Road Trip Australia
One of the things that we can look forward to once everything settles back down to normal after covid is being able to fully appreciate Australia and its diversity. Instead of grabbing that best flight deal for an overseas trip, I reckon we could pick up the road map and get out and see Australia by road a bit more. Support the locals, you know…
The following are some of the best road trips in Australia; so take a look and be inspired:
1) Round the Perimeter
Doing the whole lap of Australia around the coastline would have to be the ultimate Australian road trip. The road trip follows around 15,000 km of our great Highway One, and it links seven of the major cities. You’ll get to explore and taste the menu that Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Broome, Perth, Esperance, Adelaide, Melbourne and Hobart all have to offer.
If you can nab a 4WD for this road trip, then you’ll be able to take your time and head down some of the fun tracks that shoot off to the side. Around Australia will include everything from big city lights to sleepy coastal towns, lush green rainforest to dusty and dry red Outback.
One thing that you might like to factor in is that when you travel the northern part of Australia (Broome to Cairns) it’s best to do it in the April to September window to make the most of the good weather. During the wet season roads can be closed.
2) Torquay to Allansford, Victoria
One of the country’s most famous road trips stretches along the southern coast on Victoria. Travelling from Torquay to Allansford winds 243 km along some of Australia’s most stunning coastline. You’ll also head through rainforest, along sunburnt cliffs, by shipwrecks, and, you’ll also see the famous Twelve Apostles – but there is only eight of them now!
3) The Gibb River Road, Western Australia
If you want to tackle some 4WDing, then the Munja Track, in Kimberley is a super exciting adventure. The route was constructed in the 1960s to transport stock, and this 660 km road cuts right through from Derby to Wyndham. You’ll get to see magnificent and remote wilderness, some of our most ancient gorges, beautiful, thundering waterfalls, some sacred Aboriginal sites and so much more. Take a look at Bell Gorge, where you’ll find a multi-tiered waterfall cascading down layered sandstone into several pools. And, you can even swim!
4) Cairns to Cape York, Queensland
You’ll need a decent 4WD for this 1000 km drive that begins at Cairns and ends at Cape York. This is the road that gets you through to the Barrier Reef. There is loads of red dirt and the river crossings will have crocodiles. The lush rainforest is amazing, and there are 2 World Heritage areas (The Reef and the Daintree).
5) Perth to Ningaloo, Western Australia
Here is the road that has loads of beautiful secluded beaches and crystal clear water. It’s close to 1200 km in length and starts at Perth and ends at Exmouth. Western Australian beaches also have some stunning Coral Coastlines.
Love the sea? Then this is a trip for you. Western Australia is where the Indian Ocean meets the rugged Outback. You’ll get to see the Pinnacles Desert and the World Heritage Shark Bay. How about swimming with dolphins, manta rays and whale sharks? There is also the breath-taking gorges of the Kalbarri National Park – wow!
If you book this trip in the June to September window, then you’ll also be wowed with the colourful wildflowers that carpet the barren landscape.
6) The Great Alpine Road, Victoria
This route starts in Wangaratta and winds its way around 500 km through Victorian High Country to Metung in Gippsland Lakes area. On the way you’ll be travelling over Australia’s highest accessible sealed road, which takes in mountain ranges, deep valleys, wine regions and the sparkling waterways of the Gippsland Lakes region. This is a lovely scenic road that has some nice quaint historic towns along the way.
Victoria’s highest alpine village, Mt Hotham, is nice to visit year-round, with excellent downhill skiing and cross-country trails. You can also book in for a horse ride, and fish during the warmer months.
7) The Savannah Way
The Savannah Way is around 3700 km in length and it offers loads of adventure. It takes you from Queensland all the way to Western Australia.
Encompassing 15 national parks and five World Heritage along the way, this is the ultimate east to west road trip. Tropical rainforest, vast grassy plains, remote cattle stations, waterfalls, gorges, turquoise waters and ancient rock art; it’s all there. Boodjamulla National Park is one of Queensland’s awesome sights and experiences.
It’s advisable to carry a radio for when mobile reception isn’t the best, as you are in some faily remote country at times in the Outback.
8) The Nullarbor, South Australia
This is Australia’s straightest road trip: the Nullarbor Plain. It’s not hard to find, running 1256 km between the goldfields of WA and the Eyre Peninsula in SA.
It is a legendary flat plain that meets with the towering sea cliffs of the Great Australian Bight. It’s home to prolific wildlife, and you’ll be able to see emus, kangaroos, dingoes and camels along the way. It also boasts the world’s longest golf course!
9) The Pacific Coast, New South Wales & Queensland
If you haven’t done this trip, then it has to be on your to-do list. The Legendary Pacific Coast follows around 900 km from Sydney to Brisbane through the Central Coast, Port Stephens, Newcastle, Coffs Harbour, Ballina and Byron Bay. This is coastal Australia at its best, with it being home to a host of surfing beaches, charming seaside towns, pretty landscapes and national parks.
Take your time and venture off the main highway to find rich pickings of fun activities, boutiques and food.
10) The Grand Pacific Drive, New South Wales
This one’s a photographer’s joy; The Grand Pacific Drive is a 140 km scenic coastal drive taking you through rainforests, over the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge and through the coastal cities and townships of Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and the Shoalhaven. This also has some of New South Wale’s most beautiful cliff faces.
Get yourself ready!
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