distant natural wonders . Hey, safety is sexy, no?

Speaking of safety, here are some useful driving tips for the long road ahead 👇 (1) Rent a GPS or download offline Google maps. Mobile reception isn’t available in remote places like National Parks. (2) Follow the speed limit — even in rural areas. Take it from us, the fines are hefty. (3) Watch out for wildlife on the roads. Drive at the recommended speeds, so that you can slow down or brake in time if an animal crosses in front of you. (4) Similarly, avoid driving in the dark as animals are more active then. If you do, use your high beam to see further ahead. Drop it when there are cars in the other direction (they’ll do the same too).

Need more ideas to plan your next Australia road trip? Find more guides and detailed maps for self-driving itineraries here !

Featured and Facebook image credit: @tracks.we.travel via Instagram

Which Australia road trip are you keen to go on? Share your plans in the comments!

This post is brought to you by Tourism Australia .

For more travel inspiration, follow us on Facebook , Instagram , YouTube , and Telegram !

View this post on Instagram A post shared by thetravelintern.com (@thetravelintern) on Jul 29, 2020 at 4:31am PDT

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

11 Unique Things to Do in South Australia — Quirky Wineries, Epic Festivals and an Island Escape

Ultimate 6-Day Adelaide Itinerary — The Best of South Australia’s Underrated Capital City and its Surrounds

New Direct Flight to Broome — Idyllic Australian Beach Getaway Now 4.5 Hours Away

8D Melbourne Road Trip Itinerary — The Ultimate Road Trip Around Victoria’s Best Adventures

Victoria’s Best Outdoor Experiences — 11 Fun Things to Do in Melbourne and Surrounds

8-Day Gold Coast Road Trip Itinerary — First-Timers’ Camper Van Guide for S$1.6k

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

11 Unique Things to Do in South Australia — Quirky Wineries,...

7 Boutique Hotels in Singapore For an “Out of the Country”...

How to Pay in China Without WeChat or Alipay — New...

11 Things to do in Clark, Philippines — A Quiet Adventure...

20 Things to Eat-See-Do in Sabah’s Capital Besides Climbing Mount Kinabalu

• Terms Of Use
• Privacy Policy

Road trip Australia: 6 of the best routes

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• road-trip-australia

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

written by Ros Walford

updated 03.01.2019

Pack your stuff, throw it in a camper van along with a surfboard and don’t look back… This might be an old cliché but it’s one for good reason: Australia really is one of the best places on Earth for a road trip.

1. Coastal views on the Great Ocean Road

2. adventure along the way from perth to exmouth, 3. the home strait on the nullarbor plain, 4. the blissful beaches of fraser island.

• 5. Wineries along Tasmania’s Great Eastern Drive

6. Exploring Victoria along the Great Alpine Road

Whether you’re living the dream in your camper van, or making do with a less romantic form of transport, Australia’s well-kept, open roads beckon and will lead you through astonishing landscapes. There are many great road trips in Australia, but here are our favourites.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Australia, created by local experts

12 days  / from 2900 USD

Explore Western Australia from Perth to Broome

Western Australia is the country's largest state, covering more than a third of Australia. This self drive itinerary allows you to explore sunny Perth, stunning national parks and waterfalls, the remote wild west outback, empty beaches and much more.

16 days  / from 3300 USD

Explore South Australia and the Northern Territory

Explore South Australia and the Northern Territory on this self-drive adventure. Start in Adelaide and make your way over the Ayers Rock, Kings Canyon, and Alice Springs to the Kakadu National Park and ultimately Darwin.

23 days  / from 4150 USD

Cross Western Australia to Darwin

Western Australia offers wonderfully remote outback experiences: from spectacular national parks to sandy deserts, pristine beaches to working cattle stations. This itinerary allows you to explore the way from Perth to Darwin in depth and at your own pace, in your own rental car.

Staggering ocean views and easy access from Melbourne make this one of Australia’s best-loved road trips. Pack an overnight bag and follow the dramatic coastline, stopping to view a series of coastal rock formations, holding their ground in the surf.

The magnificent Twelve Apostles – eight giant sea stacks – appear otherworldly at sunset, guarding the limestone cliffs. Among the other rocky highlights include London Bridge arch, the Bay of Islands and Loch Ard Gorge.

At Bells Beach, grab a wetsuit and do your best Keanu Reeves’ impression. This was the famous surf setting for his film Point Break , but it was actually filmed in California.

If you’re not a surfer you can hike in Great Otway National Park, say hello to the koalas at Kennett River or kayak out into Apollo Bay to observe a seal colony. Otherwise, take it easy at a beach restaurant in the seaside town of Lorne.

Best for: Weekenders seeking surf and sea stacks.

How long: 2 days.

Need to know: Starts at Torquay, a 1.5-hour drive from Melbourne, and ends at Warrnambool.

© Photoholgic/Shutterstock

Driving north from Perth, you may expect nothing of the Outback landscape but scorched earth and straight roads all the way up the west coast. While these certainly exist, a road trip here is also punctuated with remarkable geological features, some of the best beaches in Australia and kangaroos hopping alongside your camper van.

First, a bit of fun at Lancelin where you can go sand boarding in the dunes or off-roading in a truck-sized 4x4. Then on to the Pinnacles Desert where bizarre pillars protrude from the desert like ancient monoliths.

In Kalbarri National Park, see Nature’s Window and the Z-Bend Lookout, abseil Murchison Gorge and ride on horseback around the scenic estuary at Big River Ranch.

A five-hour drive north brings you to Shark Bay, home of weird stromatolites – the oldest fossils on Earth – and the brilliant-white Shell Beach. Stop at Monkey Mia to meet the dolphins before heading on to Coral Bay, where another pristine white beach greets you. From here you can wade out 50m to the Ningaloo Reef – the second-largest reef in Australia – to snorkel with dazzling fish, turtles, reef sharks and whale sharks.

Best for: Desert adventurers.

How long: 5 days.

Need to know: To extend the trip, keep going all the way to Broome, via Karijini National Park.

© Cloudsrest Images/Shutterstock

The Nullabor is not for the faint-hearted. The mesmerising Eyre Highway runs through a vast, treeless plain, from Port Augusta in South Australia to Norseman in Western Australia .

With an almost 150km stretch that’s the world’s longest straight road, it’s no surprise that it’s known as “Nullaboring”. But many travellers love it for the beauty of the desert and the on-the-road camaraderie. There’s a strong sense of community at the roadhouses, which appear roughly every 200km – with nothing in between.

Venture away from the main road to see some of South Australia’s geological highlights, including Pildappa Rock – a 100m-long wave of red sandstone – or the peculiar rocks at Ucontitchie Hill and Murphy's Hay Stacks.

From Denial Bay, the Eyre Highway clings to the coast all the way to Western Australia. At the Head of Bight, you’ve a good chance of spotting Southern Right Whales between June and October. Then there are the empty beaches, towering cliffs, the magnificent blow-holes – and the oddities... Eucla features the ghostly remains of a telegraph station protruding from the encroaching dunes, while Balladonia (population: 9) commemorates the spot where the Skylab space station fell to Earth in 1979.

Best for: Adventurers up for trying anything, loners and Nullarbor addicts.

How long: 7–10 days.

Need to know: Be prepared with a serviced car, and enough food and water to last between roadhouses. Daytime temperatures can reach 50°C and nights can be freezing. Be careful of wildlife and passing road-trains.

Animal warning signs along the Nullarbor Plain © UnkbownLatitude Images/Shutterstock

If there’s one side trip on the east coast you mustn’t miss, it’s Fraser Island , a 123-km World-Heritage-listed sand island. Here, off-roaders may roam but the dingo is king.

The beach that runs the full length of the island functions as the main highway and an airstrip for small planes, so keep an eye on the air too while you bomb along the strand. Halfway down the beach, you can’t fail to notice the eerie remains of the shipwrecked SS Maheno appearing silhouetted against the raging surf.

Take a side road into the interior and suddenly you’re in another world – specifically, you’re in a subtropical rainforest growing on 200m-high sand dunes. Stop for a swim in the sparklingly clear Lake McKenzie, one of forty freshwater lakes perched high on the dunes. It’s like nowhere else on Earth.

You can pitch your tent at any of the 35 designated grounds – just you, the campfire, the rumble of surf and the sense of beady canine eyes watching from the darkness.

Best for: Beach bums who tidy up after themselves.

Need to know: Arrange your trip at Hervey Bay, where you can hire 4X4 and buy vehicle access permits.

Related articles from the blog

5. Wineries along Tasmania ’s Great Eastern Drive

Drive northeast from the capital Hobart to start the Great Eastern Drive at Orford. You can catch a ferry from Triabunna to Maria Island National Park and spend the day hiking, wildlife watching and visiting the World-Heritage-listed Darlington Probation Station, a kind of reform school for convicts in the nineteenth century.

Back on the coast road, the views over Great Oyster Bay are overwhelming. Recover in Swansea with a plate of seafood washed down with a glass of wine from the East Coast Wine Trail .

Don’t drink it all at once; you’ll be passing the vineyards on the next leg to the Freycinet Peninsula. This is one of Australia’s top beauty spots, not least Wineglass Bay, a perfect curve of sand around an azure bay, best seen from a lookout after a steep hike.

They say the devil is in the detail, but here it’s actually in Bicheno. If Tasmanian devils are on your must-see list, then plan a visit to the Natureworld Wildlife Sanctuary.

From Bicheno, the Surf Coast leads you to Scamander, beyond which lie Binalong Bay and the heavenly Bay of Fires . Despite the rusty orange glow from the lichen-coated boulders, there’s not a devil in sight on these pristine beaches.

Best for: Hikers who enjoy devilishly good scenery.

How long: 3 days.

Need to know: You can drive the whole route in a day, but you’ll want to take a few days. The Great Eastern Drive can easily be incorporated into a loop around the whole island state.

Wineglass Bay Freycinet, Tasmania @ Shutterstock

This mountain road crosses one of Australia’s main ski regions and some of the highest altitudes in the country, which just scrape above 2000m – so don’t expect anything too extreme.

Nonetheless, it’s a beautiful drive through a gentle region, a world away from Victoria’s lawless past. From Wangarratta, the road passes vineyards and farmland as far as the pretty town of Bright.

But take a short detour and you’ll reach Beechworth and Glenrowan, land of the nineteenth-century outlaw Ned Kelly, where you can learn about the life of this national folk hero.

Back on the Great Alpine Road, continue to Mount Buffalo National Park and climb its granite tors or explore on horseback, like Ned himself would have done. As you cross the Ovens River Valley, snowy peaks come into view.

Beyond Harrietville, the road gets tougher, as it winds steeply up through snow gum forests to Mount Hotham, Victoria's highest alpine resort. This is a starker landscape with deep valleys and panoramas across the Australian Alps. It’s well worth hiking the Razorback Trail to the summit of Mount Feathertop, Victoria’s second-highest mountain.

After this, the road descends to Dinner Plain and on to historic Omeo, a former gold-mining town. Then down through forests at Tambo to Metung, the Gippsland lakes and the ocean beyond.

Best for: Mountain-lovers, who don’t mind that Australia’s alps are somewhat vertically-challenged.

How long: 1 day.

Need to know: If you drive from Melbourne, take the M31 to Wangaratta, and on the coastal journey back, stop at Wilson’s Promontory and Phillip Island.

View of the coastline at Nobbies Centre in Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia © Javen/Shutterstock

Explore more of Australia with the Rough Guide to Australia . Compare flights , find tours , book hostels and hotels for your trip, and don’t forget to buy travel insurance before you go.

• See & Do

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

Travel advice for Australia

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Australia

• Eating and drinking in Australia
• Getting around Australia: Transportation Tips
• Travel Health Australia
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Australia
• How to get to Australia
• Travel Tips Australia for planning and on the go
• Travelling with children in Australia
• Best time to visit Australia

Find even more inspiration for 77 here

Ready to travel and discover australia, get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Where to stay
• Itineraries
• Travel advice

Unforgettable road trips on Australia’s East Coast

Sep 24, 2020 • 7 min read

Hop in your car for a truly epic road trip on Australia's East Coast © Photo by Raimund Linke / Getty Images

Australia ’s East Coast offers plenty to get excited about for road-tripping explorers. Along sun-bleached blacktop, you’ll find picture-perfect beaches, hip cities, lush rainforests, the Great Barrier Reef and abundant native wildlife. Driving routes can meet any interest and range from epic long-haul adventures to pinpoint itineraries of must-do experiences. So pack your surfboard, your hiking boots and your appetite and hit the East Coast road.

The Great Barrier Reef Drive – Cairns to Cape Tribulation (1 week)

By embarking on this trip, you’ll journey up the coast in far-north Queensland, passing classic old towns and luxe resort hubs with eye-popping Great Barrier Reef views en route. Starting ebullient Cairns , a snorkelling or dive trip to the Great Barrier Reef is a must. After that, pinball between the city’s botanic gardens, hip restaurants and buzzy bars.

Next up, head inland via gondola cableway or scenic railway to Kuranda for rainforest walks and the storied markets (try some macadamia nuts!). Don’t miss detours to picturesque Millaa Millaa Falls and a rainforest hike in scenic Wooroonooran National Park.

On Cairns’ northern beaches, check yourself into a plush Palm Cove resort, then pull off the road for a photo-op at Rex Lookout above Wangetti Beach further north. Port Douglas in next – an up-tempo holiday hub with fab eateries, bars and further reef-trip diversions.

At Mossman Gorge , lush (and Unesco World Heritage-listed) rainforest enshrouds the photogenic Mossman River: take a guided walk and cool off in a waterhole. At Daintree River, book yourself onto a crocodile-spotting cruise then have lunch in Daintree Village. Cow Bay awaits nearby for a few hours of beachcombing. Last stop is Cape Tribulation , a magnificent collision of rainforest and reef. Spend a few nights at one of the upmarket lodges nooked into the rainforest here.

A tale of two cities – Brisbane to the Gold Coast (7-10 days)

Watch your worries fade away as you trek out of the lovingly big-city Brisbane and out into the chilled-out Gold Coast surf towns and northern New South Wales . Before you leave Brisbane, though, you’ll want a couple days to enjoy Queensland’s river-city capital, a semitropical boomtown dappled with brilliant bars, cafes and bookshops (the pillars of civilised society).

Don’t miss the excellent Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) , the Brisbane Powerhouse arts hub, craft-beer bars and live tunes in the West End. Save a night on the tiles in hedonistic Fortitude Valley and make time for a ferry trip out to North Stradbroke Island for surfing, sea kayaking and fish-and-chips on the sand. Back on the mainland, scoot west to the Granite Belt region for cool-climate wineries and some boulder-hopping in Girraween National Park .

An hour south of Brisbane, the Gold Coast bares its beachy, brassy soul. The epicentre here is celebratory Surfers Paradise , with its brazen sun and after-dark good times. More relaxed and surf-centric are Burleigh Heads and laid-back Coolangatta. Head a quick 50-minute dash south into New South Wales and you’ll find the alt-lifestyle haven of Byron Bay , home to endless beaches, delightful accommodation, delectable food and more. The local charisma is so strong that many wandering nomads stop in Byron Bay only to never leave.

The Great Beach Drive – Sunshine Coast & Fraser Island (10 days)

Maybe your idea of a winning road trip depends on access to high-profile outdoor adventure. If so, you want to take on the aptly named Sunshine Coast in southeast Queensland. Start by meandering through the curious geology of the Glass House Mountains, with their breath-robbing panoramas and outstanding rock-climbing. Nearby is the superb Australia Zoo – brilliant if you have the kids in tow (and even if you don’t).

Next up, sunny Mooloolaba has solid surf and chipper beach vibes and boasts fresh catches of local "Mooloolaba King” prawns. Another half-hour north and you’ll reach Noosa and its lush national park (home to sometimes-spotted koalas), river kayaking and a first-class foodie scene.

A couple of hours north is gorgeous Rainbow Beach , full of surfing, fishing, paragliding, hiking, skydiving, horse-riding and more. From here, explore the huge dunes, beach “highways”, bushwalks and crystalline lakes on the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, the largest sand island on the planet (BYO 4WD, or take a tour).

Looping south, visit historic Maryborough, the birthplace of Mary Poppins author PL Travers; then explore Tin Can Bay, home to an improbable number of sea turtles, dugongs and rare Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins.

Offshore adventure – Airlie Beach to Magnetic Island (10 days)

Road trips and islands don’t make obvious pairing, but Queensland’s offshore offerings are so dense that you can survey a good bit of them in one trip linked with unforgettable coastal coastal drives.

Start in Airlie Beach . Here you can cut loose an unending population of travellers before booking a boat trip out to the glorious Whitsunday Islands archipelago. There are myriad Whitsunday daytrip options, but a multiday sail will let you leave your footprints on remote beaches with no one else on them. Don’t miss Whitsunday Island itself and a memorable swim off sublime Whitehaven Beach, often touted as Australia’s prettiest.

After cruising the islands, book a few nights at a swish offshore resort – Hamilton, Hayman and Daydream islands await. Feeling more adventurous? Sign up for an overnight kayaking trip with island camping.

Next you’ll want to head about three hours north to Townsville . Here, promenade along the waterfront, check out the excellent Reef HQ Aquarium , clamber up Castle Hill and lunch into Townsville’s impressive eating and drinking scene (try the seafood, of course). Experienced divers can book a dive on the famous wreck of the SS Yongala offshore.

Wind up your journey on Magnetic Island , an unpretentious isle with easy-going beach villages, rampant wildlife and scenic bushwalking aplenty.

A little bit of everything – Sydney to Melbourne (1 week)

By now, you’re far from the rugged charms of Queensland, but the coast road between Sydney and Melbourne offers an abundance of national parks, surf beaches, ocean wildlife and disarming small-town vibes.

Sydney is Australia’s biggest and brightest city, offering iconic experiences like the Sydney Opera House , the Sydney Harbour Bridge , harbour ferries to Manly and the bustling Bondi Beach . Just south, though, you’ll find the dramatic cliffs and bushwalks of Royal National Park and the elevated Grand Pacific Drive roadway, arcing out above the ocean for impressive ride.

At Jervis Bay, you’ll find white-sand beaches, cavorting dolphins and national parks. With quick detour inland, you can visit Australia’s capital Canberra to check on proceedings at parliament house and visit the nation’s best museums.

Coastal Narooma has pretty beaches and solid surf. From here, catch a ferry to Montague Island, an important Aboriginal site and an impressive nature reserve. On south-coast NSW, sleepy Eden is famed for whale watching, and don’t miss historic, picture-perfect Central Tilba.

Crossing into Victoria, you can glide through forests, farms and the Gippsland Lakes district to Wilsons Promontory, with its fab bushwalks, camping and beaches. Beyond lies Phillip Island, where penguins, seals and surfers frolic in the brine. Finally, it’s the big smoke – Melbourne.

Southern coastal classic – Melbourne & the Great Ocean Rd (7-10 days)

This classic rite-of-passage road trip tracks south from sophisticated Melbourne along the craggy Great Ocean Road – expect lovely little beach towns, great waves and epic scenery. Melbourne has enough to keep frequent-flyers grounded for months: laneway bars, galleries, live music, shopping, coffee culture, Australian Rules football and more. But an hour south, Great Ocean Road beckons.

Start in the surfing mecca of Torquay and check the swell at legendary Bells Beach , then roll into family-focussed Anglesea for a surf lesson and a riverside picnic. Aireys Inlet is just around the bend: tour the lighthouse then spend the night in urbane little Lorne.

West of here, Great Ocean Road gets wiggly and seriously scenic, winding between the churning sea and the forest-clad Otway Ranges. Unwind in the artsy fishing village of Apollo Bay for a few days (great pub!), then swing by Cape Otway to spy some koalas and the iconic lighthouse.

Next up is Port Campbell National Park and its famed Twelve Apostles rock formation: count them from the clifftops or book yourself onto a scenic flight. Scan for whales off the Warrnambool coast, then continue west to the quaint, rather Irish-feeling Port Fairy . The folk festival here every March sends the wee town into hyperdrive!

You might also like: 

Australia's 10 best road trips   The 7 best road trips from Melbourne Australian road trip: where to find the best Big Things   

This article was first published November 2016 and updated September 2020

Explore related stories

Tips & Advice

Apr 15, 2024 • 10 min read

From chilling on the beaches of Bora Bora to eating shellfish in Cape Cod, USA, here are the best places to visit in June.

Apr 4, 2024 • 5 min read

Mar 30, 2024 • 4 min read

Mar 22, 2024 • 9 min read

Mar 11, 2024 • 8 min read

Mar 4, 2024 • 8 min read

Feb 27, 2024 • 6 min read

Feb 12, 2024 • 10 min read

Feb 9, 2024 • 12 min read

Feb 4, 2024 • 6 min read

All Destinations , Australasia , Australia , Overland Itineraries

East coast australia road trip itinerary and ultimate guide.

Show-stopping beaches, charismatic little towns, eden-like national parks and unforgettable adrenalin filled activities mean it’s no wonder why the east coast of Australia is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations.

And it’s all relatively easy to explore; you just need a vehicle or a coach pass, a chunk of time (I’d recommend 6-8 weeks if you really want to see everything, or 4 weeks if you’re just after the highlights), sufficient funds and a sense of adventure!

This east coast Australia road trip itinerary will take you from just above the tropical city of Cairns, to hidden gems such as Mission Beach and Innisfail, through world famous sites like Magnetic Island and the Whitsundays, down through little surf towns and some of the best diving sites on the east coast to the bucket-list destination of Fraser Island, through south Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and its capital, Brisbane.

It will then traverse the Brisbane to Sydney drive, through the backpacker haven of the Gold Coast, then to northern New South Wales, an area that includes Byron Bay (one of my favorite places in the world) and its surrounding quirky towns and beautiful hinterland.

The route then follows the Pacific Coast Highway and travels through various beautiful New South Wales coastal towns before arriving at Sydney.

From Sydney, the east coast Australia road trip is directed to Melbourne via the coastal route, where the road calls at various other New South Wales and Victorian towns, national parks, and even an island before finishing in the state capital of Victoria; the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne.

It’s a long way, it will take you through a range of different climates and cultures, through tiny in-the-middle-of-nowhere towns to backpacker hubs and bustling cities, and will span some of the most gorgeous beaches on the planet as well as breathtaking inland natural scenery nearly every step of the way.

Are you ready for the ultimate east coast Australia road trip itinerary? This route is completely customisable to your wishes and needs. It could be done in reverse, or in chunks – if you’re flying into a different city, you might want to start elsewhere.

There are international airports in Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne and the Gold Coast on this route – check out this Gold Coast airport review to learn about this point of entry to the east coast of Australia.

If you’re not doing the whole Cairns to Melbourne drive, use this nifty table of contents to take you to just the part of the road trip that you want to go on.

Organise your vehicle for your East Coast Australia Road Trip

I traveled all over Australia in my trusty Subaru Forester, and I’d highly recommend to anyone to make this odyssey in your own (or rented) vehicle.

Not only does your own car or van give you the freedom to travel at your own pace, editing your itinerary if you want to stay longer or shorter somewhere, it often works out cheaper, because you can split fuel costs with friends and stay at free campsites.

I had my own car for this trip and all of my Aussie road trips, and if you are planning on traveling more than just the east coast (which you should, as the rest of the country is spectacular) then I’d recommend you buy a car of your own.

But if this road trip is a one-off or you don’t want the hassle and commitment of buying a car, renting is also an option.

I haven’t used any of these myself, but some popular companies are:

• Jucy campers
• Wicked Campers

If you’re planning on drinking 24/7 or just don’t fancy driving all of that way then taking the coach is probably the best bet for you.

Greyhound and Premier both plough the east coast daily – Greyhound is known for having better facilities, offering free (temperamental) wifi, power sockets, and comfier seats – but Premier is slightly cheaper.

Greyhound’s southern service from Sydney goes inland and pretty much straight to Melbourne via Canberra, but Premier follows closely to the Sydney to Melbourne coastal drive I have suggested.

Once you get to Eden, which is right near the New South Wales/ Victoria border, V Line will get you through eastern Victoria and into Melbourne.

Once you’ve sorted your car, van or coach pass out, you’re ready to hit the road!

Do you want some more information about transport in Australia, where to stay, and what to eat in the land down under? Check out this Australia travel guide for some really helpful information.

When to Go On the East Coast Australia Road Trip

This East Coast Australia road trip itinerary begins in Cairns and travels south to Melbourne.

This is a great way to do your trip if you’re traveling in Australia’s autumn, as Victoria takes a while to heat up!

The reverse is true if you’re journeying in the spring.

If you’re road tripping in winter, brace yourself for cold temperatures in Victoria, New South Wales, and South Queensland but look forward to near-perfect weather in Central and North Queensland.

In the summer, you’ll be sweltering everywhere – but watch out for tropical storms and seriously hot temperatures in the North, and make sure you wear stinger suits everywhere that they’re recommended.

Where to stay on the East Coast of Australia – hostels or camping?

Nowhere quite does hostels like the East Coast of Australia – and I’m pretty sure that no hostels are quite as expensive as the East Coast of Australia.

You’ll make some great friends in the East Coast’s hostels and it would be a shame to miss them out completely, as they are a part of the coast’s backpacking experience.

But you may have to declare bankruptcy if you stay at all of them.

That’s why I’ve recommended selected hostels in some of the tourist hotspots, that I’ve either stayed at personally or that have come highly recommended by fellow travelers.

In all the gaps where hostels haven’t been mentioned, there are plenty of free camping options – which are perfect if you have your own vehicle.

If you’re intrigued about free camping in Australia and want to find out more, click on the below link.

If not, there are plenty of hostels, Airbnbs, and hotels in most of the tourist spots on your East Coast Australia road trip.

Cairns to Brisbane Drive Itinerary

Perhaps the most iconic road trip in all of Australia, the Cairns to Brisbane drive odyssey spans over 1700 kilometres, through countless national parks, beside hundreds of postcard-perfect beaches and a huge reef and takes you from the tropics to the subtropics.

There are so many reasons why the Cairns to Brisbane road trip is a world-famous travel journey; and this itinerary takes you through all of the best!

Suggested time frame – 3-4 days

Cairns is a backpacker hotspot, with many travellers to Australia beginning their trips here – which makes it the perfect place to start your Cairns to Brisbane drive.

The tropical city is a great place to accustom to Australian lifestyle and a few days can easily be passed chilling by the lagoon, dining at the many cafes and restaurants of the city and enjoying its nightlife scene.

However, amidst all of this hardcore relaxing, do save some time to venture to the outstandingly beautiful areas around the city.

Things to do in Cairns

• Cool down with a dip in the lagoon
• Dine and drink at the many establishments in the city
• Do a free fitness class on the esplanade
• Go on a tour of the Atherton Tablelands This area is a fantastic day trip from Cairns (although longer can be easily spent in the region) and includes gorgeous waterfalls , scenic lakes, outstanding lookouts and quirky towns. Take a self-drive trip or book a day tour.
• Do a Great Barrier Reef tour I went with Ocean Freedom, who are fantastic for first time divers. People who are not certified (I was one of the only two on my boat who were!) have the chance to dive with an instructor after a safety briefing. It’s a great chance for anyone who’s thinking about learning to dive but is unsure if it’s for them. If you are certified, you’ll likely get the chance to go an a semi-private dive – I got whisked away on a speedboat for my second dive which was just me and the instructor.

Great Barrier Reef Tours

Where to stay in cairns.

Which hostel to pick in Cairns largely depends on how much you want to party. Cairns City Backpackers is pretty chilled out, with a BYO alcohol policy and quiet time late at night. It’s set in tranquil, rainforest-like setting and is a bargain price for a smaller dorm room. Click here for more information and to book .

If you do want to party, then there’s only one real option; the infamous Gilligans. Some people love it, some people hate it, but it’s without a doubt one of the busiest, loudest and most raucous hostel in Cairns.

It’s spread out over four levels, with amazing facilities such as free airport pick up, free WiFi and a lagoon swimming pool, and has an entertainment venue with bars and clubs within the hostel. They also offer cheap dorm rates and $5 dinners with free drinks. Click here for more information and to book .

There aren’t any free camping options within the city itself, but some in the local area. There are also a few paid campsites in and around the city. Drive north to Daintree National Park – 1 hour OR take a tour from Cairns

The Daintree Rainforest

Suggested time – 1-2 days

The Daintree can be done in a day trip from Cairns, but I think it’s worthy of a section all of its own. It’s a huge national park north of the city, with a tarmac road driving straight through the thick of the rainforest; and every so often, you’ll get a glimpse of the sea, which the road runs directly parallel to.

This is exactly why the ‘rainforest meets reef’ slogan of Far North Queensland was invented. There are short walks, cultural experiences, croc spotting cruises and four wheel drive tracks to be enjoyed within the breathtaking national park.

Things to do in the Daintree National Park

• Hike through the rainforest and around the beautiful Mossman Gorge
• Explore the Daintree tea plantation
• Have a picnic overlooking the beautiful Cow Bay
• Walk through the jungle at the Jindalba Boardwalk, Dubuji Boardwalk and Kulki Boardwalk
• Take on the challenging Mount Sorrow hike
• Enjoy the ‘reef meets rainforest’ vistas of Cape Tribulation beach
• Go croc spotting at Daintree River
• Check out the gorgeous Emmagen Creek at the start of the Bloomfield Track
• If you have a 4WD vehicle, drive the Bloomfield Track; an unsealed road heading north to Cooktown

Daintree National Park Tours

Don’t have your own vehicle? There’s plenty of tours from Cairns to the Daintree National Park.

From Daintree National Park, drive 23 minutes/ 23.5 km south to Port Douglas. If you are on a tour, some also stop in Port Douglas.

Port Douglas

Between Cairns and Daintree National Park is Port Douglas, a hip town which has luxury restaurants, quirky cafes and a busy backpacker scene.

It’s a fun place to pop in for an afternoon or spend a couple of days in; depending on how much time you have! I know a few people who have lived and worked in the town as well.

Things to do in Port Douglas

• Browse the beachside Sunday markets for tasty food and arty souvenirs
• Drive or hike up to the top of Flagstaff Hill for a spectacular lookout over the town and four mile beach
• Sample coffee at the various cafes of the town
• Laze back on the gorgeous four mile beach

Where to stay in Port Douglas

If you’re after a bustling backpacker scene, Dougies is located just 300 metres from the beach and is fully equipped with everything you could want in a hostel in the tropics; an outdoor pool and barbecue, a bar and free parking. Choose from a 4 or 7 bed dorm or a private room and bathroom.

For rates and to book, click here . From Port Douglas, drive south back through Cairns, which takes 1 hour 5 minutes. Or return to Cairns on your tour!

The Port Douglas to Cairns drive is known as ‘Far North Queensland’s Great Ocean Road’ and the views of vibrant green rainforest bordering onto turquoise blue ocean are nothing short of spectacular. It’s one of my favourite drives in Australia (and I’ve drove around nearly all of it!) so take your time and stop off at as many viewpoints as possible. Either stay another night in Cairns, or begin your journey south to Innisfail and Mission Beach

Drive or catch a coach from Cairns to Innisfail, which is a distance of 88 kilometres and takes approximately 1 hour 10 minutes. 

Suggested time – 1 day

Known by many to be ‘the place where everyone does farm work’, many road trippers whizz past Innisfail. But there’s lots to do in and around the town to pass a day or more; so if you have time on your East Coast Australia itinerary, be sure to check this beautiful town out!

Things to do in Innisfail

• Check out Josephine Falls, located between Cairns and Innisfail
• Stroll around the town and enjoy the art deco architecture, which has bene in place since 1918
• Sunbathe on the gorgeous sands of Etty Bay – and watch out for cassowaries!
• Explore the rainforest from the Mamu Tropical Skywalk

Drive or take the coach from Innisfail to Mission Beach, which takes 40 minutes and is 52 kilometres in distance.

Mission Beach

Suggested time – 2-3 days

Mission Beach isn’t on every Tropical North Queensland itinerary, but it damn well should be – it’s one of my favourite parts of the east coast. The beaches here are absolutely mesmerising – when I walked down to my first I actually let out a little yelp of joy.

There’s a variety of walking trails through the rainforest region, opportunities to spot cassowaries (we didn’t see any, boo), some absolutely delightful cafes and restaurants, and, as the name suggests, kilometre after kilometre of gorgeous beachfront.

If I could get an ‘I HEART MISSION BEACH’ t-shirt, I would.

Things to do in Mission Beach

• Hike up to Bicton Hill for a stunning view
• Laze on 14 kilometres of beaches – but remember to use the stinger nets from October to May!
• Eat at the quirky Bingil Bay Café
• Take a water taxi to Dunk Island and do some of the walk tracks and marvel at the beaches there
• Go scuba diving – the Great Barrier Reef stretches along most of Tropical North Queensland including all of Mission Beach

Accommodation in Mission Beach

If you’re looking for accomodation to relax and unwind in for a few days, Jackaroo Hostel is just the place. The treehouse-style hostel is set in beautiful grounds with a spectacular view, and just being there basically screams zen. Choose from a 6 bed dorm room or a private double room, all which come with included breakfast. For rates and to book, click here . Drive south 2 hours 48 minutes, which is 235 kilometres, or take the coach to Townsville.

On the Bruce Highway, I’d recommend taking a pit stop at the Frosty Mango restaurant, an eatery that serves all things mango, including delicious dairy-free ice cream. There’s also a huge mango outside (if you don’t know already, Australia loves its huge things) to snap a picture with!

Suggested time – 2 days

Townsville, ‘the capital of Northern Queensland’ is the gateway to Magnetic Island.

But there’s plenty within Townsville to occupy a day or two too, so before you hop over to the paradise that is Maggie Island, take some time to explore what Tropical North Queensland’s largest city has to offer.

Things to do in Townsville

• Learn about wildlife in Tropical North Queensland, the history of scuba diving, ancient shipwrecks and more at the Museum of North Queensland
• Learn about the region’s history at the Herbert River Museum
• Visit the historic Old Brandon Church
• Enjoy the bars and restaurants of the city
• Walk around the picturesque marina

Accommodation in Townsville

Rambutan YHA is a popular backpacker hangout, located in the centre of the city. It doesn’t cut any corners, with facilties such as a rooftop pool, outdoor bar and restaurant and $10 dinner specials. Choose from a 5, 6 or 8 bed dorm or private rooms in different sizes.

Click here for rates and to book .

Take the ferry over to Magnetic Island, which is a 20 minute journey, costing around $19 per person.

Magnetic Island

A pure slice of paradise, Magnetic Island is worlds away from the city of Townsville.

The entire island seems to run at its own time, with a chilled-out pace that it seems you could only find within a certain number of degrees to the equator.

On Magnetic Island, there are historical walks, climbs to hidden beaches, snorkelling, safe swimming spots, and amazing sunset viewing areas… or there’s the chance to get very merry on cocktails and general island life and spend the day lazing in a hammock. The choice is yours.

Things to do on Magnetic Island

• Take the forts walk to learn about the wartime history of the island and spot koalas
• Go snorkelling at Geoffery Bay – you can pick up a self guided snorkelling tour from the visitors centre for $5
• Hike to Balding Bay (which is Maggie’s unofficial nudist beach, FYI) or Radical Bay, both beautiful spots that are much quieter than the main beach!
• Go for a dip in Nelly Bay’s stinger net
• Discover more of the island’s history at the Magnetic Island History and Crafts Centre
• Catch an amazing sunset at one of the many spots around the island

Where to stay on Magnetic Island

The home of Australia’s only full moon party, Base Backpackers is set in stunning surroundings and enjoys a bar, BBQ facilities and a swimming pool. The bar hosts themed nights and activities.

For rates and to book, click here .

From Magnetic Island, take the ferry back over to Townsville and start heading south. Drive from Townsville to Bowen, which is around 2 hour 20 minutes and 202 kilometres, or take a southbound bus.

Suggested time – stopover/ half a day

Although some people stop to do their farm work in Bowen, for many it’s not really much more than a quick pit stop. But the laid back town vibes, beautiful beaches and hikes to impressive lookouts do make it a worthwhile stopover on a southern drive!

Things to do in Bowen

• Check out some of the eight amazing beaches that make up the area around Bowen
• Learn about the tropical town at the Bowen Historical Musuem
• Take a ferry over to Stone Island
• Check out Horseshoe Bay from the Rotary Lookout
• Snap a photo with yet another big mango!

Drive from Bowen to Airlie Beach, which is about 77 kilometres and takes around 58 minutes, or hop on a coach. 

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is somewhere you’ll constantly hear about as you’re travelling down the East Coast of Australia – and it is definitely a backpacker hub.

The town is catered for tourists, but if you’re looking for somewhere for a cheap dinner, a couple (dozen, maybe) beers and to meet some new travel mates, Airlie is your go to. Most people who are at Airlie Beach are coming off a Whitsundays tour, or about to get onto a boat. But there are a few things to do in the town itself.

Things to do in Airlie Beach

• Take a dip in the refreshing Airlie Beach Lagoon
• Browse the markets, which are held every Saturday
• Check out the gorgeous Cedar Creek Falls, located en route to Proserpine
• Visit the rainforest Conway National Park and go hiking

Where to stay in Airlie Beach

Nomads pretty much dominates the backpacker accommodation in Airlie Beach, and it’s easy to see why. The establishment is half hostel half campsite, with options for any type of backpacker.

The entire hostel is al-fresco based and as well as the standard amenities (kitchen, laundry, chill out area etc), it enjoys two bars, a swimming pool and free wifi. For rates and to book, click here .

The Whitsunday Islands

Suggested time – 3 days

The Whitsunday Islands are one of the ‘must see’ Australian odysseys that make the east coast famous. It’s vital to include visiting the islands in your east coast Australia road trip itinerary, and I’d advise doing the full 3 day 2 night tour to get the full experience.

I went with Wings , who offer a chilled out, sociable atmosphere with stop offs to all of the most beautiful spots of the islands. Also included was:

• SO MUCH FOOD including buffet-style meals, snacks every time any of us got a twinge of hunger, and tea and coffee. They catered for dietary preferences really well and even let the special diets have first choice, which gave me yet another reason to love vegetarianism!
• A shared cabin-style dorm – I slept in a little cubby hole, but it was pretty cosy!
• All the snorkelling gear and four stops to see some of the best marine life in the area
• A guided walk to Whitehaven Beach and to a look out
• Slideshows of photos in the evening
• Friendly, knowledgeable staff

Alcohol was brought on a BYO term. The boat isn’t an in-your-face party kind of boat, but a few of us got very merry on beer/ goon in the evenings.

If you want an in-your-face party style boat, I’d go with Clipper .

This isn’t the boat to choose if you want a good night’s sleep – but it’s hugely popular with travellers on the east coast! (it does also have a huge inflatable slide which looks awesome).

And if you’re looking for a bit more luxury, Ride to Paradise offers the same style tour, but instead of the boat, stays in luxury accommodation. There are dozens more Whitsundays tours, so if none of those take your fancy don’t fret – you’ll almost certainly find a great tour for you.

Whitsundays Tours

Your Whitsundays boat tour will take you back to Airlie Beach. Spend another night there, if you wish (there will most likely be an after party!), or head straight back to the road. Coaches leave Airlie Beach to Mackay, or drive the distance – just under 2 hours and 150 kilometres. 

I had a fantastic time in Mackay, although I didn’t do much other than get a subway (a sandwich, not an underground train). I’ve never felt so immediately welcomed into a city – at first, I thought everyone knew each other, but when they all greeted me with equal cordiality, I realised that people in Mackay are actually just that friendly.

Mackay is a launching point for the southern Great Barrier Reef and is home to some fantastic parks to the north and the west.

Within the town, there are lookouts, great food, lagoons and cycling trails. It’s a tropical city that’s worth a spot on your East Coast Australia itinerary.

Things to do in Mackay

• Cycle on the Bluewater Trail
• Take a dip in the Bluewater Lagoon
• Visit Lambert’s Lookout for a Pacific view
• Explore a sugar cane mill
• Camp with kangaroos at Cape Hillsborough
• Go hiking and platypus spotting at rainforest-based Eungella National Park

Take a coach or drive the distance to Rockhampton, which is 3 hours 40 minutes and 336 kilometres. 

Rockhampton

Suggested time – 1 day When I told a few people I was adding Rockhampton to my east coast Australia road trip itinerary, they laughed and said there was nothing there. I then looked up the best things to do in Rockhampton – and discovered that 5/9 revolved around the beef industry – not exactly a vegetarian’s dream. But, dig a little deeper and there’s some great things to do in Rocky that don’t involve meat of any kind.

Things to do in Rockhampton

• Visit the Dreamtime Cultural Centre which tells significant stories of the state and country’s Aboriginal population and their Dreamtime stories which is the basis for their culture
• Catch the sunset over Mount Archer
• Cross over the tropics at the Tropic of Capricorn Spire
• Explore Quay Street and marvel at the historic, opulent buildings
• Admire the works at the Rockhampton Art Gallery

Take a coach to Agnes Water, or drive the 2 hour 30 minutes, 225 kilometre journey.

Agnes Water/ 1770

A lot of people just stop in Agnes Water for a break up between the long bus between Airlie Beach and Rainbow Beach (although hopefully I’ve convinced you to make a few extra stops along the way too!).

But the surf town is a cool place to hang out for a few days. If you aren’t pushed for time on your Cairns to Melbourne road trip itinerary, take the chance to kick back on the beach for a few.

Things to do in Agnes Water/ 1770

• Take a surf lesson for either $17.70 or $25 (I chose the $25 option, which is allegedly better – saying that, I chose it because it was the only one running in the afternoon. But I definitely felt like I got more than my money’s worth).
• Do the Scooteroo tour – the tour takes you around the twin towns on scooters that are made out to look like huge badass motorbikes. I didn’t do it, but it looks like a lot of fun!
• Check out some of the local national parks, such as Eurimbula, which has breathtaking coastline, 4WD tracks and scenic sunset spots.

Tours Around Agnes Water

Where to stay in agnes water/ 1770.

Southern Cross Backpackers is a super chilled out hostel with a variety of accommodation options – there’s a campsite that you can drive onto, or dorms.

Set in beautiful subtropical grounds, the hostel has a pool and a great chill out/ bar area. But the best thing about this hostel is that it has a really nice community feel, with staff who take the time to get to know and help you out and encourage guests to socialise. It’s not a mad party hostel, but rather one where you can enjoy a few beers of an evening with like minded travellers.

For rates and to book, click here . Journey to Rainbow Beach by driving 3 hours 40 minutes and 322 kilometres, or taking a coach.

Rainbow Beach

Suggested time – 1 day Rainbow Beach is a tiny little town (if you can call it a town!) nestled between Agnes Water and the Sunshine Coast. It’s an ever popular backpacker destination because… here is where you go on your Fraser Island tour. But Rainbow Beach is lots of fun too – kick back here for a couple of days if you have the chance.

Things to do in Rainbow Beach

• Sandboarding at Carlo Sand Blow
• Surfing and sunbathing at Double Island Point
• Driving around the gorgeous Great Sandy National Park

If you’re booking on a Fraser Island tour, you’ll need to be at the safety briefing for 6pm the day before. This means staying at least one night in Rainbow Beach – and it’s a good idea to book for the day after too, so you’re not rushing after your tour and have some time for drinks with your group!

Where to stay in Rainbow Beach

Dingos is one of the only hostels in Rainbow Beach, but it’s ran so well that there’s really no need for any competition. It’s outside-based, with two fun bars often featuring live music, $7 dinners every night and free vegan pancakes for breakfast each morning.

Choose from a hostel dorm room or sleep in your car or campervan for just $10.

Fraser Island

For Fraser Island you have two options. If you have a four wheel drive vehicle with a large clearance, 4WD knowledge, are sure that your car won’t break down on the island, good car knowledge in general and a sense of adventure then go ahead, do a self-guided tour of the island.

If you don’t (the only criteria of these I really met was a sense of adventure – unless I can count hair-raisingly navigating down the Gibb River Road in Western Australia as 4WD knowledge?) then the best thing is to book a tour.

I went with Dingos – who are ran by the same people as Dingos hostel – and highly recommend them. The tour involves four 4WD vehicles drove on a ‘tag along’ basis – so everyone who has a licence and is 21+ gets a chance to drive the cars.

The tour definitely burns the candle at both ends – so if you want to drive first thing in the morning you really have to limit the drinking the night before. There’s video footage of me on night two, dancing around a gazebo with a bag of goon. Needless to say I was not on the list of designated drivers the following morning.

Dingos Tours: What Do They Include?

• Knowledgeable and friendly guides
• Three meals a day – if you have any dietary requirements just state at the time of booking and they will provide an altered meal plan
• Use of the 4WD vehicle for three days
• Ferry crossing to Fraser Island
• Campsite accommodation

Now, I’m never really a huge fan of tours – I much prefer hitting the open road with my own car and stopping wherever I want to, for however long I desire. But for Fraser it is kind of a necessity, and it’s a great place to meet new people.

Highlights of Fraser Island

• The brilliantly blue Lake Mackenzie
• 4WD – ing through the subtropical rainforest
• Being drifted away in Eli Creek, a natural lazy river
• The spectacular Champagne Pools
• Gazing over the island from Indian Head lookout
• Drinking (and dancing with) goon back at the campsite. Backpackers eh…

Other Fraser Island Tours

Return back to Rainbow Beach with the tour – you’ll probably want to stay another night at Dingos.  The next day, drive 1 hour 40 minutes, 134 kilometres to Noosa Heads or jump on a coach.

Noosa and the Sunshine Coast

Noosa is a charming town nestled in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. It’s loved by backpackers and locals alike, because of its beautiful surroundings and bustling atmosphere.

Things to do in Noosa

• Exploring the coastal and inland tracks of Noosa National Park – which is very easily accessible from the town, even if you don’t have a car
• Lazing, BBQing or swimming on one of the town’s many beaches
• Café hopping and seeing who really does the best soy cappuccino in Noosa
• Similarly, check out every breakfast spot in town (warning: you’ll need a huge appetite or a few days)
• Climb up Mount Tinbeerwah for amazing panoramic views of the whole coastline
• Go on a kayak tour of Noosa Everglades
• Go stand up paddleboarding in Little Cove

Where to stay in Noosa

Nomads Noosa is located right in the heart of town, making all of Noosa’s main attractions easily accessible. There’s options to play beach volleyball or pool and drink at the on site bar. Choose from 8, 10 and 16 bed dorms and click here for rates and to book today . Trav el 141 kilometres, 1 hour 45 minutes, to Brisbane.

You’ve reached the big city!! I was most excited to get to Brisbane because it meant I could go to LUSH and stock up on shampoo bars, but there are lots of other things to do in Brissy too.

The city has a certain air of glitz and glamour about it, and within Brisbane, there are some great museums, fantastic restaurants and bars, a bridge climb and city beaches.

Things to do in Brisbane

• Visit the museum of Queensland and learn all about the state you’ve just been exploring
• Explore the world of contemporary art at Queensland Gallery of Modern Art
• Rent a bike and ride around the city and its ‘burbs
• Take a Kookaburra River Queens cruise – which use old style paddlewheel vessels – around Brisbane’s river, taking in the city’s attractions.
• Go shipwreck diving at Moreton Island
• Climb the city’s Story Bridge and get impressive views of the entire cityscape
• Enjoy all sorts of artwork at Queensland Art Gallery
• Visit South Bank Parklands and laze away a hot Brissy day at one of the city beaches
• Go on a whale watching tour (seasonal) to see humpback whales travel from the Antarctic to Queensland’s more mild waters

Note – one of the most popular Brisbane attractions is the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

I’ve omitted it off this list because I don’t think that any institution, sanctuary or not, is ethical if it allows you to hold a wild animal who normally likes its space. If you can hold it, it has likely been unnaturally domesticized. If you want to see koalas, head to Magnetic Island or the Great Ocean Road where there are plenty in their natural habitat.

Where to stay in Brisbane

Brisbane City Backpackers is a friendly, well-equipped hostel with a bar and a roof terrace that boasts a fantastic view of the city’s skyline. Many people choose to stay in the hostel while working, but it’s equally welcoming to short-term visitors.

The on-site bar stands out for its $10 dinner options every night and fantastic drink deals. The atmosphere here encourages a party mood, but if you’re seeking a more relaxed experience or recovering from dancing with a bag of goon on Fraser Island (like me), getting a good night’s sleep is easy. The staff are always ready to offer helpful daytime activity recommendations.

One notable perk is the availability of free parking, a rare find in the heart of Brisbane.

Brisbane to Sydney Drive Itinerary

  You still with me? The Cairns to Brisbane drive itinerary was the longest chunk of your trip – but that’s not to say that the next two segments aren’t just as epic. If you’re venturing south of Brisbane, let me show you the very best spots to visit on this Brisbane to Sydney drive! Drive 1 hour, 78 kilometres, to reach Surfers Paradise. You can also jump on a Greyhound to do the distance, or take local buses and trains.

  If Australia was a cupboard of condiments, Gold Coast would definitely be marmite – you either love it or you hate it. (it wouldn’t be Vegemite, Australia’s answer to Marmite, because every Aussie young or old loves it).

Gold Coast is home to lots of beaches, plenty of good surf, parties until 6am and high rise buildings. The centre of the Gold Coast is Surfers Paradise, which is where most of the backpacker hangouts are.

Things to do in Surfers Paradise

• Go out – it’s what the city built its popularity on. Surfers Paradise has all night parties, day sessions, boozy BBQs – you name it
• Believe it or not, it’s a popular destination for surfing – although the waves definitely seem for the more advanced, there’s some spots that are great for beginners too
• Go to the all-vegan Lord of the Fries. These burger stalls are all over Melbourne and Sydney, but I think the Surfers Paradise joint was the first to be completely vegan. It mainly serves mock meat, which was a bit strange to eat – but it’s tasty comfort food and it saves animals and the world
• Check out views of the city from the Sky Point Observation Deck
• Head to Infinity, which is a house of optical illusions and a fantastic place to spend a rainy day!
• Browse the beachfront markets on a Wednesday, Friday and Sunday night
• Check out some more free things to do on the Gold Coast here .

Pssst… I’ll let you in on a little secret. If you’re after a lively backpacker scene and crazy parties, stick to Surfers. BUT there’s lots of quieter beaches in the Gold Coast that are amazing for a more chilled out holiday; make sure you visit some of these hidden gems on your Brisbane to Sydney drive!

Other beaches on the Gold Coast

• Burleigh Heads
• Coolangatta
• Kirra Point
• Mermaid Beach

Check out this Gold Coast Beaches Guide for some more information about alternative beaches.

Where to stay in Surfers Paradise

A well-facilitated hostel that’s perfect for both chill and party, BUNK is centrally located, with an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub. The hostel offers free breakfast, and each dorm has ‘privacy pods’ with individual lights and power sockets. However, if you want to socialise, there’s plenty of areas perfect for meeting new travel mates.

Drive 1 hour 2 minutes and 78 kilometres from Surfers Paradise to Mullumbimby. If you are taking the coaches down the east coast, you’ll need to fast track straight to Byron Bay.

Queensland/ New South Wales Border

Crossing over into New South Wales from Queensland is pretty uneventful – if you’ve ever crossed into Western Australia, you’ll know how painful border crossings can be!

You’re not too far from Byron Bay, one of the best places on the planet in my humble opinion , but there are a few gorgeous spots that are worth visiting before you reach the hippy town.

Mullimbimby

Suggested time – stopover Slightly inland is the charming town of Mullimbimby – which many regard to be ‘Byron Bay 20 years ago’. It’s one of those towns where great pleasure can be had just by strolling around.

Things to do in Mullimbimby

• Stroll around the Mullimbimby Community Garden
• Check out the local Rainforest Walk
• Enjoy the markets – Mullum Community Market runs on the 3 rd Saturday of every month and the Mullum Farmers Market is every Friday 7-11am
• Check out some of the charismatic cafes
• Stroll around the murals painted by local artists
• Attend a yoga or pilates class or unwind at the day spa

Drive 10 minutes or 7.7 kilometres (yes, that’s it!) to Brunswick Heads

Brunswick Heads

Suggested time – stopover

Photo via Flickr by Richard Rydge Heading out to the coast from Mullimbimby is the tranquil Brunswick Heads, home to bushland opening out onto serene beaches.

Things to do in Brunswick Heads

• Canoe, birdwatch or hike in the Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve
• Catch a surf on the local beach
• Jump from the old wooden bridge into the clear river (at high tide!)
• Enjoy the vistas of the bush opening out to beach
• Go stand up paddleboarding at Torakina Beach

Drive 18 minutes or 18 kilometres to Byron Bay

Suggested time – 3-4 days

Ahhh… Byron Bay. My second home and the only place in 18 months of travelling that could persuade me to stay longer than a month. I actually lived in Byron Bay, in a tent, for five beautiful months and I would go back in a heartbeat. There’s lots of reasons why so many people fall in love with beautiful Byron Bay, and it will no doubt be a highlight on your Brisbane to Sydney drive.

Here’s why it changed my life . I’d recommend staying in Byron Bay for as long as possible – but if you only have a few days, here’s the highlights.

Things to do in Byron Bay

• Walk up to the lighthouse
• Catch a wave at The Pass
• Go scuba diving at Julian Rocks
• Catch some live music at The Rails or the Northern
• Watch the sunset while dancing away at the drum circle
• Watch some of the amazing entertainers (often fire spinners or buskers) at Main Beach
• Catch the Arts Factory’s talent show

I genuinely feel a pang in my heart while writing about Byron Bay – I miss it every day.

Byron Bay Tours

Where to stay in byron bay.

There’s no better place to stay at in Byron Bay than The Arts Factory.

Spreading out over 5 acres of gorgeous grounds, The Arts Factory is less of a hostel and more of an experience.

It’s got a name as a bit of a hippie hangout, and it definitely attracts the free-spirited and artistic – but really, there’s something for everyone at the Arts Factory.

Enjoy didgeridoo lessons, yoga classes, bush walks, the weekly talent show, and more at the Arts Factory, while staying in one of their dorms, private rooms, or even on the attached campsite, which is affectionately known as ‘The Jungle’.

I lived here for five months and couldn’t get enough of it.

The Hinterland of Byron Bay

Byron Bay’s famous for its beaches, but don’t forget to check out its amazing hinterland too. Home to waterfalls, national parks, forests and quirky towns, there’s something kind of magical about the Byron Bay hinterland.

Things to do in Byron Bay’s Hinterland

• Eat locally sourced food in Newrybar’s Harvest restaurant
• Head to Nimbin, which is possibly the hippiest town in Australia. Enjoy the laidback, organic lifestyle of the town and stock up on some erm… treats… if you’re into that kind of thing!
• Hike to the top of Mount Warning to be the first in mainland Australia to see the sun rise
• Walk to the base of the spectacular Minyon Falls
• Stroll through rainforest of the Nightcap National Park to the gorgeous Protestor Falls
• Have a swim in the plunge pool of Killen Falls

Drive 1 hour 40 minutes, 126 kilometres from Byron Bay to Yamba, or catch a coach heading south

Yamba is a sleepy little coastal town with lots of natural beauty and attractions. While it’s not the most visited town on the east coast by any means, it’s gaining popularity with backpackers and travellers doing the Brisbane to Sydney drive.

Things to do in Yamba

• Go surfing at the many beaches
• Bask in the stunning natural beauty of the Angourie Blue and Green Pools
• Take the Angourie Walking Track along the stunning coastline
• Enjoy the vista with a picnic at the Yamba Lighthouse
• Do ‘Shane’s 10 buck tour’ which takes you around the town, telling you its stories in the tour operator’s own wicked humour

Where to stay in Yamba

Yamba YHA Backpacker Beach Resort is located right in the centre of town, and has the option of dorms or private rooms with en suite bathrooms. There’s an on site café and bar, BBQ facilities and free parking, and the hostel is where the famous ‘Shane’s Tour’ begins. For rates and to book, click here .

Catch a coach heading toward Coffs Harbour, or drive the 1 hour 38 minutes, 138 kilometre distance

Coffs Harbour

Photo by Andrea Schaffer via Flickr   Famed mainly for ‘The Big Banana’, there are some other attractions in Coffs Harbour that aren’t big fruit. Some of the best attractions are coastal, but my favourite bit of Coffs is its hinterland.

Things to do in Coffs Harbour and the surroundings

• The gorgeous waterfalls of Dorrigo National Park
• The Big Banana’s waterslides and activities
• Koala spotting in Bongil Bongil National Park
• Visit the rugged Muttonbird Island
• Admire the boats at the marina and jetty

Drive 27 minutes, 34 kilometres, sout-eastwards from Coffs Harbour to Bellingen. If you are taking the coaches down the east coast, you’ll need to skip this part and head straight to Port Macquarie. 

Bellingen is a wonderful little country town; I was there just after same-sex marriage was passed in Australia, and was uplifted by all the banners and signs throughout the town expressing their joy at equality.

Pair this with stunning buildings and fantastic cafes set in the most picturesque setting, and you’ve got yourself a perfect little town.

Drive westwards from Bellingen toward Armidale. It’s 155 kilometres, and would take around 2 hours with no stops – but let’s face it, you’ll be stopping a lot. 

The Waterfall Way

The Waterfall Way has some of the most scenic falls in the country. It’s a 185 kilometre road traversing no less than five national parks.

Waterfalls along the way

• Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and Skywalk Lookout
• Crystal Shower Falls
• Tristina Falls
• Dangar Falls
• Wollombi Falls
• Chandler Falls
• Red Cedar Falls (which a difficult 8km hike is necessary to reach – but definitely head there if you have the time!)  

From Armidale, travel down the Oxley Highway to reach Port Macquarie. At a distance of 250 kilometres, it’s just over 3 hours of driving.

Port Macquarie

Whether you head back out to the coast via the Waterfall Way return route or head south in the hinterland, you’ll eventually find your way to the Central NSW town of Port Macquarie. Famed for its stunning beaches, this town has a lovely laid back atmosphere and plenty to pass a few days.

Things to do in Port Macquarie

• Check out the artistically painted rocks along the breakwall
• Check out a sunrise or sunset on the many beaches
• Grab a beer and watch the waves at the Beach House
• Walk the 9km coastal walk which traverses most of the town’s beaches
• Visit the ‘brothers’ and drive to the summit of the North Brother mountain, which offers spectacular views of the local area

Head 244 kilometres south to Newcastle, which should take you about 2 hours 10 minutes. Or hop on a coach heading in the same direction.

Suggested time – 1 day Just two hours north of Sydney, Newcastle is a buzzing town basking in scenic surroundings. Head to Newcastle to check out the coastal national parks and the charming atmosphere of the city itself.

Things to do in Newcastle

• Glenrock State Conservation Area
• Minmi Cemetary Walk, which tells some of the tales of the coal mining boom
• Enjoy the vistas of Nobbys Beach and the city’s lighthouse
• Visit the Newcastle Museum to learn more about the surrounding area’s history
• See some local art at the Newcastle Art Gallery  
• Go to the nearby Port Stephens and do the Tomaree Head Summit Walk .

From Newcastle, head to Palm Beach, which is a 173 kilometre or 2 hour 16 minute drive. If you are taking the coaches, you’ll need to head straight to Sydney.

Photo by Suzanne via Flickr You’re technically in Sydney’s northern beaches now! Palm Beach was made famous for being the setting of Home and Away, but there’s plenty to enjoy within the vicinity for not-so-big fans of the Aussie soap.

Things to do in Palm Beach

• Take in a great view from Barrenjoey Lighthouse
• Go paddleboarding from the beach
• Walk around the Home and Away set
• Dine at some of New South Wales’ classiest eateries  

Drive 43 minutes, 30 kilometres, along the side of the Pacific Ocean towards Manly, one of Sydney’s northern suburbs.

Manly  

I’m really dragging out this entrance to Sydney, aren’t I? You’re almost there – well, you’re technically there – Manly is and isn’t part of Sydney. It’s only a ferry ride to Darling Harbour, but the beaches and community atmosphere of the suburb make it an entity of its own. Many backpackers choose to stay, work and live in Manly over Sydney ‘proper’, and there’s plenty of draws to this part of the city.

Things to do in Manly

• Visit the resident penguins at Collins Beach
• Have a BBQ and catch the sunset at Shelley Beach
• Do the 9km North Head Sanctuary loop walk from Shelley Beach, which will give you fantastic views of Sydney Harbour and wildlife spotting opportunities
• Walk along the northern beaches via the Manly to Split walk
• Check out the bustling markets of the town

Where to stay in Manly

If you don’t fancy staying in Sydney proper, check out Manly Bunkhouse, which boasts en suite dorms and rooms, communal areas, central location and outdoor spaces. Click here to find out more . Take the ferry over to Sydney Central, which costs $15 – or $2.60 if you are going on a Sunday! Or drive the 18 kilometre distance, which should take about 30 minutes (traffic dependent). 

Suggested time – 4 days You made it! Congratulations on reaching Australia’s largest city. Sydney’s definitely a bucket list city that every keen traveller should visit at least once in their lifetime. Although it’s not my favourite place in Australia, it was the first part of Australia I ever went to and that makes it very special for me.

Things to do in Sydney

• Walk around the iconic Opera House
• Stroll through the beautiful botanic gardens, right by the harbour
• Walk to Mrs Macquarie’s Seat and snap a great picture of the Opera House
• Head to the Australian Museum to learn all about this weird and wonderful country
• Explore the funky suburbs such as Newtown
• Brunch in the upmarket Surry Hills
• Head to the Eastern Beaches; admire the outdoor pool at Bondi and complete the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
• Go to the NSW Royal National Park to check out sights like the Figure 8 Pools and Wedding Cake Rock
• Check out this local’s guide to Sydney for more ideas

Sydney Tours

Where to stay in sydney.

Where you decide to stay in Sydney largely depends on what kind of scene you’re after; whether you want to enjoy the fast-paced life of the CBD, one of its quirky suburbs or chill out on Bondi Beach.

If you’re after a stay in Central Sydney, Railway Square YHA is a hostel with a difference – half of it is located in disused railway cabins! It also offers cheap breakfasts, excellent facilities and great events. For more information and to book, click here .

Sydney to Melbourne Drive Itinerary

So many people fast track from Sydney straight to Melbourne, and I think it’s such a shame. This area of the country is spectacular, with amazing coastline, unique national parks and quirky townships. Take some time for your Sydney to Melbourne drive; to explore a little of southern New South Wales and eastern Victoria, and I promise you won’t regret it!

The Blue Mountains

Suggested time – 2-3 days To reach the Blue Mountains, drive 55 minutes or 62 kilometres from Sydney to reach the edge of the National Park. It’s an extra 30 minutes/ 40 kilometres to reach the three sisters, the most prominent landmark in the park. Alternatively, you can take the train to the national park from Sydney Central.

I’m sending you on a little detour here, but it’s well worth it. The Blue Mountains are located 62 kilometres west of Sydney, and they are nothing short of spectacular. If you’re taking the Greyhound down the coast, I’d really recommend renting a car, taking the train or taking a tour to this national park – it’s definitely an Australia must-see. Covered in eucalypt forests, the Blue Mountains are named so because of how the oil from the trees mixes with water vapour. They span over  11,400 km2 and encompasses hills, waterfalls, lookouts and spectacular panoramic vistas.

Things to do in the Blue Mountains

• Three Sisters Lookout, the most popular and iconic spot in the Blue Mountains
• Evans Lookout, my personal favourite
• Traverse some of the many tracks of the mountains
• Visit the Waradah Aboriginal Centre

Psstt.. If you’re visiting the Blue Mountains on a day trip from Sydney, head there on a Sunday, when the train fare is just $2.60

Blue Mountain Tours

From Bathurst, which is located at the other end of the Blue Mountains National Park, drive 253 kilometres to Canberra, which should take you around 3 hours 13 minutes.  Alternatively you can reach Canberra by bus or train from Sydney Central.

Tell anyone you’re planning on a trip to Canberra on your east coast Australia road trip and their response will be ‘why’? Famed for its dullness, the capital of Australia isn’t the top spot on anyone’s itinerary. Why am I recommending you go there then? Well, for all my history and politics fans, there’s lots to do in Canberra if you’re interested in getting to know how Australia works and has worked in the past. And I think if you’re travelling in a country, these are things you have a duty to know. Canberra can be done in a day trip from Sydney – it’s a three hour drive to the city (just down the road, you know), or you can take a coach or train between cities. There is enough to keep you occupied for longer though – check out this post for some ideas of what to do in 2-3 days in Canberra . If you’re self driving down the east coast, you can head south-east from Canberra and then continue your Sydney to Melbourne drive via the coast.

Things to do in Canberra

• Visit the Parliament House and sit in on a question time (which is 2pm when the parliament is running)
• Walk around the Old Parliament House, home of the Museum of Australian Democracy
• See the Australian War Memorial
• Enjoy a sunset over Lake Burley Griffin
• See artwork at the National Gallery of Australia and the National Portrait Gallery
• Look out over the city from the top of Mount Ainslie

Check out this guide to Canberra for more ideas.

Where to stay in Canberra

A spacious hostel in the city centre, Canberra City YHA offers a swimming pool, sauna, rooftop terrace and an onsite bar and café. Choose from double, twin or dorm rooms and check here for rates and to book . From Canberra, drive 2 hours 55 minutes/ 222 kilometres eastwards to Jervis Bay. If you are taking public transport, taking a bus to Wollongong and then local transport south to Jervis Bay is an option.

Bladdy magical. That’s what Jervis Bay is. Three hours south of Sydney, it’s a spectacular beach with white-as-it-gets sand and the bluest of blue waters. If it’s hot on your visit, it’s a great place to have a beach day – or there are hiking trails and swimming spots to enjoy. Whatever the weather, it will no doubt be a highlight on your Sydney to Melbourne drive!

Things to do in Jervis Bay

• Have picnic at Greenfield Beach and enjoy the beautiful rockpools
• Take the White Sands Walk from Greenfield Beach along the bay
• Go on one of the walking tracks of Booderee National Park
• Walk the Abrahams Bosom Reserve which leads to some of the most secluded beaches in the area

From Jervis Bay, travel 1 hour 12 minutes or 87 kilometres to Ulladulla. If you are taking the coaches down the east coast of Australia, Premier serve this area of the country.

  Ulladulla

Suggested time – half a day

On your drive south, Ulladulla is worth a stop over on your Melbourne to Sydney coastal drive, mainly for the ‘one track for all’ walk which describes Aboriginal culture of the area, describing what happened when Europeans invaded and settled.   From Ulladulla, drive 50 minutes or 63 kilometres south to Mogo, or hop back on the Premier coach service.

Mogo is a quirky village that is really no more than a cluster of buildings on the side of the road, but it’s worth checking out to see some of the eccentric and arty shops, and admiring the treasures within each! From Mogo, drive 2 hours 20 minutes, 189 kilometres, to Eden, stopping in at some of the New South Wales state forests (many of which are also free campsites!) along the way.

New South Wales State Forests  

Suggested time – stopover or overnight stop

Away from the beach, New South Wales is home to some spectacular state forests. There are lots of free camping spots within these forests, each which contains walking trails and makes for a great leg stretch en route south. Look for signs to rest areas between Mogo and Eden; you’ll find information about local walking trails along this route.

Eden  

It’s scenic beaches all the way down now, and Eden is no exception. If you fancy lazing back on a beach, there’s plenty of those; or seek some adventure at one of the surrounding national parks.

Things to do in Eden

• Visit Woboyn Beaches – located on the shores of Disaster Bay! – to enjoy the spectacular oceanic vistas
• See the Ben Boyd National Park for 4WD tracks and short walks
• Enjoy the heritage of the town through the Heritage Walk or Heritage Drive

From Eden, head toward the New South Wales/ Victoria border and then drive to Lakes Entrance. Total driving time 2 hours 46 minutes distance 242 kilometres. If you’re taking public transport, transfer to a V Line coach to reach Lakes Entrance.

New South Wales/ Victoria Border

Just south of Eden is the New South Wales/ Victoria border, another unassuming crossing that only involves passing a sign.

Lakes Entrance  

A somewhat sizable town under 200kms from the NSW/ Victorian border, Lakes Entrance is a perfect mix of idyllic water, beautiful beaches and fascinating history. It’s a laid back kind of town which is perfect for holidaying, camping and unwinding. It’s also one of the most beautiful spots of the south coast, in my humble opinion!

Things to do in Lakes Entrance

• The Entrance to the Lakes walk which showcases some of the best natural scenery of the area
• Hire bikes and explore the town with two wheels
• Take an eco cruise to see some local marine life
• Explore the limestone formations of Buchan Caves Reserve  

From Lakes Entrance, drive 3 hours 34 minutes or 273 kilometres westwards towards Wilson’s Promontory. If you are taking public transport, it is easiest to travel from Lakes Entrance straight to Melbourne and organise day trips to Wilson’s Promontory and Phillip Island from there.

Wilson’s Promontory  

A national park bordering the beach, and the southernmost point of Australia, Wilson’s Promontory is a fantastic place to stop on a Victoria road trip.

The park is free to enter and explore, and includes hikes and beaches. Its   natural beauty makes it an essential stop on your Sydney to Melbourne drive.

Things to do in Wilson’s Promontory

• Walk to Sealers Cove, which is a 19 kilometre day walk
• Stay at Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
• See the world’s most southern mangroves
• Hike to the top of Mount Oberon
• Squeak around on the sands of Squeaky Beach  

Day Tour to Wilson’s Promontory

Drive just under 2 hours, 134 kilometres, to reach Phillip Island. The island is connected to Australian mainland by a 26 kilometre long bridge, so you don’t need to worry about ferry crossings!

Phillip Island

Located off the coast just 90 minutes from Melbourne, Phillip Island is a great pit stop.

Famed for its wildlife, water sports and motor sports, there’s plenty of great reasons to visit Phillip Island if you’re not quite ready for big city life and the end of your east coast road trip.

Things to do on Phillip Island

• Surf from one of the many beaches
• See some of the spectacular wildlife, including penguins, seals and koalas
• Go go-karting and learn about the history of motor spots at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Visitor Centre
• Check out the crashing waves of Cape Woolami along the rugged coastline of the island

Phillip Island Tours

Drive 1 hour 50 minutes, which is 141 kilometres, from Phillip Island to Melbourne

Melbourne  

Suggested time – 4 days or more!

Bet you thought you’d never get there, right?

Nearly 3000 kms from Cairns – although if you’ve taken all of my suggested detours, you’ll have racked up a good few more kilometres – your arrival in Melbourne is a long time coming.

Melbourne is a vivacious, ever-changing city with a great community feel and upbeat spirit. It reminds me a lot of Bristol, my adopted hometown, and it has tons of amazing things to see and do.

Things to do in Melbourne

• Visit some of the amazing museums or galleries throughout the city
• Café hopping in funky Fitzroy or other suburbs
• Discover some literature gems at the State Library of Victoria (and of course snapping a photo of )
• Support  Melbourne’s most sustainable restaurant, Lentil as Anything
• Enjoy seaside vibes at St Kilda
• Watch the penguins at St Kilda
• Get lost in the other endless suburbs
• Catch a live music event at one of the many venues around the city
• Eat at some of the best restaurants in Melbourne
• Get out and exploring some of the surrounding towns and natural wonders. These include: the Grampians National Park, the Great Ocean Road, the city of Ballarat, the quirky town of Daylesford.
• If you’re not quite road tripped out yet, check out this Victoria road trip itinerary to see the best of the west of the state.

Where to stay in Melbourne  

For well-equipped accommodation at budget rates, there’s nowhere better than Urban Central. This busy hostel has lots going on, with cheap dinners, an on site bar and complimentary bike hire, rice, pasta, tea and coffee. The dorms are great for a good night’s shut eye; each bunk has its own light, a comfy mattress and a large locker with a power point inside each. For rates and to book, click here.

There are so many more things to do in Melbourne, and it’s a great place to set some roots down and live for some time. If you’re looking to find a job after your Cairns to Melbourne road trip, working a while in Victoria’s capital could be the answer!

East Coast Australia Tour

If you don’t fancy doing the whole trip by car or coach, guided tours from G Adventures travel the popular East Coast route. They’re a great company who have a sustainable influence with their tours. Click here to find out more.

Your ultimate Cairns to Melbourne road trip guide

If you’ve managed to read this Cairns to Melbourne road trip itinerary from beginning to end, I salute you – it’s one long post! But please do save it for later and check back – this is just the beginning of a series of posts on the East Coast of Australia. Expect destination specific hostel guides, packing lists, driving tips and example budgets online over the course of the next few weeks! Subscribe to never miss a post, or come and say hello over on Facebook !

Hey! I’m on YouTube too!

I’m currently travelling from Bali to London without taking a single flight! I’m documenting my journey on YouTube and would love it if you could follow me there! Here is a video detailing the journey a bit more:

Click here to go to my channel – I’d love it if you subscribed and joined the community! Thinking of exploring the rest of Australia? Please do, it’s awesome! I’ve written a few more handy guides like this one, which are perfect to put your wanderlust into action!

Related Posts

• Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary
• Melbourne to Perth Drive Itinerary
• Perth to Broome Drive Itinerary
• Broome to Darwin Drive Itinerary (via the Gibb River Road)
• Darwin to Adelaide Drive Itinerary
• Adelaide to Cairns Drive Itinerary (via the Inland Way)

If you’re yet to head to Australia, check out my packing list to make sure you’ve got everything and send your friends and relatives this Australia gift guide so they can get you a little something before you head off!

Finally, if you have a lot of questions, I now offer travel coaching! Here’s some more information about this service .

Disclosure: some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase using these links, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This is just one of the ways I keep this blog running!

Pin me baby, one more time

5 thoughts on “ East Coast Australia Road Trip Itinerary and Ultimate Guide ”

Nice blog and great places to visit

Brilliant guide Claire, love the format and all the information you provide. Can I ask if you remember where the spot was from the photo you have of Eden in NSW? Looks amazing! (Not planning on visiting just yet thought due to the bushfires)

Hi Jake, thanks so much for your comment. the photo would have been from the Main Beach in the centre of town. Hopefully the bushfires get better soon there!

Hey, brilliant road trip Itinerary! We are halfway between our Cairns to Brisbane road trip and your post has been really helpful so thank you!

We will be going to Agnes water in a couple of days, can you tell me the company you did your afternoon surf lesson with please?

Thanks! Amber

Thanks for sharing the itinerary. Definitely gonna use this itinerary for my upcoming trip to East Coast Australia.

Comments are closed.

• New Zealand
• The Philippines
• The Netherlands
• United Kingdom
• Inspiration
• Overland Itineraries
• Packing Lists
• Travel Tips
• Working Abroad
• Accomodation Guides
• Overland Travel
• Preserving Cultures
• Protecting Animals
• Living Abroad

How to Plan the Ultimate Australia Road Trip

Sharing is caring!

Few places lend themselves to a great road trip than Australia: open roads, stunning scenery, remote places… Whether you like adventure or a leisurely drive, Australia has the perfect conditions for a road trip. 

Table of Contents

How to Plan the Ultimate Australia Road Trip?

There are many considerations for a road trip in Australia and to be successful, it does require some preparation. There is a long tradition of “driving around Australia”, so here is my advice on planning the trip of a lifetime.

I recently drove along the West Australia Coast and it was a fantastic experience!

A little further afield, I spent two weeks in New Zealand . Driving in New Zealand is also a great adventure!

The Best Time to go

The climatic conditions of Australia vary a great deal and the time to go depends on the season you prefer. 

Also, considerations around the season and climate may help you decide whether you want to be travelling around Australia, or whether you prefer local and shorter road trips. 

And remember that the seasons are the opposite than the northern hemisphere!

Summer: From December to February

Summer can be extremely hot and sunny in Australia, but it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your Australia road trip, on the contrary. The sky is blue, the beaches are so inviting and there is a holiday feel everywhere. 

The top end of Australia is the only place I wouldn’t recommend as it gets very humid. North Queensland, the Northern Territory and the north of Western Australia are probably best to visit in other seasons.

Summer is the best time for Tasmania, South Australia and Victoria.

Autumn: From March to May

After the humid heat of summer, the lighter temperatures of autumn are a welcome relief. Autumn is a perfect season for a trip to Australia, heading north into winter.

Winter: June to August

Compared to the Northern Hemisphere, winter is generally mild in Australia,  thus perfect for driving holidays. Winter is probably the best time to explore the north of Australia.

Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales can get pretty cold in winter.

Spring: September to November

In the southern states of Australia, spring is fresh and often windy. Western Australia is fantastic in spring if you want to see wildflowers. Spring is also a good time to start a round trip, heading south into summer.

The Australia climate and weather is so broad, you have many options on where to start and choose some of the best road trips in Australia.

Accommodation in Australia

There is plenty of accommodation in Australia. It’s a great way to stay in unique places and meet the locals.

Local Road Trip or Grand Tour?

The grand tour of Australia is a dream for many, a life-changing journey. Many people undertake the journey when they come to work in Australia for a year. Imagine driving across Australia at your own pace, discovering new landscapes and territories… 

If the grand tour is not an option, there are plenty of options to admire the Australia scenery. There are many Australian road trip routes to choose from… Pick up a road map of Australia and start on your driving route planner. You will also need to prepare a budget for Australia .

Great Australian Road Trips

Here are a few ideas for an East Coast road trip:

Sydney & NSW road trips

Blue Mountains : my first suggestion for a Sydney road trip

Mudgee and Orange are great for a food and wine trip.

Batemans Bay

The trifecta Berry – Kangaroo Valley – Berrima is one of the best road trips from Sydney through the Southern Highlands.

Road trips from Melbourne, Victoria

Great Ocean Road itinerary. You can do a Great Ocean Road day trip but it’s better to allow a couple of days.

Philip Island

Wilson Promontory

Grampians National Park

Sovereign Hill is another, less known Melbourne road trip.

You can also do the Melbourne to Perth drive across the Nullarbor Plain.

Queensland Road Trips

Also on East Coast Australia, the Sunshine state has some great ideas for going on a road trip. Once you have explored Brisbane, have a look at these options:

Townsville to Mission Beach

Fraser Island is a great Queensland road trip

Port Douglas

Daintree Forest & Cape Tribulation

There are also many road trips from Brisbane and the Gold Coast .

South Australia Road Trips

My South Australia road trip took me to Kangaroo Island .

Tasmania Road Trips

East Coast Tasmania road trip

Cradle Mountain

Ultimate Tasmania

Bruny Island

Western Australia Road Trips

Some of the best Australia road trips are in Western Australia.

Perth road trip including Fremantle .

Some great road trips from Perth include the South West and Albany .

For a complete Western Australia road trip itinerary, you should consider Kalbarri, Exmouth, Monkey Mia and Broome.

Northern Territory Road Trips

Kings Canyon

Alice Springs

Kakadu National Park

Clockwise or Anti-Clockwise?

If you do the grand tour of Australia, you need to decide whether to go clockwise or anti-clockwise. I think your starting date should command this decision. If you start in spring or summer, head south for your first experience of self drive in Australia

And if you start in autumn or winter, head north first. Indeed, many people who start their journey in Sydney embark on an East Coast Australia road trip. Depending on where you start from, that’s your direction sorted. Either way, driving in Australia is quite easy.

How Much Time for the Grand Tour?

Well, how fast can you drive? And how much do you want to see on your trip around Australia? I wouldn’t recommend doing this Aussie trip in less than 6 months if you want to allow some time to really discover the country.

Six months is a long time to be on the road and you will need a comprehensive Australia road trip itinerary. I also recommend choosing some places to stay for several days or even weeks, in order to get a good rest and avoid road weariness. 

Solo Road Trip or Couple Road Trip?

If you are wondering what to bring on a road trip, a partner is a good idea! I have done road trips in Australia both solo and with my husband, and I love both. I love driving on my own, listening to my own playlist or podcasts, but it does get lonely. Couple travel is what I would recommend as Australia self drive will require some long stretches of road.

What to Pack for a Road Trip?

Things to take on a road trip.

The list of things to pack for a road trip can be long and really depends on your travelling style. Whether you decide to camp, travel in a minivan or stay in accommodation every night, I recommend limiting your road trip essentials to the equivalent of “hand luggage” on a flight.

Offline Maps

Google Maps work very well in Australia, so long as there is an internet connection… There will be plenty of places without internet or phone reception, and even if you have a local SIM card, maps could cost you a lot of data. 

I recommend downloading the necessary maps to your smartphone before you go, so you don’t have to worry.

Podcasts, audiobooks, playlists

Even if you travel with a partner or a friend, conversation will dry up at some point… Podcasts and playlists can be some fun road trips essentials. Spotify is a great place to start for playlists!

Where to stay in Australia

When planning a road trip around Australia, you will find various accommodation options: camp sites , caravan parks, hotels, motels, resorts… If you are doing a road trip, short or long, it’s important to book ahead. Caravan Parks Australia Wide is a good guide to have with you. There is no shortage of accommodation in Australia, but places can book up, especially during school holidays and in some isolated places, there aren’t many options.

Things you need to know for a road trip

Driving rules in australia.

People drive on the left side of the road in Australia. It does take a little getting used to and you will action the windscreen wipers instead of the indicator many times before you get the hang of it.

Travelling with Children

Children and babies must be restrained in an approved car seat or booster seat, up to 7 years old in some states.

Australian Toll Roads

Tolls are mostly in metropolitan areas. If your vehicle doesn’t have a toll tag, you can purchase a temporary pass. You have 72 hours to pay a toll. Make sure you have that in your road trip items as the fines can be high!

Driving etiquette

Australian drivers are pretty good, disciplined and mostly polite. You do get the occasional Fangio but generally people stay within their driving lane. Do the same and always slow down when you get to a small town.

The vast majority of people drive within the speed limit. There are police patrols, even in the bush and fines can be high! Also watch for speed cameras at the entrance of small towns.

Make sure you brush up on traffic rules in Australia.

Australian Roads

Depending on whether you want to visit the more remote places of Australia, you may need a 4WD vehicle. However, that’s not a pre-requisite for a road trip, including the grand tour. Mostly, asphalt roads are in good condition and a lot of unsealed roads are very easily accessible to 2WD vehicles. Driving in Australia for tourists is not difficult as long as you are aware of a few dangers.

However, if a road is marked “4WD only” do not attempt it in a 2WD! Driving on sand also requires some knowledge and care.

Generally, there are rest stops every 80 to 100km.

Other Things You Need

At a minimum, you need to take Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance to cover injuries you could cause to others. Also, your vehicle must be registered.

Drivers Licence

You can drive for three months with a foreign licence in English. Beyond that, you will need an Australian drivers license. If your license is not in English, you need to get an International Driving Permit from the Automobile Association of your country. 

Australia is a country of enormous proportions. If you come from Europe, this will take some getting used to. Even if you come from the US, the fact that you may need to drive for 5 or 6 hours just to get somewhere is something to take into consideration.

I recommend spending some time calculating distances on Google Maps, to give you an idea of how much driving you can fit into a day.

Driving day or night?

Most roads in cities or coastal areas are well lit and in good condition so daytime or night time driving won’t make much difference. In remote areas though, it’s very different. Even in rural areas, you may have to drive in pitch darkness and the animals tend to come out at night. In the bush, I would suggest driving during the day only, and also avoid sunrise and sunset.

If you have a long distance to cover, don’t neglect your sleep. If you are travelling as a couple, or with friends, talking late in the night can be tempting. But you really need your sleep. Don’t risk falling asleep at the wheel!

Family and friends

When you travel around Australia by car, you are bound to drive into fairly isolated areas or be gone for a few days. Every few days, let someone know how you are travelling.

Wildlife & Road Trains

Australian wildlife is plentiful and quirky, and fun for the most part. If you are planning a road trip to Australia, you’ve probably heard that “they’re all out to kill you”… Whilst not strictly true, wildlife can be a serious threat on the road.

Animals like kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and koalas can seriously damage your car if you hit them and this type of damage is not necessarily covered by insurance.

Animals tend to come out at dusk and night. In some places, you can drive with kangaroos bouncing everywhere…

If you come across an animal, do not swerve! Hit the brakes but do not swerve, as it is the best way to lose control of your vehicle.

Road trains

This is an occurrence unique to Australia and you will only encounter them along the highways travelling from the Northern Territory to South Australia, or to Western Australia, across the Nullarbor Plain. 

Road trains are not trains, but massive trucks pulling several trailers. A road train can measure up to 100m long! They travel fast and they own the road, so it’s best to stay out of the way and pull over to let them through.

Road Trip Essentials List for an Emergency

Check your vehicle thoroughly.

When picking up your vehicle, make sure you check it thoroughly. If you buy a vehicle privately and especially if it’s second hand, make sure the paperwork is in order, the tyres are in good condition…

Satellite phone

This is more relevant if you go off road, into more isolated areas but it can be a lifesaver in case of emergency or breakdown.

EPIRB or PLB

This is an emergency tracking device, a beacon you can activate if you become stranded. Again, this is relevant only if you go to seriously remote areas.

First aid kit

You should include a first aid kit to your road trip supplies, even for a short road trip.

Extra Water & Petrol

On long drives through the bush, a simple water bottle isn’t going to cut it. You need additional water supplies in your road trip kit, especially if you drive during the summer months. 

The same goes for petrol, you may want to keep a spare jerrycan of petrol in your boot.

Snacks & Food

If you are camping along the way, you need to plan your meals and make sure you don’t run out of food between supply towns. All the same, if you are driving for shorter road trips, snacks should be on your road trip must haves. Driving can be tiring and a little food will help you along the way.

In case of B reakdown

If you have a breakdown in an urban area, a tow truck will easily come along… However, if you are in the bush, things could be a little more complicated… 

Whatever you do, do not leave your vehicle and assume you can walk to the next town… People have died making that mistake! 

Wait there, and flag down the first passing vehicle…

What to Include in your B udget

• Cost of the vehicle
• Food & Drink
• Accommodation or camping fees
• National Park fees. Having a National Park checklist is a good idea!
• Tours & activities along the way

Related Posts

Road trip essentials, planning a solo trip, west coast australia.

Now you know what to take on a road trip and you are ready to start driving in Australia. Tell me which way you are going in the comments below!

Save these tips for an Australia road trip on Pinterest!

LesterLost is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

48 thoughts on “How to Plan the Ultimate Australia Road Trip”

I enjoyed your blog. I travel in and around Australia regularly and found some new useful tips.

Hi Sharyn, thank you for dropping by. I really feel like taking a road trip right now after all this research and reflecting on my previous travels

So complete and detailed. I have only done a few of these Australia road trip segments, my favourite being the Great Ocean Road. There are so many on my wishlist, but I don’t think I have the patience to do the “big” trip in one go.

I’m like you Rhonda, I’m not sure I’m ready to be on the road for 6 months… I have friends who did for 7 months with 3 kids and they’d had enough by the end. They also said they were on the move a lot, Australia is a big country and they couldn’t settle anywhere for very long. I really want to drive from Sydney to Perth across the Nullarbor though…

Wow, this is a long post. One thing I would like to recommend: do NOT rely on Google maps for navigation! Their routing is always favouring main roads. This might be faster but is not the reason to take a road trip. You want to see things, have interesting or scenic reasons for a break! And to rely on Google offline maps can be tricky because often one map gets deleted when you download the second – but you might need both. We are using our Android devices with dedicated offline navigation apps, where you download all maps beforehand!

Hi Juergen, I’ve done pretty well with google maps offline but this is a great tip, thank you for sharing this advice.

Would so totally love to do a road trip all the way around Australia and survive it! I dont plan to roll over the car! 😀 I only been to Melbourne which is totally amazing city but I really want to get into the outback and explore! Good tips on road trips here.

Australian cities are interesting but the real Australia is in the bush. It’s well worth hitting the road and seeing some of the beautiful landscape Australia has to offer. I hope you get to fulfil that dream someday!

Road Tripping Australia sure does take some forward planning and preparation. It’s such a vast country and the weather can be extreme, as you’ve mentioned. Lots of really important info here, thanks.

Hi Emma, you’re an old hand at road tripping, I admire your set up! It must make camping so comfortable! I’m you upvote my tips, you’re a bit of an authority on living on the road!

Australia has been on my wish list for a long time. Your tips will definitely make traveling preparation easier. I’ll remember that in any case and maybe it’ll work out soon with a trip to Australia.

Hi Susanne, Australia may appear easy to travel around and it is when you look at the state of most roads and the fact that the vast majority of the population lives in coastal areas. However, the distances, the wildlife and the isolation of some places mean that you need to be prepared and ready for any sort of emergency.

So much detail! I would love to go on this Australian road trip. Looks like such a beautiful country. Also, that wombat is beyond cute! I want it.

Hi Sam, I’m biased but I agree that Australia is a beautiful country. The wildlife makes it a fantastic destination as they are everywhere.

I knew that road trips in Australia were a huge deal and I totally agree it’s a great way to see a country (just like here in the US). However, I had no idea how much there was to think about for the planning. Your trips are extremely helpful-especially for the wildlife and speed traps. I would have to have someone with me though. It’s the one kind of travel I don’t like to do alone.

Hi Heather, I think any kind of travel requires some preparation and I have to admit I’m not always the best at that. But a serious drive in Australia can’t be approached lightly. Another advantage of being organised is that you don’t miss out on anything really important.

Great comprehensive post. For most people, tourists and locals alike I think the best plan is to break Australia up into more manageable segments and see it region by region over several different trips.

Hi Lyn, I agree that the full tour is a big undertaking and takes a long time. Right now, I’m more into small local road trips but I would love to drive from Sydney to Perth on the Nullarbor. Who knows whether I’ll do the full tour some day!

I enjoy a great Australian roadtrip but I always include a lot of stops along the way, otherwise it can get very tiring. And yes, always with company, as it’s so much more fun. Australia has very good roads, so that makes it quite safe and easy enough to find your way around this huge country. I love all the detailed information you have provided Delphine.

Hi Tania, an Australian road trip is not only about the drive but also about the many places you can visit along the way. So it’s important to manage some time to stop and enjoy life. When you think about how big the country is, it’s quite amazing that you can drive all around it quite safely.

What a detailed post, very informative! I’ve never been to Australia but it’s on my travel list for so long. Indeed, I’m from Europe, so it will take some getting used to the enormous distances between places. I can’t imagine driving for 6 hours without seeing anything but nature. I also think I’ll have to go to Tasmania too, that wombat is SO CUTE!!

Hi Paulien, the distances are pretty big but there are plenty of places to see within a relatively short distances. Even in Sydney, it’s actually quite easy to feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. Tasmania is fantastic for road trips. It looks a lot smaller but the distances are not to be underestimated, especially when driving on windy mountain roads. The best is driving through the wilderness, it’s so peaceful!

I have only visited Perth and that was decades ago ! Always wanted to return to Australia, and hopefully do a road trip ! Love the southern route with the coastal landscapes, and also the northern route with the desert outback setting ! I hope that rolled over car is not yours =S

Hi Jeremy, the car lying on its side is not mine, thankfully! We saw it on Bruny Island in Tasmania, no one was hurt but it looked spectacular. It was a tour company vehicle driving too fast on a dirt road…

Wonderful tips on taking a road trip in Australia with regions and climate variations. As Australia is diverse, there are many places which we can visit in winters too. I have done Great Ocean Road road trip and it was really beautiful and hopefully, I will do it other road trips in future.

Hi Yukti, the Great Ocean Road is one of my favourite road trips in Australia. It’s such a beautiful stretch of the coast! And there is also plenty to see inland, with a beautiful rural landscape and some gorgeous forests.

Incredible pics and great tips. I live in Sydney and love a road trip. I’ve done the Sydney to Melbourne and Sydney to Gold Coast and really wanting to do the whole Sydney to Perth and back through Darwin. In the planning for Christmas this year. Will bookmark this for reference 🙂

Hi Kristina, I’m also planning a road trip for Christmas. I would love to go to New Zealand but I wonder if it’s going to be too busy…

So comprehensive and so helpful. We are actively planning a WA road trip now. Many of the tips are the same for New Zealand, but there are definitely a few new ones here.

Hi Rhonda, I think the most daunting thing about a road trip in Australia is the massive distances. I bet a lot of travellers are taken aback by the amount of time you need to drive from one place to another without seeing very much. At least New Zealand is a bit kinder with the distances…

This is such a great resource for people traveling to Australia. We are Australian and are currently living in a caravan. We’ve been meeting other families from all over the world who are also doing a Big Australian Lap. Everyone we meet from Europe says that the environment in Australia is amazing and it’s a great place to travel with kids, as long as you have time!

Hi Emily, I’m pleased this article is useful. It’s true that Australia is a great place for an epic road trip. A friend of mine took her three kids, husband and trailer all around Australia for several months and really enjoyed it. I hope to make the trip some day myself.

Planning a road trip in Australia certainly looks like a serious endeavour. And good to do much of the planning in advance. A grand tour is something we would likely want to try. But segments of the trip might work if we planned multiple trips to Australia. We generally don’t rely on internet maps. Our offline map app works great is so many places in the world. I wonder how it would handle the more remote parts of Australia? For most road trips we usually do go with a 4WD rental. Just makes is safer for less well maintained road. This looks like a major adventure we would like to do one day.

I hope to do the grand tour eventually, it’s such a great adventure. In the meantime, I like to take smaller trips, driving is such free way to travel!

All road trips require planning. I liked the itinerary you have planned with attention to so many details. I am dreaming of all the photo opportunities possible during the trips.

Australia is certainly very photogenic, at any time of the day. I will go around Australia one day, maybe in a motorhome, it will be a great trip!

These are lovely tips! I visited Australia when I was only 12 so I clearly had no hand in the planning. I do remember visiting in the winter and being so cold at the Twelve Apostles, but I bought a scarf that I still have today! Hopefully I can go back in a warmer season!

I was at the Twelve Apostles in summer and it wasn’t very warm, just one of these windy days… Hopefully I’ll get better weather next time!

Great Post. I am looking forward to road tripping in Australia. Thanks for all the tips.

I dream of doing the whole tour of Australia, but in the meantime I can do short drives around Sydney.

This is such a comprehensive—and inspiring—planning guide. It makes me want to pack up my bags and move to Australia like you did! When I ever do get to this bucket list destination, you can bet I’ll be looking to your guide for road tripping. Thanks for these practical tips and a taste of what an Australian road trip can be like.

Thanks Jackie, a road trip is a great way to visit Australia, there is a lot of ground to cover!

What a fantastic guide! I’m Australian and haven’t scratched the surface exploring home. Would love to do a road trip around Oz one day and this is the perfect guide 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

I have been living in Australia for over 20 years and I have yet to see so many places… At least, I have an idea of where to start planning my road trip!

Doing a road trip across Australia has been a dream of mine!! Thank you for the info! 🙂 I’ll definitely be using this when the time comes!

Hi Kylie, I dream of a road trip all around Australia. It will happen someday, not sure when but it will be an adventure!

This is amazing! I would have been doing some of these very roadtrips had it not been for covid. I had to leave Australia 3 months ago but I will make it back there and hopefully do these awesome road trips!

The roads are still there so there will be plenty of opportunities to do these trips in the future. I feel the same, I can’t wait to get back out there!

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Privacy policy

New Zealand

Solo travel

Couple travel

Travel resources

LesterLost a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Enter a search term or a page code from the guide.

13 amazing road trips in Australia

I’ve traveled through Australia many times myself, and here I’ll show you the 13 amazing road trips in Australia that impressed me the most. Read our travelogues and get ideas to help you plan your own trip through Australia.

More travel tips for Australia

• Brisbane - Cairns in 3 Weeks

Our TOP road trips in Australia

We have gathered the most beautiful travel routes in Australia for you here and present you the most beautiful routes and their sights along the way.

• Brisbane Cairns
• Sydney – Brisbane
• Sydney Melbourne
• Great Ocean Road
• Southwest Australia
• Perth -Broome
• Perth – Darwin
• Gibb River Road
• Stuart Highway
• Darwin-Cairns
• Cape Tribulation

Australia road trips by camper or rental car

You have several options to make your road trip: We recommend the tour with a camper or rental car. I was completely inexperienced when it came to camping before my first trip with a motorhome, but I can only recommend it to everyone – especially if you are traveling with children. In our price comparison, you can check which campers are available for your route and travel time.

By the way: Book your camper as early as possible, because then you can be sure that your desired vehicle is still available. We have made the experience that the motorhomes are booked out quickly, especially on the popular stretches.

The most beautiful road trips in Australia

Brisbane - cairns in 3 weeks.

A wonderful road trip in Australia is the one from Brisbane – Cairns. Here you not only get to see the beautiful areas of the east coast of Australia, you also have the opportunity to take wonderful trips to the most beautiful islands of the Great Barrier Reef. Read my travelogoue about our 3 week tour along the coast of Brisbane – Cairns .

Travel route Sydney - Brisbane in Australia

One of the most beautiful travel routes in Australia takes you along the east coast from Sydney to Brisbane. It is just the right thing for you if you want to combine beautiful coastal cities and relaxed surfer lifestyle with the metropolises Sydney and Brisbane in a short time.

Road trip Sydney - Melbourne

Sydney – Melbourne is a very popular travel route in Australia. Your tour takes you along the Coastal Drive with the most beautiful beaches and forms a beautiful contrast to the IN metropolises of Australia.

Highlights include Eden, the picturesque Lakes Entrance, Wilsons Promontory National Park, the Sea Cliff Bridge and the famous Mornington Bathing Boxes.

Plan around 14 days for this road trip through Australia, so that you have enough time for the highlights of this route.

The Great Ocean Road

The most famous travel route in Australia is the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. It stretches from Warrnambool over about 250 kilometers to Torquay. Its biggest highlight are certainly the 12 Apostles, but the route has much more to offer. You drive this route with many a serpentine directly along the ocean. Also the many small and larger towns like Lorne make this road trip something special. On this route you will see beautiful bays, waterfalls, lots of Australian animals and great beaches.

Our tip: Take your time with this route and don’t just focus on the 12 Apostles.

Road Trip Across Australia: The Nullarbor

An unforgettable experience is the journey across the Nullarbor, the steppe from Western Australia to South Australia. On this itinerary across Australia you will not only experience the diversity of the continent, but also of the wildlife in Australia – for example whale watching at the Head of Bight. The itinerary leads from Norseman in Western Australia 1200 kilometers over the Eyre Highway to Ceduna in South Australia. We recommend you to start the trip from Perth, here you can best rent a camper.

Southwest Australia: Road trip from Perth

The southwest of Australia has so much to offer, the better that you can drive a road trip through Southwest Australia. It takes you from wine growing areas in the Margaret River Wine Region to the most beautiful coastal stretches along the south coast of Western Australia. Visit beautiful towns like Albany and Esperance!

The tour continues through the Australian Outback to Kalgoorlie, where you can discover the largest gold mine in Australia. Even if the southwest of Australia is often forgotten – this itinerary is one of the most impressive in Australia.

Perth to Broome - one of the most beautiful road trips in Australia

One of the most beautiful travel routes in Australia leads from Perth to Broome. The route is about 3,000 km long and will take you to great landscapes and the most beautiful beaches. Plan for this route in Western Australia necessarily time, we recommend at least 14 days.

From Perth you could make a trip to Rottest Island. And since Broome is one of my favorite places in Australia, you should definitely plan a few days here as well. On the way Perth Broome you will pass these great attractions: The Pinnacles, Nambung National Park, Monkey Mia, the Stromatolites, the Ningaloo Reef near Exmouth and Cable Beach in Broome.

Road trip Perth - Darwin

The Gibb River Road

One of my personal highlights is the travel route through the west of Australia: The Gibb River Road. The 700km long stretch from Derby to Kununurra is one of the most famous dirt tracks that you can only drive on with a four-wheel drive vehicle. This travel route in Australia takes you into the heart of the Kimberleys and leads you along cattle farms, waterfalls and boab trees at the King Leopold Ranges, Gelvan’s Gorge, Bell Gorge, Tunnel Creek and Windjena Gorge.

The Gibb River Road is resurfaced every year after the rainy season, so you should only drive it from May until the end of October.

Australia Road Trip from North to South: The Stuart Highway

The Stuart Highway is a travel route in Australia that takes you from north to south. You drive from Adelaide through the red center to Darwin. Highlights on this tour are: Uluru, formerly known as Ayers Rock, Coober Pedy, the opal capital of Australia, Kings Canyon and many small so special places of the outback.

Road Trip Cairns - Cape Tribulation

On this itinerary through Australia from Cairns to Cape Tribulation you will experience the tropical side of Australia with its unique flora and fauna. Besides the Great Barrier Ridge you will also find the Daintree Rainforest. This itinerary should be done in the winter months, because it is not so humid and you avoid the stinger season. Here you have many opportunities to explore the area on one of the really impressive trips to the Great Barrier Rief, Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation.

Very convenient: You can do this tour in just a few days!

Itineraries for Australia at a glance

When planning your trip to Australia , you will surely ask yourself at some point how much time is needed for a certain route. Especially if you want to drive independently through Australia with a camper. Here we have compiled possible routes for certain periods, which of course can always vary. We are always adding new routes here.

Which Roadtrip in Australia is the best?

There is no right answer. No matter which itinerary in Australia you will choose, you can already look forward to getting to know the country and its people while collecting unforgettable moments.

How many days do you need for a road trip in Australia?

The question cant be answered flatly: There are road trips for 1 week (Great Ocean Road) and some for 6 weeks. Always gather some information about the roundtrips which are the best for the season, and your vacation time, so you don’t have to stress on your way through Down Under, and the criteria which interest you the most about each part of Australia.

Can you do road trip in Australia?

A road trip in Australia is probably one of the best things to do to explore and learn to love this beautiful continent (like I did). You’ll see thousands of beautiful beaches, swim in the bluest waters and witness some of the most unusual animals in the world. Obviously, you can also stay in a nice hotel and enjoy some relaxed days in the sun, but I’ll be honest, a road trip is much more exciting!

Where should I road trip Australia?

There are some great road trip routes in Australia, but when it comes to which route is the best first road trip, for example, my answer is clear: Brisbane-Cairns. Not only is it one of the most beautiful trips in Australia, but it also shows you what to look forward to next time you’re in Australia!

What are the best months to drive around Australia?

In the Australian summer months it is best in the southern part of Australia (Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart) (then it is warm and dry there), in the Australian winter the north is perfect (Darwin, Broome, Cairns), because then it is the dry season there.

Brisbane – Cairns: Australia in 3 weeks

I love traveling! Whether it's the Australian outback, the fjords of Norway or city trips to the most beautiful cities in the world like Paris, Singapore, Barcelona or New York - I'll write down my best tips so that your trip will be a very special highlight.

Get exclusive content, real insider info and the best travel deals completely FREE!

Your trip start: We’ll provide you with little reminders to prepare for your trip and up-to-the-minute events when you’re traveling!

You have disabled JavaScript

JavaScript is required to use this website. Therefore, please enable JavaScript in your browser to visit this website.

30 Best Australian Road Trip Tips

Australia was simply made for road tripping. From the red centre to the scenic coastal drives, there is truly no better way to see Australia than setting off on the open road! Before embarking on your adventure of a lifetime, there are some essential things to know before visiting Australia .

If you’re new to Australia or visiting on a holiday from overseas, there are situations you’ll want to avoid and mistakes you just don’t want to make! We’ve road tripped all over the country and we’ve learned a thing or two along the way. Read on to discover 30 super important Australian road trip tips that you must know before you go.

Table of Contents

Road tripping through beautiful Shark Bay, WA

Get travel insurance!

If you’re visiting Australia from overseas, the most important tip I can give you is to get travel insurance before hitting the road! Travelling to any country without insurance is just not worth the risk. The reality of travelling and road tripping overseas is that unexpected things can happen at anytime so the best thing you can do is be prepared.

For peace of mind while abroad,  Heymondo  is one of the most reputable travel insurance companies that will provide you with simple and flexible coverage. Whether you are into adventurous activities or simply looking for trip cancellation and basic medical insurance, Heymondo has you covered.

As a reader of The Road Is Life, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance by using the link below!

►Get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance◄

Share the driving

It’s sometimes hard to wrap your head around just how big Australia is, especially if you are from Europe. On our recent road trip in Western Australia we drove the equivalent of London to the far side of Turkey in a little under 3 weeks!

Needless to say this is not ideal for one person to do on their own. Aim to swap drivers every few 2-3 hours as the long hazy stretches of road can quickly lull you into a daze. You should also carefully plan your trip to try and break up the driving into smaller stretches.

Download your music

Australia has a lot of ‘middle of nowhere’, in fact the majority of the country probably counts in this category. There are two major mobile networks in the country, Telstra and Optus, and each offer better coverage in different areas.

Telstra is your best bet for reception in the more far flung regions but even so, there are plenty of places with little to no reception. If you don’t enjoy driving in silence then you need to download your playlists in advance.

We use Spotify premium which allows us to store music on our devices for offline use.

Avoid driving at night and during the sunrise/sunset hours

Seeing a kangaroo is a big attraction when visiting Australia, but one place you don’t want to see them is the middle of the road! Unfortunately there are a lot of kangaroos hit by cars, the evidence of this is seen all along the side of the road in rural areas.

The vast majority of these accidents happen at night and during sunrise/sunset which is when the animals are most active. Roos are big and can do a lot of damage to your car, there are also a LOT of them in the countryside!

Know how to change a tire and bring spares

There are a lot of gravel roads in country and outback Australia and they tend to be some distance from civilization. Gravel has a nasty habit of puncturing tires and out here a tow-truck can be 500km away or more. They charge by the km or by the hour so you can imagine how much it could cost you just for a tire.

The simple skill of changing a tire is easy to learn if you don’t know already. Make sure you have 2 spares if you know you will be doing a lot of off-roading. If you are planning to tow a trailer or caravan then bring spares for those as well.

Check your vehicle

As above, mechanics can be few and far between once you get out of the major cities, as well as not having an amazing stock of parts. Depending on how far you are planning to travel consider taking your vehicle in for a solid service and let the mechanic know your plans.

If you are sticking to well-trodden and more built up routes then at least check your tires, oil and coolant. Bringing along enough oil and coolant to get you to the next town in the event of a fault can also be a good idea.

Roadside assistance

If despite checking your vehicle thoroughly it still breaks down then you might want a backup plan. Breakdowns in the middle of nowhere can be a nightmare. If you have an older vehicle or one of questionable reliability then you might consider signing up for roadside assistance.

There are a number of providers that will cover you no matter where you are in Australia and purchasing a plan for a year can often be cheaper than a single call-out to a remote area. If you have a rental car then check whether this is included in the plan otherwise consider purchasing additional insurance.

Check with your car insurance provider or dealership as they can often provide discounted plans.

Beach camping at its finest

Keep a spare key somewhere safe

This ties into the previous tip as locking your keys in the car will mean the same expensive call-out. The only other alternative is to smash your own window and that is also going to be costly! The cheaper alternative is to purchase a small key safe at a hardware store.

These safes have a combination lock and can be fitted to the outside of your vehicle somewhere discreet. Another option is to keep a spare with a second member of the trip, make sure it’s kept somewhere that will always be taken out of the car such as a phone case or a wallet.

Pre-load map/directions

Similar to the point about pre-loading your music, having poor or no reception means that you may lose the ability to input routes into your sat-nav. Most apps have the ability to pre-load areas of the map so that you are able to navigate even with no signal.

I always download a wide area around where I am going whilst I have a stable connection or while still at home. You can also pre-enter the route before leaving an area of signal and as long as you don’t close the app it will continue to navigate with just the GPS.

Make use of free/cheap campsites and campgrounds

Australia is blessed with some great facilities for enjoying the outdoors. There are free campgrounds all over the country as well as a whole bunch of cheap campgrounds managed by the government. The latter often has facilities such as toilets and BBQs but each site varies.

Use the WikiCamps app to search for free campsites in Australia and the below links will take you to government campgrounds in each state.

WA – https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park-stay

QLD – https://qpws.usedirect.com/qpws/

SA – https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/booking

VIC – https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/where-to-stay/camping

NSW – https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation

TAS – https://parks.tas.gov.au/where-to-stay

NT – https://nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves/camping/fees

If camping is not your thing then the next level up is a private campground/caravan park. These will often have more facilities and comforts such as hot showers, electricity, restaurants, bars and shops. They often offer multiple options from un-powered campsites to luxury cabins so can still be significantly cheaper than a hotel or private room elsewhere.

Nothing beats driving through a lush forest – Pemberton WA

Use the toilets at tourist info centres

If you are driving a long distance and have already stocked up on food and beverages then it can be annoying to have to purchase food and drinks to be allowed to use a roadhouse toilet. Most of the time you will go when you fill up with fuel but if you get caught out then there are the tourist information centres.

In most towns of modest size in Australia there is one of these places. They will have a toilet that is free to use and well maintained. There are also often unique displays and info on the local area and you may even pick up some tips and places you didn’t know about.

Don’t speed

If you are reading this and are from overseas then don’t skip out on this just because it seems obvious! Having lived in other countries I can tell you that Australian police are much more eager to pull you over for driving offences and we also have a ton of hidden speed cameras.

Unlike other countries where there are 12 signs to warn you, in Australia they will hide a speed camera in a bush and you will never see it coming. The fines are also astronomical, be prepared to pay about $100 for the cheapest of them and more than $2000 for the most expensive, depending on which state you’re in.

Driving on the beach is just one of the perks of road tripping in Aus!

Identify the best spots before you leave

With the long distances involved in driving around Australia, you don’t want to leave a place only to find out you missed seeing something great. You also don’t want to spend a whole day driving somewhere just to be disappointed.

Backtracking can often mean an entire day wasted on driving so read some travel guides and check out some photos of the places you want to go to make sure they’re worth it and to make sure you don’t miss anything.

Planning a WA road trip? Follow our Perth to Exmouth road trip itinerary if you’re seeking some winter sun and check out our Perth to Esperance road trip itinerary  for the perfect summer adventure!

Bring cooking gear and a cooler/fridge

Having the ability to cook meals on the move is great when on a road trip. The further you travel away from the cities in the Australia, things progressively get more expensive, especially food.

Added to this, not all camp sites have facilities for cooking or they can get busy. You can save a lot of money by shopping at supermarkets and cooking most of your meals.

If you are taking an Esky (that’s a cooler in Australian), then remember to buy a bigger one than you think you need. Ice takes up a lot of space and the beers go down really quickly in that beautiful Australian sun!

Have the ability to generate and store power

Depending on where you are planning to stay this tip may be more or less useful. If you are planning to wilderness camp or camp for multiple days then it can make your life a lot easier being able to charge gadgets and have a lights source.

If you want to save money in campgrounds then this also helps, unpowered sites can often be a lot cheaper than a powered one and are generally available even when most other sites are booked.

We use a flexible solar panel combined with a large lithium battery pack with AC and USB outputs. This allows us to keep all our camera gear charged as well as provide lighting at night.

Stunning colours on the drive from Perth to Exmouth

Consider investing in a 4wd

Depending on where you are planning a road trip this will be more or less useful. Certainly in some parts of Australia, the best places are hidden down narrow sandy tracks. Having a 4wd allows you to get to the hidden spots and the far less busy beaches.

In the outback a 4wd is a must, many of the free camp-sites and even many of the famous landmarks and tourist sites involve driving sandy tracks or corrugated gravel roads. The amount of gear you need to carry also will not fit well in a normal car.

If you know your route is going to be all paved and you are staying in accommodation the entire trip then obviously ignore this point!

Bring enough cooking gas to last

Depending on the type of cylinder you have it can be hard to find a place that stocks replacements once you are far from the city. During peak holiday times the supply can also rapidly run dry. The best thing to do is buy a large enough cylinder to suit your needs and make sure it’s full before heading off.

If you are using the small cans that you insert directly into the stove then these are often easier to find in the small towns than a gas bottle refill service. The supermarkets in country towns will often stock these.

Hardware stores are your best bet for swapping or re-filling cylinders. Check what type is sold along your route if you think you will need to refill.

Buy an annual national parks pass

Most if not all states in Australia have some version of an annual national park access pass. Depending on how long you are staying in a particular state and how many parks you plan to visit this can work out much cheaper than paying individual entry fees.

Keep in mind that a lot of campsites are within national parks so you will pay a camping fee on top of an entry fee. A lot of the best tourist sites are also within national parks.

In 3 months with our Western Australian all-parks-pass we have already saved more on entry fees than what it cost us. The pass is for one vehicle so the whole family is covered with one pass.

Having a 4WD always pays off to see views like this!

Know the seasons

Tourists are often under the impression that Australia is hot and sunny all year round. Depending on the time of year, you may actually come across rain and cold weather! It’s so important to know what season it is when planning your road trip so that you can prepare for the conditions.

Below you’ll find the best time of year to visit each part of the country.

Northern Territory, Darwin  – May – October is dry season up north and the best time for a road trip.

North Queensland, Cairns, Brisbane – Similar to the NT, this northern corner of Australia is best visited during the dry season to avoid heavy rains and flooded roads. Aim to go between May – October.

Perth, Melbourne, Sydney – The lower half of Australia has its summer months between December – February. Blue skies and 30 degree days, what more could you ask for?

North WA, Exmouth, Broome, The Kimberley – Dry season falls between April – September, this is an excellent time to road trip the north of WA. You can expect high humidity and uncomfortable temperatures during the rest of the year.

Driving through unique landscapes on our Perth to Wave Rock road trip

Australian Road Trip Tips for Outback / Remote Australia

Let someone know your journey.

There are vast stretches in the outback without mobile reception and you can go for days without being able to communicate with the outside world. One way to reduce the risk of this is to check in with someone who knows your journey and when you expect to arrive in the next destination.

This way they can sound the alarm if you are missing for a specified period of time. In certain areas you can also log your route with the local police or emergency services.

Carry an EPIRB or satellite phone

If the above tip is going to be too restrictive on your plans due to the set check in times then consider investing in an EPIRB or satellite phone. That way you can call for help no matter where you are.

An EPIRB is a personal locator beacon, once activated it will alert emergency services that there is a problem, while also giving them your location.

Satellite phone plans can sometimes be entered on a pay as you go basis so once you invest in the phone you only need to pay for the period that covers your trip.

Endless red dirt roads in the outback

Bring lots of water and food

When venturing into the outback never underestimate the amount of water you will need. If you break down in 50 degree heat and have no air-conditioner then you will burn through water rapidly. Always have sufficient supply in case of emergency as well as to supply you for any activities such as hikes that you might be doing.

The same goes with food, make sure you have enough extra supplies to survive on if you break down in the middle of nowhere and have to wait several days for rescue.

Know how to perform basic repairs

If you can gain some vehicle repair know-how prior to leaving on a long trip through outback and regional Australia then it can be a lifesaver. Skills like changing belts or hoses, replacing air or oil filters and more simple stuff like repairing punctures and changing fuses can be lifesavers.

For the cost of investing in some simple and relatively cheap parts and time spent watching plenty of YouTube videos, you can avoid getting stuck for many hours or days in the middle of nowhere.

Don’t off-road alone or have ability to self-rescue

If you are going to tackle some of the amazing 4wd tracks that Australia has to offer, or go off exploring some of the more far flung beaches, it’s always a good idea to have backup.

If you get bogged or in a position that you simply can’t get yourself out of, then it is going to be extremely difficult to get a rescue out to you and there are few services that offer 4wd recovery out in the sticks.

Take a buddy along on your trip with you or meet someone on the road to tag along with. If you simply must go alone then make sure you are well equipped with 4wd self-recovery gear.

Australia is full of stunning coastal drives

Solid first aid kit

On any adventure, not just a road-trip, it is important that you are able to take care of yourself in the event of an accident. A first aid kit is one of those things that is a pain to spend money on and carry around, right up until you desperately need it.

As a rule, the more isolated you will be and the longer your trip, the more equipment you should bring along. On a road-trip your risks are not only vehicle accidents, but all the activities and equipment that you will be doing or utilising on your trip.

On a trip into the outback you need to plan for all the risks that you will be exposed to. Needless to say you should also take a course to learn how to provide effective first aid.

Fuel up at every chance and carry spare fuel

Service stations are few and far between in the outback. You need to make sure you fill your tank up every time you come across one. They will often have signs to remind you how far the next one is so you don’t forget.

You should also know the size of your fuel tank and how many KM you can get out of it. No point filling all the way up if the next station is 600km away and you can only do 500!

If you don’t have enough fuel storage capacity then invest in some portable fuel jerries. Make sure these are safely and securely stowed on the outside of your vehicle.

Stunning views along the Great Ocean Drive near Esperance

Overtake road-trains with caution and pull over for the cars with blue and red flashing lights

Parts of Australia, especially the north of Western Australia and inland Queensland, are huge mining regions. You will see some absolutely amazing machinery being transported on the narrow single lane highways.

If you see a guide car coming towards you with a yellow light it usually means that a normal sized car can fit past but you should slow down. If you see the police or a normal vehicle with blue and red lights then you really need to pull right off the road and stop.

As well as this there are road-trains, these are trucks that are towing up to 4 massive trailers and can be over 50 metres long! Needless to say, when planning to overtake these vehicles you need a nice long stretch of straight road where you can see well ahead.

BYO shower and toilet

There are not a lot of facilities when you head way out away from civilization. Wild camping doesn’t mean you have to live in squalor however. You can find 12v powered hot showers and portable loos in any good camping store in Australia.

A lot of wild camps often don’t allow you to just ‘go in the bush’ and a portable toilet is mandatory. It’s also just not nice to others to pollute the environment around a camp site.

How cool is this drive in Western Australia?!

Consider a solar power setup

If you invest in a good solar setup with backup batteries then you never have to worry about getting a flat battery in the wilderness or not being able to charge your gear. When really venturing out into the wilderness this is almost a necessity.

With the right setup you can run all sorts of gear in your camp including fridge/freezers, kettles, toaster ovens etc. Make sure you match your power supply to expected consumption and only use appliances that are made for camping.

The desert is cold at night

Deserts are a really funny environment, the temperature fluctuation between day and night can be massive and take you by surprise. If you are heading into the outback make sure you look at the forecast for day and night and pack accordingly.

You can get some freezing nights and it can even snow on the Nullarbor . You may just need a thicker sleeping bag then you would expect.

The stunning Bunda Cliffs on the Nullarbor Plain

Use caution on unsealed roads

There are a lot of unsealed roads in outback Australia. After driving on the highway and getting used to the speed, turning off onto an unsealed road can be dangerous. Make sure you reduce your speed to a level that would enable you to react to sudden changes in the road condition or the appearance of wildlife.

These roads can be great and then all of a sudden be half washed away or have some huge potholes. Loose gravel can also be really slippery, especially on corners. If you are not used to driving on this surface then take your time to get the feel for it.

How to Hire a Car in Australia

Need a car hire for your road trip? No matter where in the world we road trip, we pretty much always use Rentalcars.com to book our car rentals. It’s easy, hassle free and they always have a large selection of providers to choose from. Browse car hire availability using the form below.

• Perth to Adelaide Road Trip – The Best Self-Drive Itinerary
• 10 Epic Stops on the Great Ocean Drive, Esperance WA
• The Ultimate Perth to Esperance Road Trip Itinerary
• 67 of the Best Road Trip Quotes to Inspire Your Next Adventure!
• 5-Day Perth to Kalbarri Road Trip Itinerary
• 20 Best Beaches in Western Australia
• 15 Must-See Stops on the Great Ocean Road, Victoria

Enjoy These Australian Road Trip Tips? Pin Them For Later!

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, we may receive a small commission on purchases made through these links. By making any purchase, you are directly supporting The Road Is Life Travel Blog which allows us to continue providing you with free high-quality travel guides. We only recommend products or services we have tried/love!

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Hello and welcome to my blog!

I’m Ann, a free-spirited Canadian adventurer who quit my 9-5 to hike mountains, chase waterfalls and live life to the fullest!

A lover of road trips, good wine and off the beaten path destinations – you will find these topics covered in depth on my blog.

Travel has changed my life for the better and I want to show you how it can do the same for you!

Welcome to my journey 🙂

Join my community! Subscribe to my mailing list for insider travel tips & inspiration, blog updates + more!

You may also like.

Our Wanders

Our Ultimate Guide To Plan A Road Trip In Australia

Are you planning a road trip in Australia? Are you crafting your most ideal Australia campervan itinerary? Not sure where to start?

No wonder. Australia is a huge and faraway land that’s likely very different from where you live. There’s so much to see (too much, it seems). Your Australia road trip might be a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

We’ve been there. We visited Australia on a three week campervan trip for the first time. Since then we moved to Sydney and continue exploring this vast country on road trips and camping trips. We are here to help you plan a road trip in Australia.

This post is your guide to road trip Australia, with lots of first-timer questions clarified, tons of tips and possible itinerary ideas.

Whatever you do, road trip Australia

The very first thing: Australia is one of those countries that are just meant for road trips and campervan trips (more on that debate later). It has cool cities, but it’s the landscapes that impress the most . We had the best wildlife experiences on the road, as well.

But beware, distances are long, so make sure you plan an Australian road trip itinerary that’s not all about being in the car and driving . If you want to see places that are very far from each other, it might be worth flying between them instead of driving.

The most important questions to consider when creating the best Australia road trip itinerary

You won’t see everything within a few weeks (even within a few months). We get it, Australia is a faraway dream destination, and you want to visit all the sights that are on your bucket list.

But Australia is almost as big as the continental USA, distances are long, and some regions are not that ideal to visit in certain seasons. So you need to set priorities, and plan a road trip itinerary that fits you the best and leaves time to actually enjoy the places you end up visiting.

Do you need help planning the best itinerary for your trip? Hire me as your personal travel planner.

Here are some questions to consider:

Which places interest you the most?

Do you want to spend time on beaches? Diving? Hiking? Observing wildlife? Do you want to visit cities? Most visitors typically want a combination of these.

Our opinion is that while Australian cities are attractive, they are no match for the natural beauties and wildlife in Australia . If you like visiting cities on your travels, don’t miss them. If you’re more nature-focused, dedicate a few days to the cities and spend the rest of your time in nature.

Bucket list destinations in Australia

Here are the typical bucket list items for each region – just in case you think your bucket list is too short:

East coast:

• Great Ocean Road
• Blue Mountains
• Royal National Park
• Whitsunday Islands
• Fraser Island
• Great Barrier Reef
• Daintree National Park

Western Australia:

• beaches and ocean drive of Esperance
• Rottnest Island
• The Pinnacles
• Ningaloo Reef
• Karijini National Park

Southern Australia:

• Kangaroo Island
• Lake Bumbunga
• Limestone Coast & Blue Lake
• Eyre Peninsula
• Flinders Ranges

Northern Territory:

• Litchfield National Park
• Kakadu National Park
• Kings Canyon Rim Walk

And we missed out Tasmania – which is also Australia, yet a different world and countless more bucket list items.

When are you visiting?

Any time of the year can be good, but for different places.

Sydney and Brisbane are great destinations all year, tropical Queensland and the Northern Territory is best between April and October (Australian summer is the rainy season there, with floods and hurricanes), Victoria and Southern Australia is between October and April (Australian winter months are chilly there).

Western Australia is so large that it has several climates: the southwestern region has temperate climate with four seasons and rainy winters, the northern region is tropical with a wet and a dry season.

Christmas and Easter vacations are very busy, you better avoid them.

How much time do you have?

If you only have a few weeks, we recommend choosing between the east coast (Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland) or Western Australia. Maybe you can add a bit of the Northern Territory or Southern Australia to any of the two routes. Maybe, if you have 3+ weeks.

Car or campervan?

Let me ask the same question in a different way: would you sleep in your car, or do you prefer rooms with four walls? If you’d like to try out the campervan life, you couldn’t find a better place than Australia. That’s what we did, and we liked it very much!

But it’s not for everyone. You have a small living space (though you’ll likely spend most of your time outdoors), and you make compromises on comfort.

But an Australia campervan trip is the most flexible and most budget-friendly way to explore this country . It means countless free and paid options to spend the night, and also countless opportunities to see wildlife. Australia is safe, the highways and main roads are good, and it’s usually warm outside, so you don’t need to worry about heating.

However, the word “campervan” can cover a range of vehicles . From small converted mini-vans that are suitable for only two people to large family-sized motorhomes and RVs with full amenities. But all of them have two things in common: they are suitable for sleeping, and they offer some opportunity for cooking. Cooking supplies are often provided if you rent the campervan.

Campervans usually have two separate batteries: one runs the engine, and the other runs things like interior lights or a small refrigerator. So you don’t need to worry about the engine not starting the following day, because you keep the interior lights on for too long.

How to choose the campervan that’s suitable for you?

Let’s pretend you’re in for a campervan trip in Australia. Exciting! But from all kinds of small and big, simple and luxurious campervans, which one is the best for you? Well, only you can decide that, but let us help with the most important questions.

You need to choose the size based on two criteria that are equally important: how many people are you traveling with? And how large of a vehicle are you comfortable driving?

Our car was a converted minivan that was just enough for the two of us and our stuff. But driving it was no different than driving a larger kind of car. We didn’t aim for luxury, but it didn’t cost much more than a regular car rental would have.

Should it be self-contained?

Self-contained vehicles have some sort of toilet onboard. It can make things easier if there’s no running water (or any other kind of toilet) where you camp, but you’re also in charge of dumping your waste. There are dedicated dump points for this purpose.

In our opinion, you don’t really need a self-contained vehicle in Australia. (Unless you stay out there in Nowhere). You find plenty of public toilets, especially along the densely populated east coast, even if there’s no running water (composting toilets). Most of them are nice and clean, and they are all free.

This is a dumb question to ask in Australia, by the way, since all public toilets are free to use, even in the cities. (Coming from Europe, it was not at all obvious to us.)

Should it be 4WD?

It depends. Australia is the country of extremes. But I doubt you need a 4WD for the full length of your road trip in general . Certainly not for a campervan road trip.

The most famous attractions are usually easily accessible, and no 4WD is needed if you stay on the main tourist path . However, if you’d like exploring off the beaten track, well, that’s another story. You can truly get off that beaten path in Australia, and certain mountain roads or desert roads require high clearance 4WD vehicles. Sand islands, like Fraser Island, are also in this category.

But again, in a few weeks, you’ll likely have no time to leave the main tourist route, and the most popular campervan itineraries for Australia don’t require 4WD vehicles.

Check your specific route, and if you’re in doubt, contact the rental company to make sure your car is suitable for what you want to use it for, and it’s allowed to be taken to those roads/regions. Your other option is to sign up for a tour to visit those off-the-beaten-track attractions.

Any extras you need

When choosing the right campervan and the company to rent it from, you better consider whether you need any extras. Like one-way rental, an extra driver, insurance cover, unlimited kilometers, navigation, bedding, towels, camping chairs …

They may or may not be included in the rental by default, and adding them can significantly change the overall price, especially one-way rental at certain companies.

Sample Australian road trips

There are people who drive all around Australia, but most of us don’t have that much time. Whether you plan a regular road trip or a campervan road trip in Australia, here are the most scenic routes you can choose from:

East coast: Cairns to Brisbane (~2 weeks)

One of the most popular routes for a 2 week road trip in Australia. It’s well-developed and fairly busy (by Aussie standards). The best time to do it is between April and October.

Daintree National Park is likely inaccessible in the wet season.

Highlights: Daintree National Park, Great Barrier Reef, Captain Cook Highway, Mission Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Fraser Island, Wooroonooran National Park, Noosa National Park & the Sunshine Coast

East coast: Brisbane to Sydney (3-5 days)

This is a shorter drive with mostly beaches (wonderful beaches!) on the way. It’s ideal for those who dream about a coastal campervan tour in Australia, with lots of fabulous beach stops.

You can combine this route with either the drive from Cairns to Brisbane, or you can drive down to Melbourne, with a stop at Jervis Bay. This area is enjoyable all year.

We actually combined this drive with the one from Cairns, and the one to Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road. (It was a long drive.)

Highlights: Byron Bay & the Gold Coast, beach hopping, Sydney, Royal National Park, Blue Mountains

Great Ocean Road: Melbourne to Adelaide (a few days)

The Great Ocean Road is often mentioned among the best scenic drives in the world – and for a good reason. It’s likely included in any campervan itinerary for Australia, and we recommend taking your time and doing some hiking along the way, as well, to see the best of it.

The best time to do it is from October to April.

Read our guide to the Great Ocean Road!

Highlights: Twelve Apostles & Port Campbell National Park, Great Otway National Park & Kennett River Koala Walk

Through the Australian Outback: Adelaide to Darwin (~2 weeks)

This is not a typical first timers’ Australia road trip itinerary, but it runs through some uniquely Aussie landscapes and gives access to the famous Red Center. You can drive it all year, but Australian summers are extremely hot in the desert.

Highlights: Uluru, Kings Canyon, Kakadu National Park

Through the Nullarbor Plain: Adelaide to Perth (~2 weeks)

The Nullarbor is famous for being a long, straight route without a single curve. Adelaide and Perth are two of the lesser-visited cities, but whoever ends up visiting them ends up falling in love.

If you’re road tripping Australia for the first time and only for a few weeks, it’s not the best choice. But if you have more time, it can be combined with another long drive along the western coastline.

This area has four seasons, so it’s best to avoid Australian winters (from June to August).

Highlights: Cape Le Grand National Park, stargazing, cage diving with sharks in Port Lincoln

West coast: Perth to Broome (~2 weeks)

This is a remote and sparsely populated area, with some very special attractions on the coast and inland. It’s a tropical area, and the wet season (between November and March) is best to avoid.

Highlights: Ningaloo Reef, Perth, Karijini National Park, Shark Bay

Where to stay on your Australia road trip

If you prefer a room with a bed, hostels can be the most affordable option, and you find many across Australia. However, the fact that they are the most affordable places with four walls to stay doesn’t mean they’re cheap. Even a simple bunk bed in a shared room costs about 60-80 AUD/night.

Obviously, cities and more densely populated areas offer a larger variety, and you’ll be left with few choices or nothing at all in more remote regions.

Search for hostels here!

Condos or apartments

For those who’d like to have privacy, or their own kitchen to cook, you can find apartments on Booking.com or condos on . They seem to be a luxurious option compared to hostels, but if you travel with a bigger company, the price for a condo might be nearly the same as booking a separate bed for each of you in a hostel .

Campgrounds and holiday parks

However, the Aussie way to travel around is staying in campgrounds, holiday parks or free campsites. Those are your options on your Australia road trip with a campervan.

We were switching between free sites, campgrounds and holiday parks during our road trip, and it’s never a problem to find one nearby. On this note, having a campervan doesn’t mean you can pull over anywhere you fancy, and sleep in your van. This kind of “freedom camping” is not allowed anymore in Australia, at least not in the inhabited areas.

If you choose one of the more remote caravan routes in Australia, free night stays might be easier to find, but you still need water and electricity from time to time.

The average price for the simplest unpowered site for a campervan ranges from 40-70 AUD/night, depending on how fancy the park is, and where it’s located. Holiday parks are usually more expensive than campgrounds, and beloved beach areas, like Byron Bay, are also expensive. So is living in your van really a budget-friendly option? It could easily be, especially if you’re not alone. The campervan is both your car and accommodation, and also, you can spend many nights at free sights.

The advantage of campgrounds and holiday parks are the great amenities and the beautiful location. We often camped on the beach or right behind the beach, we enjoyed large and well-equipped outdoor kitchens, and clean, spacious amenity blocks. Some had coin-operated washing and drying machines, too, so we could wash our clothes. Some had private pools for guests. Sure, they can be pricey, but they actually outshined quite a number of budget hotels and hostels we’ve stayed at during our travels throughout the years.

Free sites for overnight stay with a campervan

Then there is free camping. There are lots of dedicated free sites where you can stay overnight: parking lots, public parks, rest areas, gas stations. Some hotels (mostly backpacker hostels) allow travelers to stay in their backyard overnight.

These sites differ greatly in the offered amenities though. Most of them have public toilets, but definitely not all of them have showers, drinking water, picnic benches, or even running water. Some free sites are located in nice areas, others are parking lots along the highway with no scenery (but constant noise).

We tried a lot of these free sites, and we were very happy with them. We didn’t expect a lot from them either, the point was saving some money.

How to find the free overnight sites?

With WikiCamps. Honestly, we’ve never paid for a mobile app ever before, but the WikiCamps Australia app was well worth that couple of dollars. What does it offer? All the information about the free and paid sites, campgrounds and holiday parks.

Its greatest strength is the insane amount of information about the free options. Because holiday parks have a website, anyway, but who would tell you that there is a rest area 2 kilometers from where you are, it offers toilets and drinking water, and you are allowed to stay there for 48 hours? WikiCamps will.

We could search for places to stay based on our current location. We could filter them based on tons of different criteria: free site or not, and what kind of amenities it offers. People can comment on the sites, as well, and that’s incredibly useful. That’s how we figured out whether the site is clean, crowded or noisy. There are lots of recent comments about sites along the best campervan routes in Australia.

We also found detailed information about showers in the comments. Free sites offer different kinds of showers (or not). Some are free, some are coin-operated. Sometimes you need to pay and ask for the key at the gas station. All this information is available in the comments.

Since a lot of people use this app, we found comments written some days ago about any site we were interested in. It made our trip so much easier! And this was the main reason we didn’t feel disappointed about any of the free sites: we got what we expected.

What to pack for a campervan trip

Of course, you’ll have your luggage full of clothes and stuff for the perfect holiday. But what is that you need for a campervan road trip specifically? We have good news: not much.

The most important things are usually included in the rental (or can be added easily): cooking supplies, bedding and towels. There are some items though that’s not, but they’re incredibly useful:

• Headlamp : better than a flashlight, because your hands are free. We often cooked our meals with our headlamps on when it was dark. Free sights are often not lit well.
• Hand sanitizer : even the smallest vans have their own water tank, but you better use water sparingly if you stay at free sights with no running water.
• Wet wipes : the quickest way to clean anything in the van
• Dishwashing liquid and sponge
• Toilet paper
• Chargers and spare batteries : campervans usually have an extra battery to use for the small fridge, indoor lights or charging whatever you need to charge, but the bottleneck can be the number of charging ports.

4 tips for driving in Australia

Have an offline map

You often have to survive without internet and even cell coverage in Australia. So even if you have a local SIM card with a data plan, download an offline map in advance. Maps could cost you a lot of data, anyway.

Avoid driving during the night, at dusk and down

In addition to the usual risks of driving at night, you have a special reason not to do it in Australia. Those super cute animals, like kangaroos, wallabies, wombats or possums, get active after the sun goes down. You can see many dead kangaroos by the road, and this should be a warning sign. And no, it’s not only risky for the poor kangaroo, but for you, too. Some kangaroos are big enough to cause serious damage to your car in case of a collision.

Don’t attempt “4WD only” drives in a 2WD

It’s unlikely that you need a 4WD car in general, but certain roads require it. Take that seriously.

What else could we say? Enjoy your trip and don’t ever forget to keep left. 🙂

Related articles:

10 Best Central Coast Beaches, NSW, Australia

Coogee To Bondi Walk, The Best Coastal Walk In Sydney

The 21 Most Instagrammable Places In Sydney

Disclosure: Please note that affiliate links are used in this post, and at no additional cost to you, we earn a commission if you make a purchase.

Which are the best lesser-known hikes in North America?

Sign up to get your free e-book and join the community:, by beata urmos.

Bea is a travel writer and the co-founder of Our Wanders, an adventurous family travel blog. She’s been traveling for more than 10 years, seeking outdoor adventures, fairy tale castles and unique experiences. She's passionate about sharing all she has learned along the way, and she's an expert in planning trips of any length. She’d love to help you plan your own amazing trip, too.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Best Road Trips in Australia for Campervans

Australia Road Trip Planner

18 of the best road trips in australia.

Australia Road Trip Map : Click on the route for a link to the itinerary, or browse below.

East Coast Australia Road Trips

These east coast Australia road trips combine two or more of the above road trips. Itineraries range from 1 to 7 weeks.

Cairns to Airlie Beach Drive 348 km | 7 hrs drive  | 1 - 2 weeks 4 days for the road trip plus 10 days to explore the Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree, Port Douglas, Undara Lava Tubes and the Atherton Tablelands. 

Brisbane to Cairns Drive 2, 177 km | 26 hrs drive | 3 - 4 weeks Explore the tropical northern stretch of the East Coast. 11 days for the road trip, plus 10 days to explore Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays, Atherton Tablelands, the Daintree and Port Douglas. 

Melbourne to Brisbane Drive 2,930 km | 54 hrs drive | 5 weeks 28 days for the road trip, plus 6 days to explore Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. 

Sydney to Cairns Drive 3,487 km | 55 hrs drive  | 5 weeks Nearly all of the east coast. 26 days for the road trip, plus 10 days to explore Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Whitsunday and Cairns. 

Melbourne to Cairns Drive 4,787 km | 55 hrs drive | 6 - 7 weeks Explore the entire East Coast of Australia from end to end. 30 - 40 days for the road trip, plus 10 days to explore Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Whitsunday and Cairns.

Road Trip Around Australia

We have three key routes for a road trip around Australia. 

• The first route is a simple circumnavigation of the continent, but this misses the important central desert region with Uluru, the Olgas and Coober Pedy. 
• The second route includes central Australia and can either start in Cairns and end in Adelaide, or start in Adelaide and end in Cairns. 
• The third route builds upon the second route by looping in Broken Hill, Mungo National Park and rural New South Wales. Its start and end points are Cairns and Sydney.

Road Trips by State

• NEW SOUTH WALES
• SOUTH AUSTRALIA
• WESTERN AUSTRALIA
• NORTHERN TERRITORY

Driving in Australia

Australia is larger than you might think - as large as the USA without Alaska and three quarters the size of Europe. It is also extremely diverse with everything from snow-capped mountains to lush tropical forests, the outback desert and rolling green pastures. If you jet set from city to city, you'll miss all this.

The best (and cheapest) way to experience Australia is to hire a campervan and take a road trip. That way you have the freedom to can set your own itinerary, be spontaneous, take the road less travelled, and stop where you want for as long as you want.

With a kitchen in the back seat, you can pull into a stunning location, make lunch and soak in the views. It's the most convenient, affordable and memorable way to dine. And at the end of an adventure-filled day, your home is where ever you park it. 

You will soon discover the camaraderie of the campervan community - kindred spirits who like to get off the beaten path, who appreciate the beauty of Australia, and are eager to share a few tips and their favorite camping locations with you. As Edith Wharton once said  "One of the great things about travel is you discover how many good, kind people there are."

In this Road Trip Planner we detail some of the best road trips in Australia to help you plan your campervan self-drive itinerary.

• Cairns day trips
• Atherton Tablelands & Wooroonooran National Park
• Kuranda and Barron Falls
• Cairns to Hinchinbrook Is.
• Cairns to Cooktown
• Cairns to Townsville  
• Townsville day trips
• Townsville to Cairns
• Townsville to Airlie Beach
• Queensland Outback  (Townsville - Cunnamulla - Brisbane)
• Airlie Beach to Townsville  (and Cairns)
• Airlie Beach to Brisbane  (and Gold Coast)
• Brisbane to Gold Coast
• Brisbane to Airlie Beach
• Gold Coast to Sydney
• Gold Coast day trips
• Brisbane day trips

New South Wales

• Sydney's National Parks
• Sydney's Top Walks
• Hunter Valley wine region
• Central Coast
• Port Stephens
• Blue Mountains
• South Coast
• Southern Highlands
• The Snowy Mountains
• Sydney - Melbourne Coast
• Sydney - Canberra - Melbourne
• Sydney - Gold Coast
• Broken Hill
• Canberra 
• Grampians | Murray River
• Great Ocean Road
• Mornington Pensinsula
• Phillip Island
• Wilsons Promontory
• Victorian Alps | High Plains
• Yarra Valley | Dandenongs
• Melbourne - Sydney coast
• Melbourne - Canberra - Sydney
• Melbourne - Adelaide

South Australia

• Barossa Valley wines
• Murray River
• Kangaroo Island
• Mt. Gambier
• Coonawarra wine & Naracoorte Caves
• Adelaide Hills & Hahndorf
• Adelaide Hills Activities 
• Fleurieu Peninsula & Coorong
• Adelaide to Melbourne
• Outback: Adelaide to Sydney
• Adelaide to Darwin Road Trip
• Adelaide to Perth Road Trip
• Coober Pedy
• Eyre Peninsula

Western Australia

• 3 days in Perth - things to do
• The Perfect WA Roadtrip (South of Perth)
• Yanchep National Park
• Pinnacles Desert
• Bunbury and Busselton
• Margaret River
• Pemberton Forests
• The Kimberley - Broome to Darwin in 6 days
• Broome to Perth in 19 days
• Perth to Adelaide in 16 days

Northern Territory

• Litchfield National Park
• The Pilbara
• Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge)
• Mataranka Hot Springs
• Alice Springs
• Uluru and the Olgas
• Macdonnell Ranges

Other Blogs & Relevant Information

• Driving Distances and Petrol Prices
• Oz Parks Australia's Newest National Caravan & Tourist Park Chain
• Top Islands to visit in Australia
• Top Australian cultural experiences
• Top Australian animal experiences
• 7 reasons why Cairns is the adventure capital of Australia
• 10 movie locations to visit in Australia

Itineraries

Sign up for amazing offers exclusive access for offers and promotions

Campervan hire depots, airlie beach.

Heart of Reef Shuttles, 48-50 Carlo Drive, Cannonvale, Queensland 4802 Phone: 1800 216 223

20 Noble Avenue, North Gate, Queensland 4013 Phone: 1800 216 223

440 Sheridan Street, Cairns, Queensland 4870 Phone: 1800 216 223

273 Elizabeth Street, Coburg, Victoria 3058 Phone: 1800 216 223

23-25 Erskine Rd, Caringbah, Sydney, NSW 2229 Phone: 1800 216 223

Do you have any questions or need additional information?

Australia East Coast Road Trip Itinerary: A Complete Guide

Australia’s East Coast is one of the most popular places in the world to travel. It spans the length of Queensland and into New South Wales, and features the larger cities of Cairns and Brisbane. With its world class beaches, ancient rainforests, endless adrenaline activities and charming towns, it’s truly a destination like no other. So the main aim of this guide is to equip you with everything you need to know to plan your own Australia East Coast road trip itinerary.

I’ve done three road trips along Australia’s East Coast (mad, I know!). The first time, I joined an organised tour from Brisbane up to Cairns. It was fast paced and more fun than I could have ever imagined. The second time, I chose to do the journey more slowly in a camper van south from Cairns to Byron Bay. For the third visit, I did an awesome but far shorter one week road trip from Byron Bay to Noosa. So I feel I’ve got really sound experience in devising an East Coast itinerary.

One of the best things about the East Coast of Australia is the sheer variety in things to do. On each East Coast trip, I’ve ended up doing completely different things and each road trip has been equally incredible.

If you’re trying to decide which direction to travel the East Coast, there aren’t really any overarching reasons to go one way and not the other. The biggest factors will be around your plans before and after the East Coast, plus the time you have available. If you are planning to take 6+ weeks, I would suggest perhaps starting in Cairns. Then you could carry on driving south past Brisbane and on towards Sydney and Melbourne.

For the purpose of this blog post, I will share an Australian East Coast road trip itinerary starting in the tropical city of Cairns in the north. From here, the itinerary will weave south past pristine beaches, rugged mountains ranges, waterfalls, tropical rainforest, charming surf towns, some of the world’s best diving spots, as well as the epic K’gari island (also known as Fraser Island).

This guide is aimed at all travellers, with suggestions for both backpackers and those on a slightly bigger budget throughout. It can be used for anyone travelling in Australia as it covers all the best things to do along the East Coast.

Australia East Coast Road Trip Itinerary: Essential things to know

Wow, so where to start! Some of the most important things to consider for an Australia East Coast road trip itinerary are time of year to visit, vehicle type and budget. So let’s get stuck in!

When is the best time to travel the East Coast of Australia?

First things first – when is the best time of year to plan a road trip for Australia’s East Coast?

As you can see below, Australia is a huge country. You can fit about two thirds of Europe into its land mass. And therefore, the weather across the whole of Australia does vary, especially more so in the Australian winter months (May to September). I’ve summarised this below, but do make sure to check out my detailed Australia climate guide too.

Cairns, in Tropical North Queensland, is the largest northernmost town on the East Coast and has hot weather year-round. However, this is divided into two distinct seasons – wet and dry.

During the Australian winter ( May to September ), Cairns experiences warm, dry weather and low crowds .

During the Australian summer ( November to April ), Cairns is hot and humid, with plenty of rain . This tropical monsoonal starts building up in December and by January, the rains are mostly daily and can be torrential.

Although the days can still be hot and sunny, the tropical rains can make diving conditions more challenging, and visibility worse for seeing underwater life. And as Cairns is popular for diving, it could be a real shame to visit and not be able to enjoy this fully.

Another key factor with Cairns and the surrounding area is stinger season. This refers to the presence of tiny stinging box jellyfish in the water. The sting can be extremely painful, and can be fatal in some cases. If you do visit in the months when this is at its worse (Jan to March), you will have to wear stinger suits in the water.

So, where possible, visiting Cairns in the Australian winter means long, sunny days, with minimal rain and no stingers in the water. As mentioned above, conditions for diving in the Great Barrier Reef are optimal with perfect water temperatures and visibility in excess of 50m. It’s also an excellent time to see the magnificent Daintree Rainforest at its best and full of life. Furthermore, the water levels are ideal so white water rafting is an awesome activity to during this time, but can often be too dangerous during the months from January to March.

From personal experience, I found the weather in Cairns during August/September to be perfect. We were able to experience every activity and as this is the start of spring, there was plenty of colour and life in the plants and trees. On my second road trip, we were in Cairns in the month of December which was still quite good, although noticeably hotter and humid. It was early December and we experienced no rainfall, but prices for accommodation were higher. I also got stung by a rogue stinger who had made an early arrival into the waters in the Great Barrier Reef. It was very painful for about 30 minutes, and then the sting subsided.

So to summarise, it depends on the activities you plan to do in Cairns as to when is the best time to visit, but generally the months from May to September are best.

Then, at the southern end of Queensland is Brisbane. It receives some of the most enjoyable and reliable weather in Australia throughout the year. It has a warm-temperate climate, meaning there are few days you’d need a jumper.

As with Cairns, the Australian summer from January to March bring the hottest and most humid weather . During this period is the highest chance of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, although they are mostly in the late afternoon.

The best time to visit Brisbane is April to May and September to November , when temperatures are comfortable and humidity and rainfall are low. However, June through to August is also a great time to go to Brisbane, but the temperatures are slightly cooler.

I found Brisbane in the months of September and December to be really lovely, with long hot, sunny days. However, visiting Brisbane and the surrounding area in February did bring a lot of rain.

So when should I plan my East Coast road trip?

Overall, visiting Queensland, which spans from Tropical North Queensland to just south of Brisbane, is best avoided from January to March in order to have the best experience for most activities. If you’re embarking on a longer Australia trip, then it might be best to spend these months in New South Wales (Sydney and surrounds) and Victoria (for Melbourne and surrounds), as the weather here is at its peak from January to March. The same goes for visiting the Outback, which is generally best visited from April to October/November.

If your Australia trip is focused purely on the East Coast, with the Cairns to Brisbane road trip being the primary focus, then a trip from May to August would be the best time. This also avoids stinger season completely. It would be slightly cooler in Brisbane, but you would still unlikely need a jumper or a jacket.

If you’re on a longer trip in Australia, then as just mentioned, you could spend December – March exploring Victoria and New South Wales, before then heading to the East Coast from April onwards. Alternatively, you could do the Australia East Coast Road Trip Itinerary during August, September and/or October, before heading down to Victoria and New South Wales onwards for the better weather during the Australian summer.

How long does it take to travel East Coast Australia?

If you’re short on time, then it can be done in two weeks. This would cover the highlights. If you can spare longer, perhaps 4-6 weeks you’ll have enough time to see and do just about everything, and have some time to relax!

If you have two months or so, then an awesome adventure would be to drive from Cairns to Melbourne which would easily take in some of the very best parts of Australia. You’d traverse through some seriously different climates and experience both the tiniest beach towns as well as the huge, cosmopolitan cities of Sydney and Melbourne.

Should I go for a car or a camper van for my East Coast road trip?

Any road trip in Australia is best with a camper van. The freedom is unparalleled and you can truly travel at your own pace.

With a camper van, you can adjust your itinerary more easily and generally, it offers better value as the camper van doubles up as your accommodation each night. However, a camper van isn’t for everyone as space can be challenging.

The main camper van companies in Australia are:

• Spaceships Rentals
• Wicked Campers

Pros and cons of a camper van

• Can save costs on more expensive hotel or lodging accommodation
• It can save money on food costs as you have your own stove/kitchen area in the van which is great for easy breakfasts and some dinners
• Is a good way to split fuel costs between friends if there’s a few of you
• You can easily stay longer somewhere you like if you don’t need to look for accommodation
• There are many free campsites, motorway rest stops or areas to park and sleep overnight (check Wikicamping and the state parks’ app/websites )
• You can sleep and wake up so much closer to nature
• You don’t need to carry suitcases or bags in and out of hotels
• In the busiest months, the cost of a camper van can be steep
• You will spend more on fuel as the vehicle is heavier
• Making the bed each night can get a little tiring and sand from the beaches gets everywhere
• You can’t really keep the air-con on overnight without draining the battery, so it gets hot!
• Also, it’s likely you will lose stuff within the van all the time. There are just way too many cubby holes and spaces for things to fall down
• There may be some days you go without a shower
• Can be moments where it’s difficult to park, especially if you visit cities like Brisbane
• There are many ways to lose money from your deposit with a camper van as there are so many more parts to it to break!

If you really fancy resting your head somewhere a little more comfortable each night, then a car is a great option. You still have a huge amount of freedom, but just slightly less freedom as you do need to find somewhere to sleep each night.

Pros and cons of hiring a car

• Lower initial cost for renting a vehicle
• Also lower petrol costs
• Easier to park in general
• You have a boot to keep your suitcase in, and act as an on-the-go wardrobe space
• Less risk of losing things as the vehicle is way smaller
• No need to go without showers and guaranteed a slightly more comfortable and cooler sleep every night
• May save money if hotels, lodges etc include breakfast in the rate
• Need to find a place to stay each night, which can be expensive and time consuming/stressful in peak season
• In my option, there’s a slight less feel of ‘adventure’ with a normal hire car, as opposed to a camper van

Joining an organised tour or using bus services

I joined an organised tour one year with Topdeck (read all about the trip here ). Generally, I don’t tend to join multi-week tours but it was aimed at students and more than 40 of my friends booked on. So as you can imagine, it was one of the best experiences of my life. I enjoyed some awesome adventures each day, with nearly all meals and activities included, it was excellent value. Except for skydiving, all other activities were already paid for, including bungee jumping, white water rafting and admission to the Australia Zoo.

Organised tours along the East Coast of Australia are very popular, but naturally, they don’t allow for any freedom or adjusting the itinerary at all. However, it can be a great way to meet people and have all logistics taken care of.

Some great companies include: Contiki , G Adventures , the Oz Experience, Intrepid

Stray also has a great value Cairns to Sydney bus pass, which you can book online here .

Another alternative is to use bus services such as Greyhound or Premier. Both of these companies offer dozens of buses stopping at hundreds of convenient stops across the East Coast every day. Plus, you can book the tickets just the day before and sometimes on the day, which can be really handy. If you don’t fancy driving the East Coast yourself, this is a great way to travel. They also offer hop-on hop-off bus passes which can be great value – for example, Greyhound has a bus pass that covers you for 90 days and starts at around $349.

Greyhound offers the slightly more expensive bus tickets of the two, but the buses are comfortable and offer on board Wi-Fi.

Finally, I wouldn’t recommend planning to do this trip by hitchhiking. It’s not as common as movies might suggest!

Eating on the East Coast

Three meals a day, plus snacks and coffees/drinks can add up quickly when travelling in Australia.

Fortunately, BBQ-ing in Australia is every bit as popular as you might imagine. There are gas BBQs all over Australia in parks, by beaches, in national parks and next to boardwalks. They are free to use and really easy to operate, most having utensils to use too. There’s always plenty of table space nearby and it’s one of the most easy ways to assimilate into Australian life, as these are equally popular with locals and tourists.

Supermarkets are really geared up to this, and their meat section sells all kinds of meats in different marinades, making it really easy. Furthermore, they always have a delicatessen section with choose-your-own salad bowls and side dishes. It couldn’t be more simple to pull together an amazing BBQ spread in Australia.

The big supermarket chains are Woolworths and Coles, which have the most competitive pricing and a huge range. In some smaller locations, you might find an IGA or a SPAR which can be a tad more expensive.

When you don’t feel like cooking or don’t have the chance to do a food shop, there are popular fast food chains such as Hungry Jacks and Pie Face, or smoothie chains like Boost. I personally prefer to sample the local food in cafes in town, or a family-owned fish and chip shop instead. There are also plenty of pubs in Australia, which are pretty cheap but the quality can be a bit iffy (like Wetherspoons in the UK).

A popular place for a pub-like meal on a Sunday is the local Surf Life Saving Club, and you’ll see these dotted all along the coastline – particularly in the Gold Coast. Mostly aimed at local members, they nearly all welcome in tourists (with sign-in at the door). It’s a very Australian experience if you like beer, local live musicians and ridiculously big portions of chips, nachos and battered fish!

Then of course there are excellent restaurants all across the East Coast.

Deciding where to stay on the East Coast – hotels, lodges, hostels or camping

Even if you do the road trip along the East Coast in a camper van, there will be some nights where you’ll need to opt for a campsite for its shower facilities.

And there are hundreds of campsites along the East Coast. Some are your traditional pitch and stay camping grounds, and some are huge, expansive holiday resorts. Whilst these are typically aimed at domestic travellers, everyone is welcome and you may be blown away by the facilities.

The best resources for campsites on the East Coast of Australia are:

• Pitchup (can book directly on this site too)
• Tourism Australia
• Camping in Queensland
• Camping in NSW

The East Coast is also home to hundreds and hundreds of hostels. There are also some hostel chains in Australia, and nearly always one where you’re travelling. The two biggest chains are Nomads and Base. Staying in one of these means a fairly reliable and comfortable experience. The dorms are clean and secure, and the social areas are often amazing. Staying in hostels add to a quintessential Australia experience. I’ve had some brilliant stays and met some awesome people.

However, I prefer now to travel and stay in hotels where possible. On my most recent visit to Australia, we had a hire car and spent our nights in various Airbnbs and hotels along the East Coast. We stayed in some amazing Airbnbs, including a treehouse in the Gold Coast and a Balinese style villa in Noosa.

However, throughout this itinerary I will suggest a couple of options for each destination that cover campsites, hostels and hotels. I’ve managed to stay in all three types nearly everywhere along the East Coast now, so I’ve got some good experience!

Money and Budget

The currency in Australia is the dollar (AUD). Generally across Australia card payments are widely accepted, and contactless is very popular as the limit is $200.

For slightly more remote locations or for any really small villages you visit, I would recommend keeping cash on hand.

In terms of budgeting, prices are approximately the below:

Accommodation:

• Camping site (tent) – $10-20 per night
• Camper van spot at campsite – $20 – $50 per night, depending on size and facilities of the campground/holiday resort
• Double room in a value hotel or holiday resort: $100-140
• Double room in a 4 or 5 star hotel: $200 – $300 depending on time of year you visit

Food (based on two people):

• On-the-go coffees: $9
• Fast food or take away meal: approx $20
• Local cafe or pub meal: $60
• 3 Course meal in a good restaurant: $140-200

In terms of alcohol, it’s not sold at supermarkets but instead at bottle shops such as Dan Murphy’s. Prices are a little more than in the UK and the US, but they do sell boxed wine, affectionally called ‘goon’ in Australia. Boxed wine doesn’t taste the best BUT it’s cheap and lasts longer than a bottle!

Excursions and activities are likely to be your greatest expenditure. There are so many bucket list activities on the East Coast of Australia vthat I highly recommend putting budget aside so you can make the most of these. As an indication, here are the approximate prices of several activities:

• Animal sanctuary entrance fee: approx $40 per adult
• 15,000 ft sky dive in Cairns: $359 per person (not including video or photos)
• Entry to Daintree National Park and canopy walk: $35 per adult

As an approximate guide, the AUD to GBP conversion is roughly half. So animal sanctuary entrance is around £20 ($40).

The AUD to USD conversion is about 1.5, so animal sanctuary entrance is around USD $25 (AUD $40).

Finally, fuel in Australia is similar in price to the UK, but more expensive than the USA. Fuel for the whole route could cost around AUD$600-800, or more depending on detours you might take.

Deciding where to go on your Australia East Coast Road Trip Itinerary

So you’ve decided when to embark on your epic road trip, and you’ve got your vehicles or bus pass sorted. Now the fun part – deciding where to go!

If you can’t already tell, I love the East Coast of Australia. It has everything AND warm weather year round.

As mentioned above, I have driven the route in both directions but my favourite was probably the Cairns to Brisbane drive. This would also be considered the most iconic road trip for the East Coast of Australia too. It spans world class beaches, dozens of stunning national parks as well as incredible Great Barrier Reef and the twinkly Whitsunday Islands.

So for the purpose of this blog post, we’ll be starting in Cairns but this itinerary can be modified in any way, and of course started in Sydney, Byron Bay or Brisbane. I also list the minimum to maximum number of days needed in each place to help you plan and decide where to visit.

The most important thing to remember is that Australia is BIG . The Cairns to Brisbane road trip spans 1,682km (or 1,045 miles), and that’s taking the most direct route without any detours. It’s around 19 hours of driving if you were to go straight through. There are also some seriously long stretches of driving without any major towns or stops too.

One thing you must remember is to fill your car or van with fuel whenever you can. Never leave a town with less than a full tank – I speak from experience!

So without further ado, let’s jump in with our first stop, Cairns!

Suggested time for Cairns: 3-5 days

This tropical city is one of my favourite places in Australia. Although the town is somewhat unassuming, the adventures to be had in and around Cairns are epic!

The relaxed tropical lifestyle in Cairns will ease you in to an Australia road trip, but could also make a relaxing end point too to your road trip.

Cairns could easily be one of the places where you choose to spend longer, but only if your budget allows. There are countless awesome sights to see and places to visit in Cairns , but the tours can add up and makes Cairns quite an expensive stop. That being said, one of the best things to do in Cairns is free – and that’s spending the day at the incredible Esplanade Lagoon in the heart of town.

Best things to do and see in Cairns

Free or low cost:

• Cool off and relax in the magnificent Cairns Lagoon
• Take a road trip to the Daintree Rainforest at Cape Tribulation via Port Douglas
• Spend the day in the Behana Canyon, a swimming hole surrounded by dense rainforest. Why not join this tour .
• Eat and drink your way around some of the beautiful waterside restaurant and bars
• Visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Centre

More expensive but bucket list activities:

• Join a boat trip to the incredible Great Barrier Reef where you can snorkel or learn to dive
• Take a boat out to the stunning Fitzroy Island
• Brave the ultimate leap of faith at the AJ Hackett bungee jump centre
• Go ATV riding in the rainforest
• Take the train to spend the day at the Kuranda Rainforest Skyway , an awesome journey across the rainforest finishing at the epic Mossman Falls
• Enjoy a hop on hop off beer and drinks tour of Cairns
• Join a tour of the Atherton Tablelands , and visit beautiful waterfalls and scenic lakes (including the famous Milla Milla Falls)
• Enjoy a foodie tour and wine tasting in the Atherton Tablelands
• Visit the Daintree Rainforest and enjoy Cape Tribulation .

Blow-the-budget fun:

• Book a super special day on the Sunlover Reef pontoon , where you enjoy all the activities at this mini village floating on the Great Barrier Reef
• Organise a helicopter ride over the Great Barrier Reef, a true once in a lifetime experience, or even a scenic flight !
• Enjoy an epic skydive over Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef

Where to stay in Cairns

In Cairns, there are no free camping options in the city centre, but there are some paid campsites on the edge of town. Make sure to check this guide on camping near Cairns .

And here are my best picks for accommodation in Cairns:

Best luxury stay: Shangri-La at The Marina (£90pn) or the Pullman Reef Casino (from £97pn)

Great value mid-range stay: Pacific Hotel Cairns (from £63pn)

Best hostel: Gilligans Backpacker Resort (dorm from £17pn, private room from £70) has some of the best facilities I have experienced anywhere. It’s a lively party place but does also offer great value if you book out a 4 or 6 bed dorm for your group.

Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas and the Daintree Rainforest

• Suggested time for the Daintree Rainforest: 1-2 days
• Driving distance from Cairns to Port Douglas: 68km (1hour) along the Captain Cook Highway
• Driving distance from Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation: 75km (1h30)

This beautiful corner of Australia is home to the Daintree Rainforest, which is the world’s oldest! It is also unique as it the only place in the world where two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites meet – the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.

Cape Tribulation however is considered one of the most dangerous beaches in the world. This is due to the huge population of crocodiles that reside here, as well as the often-fatal stings from Box Jellyfish in the water.

Whilst driving to Cape Tribulation can easily be done as a full day trip , it’s well worth an overnight stay if you have the time. I would perhaps recommend opting for a small hire car for the day, instead of taking a camper van however. The roads can be narrow and difficult to drive, especially as you get deeper into the rainforest. Note that driving further north from Cape Tribulation towards Cooktown and the Cape York Village requires a 4WD and some previous experience essential as the tracks here are very challenging.

Port Douglas on route is also a beautiful upscale resort town which is definitely worth a stop for a few hours. The beach is beautiful and over four miles long, and its main street is packed with quirky shops and independent cafes and restaurants. If you visit on a Sunday, make sure to check out the beachside markets too.

In terms of activities in the Daintree forest, there are plenty:

• Soar above the rainforest on a zipline adventure
• Explore the rainforest from the elevated walkways
• Take on some of the best hikes, including the Mount Sorrow hike
• Spot crocodiles on a river cruise on the Daintree River
• River drift snorkelling near Port Douglas
• Explore the deserted and untouched beaches, and see where the rainforest meets the reef
• Visit the Daintree tea plantation
• Swim in the Mossman Gorge

The Cairns to Port Douglas drive is spectacular, with the road weaving between the rainforest and the azure ocean. The views are stunning. From Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation, the road is often surrounded by the dense, lush rainforest and you have to take a small ferry to cross the Daintree River. I’ve written a complete itinerary guide to driving from Cairns to Cape Tribulation, so make sure to check this out.

In terms of places to stay in Port Douglas or Cape Tribulation, there are some wonderful eco-stays including:

• Niramaya Villas & Spa (around £450pn)
• Noah Creek Eco Huts (around £157pn)
• Thala Beach Nature Resort (around £220pn)

In Port Douglas, there is also the beautiful Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort (from £129 pn) too or the stunning Shantara Resort (from £229 pn).

Alternatively, you can of course join a day trip, such as this one which is a full day exploring the Daintree rainforest, the Mossman Falls and Cape Tribulation . Or this day trip, which includes a stop at Port Douglas and Wildlife Habitat .

Mission Beach

• Suggested time for Mission Beach: 1-2 days
• Driving distance from Cairns to Mission Beach: 139km (1h50)

Next stop, Mission Beach. In my opinion, the drive from Cairns south is stunning with the Bruce Highway bordered on both sides by sugar cane plantations, followed by banana trees. The first moderate sized town is Innisfail, which I personally don’t think is worth a stop. So I recommend heading straight to Mission Beach. Make sure to look out for cassowaries at the side of the road!

Mission Beach is popular with backpackers for its laidback vibes and excellent beaches. What it lacks in obvious activities and sightseeing opportunities, it makes up for in huge stretches of glorious sandy beaches and walking tracks in the rainforest. I’ve only ever stopped at Mission Beach in October and December which is stinger season, so we could not enter the water.

I would recommend a night in Mission Beach, especially as it provides a decent break in the long drive between Cairns and Townsville, which is the next large town (347km, 4hrs). Mission Beach is also right next to Tully’s River, which is home to some of the best white water rafting in Australia.

Book your white water rafting trip to Tully’s River here!

Where to stay in Mission Beach

• Best luxury stay: Castaways Resort & Spa Mission Beach (from £100pn)
• Good value mid-range stay: Mission Reef Resort (from £54 pn)
• Best hostel: Jackaroo Treehouse (from £30pn)

Townsville & Magnetic Island

• Suggested time for Townsville: half day (but longer if visiting Magnetic Island)
• Driving distance from Mission Beach to Townsville: 235km (2h40)

This large town is largely residential and also home to a big Australian military and naval base. I personally don’t think there’s a huge amount to see in Townsville but it is home to my absolute favourite wildlife sanctuary in Australia, which is the Billabong Sanctuary .

I cannot recommend stopping at this amazing wildlife sanctuary more! It’s the perfect place to meet a whole host of the most iconic Australian animals, such as the echidna, wombat, koala and kangaroo. Billabong Sanctuary is a really well-run wildlife centre, with lots of opportunities for animal interaction, plus the location itself is beautiful. It’s located 17km south of Townsville, so you could spend the afternoon there as you continue on your road trip south.

Townsville is the starting point for the ferry to Magnetic Island. This slice of paradise is popular with backpackers but a little less frequented by other types of tourists. I haven’t been to Magnetic Island, so I cannot comment from personal experience but I understand it’s super-laidback and full of beautiful, scenic spots. Make sure to book your ferry tickets from Townsville to Magnetic Island in advance here.

If you do choose to spend a night in Townsville, the Oaks Gateway Suites offer great rooms at a good price (£67 pn). Alternatively, there is a BIG4 Holiday Park at Rowes Bay with beachside cabins from £50.

Airlie Beach & The Whitsundays

• Suggested time for Airlie Beach & The Whitsundays: 2-5 days
• Driving distance from Townsville to Airlie Beach: 273km (3h10)

Airlie Beach is the gateway to The Whitsundays, and this stop is a must-do on any East Coast road trip itinerary. Make sure to read my detailed guide to visiting the Whitsunday Islands here .

The town itself is popular with backpackers, although there are few luxury hotels. Those on a slightly smaller budget or tighter time frame can visit The Whitsundays on a full day boat trip.

But if you have time, then I highly recommend splurging on a sailing trip around the Whitsundays. You can spend around 2-3 days on living onboard a sailing boat, where you can snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef and visit Whitehaven, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Alternatively, you could stay on one of the Whitsunday Islands for a couple of nights, for the ultimate barefoot paradise experience.

There are some amazing resort hotels in The Whitsunday Islands, with the InterContinental Hayman Island being one of the very best stays.

I’ve done both a sailing trip and a 3 night stay on the islands, and I honestly couldn’t say which I preferred. Both were incredible.

For day sailing trips, you could wait to book this in Airlie Beach, but you risk the boats being full, so I recommend booking a tour in advance. Here are a few excellent suggestions:

• Whitsundays Full-Day Catamaran Sailing Adventure from Airlie  (£108pp)
• Half Day Whitsunday & Whitehaven 6-Hour Cruise  £63pp)
• Whitsundays Ocean Rafting Tour: Snorkel, Walk & Whitehaven  (£85pp)

For 1 or 2 night sailing trips, you could check the below companies:

• OzSailWhitsunday s (2 day, 2 night trips) – starts at £208pp
• Whitsundays Sailing Adventures  (offer a 1 night sailing trip) – starts at £216pp
• The same company also offers an awesome  3-day, 2-night sailing and diving trip  – starts at £390pp
• Red Cat Adventures  (2 nights) – starts at £260pp
• Wings Whitsundays Adventure  (2 nights) – starts at £260pp
• ProSail offer 2 or 3 night sailing adventures – starting at £398pp

Back on Airlie Beach, there isn’t a huge amount to do, so if you choose to visit the islands as a day trip, you could spend a relaxing day at the Airlie Beach Lagoon.

But this could be a place to splurge and explore the Whitsundays from a difference perspective entirely. For example, this  1-hour scenic flight over the Whitsundays Island archipelago  looks incredible, or what about a  tandem skydive over the Whitsundays ?

Or you could go all out with a  helicopter trip to the Whitsunday Islands . It even lands on Whitehaven beach – possibly the most incredible day imaginable.

Slightly further inland from Airlie Beach (and slightly more affordable), there are some great hiking routes in the Conway National Park and waterfall swimming at the beautiful Cedar Creek Falls.

Where to stay in Airlie Beach

There’s a huge number of places to stay in Airlie Beach, covering every budget. In fact, you can find some seriously nice stays at very good value. Here’s my pick:

• Base Airlie Beach (dorm from £16 per night, double from £53)
• Big4 at Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort (camping from £19 per night)
• Magnums Airlie Beach (from £31 per night)
• Mantra Club Croc Airlie Beach (from £57 per night)
• Airlie Beach Hotel (from £82 per night)
• Mirage Whitsundays (from £117 per night)
• Coral Sea Resort Hotel (from £139 per night)

Where to stay on the Whitsundays

I’ve written about all the various options in the Whitsundays in more detail, which I recommend you check out.

Fortunately, there’s a good range of tropical island resorts to stay on, with Daydream Island offering excellent value. Rates here start from £150 per night.

One of the most luxurious resorts to stay in in the Whitsunday islands is the InterContinental Hayman Island  (formerly the One&Only). Rates start from around £450 per night.

Alternatively, some other ultra-lux options include:

• Beach Club , an opulent hotel on Hamilton Island . Rates start from £397 per night
• Elysian Retreat  can only host 20 people at any time, and is the ultimate in barefoot luxury with all stays on all-inclusive basis. Rates start at £630 per night.
• Or, the exceptional Paradise Cove Resort. I recommend this excellent boat tour and 2 nights all inclusive in a secluded villa  at the island resort. (£311 per person)

Capricorn Caves

• Suggested time for the Capricorn Caves: 1/2 day
• Driving distance from Airlie Beach to the Capricorn Caves: 460km (5hrs)

The stretch south from Airlie Beach is a long one – I think the second longest stretch of driving on this road trip. Optional stops before the Capricorn Caves include Mackay, a small quiet town with some lovely cycling and hiking, but no essential bucket list adventures. After Mackay, the next potential stop point would be Rockhampton, where (without exaggerating) there is nothing to do.

I recommend breaking up the long drive from Airlie Beach to the next key stop (Hervey Bay/K’gari Island) with a visit to the Capricorn Caves. These are fairly near to Rockhampton, so depending on the time you arrive in this area, you may want to consider an overnight stay near Rockhampton or a little further south at Gladstone (137km/1hr41).

The Capricorn Caves are called this because they are located on the Tropic of Capricorn. They are an awesome complex of caves, with over 1.5km of passages to explore. They only way to visit is on a tour, often called the ‘Cathedral Tour’ as they all take in the incredible largest cave, which often holds wedding and special events. The acoustics are incredible and it was like nowhere I’d seen before.

Book a tour to the Capricorn Caves here!

Taking around one hour in total, it’s well worth a visit and is often missed off travellers’ East Coast itineraries.

Suggestions for affordable places to stay around this area:

• Mackay: Central Tourist Park (£41 per night)
• Rockhampton: Denison Boutique Hote l (£54 per night)
• Capricorn Caves: Capricorn Motel (£65 per night)
• Gladstone: Barney Beach Accommodation (£50 per night)

Rainbow Beach

• Suggested time for Rainbow Beach and K’gari Island: ideally 3-4 days
• Driving distance from Rockhampton/theCapricorn Caves to Rainbow Beach: 601km (6hrs40)

From the Rockhampton area onwards, there are a few stops to consider including Agnes Water/1770 and Bundaberg. The latter is famous for its rum, and visiting the Bundaberg Distillery makes for a brilliant stop. Make sure to book a tour to the local brewery too!

The town of 1770, sometimes written as Seventeen Seventy, is the second spot in Australia that James Cook and his crew landed in the year 1770. We did stop here and I was fairly disappointed with the lack of things to do and see, so I wouldn’t necessarily recommend visiting.

So unless you make a brief stop at Bundaberg, I recommend driving straight through to the Rainbow Beach area. It’s a long old drive, that’s for sure! Looking back, that was why we stopped at 1770 – to break it up!

Rainbow Beach is located in the Great Sandy National Park and is a tiny backpacker town, surrounded by huge, towering sand dunes. The town is mostly a starting point for Fraser Island tours, but you can definitely spend a relaxing day here too.

One of my favourite things to do in Rainbow Beach is climb the huge Carlo Sand Blow and admire the spectacular views across the ocean. The Great Sandy National Park is well worth exploring too – you can even do this on horseback !

Where to stay in Rainbow Beach

There are quite a few places to stay in Rainbow Beach, many of which offer great value stays. Here are my suggestions:

• Freedom Hostels (formerly Dingos) – from £26 per night
• Pippie’s Beach House – from £77 per night
• Rainbow Ocean Palms Resort – from £110 per night

K’gari Island

K’gari Island, previously referred to as Fraser Island, is one of the most popular things to do in Australia. Most tours here are typically aimed at a young backpacking crowd and last 2 days/1night or 3 days/2 nights. There are several other options, including day trips too but as the world’s largest sand island, there’s something special about staying overnight if you can. Unless you have a 4WD drive and significant experience driving on sand, you won’t be able to take your own car to K’gari Island. Several tours however let tourists drive the company’s 4WD vehicles though on what they call a ‘tag along’ basis .

If you book an overnight K’gari Island tour you will have a briefing the evening before departure at 6pm, so you’ll always need to stay the night before in Rainbow Beach. You may also want another night in the town once you come back from K’gari so you don’t have to rush straight off. However it’s worth nothing that you can also start a K’gari Island from trip from Noosa or Hervey, if you prefer.

K’gari Island is a bucket list activity in Australia and for good reason. For many people, K’gari Island is the highlight of their Australia trip!

You definitely should book your K’gari Island tour in advance. Do not leave it for on arrival in Rainbow Beach/Hervey Bay/Noosa, unless you’re arriving several days in advance (at least).

These are the best K’gari Island tours:

• Full day Fraser Island tour from Rainbow Beach (£125pp)
• 2 day/1 night tour from Rainbow Beach (£218pp)

Best things to do on Fraser Island

• If you’re over 21 and on a tag-along tour, you’ll have the opportunity to drive the 4WD along the sand, which is epic
• Swim in the crystal clear freshwater Lake Mackenzie
• Bathe in the beautiful Champagne Pools
• Drift along the natural lazy river at Ely Creek
• Explore the tropical rainforest
• Spot dingos (wild dogs) from afar
• If on an overnight tour, spend the evenings around the campfire drinking and relaxing with new friends
• Drive along 75 Mile Beach
• Hike up to Indian Head to spot sharks and stingrays
• Explore the Maheno shipwreck
• Hike to Lake Wobby

If you visit Fraser Island on a one day tour from the mainland, you’ll be able to do most of the above, but at a quicker pace.

• Suggested time for Noosa: 2-4 days (or as long as possible..)
• Driving distance from Rainbow Beach to Noosa: 117km (1hr37)

Noosa is an absolute must-visit on any East Coast road itinerary and is hands down my favourite place in Australia. Whether you’re a backpacker, on honeymoon, a group of friends or a family, Noosa is the perfect place. The town centre is charming with some brilliant shopping, the beaches are phenomenal and the surrounding scenery is just breathtaking. It’s also the place in Australia where I’ve seen the most koalas in the wild.

Best things to do in Noosa

• Explore the magnificent Noosa National Park, which is easily accessed whether on foot from the town centre or if you drive to its entrance and park
• Beach hopping from Noosa Main Beach to the dog-friendly waters at the Noosa Spit and over in Noosaville too
• Get surfing or take part in a surf lesson
• Go on a dolphin-watching safari by kayak , where your chances of seeing dolphins are super high
• Bar hopping along Main Street
• Tucking into some of the town’s best food, including the phenomenal Spanish set menu at 10 Hastings Street
• Kayak through the Noosa Everglades
• Hike nearby Mt Coolumb
• Get stuck into the craft beer scene in Noosa
• Drive to nearby Emundi to go to the popular Farmer’s Market, running Wednesday to Saturday until 1pm or so
• Go hiking in the magnificent Glasshouse Mountains

Most of Noosa’s main attractions revolve around the beautiful beaches, the National park, the surf and the food. It’s pretty easy to see why I love it so much.

Where to stay in Noosa

There are some beautiful places to stay in Noosa, covering all budgets and preferences.

Best luxury hotels: There are some amazing hotels in Noosa. Some of top luxury stays would be Noosa Shores (£350), Netanya or the beautiful Sofitel Pacific Resort (from £158 per night). However, there’s also the more affordable Peppers Resort on the beach (from £92 per night) and Tingirana .

Good value stays: My favourite good value spot is 10 Hastings Street Boutique Motel . It also has one of the best restaurants town downstairs! Rates start from about £60 per night.

Best hostels: Nomads Backpackers is the best spot in town. Dorm rooms start at £37, or a double is £44.

• Suggested time for Brisbane: 1-2 days
• Driving distance from Noosa to Brisbane: 141km (1hr44)

Queensland’s big city! Brisbane is a modern metropolis, with year-round warm weather and unique city beaches. I like Brisbane, but not even half as much as Melbourne and Sydney.

It’s probably a great city to live in, but visiting for a couple of days at a time, I have never fallen for Brisbane. However, it does have a fantastic manmade city beach at South Bank where I have spent many hours catching the rays.

I also have to recommend my favourite restaurant in Brisbane, which is New Shanghai located in the Myer Centre on Queen Street. There’s a few of these dotted across Australia, but for me, the Brisbane one is just amazing.

Things to do in Brisbane

Brisbane as a city may not be quite as cosmopolitan and lively as Melbourne and Sydney, but it does happen to make a fantastic base to visit other nearby areas. The winter months are an especially lovely time to visit the city, so make sure to check out this guide to the top things to do in Brisbane in the winter .

For example, if diving is your thing, then there are some impressive shipwrecks at Moreton Island.

You can also visit the famous Australia Zoo near Brisbane , which is of course known for being founded by Steve Irwin himself.

• Take a boat ride along the river onboard a Kookaburra River Queens Cruise, which are old style paddlewheel vessels
• Hike a bike to explore the city or join a guided segway tour
• Spend some time in the city’s magnificent Botanical Gardens
• Join a guided kayak tour along the river
• Visit the city’s impressive collection of museums and art galleries
• Take the river boat to the popular Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary on this excellent city tour
• Go shipwreck diving at Moreton Island or visit on snorkelling day tour
• Take a day trip to the beautiful Stradbroke or Bribie Islands

Where to stay in Brisbane

Best luxury hotel: W Brisbane is the coolest place to stay, with rooms starting from £127 per night. Another great luxury hotel would be The Westin (from £155 per night).

Great value stay: Royal on the Park is a beautiful hotel, and a steal with rooms starting from £53 per night

Best hostel: Bunk Hostel (dorms from £21) or Base Brisbane (dorms from £11)

Cairns to Brisbane road trip itinerary

So there’s my Australia East Coast road itinerary, covering the Cairns to Brisbane drive. As you can see, this route takes in countless iconic Australian experiences. I would say this is easily one of the best road trips in the world.

For international travellers coming to the end of the trip, Brisbane makes a wise finishing point as it has an international airport.

However, for those flying onto Australian domestic destinations or with more time, then I highly recommend continuing your journey. For example, onto the Gold Coast and Byron Bay where there are domestic airports in both destinations. If you have plenty of extra time, you could do the Brisbane to Sydney drive. Although this is another 1000km and 10hrs driving, the beaches are fantastic. However, as mentioned before, the drive from Byron Bay to Sydney would be quite cool if done in the Australia winter (May to August).

Brisbane to the Gold Coast and Byron Bay

• Driving distance from Brisbane to the Gold Coast: 99km (1hr10)
• Suggested time for the Gold Coast: 1-4 days
• Driving distance from Brisbane to Byron Bay: 166km (1hr50)
• Suggested time for the Byron Bay: 1-4 days
• Driving distance between Gold Coast and Byron Bay: 93km (1hr)

Both Gold Coast and Byron Bay are popular holiday destinations with Australians as well as international travellers. And as mentioned, with domestic airports near both locations, you could potentially also finish your road trip itinerary further south of Brisbane. For example, we finished our road trip from Cairns at Ballina Airport, which is just near Byron Bay. This was really convenient as there were rental companies to return you car or camper van.

Gold Coast and Surfer’s Paradise

Gold Coast is a city made up a dozens of smaller beach areas, with expansive stretches of white sand and some of the best surfing in Australia. This whole area is the most popular tourist place in Australia. It’s like visiting a beach resort town in Florida, USA or a resort in Spain. Gold Coast is where young Australians flock to party and have fun every summer, and there are a lot of bars and activities geared towards this. Surfer’s Paradise is at the heart of all the action but I wouldn’t recommend spending long here, unless partying is something you’re keen to do.

The other beach areas surrounding Surfer’s Paradise are amazing, and a great spot to recoup for a couple of days. In fact, the challenge can be deciding which beach to spend the day at.

Alternatively, Gold Coast is packed with all kinds of tourist attractions, including theme parks like Wet’n’Wild and Dreamworld . My personal favourite thing to do in Gold Coast is to visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary . This is a brilliant place to spend a full day. Plus, they have their own wildlife hospital with huge glass windows so you can see all kinds of animals being operated on. On the day we went, I saw birds, tortoises and koalas being treated!

Best things to do in Gold Coast

• Go hiking in nearby Tamborine Mountain or get your adrenaline pumping at the high ropes course
• Or why not visit Mt Tamborine and stop by the beautiful wineries and distilleries on this tour with lunch
• Explore Springbrook National Park and swim in the refreshing waterfalls
• Meet some of Australia’s most unique wildlife at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
• Head to the farmer’s markets at different beaches – my favourite is at Burleigh
• Rent bikes and cycle from one point to another, for example Burleigh Heads to Mermaid Beach
• Explore the stunning waterways of Coolangatta
• Join a surf lesson in Surfer’s Paradise
• Visit the World-Heritage Listed Lamington National Park and explore the beautiful waterfalls and landscape
• Check out the incredible views from the Sky Point Observation Deck

Where to stay in the Gold Coast

There is a seriously huge amount of places to stay in the Gold Coast. It’s hard to even know where to start.

If you are looking to get stuck into the nightlife, then you could stay right in the heart of Surfer’s Paradise .

Otherwise, I recommend picking a beachside community for a couple of days such as Burleigh or Coolangatta . Due to the sheer number of hotels and places to stay in the Gold Coast, you can definitely find some good value stays!

Check rates for all hotels, lodges and holiday parks in the Gold Coast here.

I’ve stayed in several areas around the Gold Coast, and I particularly love the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort . This resort is beyond stunning, with a huge lagoon beach swimming pool, and access to an amazing health club with golf and tennis.

I could have stayed here for weeks, so I’d say, if there was once place to splurge en route, it would be this resort!

Book your stay at the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort here.

There’s a certain magic in the air in Byron Bay that makes so many fall in love with the town. So many travellers arrive for a couple of days, but end up staying for weeks.

The main thing Byron Bay is known for is surfing, but there’s so much going on away from the away from the waves. The town is particularly popular with backpackers who get quickly drawn into Byron Bay’s hippy, bohemian, anything-goes lifestyle. But there’s increasing appeal for honeymooners, families and even those looking for a spot of luxury.

Best things to do in Byron Bay

• Hit the waves, or take the chance to learn to surf
• Beach hop – as well as the main beach, visit Clarks Beach, Tallow Beach, Belongil Beach and The Pass
• Go dolphin-spotting from your kayak
• Hike to the Cape Byron lighthouse, the most eastern point in Australia
• Visit one of the many local markets, for example the Byron Bay Artisan Market (every Saturday evening from October to March)
• Enjoy live music at one of the awesome bars
• Shop at some the wonderful unique boutique stores
• Stop for happy hour at some of the excellent cafes
• Explore the craft beer scene in Byron Bay
• Experience a scenic hot air balloon journey over Byron Bay
• Get up and close personal with the elusive platypus a nature walk with a local guide
• Take a day trip to nearby Nimbin, a small hippie town stuck in the 60s which is famous for its very liberal attitude towards marijuana. There’s an iconic bus tour which you can book onto.
• Dance the night away with local musicians performing on Main Beach
• Explore the beautiful Nightcap National Park with waterfalls and great hiking routes
• Go hiking along the trails in the Arakwal National Park, followed by a swim in the ocean
• Have a delicious dinner at The Roadhouse , just on the edge of town
• Drive to Byron Bay Farm for day surrounded by farm animals, and for some seriously delicious food

Where to stay in Byron Bay

Best luxury hotel: Far and away, the most opulent hotel is Elements of Byron Resort & Spa . It’s perfect for couples, groups of friends and honeymooners. Rates start from around £245 per night, per villa.

Other great upscale stays include Atlantic Byron Bay (from £130 per night), Azur Villas (from £142 per night), The Bower Byron Bay (from £151 per night).

Great value stays: Bayhaven Lodge (from £71 per night) or Byron Palms (from £70 per night)

Best hostels: There are plenty of hostels in Byron Bay, as it’s so popular with backpackers and Australians visiting for ‘schoolies week’. There is the Byron Bay YHA , Nomads and Wake Up! all with similar rates for double rooms and dorm rooms (around £33 per night).

Finally, I couldn’t not mention the iconic Arts Factory Lodge . Located just outside of town in a beautiful forested area, this a mammoth campground, lodge and artsy bohemian stay all in one.

We chose to stay here with our camper van which was great – it has a pool, on-site cafes and bars, and even things like didgeridoo lessons! A dorm bed here is around £14 per night, and a double room around £68 per night.

Australia East Coast Road Trip Itinerary

So that rounds out my super long and very detailed itinerary guide for an East Coast Australia road trip.

I really hope this is useful for you if you’re planning a trip to the beautiful East Coast of Australia. As you can see, there is literally so much to do, particularly on the Cairns to Brisbane stretch. And as I said, you can do the highlights in two weeks, but the longer you have, the more you’ll be able to take in and soak up. Ideally, a month to 6 weeks would be the best for an Australia East Coast road trip itinerary.

If you enjoyed my Australia East Coast road trip itinerary guide, then please do consider sharing through one of the below links, that would be amazing. Also, if there’s anything else I can share or answer for you, please do let me know in the comments below.

For further Australia guides, please do check out my other guides:

• Visiting the Whitsunday Islands
• Noosa Travel Guide
• Best day trips from Cairns
• Cairns to Cape Tribulation road trip
• Taking the Ghan train from Darwin to Alice Springs

Wanna see more? Check my Instagram  here , my Facebook  here  or my Twitter  here !

Disclaimer: This Australia East Coast road trip itinerary guide is based on multiple visits to Australi a . There was no involvement from any local companies or the tourist board . However icelolly.com arranged two local tours on the East Coast: dolphin watching in Noosa and entry to Currumbin Wildlife Park.

Enjoyed my guide to an Australia East Coast Road Trip Itinerary? Pin it!

You may also enjoy:

Cairns to cape tribulation & the daintree …, new zealand travel guide: best places …, exploring the australian outback: darwin to …, noosa travel guide: best things to ….

What an incredible resource! Thank you so much! Do you have something similar for New South Wales and Victoria?

Thank you! Unfortunately no! Although I lived in Victoria, I didn’t travel the state as extensively as Queensland 🙁

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s connect

Road Trips Australia

Travel made easy.

9 Best Stops on The Pacific Highway

Are you planning a road trip from Sydney and looking for the best stops on the Pacific Highway? This article will take you on a journey to explore BIG things! From the Big Banana to the Big Prawn and much, much more!

Visit hip seaside towns, view sweeping long beaches, relish in the rainforest by waterfalls, and perhaps stop for lunch with a view at Hungry Head! All these locations are easily accessible via the smooth Pacific Highway…

Discover Big Things – Sydney to Brisbane Drive

There are many sightseeing options and photo opportunities along the Pacific Highway on the Sydney to Brisbane drive. This guide offers a variety of stop options that will contribute to a fantastic road trip of discovery. You can take the journey further on an Outback Queensland road trip . Let’s go…But first, know these road trip tips…

Planning For a Road Trip:

Before leaving for a big adventure on the road, ensuring your vehicle is in good order is important. See these helpful tips in preparation for a successful road trip journey.

• Check your vehicle and ensure it has been serviced and is in good mechanical condition.
• Check your spare tyre and tyre pressures.
• Check road conditions and the weather outlook.
• Have your phone and phone charger along with your navigation/map downloaded or road atlas.
• Have snacks and drinks packed and ready in your vehicle. Pack lunch for a scenic picnic along the way.
• If travelling with kids, have entertainment and extra food. 
• Download music, podcast or movies.
• Pack electronic device chargers.
• Plan for manageable daily distances to avoid driver fatigue.

See the Whale Migration May to November

TRAVEL SUGGESTION: Stop on a headland with ocean views to spot the Whale Migration between May and November.

From Sydney, proceed north on your road trip along the Pacific Highway. Or if you are in northern NSW or Queensland, reverse this list!

Best Stops on The Pacific Highway – Sydney to Brisbane Drive…

STOP 1 : Pull off the highway at Nelson Bay, a perfect place for a scenic lunch stop. Fingal Bay Foreshore offers a stunning beach reserve with facilities: a playground, a toilet block, and Café.

STOP 2 : You can’t go past the Big Axe to stop for a photo at Kew when heading north! For a short detour, continue heading inland to Waitui Falls. A short walk will reveal the tranquil pool and waterfalls—a lovely place to stop, relax and connect with nature.

STOP 3 : STAY at Port Macquarie. Find various accommodation options to suit any budget—Lighthouse Lighthouse Beach Holiday Park with easy access to Lighthouse Beach.

Things to do in Port Macquarie:

1 – Visit Sea Acres Rainforest Centre to experience the informative boardwalk through the rainforest.

2 – For a unique experience, perhaps Camel Ride on the beach .

3 – Tacking Point Lighthouse. Enjoy a 360-degree view of the surrounding beaches and ocean, and perhaps spot a Whale!

STOP 4 : Nambucca Heads, the V Wall. Walk along the coastal wall to reveal art and murals that line the walkway; you may even spot dolphins! For a heightened view of the coastal area and town, pull into Captain Cook Lookout.

Enjoy Exploring the Sights From Sydney to Byron Bay…

STOP 5 : STAY at Coffs Coast Holiday Parks for a variety of accommodation options by the beach.

Things to do in Coffs Harbour:

1 – For families and big kids fun : Visit the Big Banana for a fun park experience. Getting up close to the BIG banana is an experience and a great photo opportunity…

2 – For a foodie experience : King Tide Brewing.

3 – For a unique experience : The Clog Barn .

4 – For a nature experience : Macauley’s Headland Walk…

STOP 6 : Yamba. You can’t go by the overview and lookout of Yamba Lighthouse. Further to the south, check out the coastal pools of Angourie Blue and Green Pools, an excellent place for a picnic, exploring, or swimming in the pools by the ocean.

STOP 7 : The Big Prawn Ballina! Yet another BIG thing to pose for a photo with…a true Australian road trip adventure…

STOP 8 : Byron Bay Beach. Check out the hip coastal town of Byron Bay and the beautiful beaches. For a bucket list item, visit the most easterly point of the Australian mainland just south of Cape Byron. For nature lovers who like to escape the crowds, see Minyon Falls lookout, a part of Nightcap National Park . STAY Broken Head, Holiday Park .

STOP 9 : ArtVo Gold Coast. Finish the trip with some fun stepping into another world of illusions and trick art! With 80+ scenes, pose, play, and interact in the fantastic scenes. Proceed to Brisbane.

Continue This Road Trip: Brisbane to Cairns Drive…

After a fantastic discovery trip through New South Wales from The Big Axe past coastal headlands to hip Byron Bay, why not continue north? See our road trip from Brisbane to Cairns to extend this adventure to tropical North Queensland…or loop around back to Sydney on the second half of the road trip ‘ Best road trips from Sydney via Byron Bay .’

Related posts:

Related Posts

Amazing 7-Day Road Trip From Brisbane

Explore South Australia in 7 Days. Ultimate Road Trip from Adelaide

Discover Secrets of the Savannah Way

Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy

Love Exploring

Road Trip! Australia's Best Weekend Drives

Posted: May 14, 2023 | Last updated: July 13, 2023

Make tracks down under

Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Canberra to Khancoban

For rolling green mountains laced with hiking and mountain biking trails and criss-crossed with streams and rivers, head south from capital Canberra and cross into the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales. First stop on the roughly four-hour drive is Cooma, the largest town in the mountains, and where you can enjoy for a host of outdoor adventures. Set by a gorgeous lake, Jindabyne is another outdoorsy town where there’s lots of fun to be had. Swap to two wheels and cycle around the Lake Jindabyne Foreshore Trail, go fishing or sign up for caving or rock-climbing tours.

Next up, follow the signs to Thredbo where you can take the chair lift up to Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Head to the summit trail for dizzying views of Thredbo Valley, then go back down to continue your journey along the Alpine Way. This dramatic stretch of road, with views of snow-capped peaks, high forests and rivers, links the southern reaches of Kosciuszko National Park to Khancoban, near the Victorian border. From here hikes into the high country lie all around: trails to the majestic Western Fall and among the plains and snow gums of the Jagungal Wilderness are highly recommended.

Northern Territory: Alice Springs to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

If it’s classic outback scenery you’re after, you won’t want to miss the 705-mile (1,135km) Red Centre Way loop from Alice Springs deep into central Australia’s desert plains, weathered mountain ranges and rocky gorges. You’ll pass some of the country’s most remarkable natural formations with plenty of places to stop off and see them in all their glory. To make the most of this spectacular route hire a four-wheel drive or if not, you can follow the longer but completely sealed 1,087-mile (1,750km) loop.

First up on the dusty road west from Alice Springs are the chasms, gorges and waterholes of Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park, where it's possible to find a spot for a cool dip. Kings Canyon in the Watarrka National Park is up next. Be sure to do the Rim Walk, a spectacular three-hour adventure up and into the canyon’s vast sandstone walls. You’ll have sweeping desert views and can peer into its verdant floor filled with palms and prehistoric cyads. From here it’s 186 miles (300km) to Uluru and Kata Tjuta, both sacred sites to the Anangu people, with a host of stirring walks. Head back east along the Lasseter Highway then north on the Stuart Highway back towards Alice.

Places you can't visit in Australia

Northern Territory: Darwin to Kakadu to Katherine

Tropical city Darwin is the gateway to some of the Top End’s most epic landscapes. Immerse yourself in them on the Nature’s Way road trip, best taken over four days. The route strikes southeast from the city along the Arnhem Highway to the vast Kakadu National Park. You could spend endless days here exploring its sandstone escarpments, ogling ancient rock art at Ubirr and Burrungkuy, cruising wildlife-filled wetlands and hiking to see plunging falls and sweeping views across to Arnhem Land.

If you can tear yourself away from the wonders of Australia’s largest national park, take the road south for a two-and-a-half-hour drive along Kakadu Highway towards the town of Katherine. Revive road-weary legs at its natural thermal springs, set on the banks of the Katherine River, before heading off to discover the myriad wonders of Nitmiluk National Park, just a 30-minute drive away. Explore bushwalking tracks or cruise or kayak your way along the series of 13 gorges that are carved into the ancient sandstone.

Find out more about Australia's most beautiful national parks

Northern Territory: Darwin to Litchfield

If the often relentlessly long roads of the Top End don’t appeal, follow this easy return trip from Darwin to Litchfield National Park. Heading 75 miles (120km) southwest from the city on sealed roads, you’ll be marveling at towering magnetic termite mounds and cooling off in sparkling waterholes and under thundering cascades in less than two hours. The park is big though, with plenty to see, so plan to camp overnight to fully explore its monsoon forests, sandstone plateau, creeks and scenic pools.

Stunning waterfalls run down from the park's rugged Tabletop Range, which experienced hikers can explore on the strenuous 24-mile (39km) Tabletop Trek. Shorter routes link off it to Wangi Falls, Walker Creek and the spectacular waterfall of Florence Falls, all designated safe swimming areas. Buley Rockholes, a series of bubbling pools, are an especially delightful spot for a wallow. Litchfield is gorgeous year round, but its falls are at their most spectacular in the wet and early dry season (March to September).

South Australia: Port Augusta-Coober Pedy

If you want seclusion, red dirt, roadhouses and kangaroos, this epic 500-mile (800km) road trip is the one for you. Take the Flinders Ranges Way from Port Augusta and keep driving into the vast untouched wilderness of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges. You’ll pass historic townships like old railway town Quorn and unfathomably vast sheep stations (stop in at Rawnsley Park Station to watch sheep shearing demos or join guided walking tours) as you edge your way into the ancient sun-baked landscape.

An astonishing sweep of eroded mountain ranges, dramatic gorges, Aboriginal rock art galleries and ancient fossils, the sights you encounter in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park will be forever etched on your mind. Take to the air to see the incredible natural marvel that is Wilpena Pound – Australia's largest salt lake Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is best seen from a height too. If you have a four-wheel drive, you can drive along part of the legendary outback Oodnadatta Track from Marree to William Creek. From there, carry on two hours west and you’ll reach underground opal mining capital Coober Pedy. Go between May and September for cooler temperatures.

South Australia: Port Lincoln to Baird Bay

The Eyre Peninsula is where the outback meets the Southern Ocean with spectacular results. Follow the Seafood Frontier road trip route to discover why this less-visited part of South Australia enchants with its sensational seafood, marine life and incredible beaches. Start in Port Lincoln, which sits on Boston Bay – the largest natural harbor in Australia and the country’s seafood capital with a huge southern bluefin tuna industry. It’s also a hub of marine adventures, including the only cage dive with great white sharks in Australia.

From here, it’s an easy 30-minute drive to Coffin Bay where you can eat its eponymous oysters straight from the water – slip on your waders and head out on an oyster farm tour. The wild beaches of Coffin Bay National Park are out of this world: from dune-backed, surf-pounded beaches to sheltered bays, they’re all gorgeous and more often than not empty. From here drive north up the west coast of the peninsula to Elliston on the shores of Waterloo Bay. Follow its eight-mile (13.6km) walking and driving coastal track, for thrilling ocean views from high windswept cliffs peppered with caves. Then head on to Baird Bay where you can swim with playful sea lions and bottlenose dolphins.

South Australia: Adelaide to the Clare Valley

As the home of some of the country’s oldest and most renowned wineries, South Australia is the state for oenophiles to navigate to. Happily, its picturesque wine regions are an easy drive from capital Adelaide (also a hot spot for wining and dining). Follow the road trip known as the Epicurean Way to get your fill of the state's top drops and gourmet delights as you spend three days meandering around the vineyards, villages, farmers' markets and restaurants of four fantastic wine regions: McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Barossa and Clare Valley.

Love this? See our Facebook page for more travel inspiration

Start your gourmet odyssey an hour south of Adelaide at McLaren Vale, a scenic region wedged between the rolling Mount Lofty Ranges and the Gulf St Vincent beaches. With 80 plus cellar doors, there’s plenty to fill your day. Cycle or hike along the Shiraz Trail, a five-mile (8km) former rail-trail to Willunga, stopping off to sample wines and local produce at cellar doors. Heading back north to Adelaide Hills, known for its cool-climate wines, pretty townships and lush landscapes, the route then continues onto the historic towns and gourmet hot spots of the Barossa Valley and finally the picturesque Clare Valley. Ditch the car again and pedal along the 22-mile (35km) Riesling Trail for countryside views, cellar doors and charming B&Bs.

Tasmania: Hobart to Binalong Bay

Skirting along Tasmania’s scenic east coast, this 186-mile (300km) route is best taken over four days or more. Starting at Hobart, the road goes north past dramatic coastlines peppered with stunning and often deserted beaches. The Great Eastern Drive passes four of the state's 19 national parks: Freycinet (white sands, blue waters and pink granite peaks), Douglas-Apsley (forest tracks and gorges with swimming holes), Mount William (which includes the northern section of the dramatic Bay of Fires) and, a 30-minute ferry from the fishing port of Triabunna, the wildlife haven that is Maria Island (convict-era ruins and native species including wombats and Tasmanian devils). 

Other highlights on the Great Eastern Drive are impossibly pretty Wineglass Bay on the Freycinet​ Peninsula and the extraordinary orange lichen-covered granite boulders of the Bay of Fires, where the route ends. There are plenty of places to stay and eat en route, as the road takes in charming laid-back towns (including Orford, Swansea on the Great Oyster Bay and Bicheno) and some of Tasmania's top food and wine producers.

The quirkiest places to stay in Australia

Tasmania: Hobart to Cockle Bay

Take the road south of Hobart instead to follow the Southern Edge road trip. After exploring the historic waterfront capital, head along the Huon Highway and out past the little coves of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, around the bucolic farms and orchards of the pretty Huon Valley and drive right to Australia’s southern-most edge for cliff-top walks and edge-of-the-world feels. This easy drive can be done in a few days, but add a few extra to hop over to Bruny Island. Take the car ferry from Kettering to wend your way around the wild little isle.

Back on the mainland, head south down the coastal road to Cygnet, hub of the Huon Valley with the D'Entrecasteaux Channel on one side and the Huon River on the other. From here you can pootle around farm gates and roadside stalls to sample its famed apples, pears and ciders. From here, head to Cockle Bay to explore Tasmania's secluded southwest wilderness where quite literally the next stop is Antarctica. Park at the end of Australia’s most southerly road and follow the South Coast Track through woods and bushland to the cliffs above South Cape Bay. This four-hour hike will certainly stretch your legs before you head back to Hobart.

Tasmania: Cradle Mountain to Queenstown

After exploring the spectacular scenery of Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake in Tasmania's Central Highlands, take the road less traveled into the island's western wilds. Turning west onto the C132, you’ll cross a stretch of wild open moorland, then head south onto the Murchison Highway. You’ll pass through former mining towns (Tullah and Rosebery) and remote settlements with a convict past that sit on the edge of the vast World Heritage-listed Tasmanian Wilderness Area that cloaks much of the island's west. 

Stop in small town Zeehan to learn about the region’s rich history at the West Coast Heritage Centre and Pioneers Museum and climb Mount Zeehan for sweeping west coast views. Then stretch your legs on the wild windswept expanse of Ocean Beach before driving 40 minutes south to harborside town Strahan. Now a tourist hub, cruises go into the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park and to notorious convict station Sarah Island. From here, you could either catch the historic West Coast Wilderness Railway through the rainforest to Queenstown, once the world's richest mining town, or wind along the twisty mountainous road to explore its heritage buildings and visit former mines.

Queensland: Gold Coast to Bundaberg

Sun- and fun-filled days are a given on the 273-mile (440km) Great Sunshine Way, which stretches north from the buzzy Gold Coast along Queensland's subtropical coastline via Brisbane to Bundaberg. As well as sun-drenched beaches at every turn, you’ll see koalas and whales, eat in fantastic restaurants and pass stunning national parks. Start the trip on a high note by hitting the theme parks of the Gold Coast or learning to surf at Surfers Paradise then hit the M1, AKA Great Sunshine Way.

Spend a night or two in buzzy Brisbane: take the riverside walk and head to Fortitude Valley for hip bars and restaurants. More top food spots and blissful beaches await 90 miles (144km) north in upscale beach town Noosa. Follow the track through Noosa National Park to the headland where koalas are often spotted, and whales pass by. Didn’t spot any? Continue on the road 115 miles (185km) north to Hervey Bay. Around 10,000 humpback whales visit here every year on their annual migration between July and November. Next stop is Bundaberg, where a well-deserved rum awaits your arrival. Take a tour of its famed Bundaberg Rum Distillery.

Queensland: Noosa to Hervey Bay

There are beach roads and then there are actual beach roads. Follow the 236-mile (380km) Great Beach Drive to quite literally track your way along the sand on Queensland's sandy highways. Start in Noosa, where you’ll need to hire a four-wheel drive (make sure the right vehicle access permits are included), then cross Noosa River on the vehicle ferry at Tewantin. From here, take the third beach access road and hit the sands. You’ll go through the Great Sandy Strait Biosphere – stop at Teewah Beach to marvel at its multicolored sand cliffs then carry on north on the Leisha Track to cut through the sand dunes to the small coastal resort of Rainbow Beach. 

Stay overnight at seaside resort Rainbow Beach before you take the vehicle barge over to the southern end of World Heritage-listed K’gari (Fraser Island) for a mind-blowing drive along its 75 Mile Beach. This amazing sand highway runs along the island's eastern coast. Park at little township Eurong and head off on foot to explore or keep driving north to Lake Wabby, Eli Creek, the SS Maheno shipwreck, Indian Head (pictured) and Champagne Pools. Camp overnight then track inland to Kingfisher Bay on its west coast to catch the Fraser Island Barge across to River Heads, a 20-minute drive away from Hervey Bay.

Queensland: Cairns to Cooktown

After enjoying the sights above and below the waves in Cairns, hit the Captain Cook Highway for a seriously scenic 87-mile (140km) drive along the far north Queensland coast to Cape Tribulation. With white sand, blue waters and offshore islands on one side and emerald-green rainforest on the other, it’s a feast for the eyes. Stop off for lunch or the night at pretty resort Palm Cove, then head on to Port Douglas. This buzzy tropical town has great restaurants, bars and shops and is a top place to head out on boat trips to the outer Great Barrier Reef or to little islands for snorkeling.

Use Port Douglas as a base for exploring the many wonders of Daintree National Park, before taking the vehicle ferry across the Daintree River to Cow Bay. From here it’s a 30-minute stretch to Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the Coral Sea with spectacular effect. Four-wheel drives only can continue from Emmagen Creek north along the scenic but challenging Bloomfield Track to Cooktown (where Captain James Cook came ashore after HMS Endeavour ran aground on the reef). Be sure to visit its museum and take a tour with Indigenous Australian guides to visit the Quinkan Rock Art. Decorating sandstone escarpments near small town Laura, these are one of the best collections of prehistoric rock art in the world.

Queensland: Gold Coast to the Scenic Rim

Queensland isn’t all reef and beach as you’ll discover on this inland route, which winds around the unfathomably picturesque Scenic Rim. The volcanic region encompasses six national parks, World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, towering mountains, sleepy villages and farmland. Within less than an hour of leaving Gold Coast’s high-rises, you’ll be meandering along narrow roads into lush cool hills and through lovely country towns. Start at North Tamborine on Tamborine Mountain where you can take the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, tour glow worm caves and stock up on local treats from its many distilleries, vineyards and food producers.

Itching to explore the walking trails? Head south through the rainforest-cloaked mountains towards Lamington National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. In this park alone, 90 miles (160km) of hiking trails lead to no less than 500 waterfalls. For sweeping views of the Lost World plateau (a green shelf on Razorback Mountain), strike out on the Moonlight Crag walk or if time is short get up among the trees on the park's suspension bridge walk. From here, drive west towards Rathdowney to explore the trails that wrap around the rugged peaks and rainforests of Mount Barney National Park.

Victoria: Torquay to Allansford

Victoria’s Great Ocean Road is hands down one of the world’s best driving routes. Officially starting in Torquay and ending at Allansford to the west, the route twists 151 miles (243km) along the Southern Ocean passing surf towns, wild beaches and striking rock formations, before heading inland through undulating rainforest. From Torquay, head to Bells Beach (famed surf spot), Anglesea, Aireys Inlet (take a tour of historic Split Point Lighthouse for thrilling views) and spend the night at lovely beach town Lorne. Stroll to Teddy’s Lookout for more spectacular views and be sure to visit Erskine Falls.

Some of the road’s most coast-hugging sections follow on the drive to Apollo Bay: pull over at the lookouts to peer down to the crashing waves below. You’re likely to spot koalas as you drive, but if you don’t, follow the Grey River Road walk in Kennett River, home to a large population of wild koalas – it's halfway between Lorne and Apollo Bay. After the latter, the road veers into the Great Otway National Park (stop for rainforest strolls and thundering waterfalls) before winding back to the coast and past the famous rock formations of Port Campbell National Park – the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and London Arch.

Victoria: Melbourne to Mornington Peninsula

With its rolling hills, wineries, sleepy villages and hot springs, the Mornington Peninsula offers the best of both countryside and coast and is where Melburnians go to recharge. Framed by two spectacular coastlines, the peninsula has dramatic surf beaches and sheltered bays, and is scattered with artsy seaside towns. Take the M3 Eastlink Toll Road from the city and in an hour you could be gazing at the region from the top of Arthurs Seat, soaking in the Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs or picking up a pinot from its vineyards.

Pootle around the wineries and award-winning restaurants of the Red Hill and Main Ridge regions. Then for beach time head to Mount Martha, Rosebud and Portsea, all pretty bays backed by colorful beach huts. Scenic seaside town Sorrento near the western tip is a lovely base with plenty to do. From here, you can head towards Point Nepean at the very tip of the Mornington Peninsula: the views across the Bass Strait, the Rip and Port Phillip Bay are mind blowing, as are the walking trails that wind around its old military forts, tunnels and Quarantine Station.

Victoria: Wangaratta to Metung

Head into Victoria’s lofty mountain ranges on the Great Alpine Road for a dose of crisp mountain air and big sky views. The route stretches from Wangaratta through the Ovens Valley to Harrietville, up and over the alpine resort of Mount Hotham, then down again to the coastal village of Metung on the Gippsland Lakes. Covering 211 miles (339km) in total, this drive takes you along Australia's highest year-round accessible sealed road. As well as soaring peaks and plunging valleys, you’ll pass Gold Rush-era towns, thick forests, undulating vineyards and wildlife-rich waterways.

Head south of Wangaratta to explore Milawa (known for its great food) and Beechworth, a characterful 19th-century gold rush town, then head up into Mount Buffalo National Park. Here, walking tracks lead to hulking granite formations, waterfalls and lofty lookouts across the Australian Alps. It’s a hub of outdoor activities in both summer and winter. After stopping in charming country town Bright, ascend into Victoria's highest Alpine village, Mt Hotham. Danny's Lookout is the place to admire it all. You could tackle the Razorback Trail to the summit of Mount Feathertop or descend to the lush farmlands and historic buildings of Omeo. The last leg of this drive along the Great Alpine Road takes you to Metung, gateway to the gorgeous Gippsland Lakes. 

Western Australia: Perth to Exmouth

The 800-mile (1,250km) Coral Coast Highway from Perth to Exmouth is one of Australia’s ultimate campervan routes, skirting past some of the state’s most spectacular coastal scenery, otherworldly wonders and wildlife encounters, with some brilliant campsites en route. One of the first major stops after leaving Perth is the Pinnacles Desert, followed by the coastal city of Geraldton and onto the rugged landscape of Kalbarri National Park – well worth a stopover for hikes around its plunging gorges and to take the new Kalbarri Skywalk on the rim of Murchison Gorge for dizzying views. 

Next up are the wonders of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area: stroll across Shell Beach, meet the dolphins of Monkey Mia and see some of the oldest living organisms on the planet, the stromatolites at Hamelin Pool. From here it’s back on the North West Coastal Highway to Carnarvon and Coral Bay, where you can swim straight from the beach and out onto the Ningaloo Reef, the world’s longest fringing coral reef. Cape Range National Park just outside Exmouth is a suitably show-stopping end point with its ocher-colored gorges and reef-fringed turquoise lagoons. Go between March to July, if you can, and you’ll be there when whale sharks arrive to feed on plankton. 

Western Australia: Derby to Kununurra

The 410-mile (660km) Gibb River Road is one of Australia’s most legendary four-wheel drive routes, cutting through some of its most remarkable scenery. Accessible only between April and October, the challenging track (which has been sealed in sections recently) is a short cut between Derby in the west Kimberley and Kununurra in the east, taking drivers into the heart of the northern Kimberley plateau. You can do the full route, best taken over 12 days, or explore parts on a long weekend.

However far along the route you go, you're in for a truly breathtaking journey through sunburnt sandstone ranges, rivers and boab-dotted savannah country. There are plenty of places to sleep along the way, from camps to luxury lodges on unfeasibly large cattle stations like Drysdale River Station and Home Valley Station, as well as El Questro Wilderness Park. Cool off from dusty drives in sparkling waterholes, hike to dazzling gorges like Adcock Gorge (passing ancient rock art along bush tracks) and feel dwarfed by the majestic orange cliffs of the Cockburn Range.

Western Australia: Perth to Esperance

Follow the road south alongside the Indian Ocean from Perth in southern Western Australia for wildlife, wines, white-sand beaches, waves and towering trees. This is the epic South West Edge road trip that takes in some of the state’s most extraordinary landscapes. First up is go-to gourmet destination Margaret River, famed for its wineries, farmers' markets and surf-pounded beaches. Be sure to walk some of the spectacular coastal stretch that runs from the wind-lashed lighthouses of Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin.

If time allows, follow the road on as it curves around onto Western Australia’s southern coast. Stop to hike through the tingle trees in the Walpole-Nornalup National Park forest – these giant eucalypts are found nowhere else on Earth – and swim in the gorgeous Greens Pool in William Bay National at Denmark. More epic coastal scenery follows on Hamersley Drive, a scenic route that wends through Fitzgerald River National Park to Hopetoun. From here, it’s two hours to Esperance, on the edge of Cape Le Grand National Park, where resident kangaroos can be seen hopping about Lucky Bay’s gleaming sand.

Western Australia: Dalwallinu to Geraldton

Western Australia’s Northern Wheatbelt region is glorious road-trip territory at any time of the year, but go from July to October and you’ll be there when the landscape bursts into bloom during the wildflower season. Follow the Wildflower Way from Dalwallinu, a quiet farming town, and head 192 miles (309km) north to Geraldton, passing through traditional townships along the way. One of the first spots you’ll reach is Petrudor Rocks where you can see everlastings, wattles and wild orchids around the pools and granite formations.

Heading onwards, visit Wubin, Buntine Rock, Latham or Caron Dam before arriving at the Wheatbelt town of Perenjori, heart of the wildflower region where pink, yellow and white everlastings carpet the countryside in spring. There’s plenty to do in the sheep-and-wheat farming town, including walking trails – follow the one to John Forrest Lookout for incredible views of the surrounding station country. Carry on north along the Wubin Mullewa Highway to Morawa, Mullewa and finally, breezy coastal city Geraldton, all with their own picturesque wildflower sites.

New South Wales: Sydney to Shoalhaven

Stretching 87 miles (140km) south from Sydney, the Grand Pacific Drive is a blockbuster of a coastal route. First up is the Royal National Park, the oldest in Australia, with its walking trails to wild beaches. The highway continues south, over the famously photogenic Sea Cliff Bridge, which bends around towering cliffs and past the coastal towns of Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama. Stay overnight here and follow the Kiama Coastal Walk to see its famous blowhole, surf beaches and pretty bays – the lesser known Little Blowhole lies further south.

Australia's most stunning coastal towns

New South Wales: Sydney to Southern Highlands

From Sydney, take the Hume Highway 70 miles (112km) southwest to Bowral, the largest town in the Southern Highlands. Bowral is packed with genteel shops and gourmet restaurants and cricket fans will love the Bradman Museum (you can also visit his childhood home). This rural region is all rolling green hills and farmlands, scattered with charming villages and cellar doors. Just to the west of Bowral lies historic township Berrima, home to the oldest continuously licensed pub in Australia, the Surveyor General Inn. Take the river walk and call in at the Bendooley Estate for wine tasting and book browsing (it has an amazing book barn). 

The region has over 60 vineyards that specialize in cool-climate varieties and 15 cellar doors – follow the wine trail to visit some of the best. It has beautiful bushland and waterfall walks too (keep an eye out for koalas). A couple of hours south of Berrima is Morton National Park, where you should walk to Fitzroy Falls before heading northeast for more stunning waterfalls and kayaking adventures in Kangaroo Valley – you'll cross over the gorgeous 19th-century Hampden Bridge. Then drive east towards the coast via picturesque Berry to join the stunning Grand Pacific Drive north back towards Sydney.

New South Wales: Sydney to the Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains can easily be visited in a day from Sydney but make a long weekend of it to see more of the incredible region. Head out along the Great Western Highway from Sydney to Leura and Katoomba, two charming towns in the upper mountains and where most visitors gravitate. Echo Point Lookout is the place to go to see the Three Sisters, the dramatic sandstone peaks that soar over Jamison Valley. At Scenic World you can take the cable car across the valley or head down on the world's steepest railway to explore the trails below. 

Continue the short distance on the Great Western Highway towards Blackheath, then take the winding Megalong Valley Road through rainforest to explore this lovely pastoral valley with its delightful tearooms and horse-riding trails. Back on the highway, stop off at Hassan’s Walls (the highest lookout in the Greater Blue Mountains), and follow the winding road down to the mesmerizing Jenolan Caves, said to be the most ancient caverns in the world. From here wend your way back the way you came or go via Bilpin instead and through the Hawkesbury region to stop off at historic riverside settlements and national parks – and try your hand at kayaking – before heading south down the Pacific Highway back to Sydney.

New South Wales: Sydney to Blueys Beach

There's a reason this long-distance road-trip north from Sydney to Byron Bay is named the Legendary Pacific Coast drive. The full route is 497 miles long (800km) and passes surf towns, historic cities and wildlife-rich national parks, but you can get a taste of it along a three-hour section from Sydney to Blueys Beach in mid-north coast. Once you’ve crossed the Hawkesbury River, and weaved past the Central Coast’s beachside towns (Ettalong Beach, Terrigal and The Entrance), you'll reach cool coastal city Newcastle. From here, a detour to sample semillon and shiraz in the Hunter Valley is very much recommended. 

Next stop is Port Stephens – a huge sweep of a bay known for its giant sand dunes, dolphin tours and koala habitats. From here, head up along the Pacific Highway towards the mid-north coast, taking the exit onto the Lakes Way to the Great Lakes region. There are seven dazzling beaches to hop between, including surfer's hangout Blueys, Boomerang and Elizabeth Beach (part of Booti Booti National Park) and three coastal lagoon systems, including the magnificent Myall Lakes, to explore.

Now take a look at 40 of Australia's most stunning natural wonders

More for You

"I Did A No-Spend Year": 23 Frugal Habits People Tried And Ended Up Keeping Because They Liked Them So Much

Spacecraft spots "spiders" scattered across surface of Mars

5 Most Powerful Dodge Crate Engines Ever Built (And What They Cost)

223 vs 556: What's the Difference?

Ghosts of the USA: The Most Haunted Places in America

Luke Grimes on Yellowstone’s liberal critics: ‘A lot of people see a cowboy hat and think, that’s not for me’

14 Things You’re Not Buying from Walmart—But Should

Scientists finally confirm what lies inside the Moon

'Office' actress Angela Kinsey reveals she once asked a producer to remove a judgmental joke about Christians

17 Mythical Places That Actually Exist

The 10 happiest places to live in the US

The Best-Selling American Cars Of All Time

We Tested a Bunch of Walking Shoes. These are the Best Ones to Buy This Spring.

Milwaukee Bucks doomed in Game 4 after head coach’s grim injury update on Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo

2 killed, including baby, as tornadoes slam the heartland

Comedian Russell Brand announces he is getting baptized: ‘I’m taking the plunge’

17 Uniquely American Things That Non-Americans Are Utterly Fascinated By

The Coolest Car From the Year You Were Born (1945-1995)

Famous Roles That 16 Actors Never Want to Play Again

Hertz is ditching EVs after losing $195 million from Teslas

• Australia Tourism
• Australia Hotels
• Australia Bed and Breakfast
• Australia Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Australia
• Australia Restaurants
• Things to Do in Australia
• Australia Travel Forum
• Australia Photos
• All Australia Hotels
• Australia Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in Australia
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Road trip Melbourne to Alice Springs - Australia Forum

• South Pacific    
• Australia    

Road trip Melbourne to Alice Springs

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• South Pacific forums
• Australia forum

After the dive trip, we’d fly to Melbourne for 2-3 nights, then rent a car to drive to Alice Springs . Just wondering if the following itinerary is ‘doable’ (we aren’t hikers so no hiking planned):

Melbourne- Adelaide via Ocean Rd:

2 Overnights: Mt Gambier & Adelaide

Adelaide-Coober Pedy- (1 night) (I know it’s @9 hrs)

Coober Pedy- Uluru (2 nights Uluru) (drive @8 hrs?)

Uluru-Kings Canyon (1 night)

Kings Canyon-Alice Springs (2 nights)

Drop the car off in Alice Springs and fly to Sydney

Does it matter whether one travels in this direction or is it better to start in Alice Springs (flying there from Sydney) & end in Melbourne?

Thanks for any suggestions!

25 replies to this topic

Aahhhhh Laksa- your advice is so needed on this forum where it seems most regulars just dont understand what active tourism involves.

Eg we've just spent 2weeks in Tasmania and did not visit one winery, lavender farm or cheese factory or indeed MONA or a market. Just hiking and relaxing in wilderness locations.

It seems to me the OP is like minded and of similar vintage also..

The OP said they are not hikers so no hikes planned.

A suggestion - drive Melbourne to Adelaide then on to Flinders Ranges. I like the scenery of that area without even doing much walking. Just soaking up the surrounding areas. So no Uluru.

Or fly Cairns to Adelaide and explore SA a bit to include Flinders Ranges.

Ooh missed the non hiking- sorry.

Yes Jean, definitely you can still take a day trip to West Macs and enjoy that drive- its lovely. Standley, Ellery and Ormiston are lovely stops where you can hike or just sit and enjoy the view. Standley and Ormiston have kiosk / cafe so a nice place to have lunch or morning tea.

Alice itself has Telegraph Station and some quirky small museums.

Divetravel, what are you hoping to achieve on this trip? Natural scenery, native animals or indigenous culture? Or are you looking for more dives after GBR? Is Mt Gambier there for the sinkhole diving?

With more information about what you want to see and do, the better help you will get.

• Smoking CBD 3:02 pm
• Taking fruit to the island 2:45 pm
• Weather in Sydney last week of july 2:40 pm
• Adelaide to Melbourne by the great ocean road 2:24 pm
• Moving to Australia with a cat - temporary accommodation 2:03 pm
• Sydney in 2 and half days including NYE 12:33 pm
• Suggestions for renting house in Noosa heads in December. 11:58 am
• Suggestions for a 12 day itinerary in May 9:11 am
• Sun Protection 7:19 am
• Drop off point in city coming from cruise terminal 6:26 am
• Family Portrait Photographer in Sydney? (Local replies only) 6:11 am
• Itinerary check 5:26 am
• 2 days Great Ocean Road : West to East 5:14 am
• Where to stay 5:13 am
• Travel Insurance 33 replies
• Holding koalas 10 replies
• What does CBD mean? 2 replies
• Best Places to Visit 7 replies
• Okay, don't laugh--I want to see a wild kangaroo 13 replies
• Accor advantage plus bad experience 76 replies
• Best zoo in Australia? 13 replies
• Itinerary help needed...East Coast, from Sydney to Cairns! 25 replies
• What to do in Australia for 2 weeks in February 2012 7 replies
• Best way to see Australia and New Zealand 6 replies

Australia Hotels and Places to Stay

• Big Things of Australia - by 1TraveltheWorld
• Iconic Pubs and Roadhouses of Australia - by 1TraveltheWorld
• Across the Nullarbor - Ceduna to Norseman By 1TraveltheWorld
• How Big is Australia?
• FAQ - Top Ten Must Sees
• FAQ - BUDGET Travel Tips
• FAQ - DRIVING in Australia
• FAQ - Vehicle RENTAL Tips
• FAQ - Booking hotel ACCOMMODATION
• FAQ - TIPPING in Australia
• Trip Reports - NT
• Trip Reports - QLD

Great Central Road remains closed as Laverton shire estimates flood damage could cost up to $100 million

A flooded outback highway connecting Western Australia and the Northern Territory will likely be closed for another month, with the shire responsible estimating repairs to its road network could cost up to $100 million. 

The Great Central Road, a dirt highway that runs 1,126 kilometres from Laverton in WA's northern Goldfields to Yulara near Uluru in the Northern Territory, has been closed since March 5 due to widespread flooding. 

The closure has affected production at the Gruyere gold mine, 200km north-east of Laverton, forcing truck drivers to make a 9,200km round trip to deliver essential supplies to the remote site.  

At the peak of the flooding, water levels on the road reached 1.1 metres high and supplies had to be flown into the Cosmo Newberry Aboriginal community , 90km north of Laverton.  

Shire of Laverton chief executive Phil Marshall said the Great Central Road would likely remain closed until late May.  

"We have people [from the Ngaanyatjarra Lands in the north] trapped in Laverton and Kalgoorlie who want to get home," he said.

"We're working hard on it and as soon as we can open the road, we'll certainly get that open."   

Damage to the Great Central Road is just the tip of the iceberg for the Shire of Laverton, which manages more than 4,300km of unsealed roads.

Mr Marshall said engineers had assessed about 30 per cent of the network so far.  

"Overall we think the damage will range anywhere from $20 million to $100 million," he said.

"Until we get the final figures and our assessment has been completed we're not going to be quite sure, but it's going to be somewhere in that ballpark."

Gold miner reroutes supplies

The Gruyere mine recorded about 140 millimetres of rain in the fortnight to March 14 — equivalent to half its average annual rainfall —and had more significant rainfall on March 19 and March 28.    

The floods forced the temporary shutdown of the Gruyere gold mine's processing plant due to a lack of consumables, and open pit mining was also briefly suspended due to fuel shortages.    

Gold Road Resources, which owns 50 per cent of the Gruyere mine alongside South African mining giant Gold Fields, reported its latest production results to the ASX on Friday. 

Gruyere's production fell from 74,659 ounces in the December quarter to 64,323oz in the March quarter, with the cost of production rising from $1,973 an ounce to $2,194/oz.     

Gold Road Resources managing director Duncan Gibbs said supply runs out of Perth had been rerouted via South Australia and the Northern Territory. 

It is the same route being taken by trucks re-supplying communities in the remote Ngaanyatjarra Lands .

"That might sound easy but it's been quite a herculean task, requiring a round trip from Perth of more than 9,000km," Mr Gibbs said.

"Google Maps tells me that's more than 100 hours of driving.

"Most of our our vendors simply don't have the trucking capacity and the personnel to do that, so we've also reached out to numerous alternative vendors across eastern Australia."

When asked how much production costs were likely to increase while the road remained closed, Mr Gibbs said he was unsure,

"Look at this point in time, I really don't have numbers on that," he said.

"Obviously, there are some higher transport costs but clearly, it's the right thing to do relative to not operating.

"We're also likely to incur some one-off costs, potentially a few million dollars, that we'll be contributing to reinstate access along the Great Central Road."

Disaster relief funding promised

Laverton was one of eight local governments which this week became eligible for disaster assistance through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). 

The Shires of Coolgardie, Dundas, Leonora, Menzies, Ngaanyatjarraku and the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder are also eligible.

Significant repairs will need to be conducted along the Trans Access Road, which runs east from Kalgoorlie-Boulder alongside the Trans Australian Railway Line and is a lifeline for pastoralists on the Nullarbor who have been hit hard by flooding .  

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said the funding would help communities and individuals affected by the extreme weather to get back on their feet.

"Shires will be provided with support to undertake emergency recovery and repair works to bring essential public assets like bridges and roads back to usable condition," Minister Watt said in a statement.

"This funding is an investment in the communities and the local economy, to help residents to recover faster."

• X (formerly Twitter)

Related Stories

Nullarbor floodwaters still waist-deep a month after drought-breaking rain.

Truckies forced to drive more than 2,000km extra to resupply flooded outback WA

Helicopter flies to remote WA community as flood-hit residents call for medical help, food supplies

It's being billed as a once in a lifetime flood. Here's the pathway to recovery for the Nullarbor

• Cosmo Newbery
• Disaster Relief
• Federal Government
• Local Government
• Mining (Rural)
• Mining and Metals Industry

Anzac Day trading hours 2024: What's open and when

Your quick guide to what's open and closed on the anzac day public holiday..

Anzac Day is marked on 25 April every year. Source: AAP / Darren England

What does ANZAC Day mean to migrants?

When can shops open on Anzac Day?

When can you buy alcohol on anzac day.

SBS translates Ode of Remembrance into 45 languages for Anzac Day

Share this with family and friends

Recommended for you

Almost a third of Aussies were born overseas. These are the countries they're coming from

Migrating to Australia

Extremists are discussing provoking a 'race war', ASIO boss warns

National security

H5N1 bird flu has now spread to every continent except Australia. How can we prepare?

Community Health

'Stay away': Why some of Europe's most popular cities are cracking down on tourism

World Tourism

Supermarket secrets: The tactics used to get you to spend more

Cost of Living

In pictures: Australians commemorate Anzacs with dawn services and marches

Battle of Gallipoli

'Extremist ideology' fears: Teenagers arrested in raids after Sydney church stabbing

Federal Police Raids

The generational divide over Anzac Day's 'most important lesson'

War and unrest

Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from australia and around the world direct to your inbox..

Morning (Mon–Fri)

Afternoon (Mon–Fri)

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

SBS World News