Iconic Australian Road Trips to Tick Off Your Bucket List

Australia is a land of vast distances and diverse landscapes, offering some of the world’s most breathtaking and unforgettable road trips. From the dramatic coastlines of Victoria to the rugged outback of the Northern Territory, and the tropical rainforests of Queensland, the country is home to many iconic road trips that showcase its unique beauty and natural wonders. Whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or someone seeking a memorable adventure, these road trips should be at the top of your bucket list. Here’s a guide to some of the most iconic Australian road trips, taking you through scenic coastal drives, desert tracks, and lush national parks.

1. The Great Ocean Road, Victoria

The Great Ocean Road is arguably Australia’s most iconic coastal drive, stretching 243 kilometres along the southern coast of Victoria from Torquay to Allansford. Carved into the rugged cliffs of the Southern Ocean, this scenic route is famous for its breathtaking ocean views, towering limestone stacks, and charming seaside towns.

Must-See Attractions:

The Twelve Apostles: These towering limestone formations rise dramatically from the ocean and are one of the most photographed spots in Australia. Visit at sunrise or sunset for truly stunning views.
Loch Ard Gorge: Named after a shipwreck in 1878, this gorge is a beautiful spot to explore, with towering cliffs and a tranquil beach.
Great Otway National Park: Take a detour into the lush rainforests of this national park, where you’ll find waterfalls, ferns, and walking tracks that showcase Victoria’s diverse landscapes.

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.

The Great Ocean Road offers a spectacular mix of natural beauty, coastal towns, and history, making it one of the must-do road trips in Australia.

2. The Red Centre Way, Northern Territory

If you’re seeking an Outback adventure, the Red Centre Way is a journey through Australia’s rugged heart. This route takes you through the Red Centre of the Northern Territory, offering a chance to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Outback and the rich cultural heritage of the Arrernte and Anangu people.

Must-See Attractions:

Uluru: The spiritual heart of Australia, Uluru is a massive sandstone monolith and a sacred site for the local Anangu people. Watch the rock change colours at sunrise and sunset, and explore the base on a walking tour.
Kata Tjuta (The Olgas): A group of 36 large, domed rock formations located close to Uluru. The Valley of the Winds walk offers incredible views of these ancient rocks.
Kings Canyon: Located in Watarrka National Park, Kings Canyon boasts towering red cliffs, lush waterholes, and breathtaking rim walks.
Alice Springs: Start or end your journey in this remote Outback town, which offers insights into Indigenous culture, history, and local art.

Duration: 5 to 7 days

Best Time to Visit: Winter (June to August), when the temperatures are cooler and ideal for exploring the desert.

The Red Centre Way offers a quintessential Australian Outback experience, with its dramatic landscapes and ancient cultural significance.

3. The Pacific Coast, New South Wales & Queensland

The Pacific Coast road trip, stretching from Sydney to Brisbane, is one of the most popular coastal drives in Australia, offering stunning beaches, lively cities, and plenty of nature-filled stops along the way. This 900-kilometre route combines the best of Australia’s east coast, from vibrant urban centres to lush national parks and surfing towns.

Must-See Attractions:

Sydney: Kick off your journey in Australia’s largest city, with its iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach.
Port Stephens: Known for its pristine beaches and dolphin-watching tours, Port Stephens is a great spot to relax and enjoy water sports.
Byron Bay: Famous for its bohemian vibe, excellent surf, and Cape Byron Lighthouse, Byron Bay is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the coastal lifestyle.
Gold Coast: The Gold Coast is known for its skyscrapers, surf beaches, and theme parks. Stop by Surfers Paradise for a blend of beach and city vibes.
Brisbane: End your road trip in the laid-back, sunny city of Brisbane, with its riverside parks, cultural precincts, and outdoor lifestyle.

Duration: 5 to 7 days

Best Time to Visit: Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May), when the weather is warm but not too hot.

The Pacific Coast road trip is perfect for those seeking a combination of culture, coastal beauty, and adventure.

4. The Gibb River Road, Western Australia

The Gibb River Road is one of Australia’s most rugged and remote road trips, traversing 660 kilometres of unsealed road through the heart of the Kimberley in Western Australia. Known for its dramatic landscapes, ancient gorges, and waterfalls, this is a trip for those seeking a true off-road adventure.

Must-See Attractions:

Bell Gorge: One of the Kimberley’s most stunning gorges, Bell Gorge features a cascading waterfall and a natural swimming pool.
El Questro Wilderness Park: This vast wilderness area offers natural thermal springs, gorges, and walking tracks.
Windjana Gorge: A deep gorge with towering limestone cliffs, where you can spot freshwater crocodiles basking in the sun.
Mitchell Falls: Located at the end of a challenging 4WD track, these multi-tiered waterfalls are one of the Kimberley’s most spectacular natural attractions.

Duration: 7 to 10 days

Best Time to Visit: Dry season (May to September), when the roads are passable and the weather is warm but not too hot.

The Gibb River Road is a bucket-list trip for adventurers who want to experience the wild beauty of the Kimberley region.

5. The Great Alpine Road, Victoria

If you’re looking for an alpine adventure, the Great Alpine Road is Australia’s highest accessible sealed road, stretching from Wangaratta to Bairnsdale in Victoria. This scenic drive takes you through the Victorian Alps, offering panoramic mountain views, charming villages, and opportunities for snow sports and hiking.

Must-See Attractions:

Mount Buffalo National Park: Explore granite cliffs, waterfalls, and alpine meadows in this stunning national park.
Bright: A picturesque town known for its autumn colours and proximity to the ski resorts of Mount Hotham and Falls Creek.
Dinner Plain: A charming alpine village, ideal for winter sports in the colder months or hiking in summer.
Gippsland Lakes: As the road winds down from the mountains, you’ll reach the Gippsland Lakes, Australia’s largest inland waterway, perfect for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife spotting.

Duration: 3 to 5 days

Best Time to Visit: Winter (June to August) for snow sports or summer (December to February) for hiking and outdoor activities.

The Great Alpine Road offers a unique alpine experience in Australia, with its mix of mountain landscapes and charming towns.

6. The Eyre Peninsula, South Australia

The Eyre Peninsula is one of Australia’s hidden gems, offering a coastal road trip that combines rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and incredible wildlife encounters. Located in South Australia, this region is perfect for travellers looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, with plenty of opportunities to swim with sea lions, dive with great white sharks, and feast on fresh seafood.

Must-See Attractions:

Port Lincoln: Known as the seafood capital of Australia, Port Lincoln is the place to indulge in fresh oysters, tuna, and abalone. You can also take a cage-diving tour to see great white sharks up close.
Coffin Bay National Park: Famous for its oyster farms, Coffin Bay also offers stunning coastal walks, beaches, and crystal-clear waters.
Baird Bay: A small fishing village where you can swim with playful sea lions and dolphins in their natural habitat.
Whalers Way: This rugged coastal drive near Port Lincoln offers breathtaking views of cliffs, blowholes, and secluded beaches.

Duration: 4 to 7 days

Best Time to Visit: Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May), when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor activities.

The Eyre Peninsula is a road trip filled with natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and delicious seafood, making it a must-do for coastal adventurers.

7. The Nullarbor Plain, South Australia to Western Australia

Driving across the Nullarbor Plain is one of the most iconic road trips in Australia, offering the ultimate Outback adventure. The Eyre Highway stretches 1,200 kilometres from Ceduna in South Australia to Norseman in Western Australia, taking you through vast, treeless plains and some of the most remote landscapes in the country.

Must-See Attractions:

Head of Bight: Visit during winter to see southern right whales and their calves from the cliffs above the ocean.
Nullarbor Links: The world’s longest golf course, stretching across 1,365 kilometres, with a hole at each town along the way.
Eucla: Explore the ruins of the old Eucla Telegraph Station, slowly being swallowed by the desert sands.
Great Australian Bight: Stop at the many lookout points along the Eyre Highway for panoramic views of the dramatic cliffs of the Great Australian Bight.

Duration: 4 to 6 days

Best Time to Visit: Winter and spring (May to October), when temperatures are cooler and wildlife, including whales, is more abundant.

The Nullarbor Plain is an epic, bucket-list road trip for those seeking to experience Australia’s vast, remote Outback.

Conclusion

Australia’s iconic road trips offer the chance to explore diverse landscapes, from coastal cliffs and sandy beaches to red deserts and alpine forests. Each of these road trips is unique, offering a mix of natural beauty, wildlife, history, and adventure. Whether you’re driving along the dramatic Great Ocean Road, exploring the remote Outback of the Red Centre, or crossing the vast Nullarbor Plain, these road trips should be at the top of your Australian bucket list. Pack your caravan, hit the road, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure across one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in the world.