Australia's vast and diverse landscapes make it the ultimate road trip destination. From coastal drives winding along stunning shorelines to outback adventures crossing the red heart of the continent, exploring Australia by road offers freedom, flexibility, and the chance to discover hidden gems off the tourist trail.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan and enjoy the perfect Australian road adventure, whether you're a local or an international visitor.
Iconic Australian Road Trips
Let's start by exploring some of Australia's most spectacular driving routes, each offering unique landscapes and experiences.
The Great Ocean Road, Victoria
Perhaps Australia's most famous coastal drive, the 243km Great Ocean Road winds along Victoria's stunning southwestern coastline. Starting in Torquay and ending near Warrnambool, this route showcases dramatic ocean vistas, lush rainforests, and iconic rock formations including the Twelve Apostles.
Highlights:
- The Twelve Apostles limestone stacks
- Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge
- Great Otway National Park's rainforests and waterfalls
- Historic shipwreck sites along the Shipwreck Coast
- Surf beaches around Torquay and Bells Beach
Recommended time: 2-4 days (though can be done as a rushed day trip from Melbourne)
Best time to visit: Year-round, but summer (December-February) offers warmer temperatures for beach stops while winter (June-August) provides better whale watching opportunities
Pacific Coast Drive, NSW/QLD
This spectacular 900km coastal journey connects Sydney and Brisbane, hugging the Pacific Ocean and passing through countless beach towns, national parks, and lush hinterland areas.
Highlights:
- The sophisticated beach lifestyle of Byron Bay
- Stunning coastline of Port Stephens
- Coffs Harbour's Big Banana and marine sanctuary
- Gold Coast's beaches and theme parks
- Wine regions of the Hunter Valley (slight detour)
Recommended time: 5-7 days
Best time to visit: Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds
The Red Centre Way, Northern Territory
Experience the spiritual heart of Australia on this 1,135km loop from Alice Springs through the iconic landmarks of the Red Centre. This journey offers insights into Aboriginal culture and showcases the mesmerizing landscapes of Australia's desert interior.
Highlights:
- Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunrise and sunset
- The domed rock formations of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)
- Kings Canyon's rim walk
- West MacDonnell Ranges' gorges and waterholes
- Aboriginal cultural experiences throughout the region
Recommended time: 5-7 days
Best time to visit: Winter (June-August) offers comfortable daytime temperatures (15-25°C) in the desert, while summer (December-February) can be extremely hot (40°C+)
The Savannah Way, QLD/NT/WA
For the true adventurer, this epic 3,700km transcontinental journey spans from Cairns in Queensland to Broome in Western Australia. Crossing Australia's tropical savannah country, this route offers diverse landscapes from rainforest to gulf savannah to the Kimberley region.
Highlights:
- Undara Lava Tubes' ancient volcanic formations
- Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park's gorges
- Tropical Daintree Rainforest
- Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park
- The rugged wilderness of the Kimberley region
Recommended time: 14-20 days minimum
Best time to visit: Dry season (May-October) as many roads become impassable during the wet season
The Nullarbor Plain, SA/WA
Cross the vast, treeless Nullarbor Plain on this 1,200km journey along the Eyre Highway connecting South Australia and Western Australia. This remote drive offers a true Australian outback experience, including the longest straight road in Australia (146.6km without a single curve).
Highlights:
- The Great Australian Bight's dramatic coastal cliffs
- Whale watching at Head of Bight (June-October)
- Eyre Bird Observatory for birdwatching
- Nullarbor Links, the world's longest golf course
- Ancient caves and underground water systems
Recommended time: 3-5 days
Best time to visit: April-October for milder temperatures and whale watching season
Planning Your Australian Road Trip
Successful road trips require thoughtful planning, especially in a country as vast and varied as Australia. Here's how to prepare for your journey:
Vehicle Selection and Rental
Choosing the right vehicle is crucial for your comfort and safety:
For Sealed Roads
If sticking to major highways and sealed roads, a standard two-wheel-drive vehicle is suitable. Consider fuel efficiency for long journeys and sufficient space for passengers and luggage.
For Outback Adventures
For remote areas and unsealed roads, a 4WD (four-wheel drive) vehicle is often necessary or strongly recommended. These vehicles provide better ground clearance, durability, and safety on rough terrain.
Campervan Options
For flexible accommodation, consider hiring a campervan or motorhome. These range from basic models to luxury options with full facilities. Companies like Apollo, Britz, and Maui offer nationwide rental networks with various vehicle types.
Rental Tips:
- Book well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons
- Check if your rental agreement allows for one-way trips
- Understand the insurance coverage and excess reduction options
- Confirm which roads are permitted under your rental agreement
- International visitors need a valid driver's license and may need an International Driving Permit
Accommodation Options
Australia offers diverse accommodation options for road trippers:
Camping
Australia has numerous campgrounds ranging from basic national park sites to well-equipped commercial campgrounds. Apps like WikiCamps Australia help locate sites and provide user reviews.
Caravan Parks
These offer powered sites for campervans and often include amenities like kitchens, bathrooms, and sometimes pools or BBQ areas. Many also offer cabins for those without camping equipment.
Motels and Hotels
Available in most towns, these provide a comfortable option after a long day's driving. In remote areas, roadhouses often provide basic accommodation.
Unique Stays
Consider station stays (working cattle properties), wilderness lodges, or heritage buildings for a uniquely Australian experience.
Essential Planning Tools
Prepare for your journey with these resources:
Navigation
While digital maps are convenient, don't rely solely on them in remote areas where coverage may be limited. Consider:
- Offline maps (download areas in Google Maps or use dedicated apps like Maps.me)
- Physical road maps as backup
- A GPS device for remote areas
Useful Apps
- Fuel Map Australia: Locates and compares fuel prices
- WikiCamps Australia: Comprehensive camping and accommodation database
- Emergency+: Helps communicate your location to emergency services
- Fires Near Me: Critical during bushfire season
- BOM Weather: Australia's Bureau of Meteorology app for reliable forecasts
Safety on Australian Roads
Australia's vast distances and unique conditions require specific safety considerations:
Outback Safety
- Water: Carry more water than you think you'll need (at least 4-5 liters per person per day)
- Communication: Consider hiring a satellite phone or personal locator beacon for remote areas
- Fuel planning: In remote areas, fuel stops can be 300-400km apart—never pass a fuel station with less than half a tank
- Tell someone: Inform someone of your planned route and expected arrival times
- Emergency supplies: Pack first aid kit, snacks, blankets, and basic vehicle repair tools
Wildlife Hazards
Australian wildlife poses unique driving challenges:
Kangaroos and Wildlife
- Avoid driving at dawn, dusk, and night when animals are most active
- Slow down in areas with wildlife warning signs
- If you see an animal, brake safely but don't swerve dangerously
- Consider fitting a bull bar if driving extensively in rural areas
Road Conditions and Rules
- Australians drive on the left side of the road
- Speed limits vary by state but are typically 110km/h on highways, 100km/h on rural roads, and 50km/h in built-up areas
- Blood alcohol limit is 0.05% nationwide (zero for probationary drivers)
- Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers
- Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited unless in a secured cradle with hands-free operation
Unique Australian Road Trip Experiences
Beyond the driving itself, these experiences can enhance your Australian road trip:
Food and Wine Trails
Australia's renowned wine regions make excellent road trip destinations:
- Barossa Valley, SA: World-class shiraz and German heritage
- Margaret River, WA: Premium wines with stunning coastal scenery
- Hunter Valley, NSW: Australia's oldest wine region
- Tasmanian Wine Trail: Cool-climate wines across the island state
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
Plan your route to include these wildlife hotspots:
- Kangaroo Island, SA: Sea lions, kangaroos, echidnas, and koalas
- Phillip Island, VIC: Famous penguin parade
- Ningaloo Reef, WA: Whale sharks and manta rays
- Daintree Rainforest, QLD: Cassowaries and tropical bird species
Cultural Experiences
Enrich your journey with cultural connections:
- Indigenous cultural tours and guided experiences
- Historical mining towns like Broken Hill (NSW) and Kalgoorlie (WA)
- Local festivals and events in regional towns
- Quirky "Big Things" roadside attractions across Australia
Sustainable Road Tripping
Travel responsibly through Australia's sensitive environments:
Environmental Considerations
- Stay on designated roads and tracks
- Follow "Leave No Trace" principles—pack out all waste
- Observe wildlife from a respectful distance
- Minimize water usage in drought-prone areas
- Use refillable water bottles and shopping bags
Supporting Local Communities
- Shop at local businesses rather than chains
- Buy produce from roadside stalls and farmers' markets
- Stay in locally owned accommodation
- Participate in community events and festivals
Seasonal Considerations
Australia's climate varies dramatically by region and season:
Northern Australia (Top End & Far North Queensland)
- Dry season (May-October): Ideal travel conditions with clear skies and access to all roads
- Wet season (November-April): Spectacular storms and lush landscapes but many roads become impassable
Southern Australia
- Summer (December-February): Perfect for coastal routes but inland areas can be extremely hot
- Winter (June-August): Mild in northern regions, cold in southern states with occasional snow in alpine areas
Special Weather Considerations
- Bushfire season (October-March): Stay informed about fire conditions and warnings
- Cyclone season (November-April): Affects northern coastlines—check weather warnings
- Flooding: Can occur seasonally in tropical areas and sporadically elsewhere
Budget Planning
Managing expenses for an Australian road trip:
Major Expenses
- Fuel: Budget AUD$1.50-2.20 per liter (higher in remote areas)
- Accommodation: Campgrounds from $10-40 per night; motels from $80-150; hotels from $120+
- Food: Self-catering is most economical; restaurant meals average $20-35 per person
- Activities: National park fees, tours, and attractions vary widely
Money-Saving Tips
- Travel during shoulder seasons (March-May, September-November) for better rates
- Join automobile clubs like NRMA, RACV, or RACQ for discounts and roadside assistance
- Use apps to find the cheapest fuel prices along your route
- Consider fuel efficiency when selecting your vehicle
- Cook your own meals where possible—many campgrounds provide BBQ facilities
Conclusion: The Journey of a Lifetime
An Australian road trip offers more than just transportation between destinations—it's an experience that connects you with the country's heart and soul. The vastness of the outback, the drama of coastal roads, and the warmth of small towns all become part of your story.
Whether you're navigating the red dirt tracks of the Kimberley or winding along the Great Ocean Road, Australia's diverse landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for adventure, reflection, and discovery. With careful planning and an open mind, your Australian road journey will create memories to last a lifetime.
Remember that in Australia, the journey truly is as important as the destination—so take your time, embrace unexpected detours, and enjoy the freedom of the open road.
