10 Must-Do Australian Road Trips for Your Next Adventure
Introduction
Australia is a vast and diverse continent filled with natural wonders, cultural landmarks, and breathtaking scenery. With so much to explore, it’s no surprise that road trips have become a popular choice for adventurers looking to see all that Australia has to offer. From the rugged outback to the sparkling coastline, every region has its unique charm, and there’s a road trip for every type of traveler. In this article, we’ll explore ten must-do Australian road trips that should be on every road tripper’s bucket list.
1. The Great Ocean Road, Victoria
Stretching over two hundred kilometers, the Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic drives in Australia. It offers stunning views of the rugged coastline, pristine beaches, and the famous Twelve Apostles rock formations. Along the way, you’ll find charming towns, national parks, and breathtaking lookouts. This road trip is perfect for those looking for a leisurely drive with plenty of stops to take in the sights.
2. The Red Centre Way, Northern Territory
For those seeking a more rugged adventure, the Red Centre Way offers a challenging and adventurous road trip through the heart of Australia’s outback. This 1150km drive takes you through the iconic red rock landscapes of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Kings Canyon, and the MacDonnell Ranges. Be prepared for long stretches of isolated roads, but the rewards are well worth it.
3. The Great Alpine Road, Victoria
The Great Alpine Road is a scenic drive that takes you through the heart of the Victorian high country. This 308km route starts in Wangaratta and takes you through historic towns, lush valleys, and stunning Alpine scenery. Highlights on the route include the picturesque town of Bright, Mount Hotham ski resort, and the stunning views from the top of Mount Buffalo.
4. The Gibb River Road, Western Australia
The Gibb River Road is a remote and challenging road trip through the Kimberley region of Western Australia. This 660km drive takes you through rugged terrain, stunning gorges, and waterfalls. Highlights on the route include Manning Gorge, Bell Gorge, and the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park.
5. The Nullarbor Plain, South Australia and Western Australia
For those seeking an epic and remote adventure, the Nullarbor Plain is a drive unlike any other. This 1675km stretch of road spans across the treeless plain between South Australia and Western Australia. Along the way, you’ll see unique landscapes, such as the world’s longest golf course, the famous Nullarbor Links, and the Head of the Bight whale watching platform.
6. The Tasmanian East Coast, Tasmania
Tasmania’s East Coast offers a stunning and diverse road trip that showcases the island’s natural beauty. This 176km drive takes you through charming towns and villages, such as Coles Bay and Bicheno, and offers breathtaking views of white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rugged coastline. Highlights on the route include the Bay of Fires and Freycinet National Park.
7. The Pacific Coast, New South Wales
The Pacific Coast is a scenic drive that takes you along the stunning coastline of New South Wales. This 960km route starts in Sydney and takes you through charming coastal towns, such as Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour, and offers breathtaking views of golden beaches, lush rainforest, and picturesque vineyards.
8. The Eyre Peninsula, South Australia
The Eyre Peninsula offers a unique and diverse road trip through South Australia’s coastal region. This 1100km route takes you through stunning landscapes, such as the Gawler Ranges and the Eyre Peninsula’s white sandy beaches. Highlights on the route include swimming with sea lions and visiting the historic fishing town of Port Lincoln.
9. The Savannah Way, Northern Territory, and Queensland
The Savannah Way is a road trip that takes you through the rugged and remote areas of Northern Territory and Queensland’s Gulf savannah region. This 3700km route takes you along ancient Aboriginal trade routes, through vast cattle stations, and past stunning waterfalls, gorges, and rock formations.
10. The South West Edge, Western Australia
The South West Edge is a new road trip that takes you through the rugged and wild coastline of Western Australia’s South West region. This 1200km route takes you through ancient forests, wild coastline, and charming towns, such as Margaret River and Denmark. Highlights on the route include the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk and the City of Albany’s historic whaling station.
Conclusion
Australia is without a doubt, a road trip paradise, with so many stunning routes to explore and natural wonders to experience. Whether it’s the rugged outback, the stunning coastline, or the diverse flora and fauna, there’s no shortage of adventure waiting for you down under. These ten must-do Australian road trips offer something for every type of traveler, from the leisurely Sunday driver to the rugged adventurer looking to explore the remote and wild regions of Australia. So, pack your bags, grab a map, and get ready for an unforgettable road trip down under.
