Australia is rich in iconic road trips and ticking off a few of these should be high on your list of things to do in Australia. Some of these can be done in a few days, some are week-long epics. Some need a 4X4 vehicle, while others are perfectly doable in a regular hire car. Read on to find out more about the best road trips in Australia.
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The Gibb River Road
The Gibb River Road traverses the remote Kimberley region in Australia’s far north west. This thrilling experience in the Outback features rustic stations (farms), stunning landscapes and idyllic swimming holes. This is 4X4 territory and, although the road has been improved in recent years, should not be taken lightly or out of season. The 660-kilometre Gibb River Road runs from west to east, from the town of Derby to Kununurra via incredible waterfalls and gorges such as the Galvans and Mt Barnett. This Australian road trip takes a week to complete.
The Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is probably Australia’s most famous road trip. You can spend a couple of days exploring the region or stretch it out over a week or more because there is a lot to see. Depart from the vibrant city of Melbourne and make your way along the scenic coastline, stopping at beautiful beaches like Lorne, exploring the lush Otways National Park and marvelling at the 12 Apostles rock formations. Make sure you catch sunset here and maybe even treat yourself to a helicopter scenic flight.
A road trip adventure in Kakadu National Park
Kakadu National Park, in the Northern Territory of Australia, gets you in touch with Australia’s unique culture and environment. From limpid billabongs with incredible birdlife among the lily pads to exquisite Aboriginal rock paintings and crocodile spotting, this is a road trip adventure not to be missed. Watch the glorious sunset over Arnhem Land at Ubirr and bathe in remote waterholes. You can travel from Darwin and through parts of Kakadu with a regular car but a 4X4 vehicle is best.
A Margaret River road trip in Western Australia
South of the world’s most remote city (Perth) is a place beloved of tourists and visitors alike – the Margaret River. This beautiful area has stunning beaches, quirky townships, plenty of wildlife spotting and hiking in the Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park. A Margaret River road trip wouldn’t be complete without stopping at some of the superb wineries, where gourmet food and wine tasting in beautiful settings is the order of the day.
The East Coast road trip
With everything from remote coves to bustling cities, this rewarding road trip along Australia’s east coast travels from Sydney to Cairns. With coves and beaches, cosmopolitan cities, stunning scenery and wildlife, there is so much to explore.
From Sydney head north to the surfing beaches of Newcastle and Port Macquarie before stopping at the hidden gem of Agnes Water with its beautiful bays and rivers. Bundaberg and Rockhampton are old fashioned Australian towns, packed with history. Beautiful Airlie beach is a must-visit, with its charming town and gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. Finally, laid-back Cairns is a fun place to eat and drink as you contemplate memories of your road trips in Australia.
