Take to the road for ancient cave art, incredible beaches and the raw beauty of the outback

The open road, jaw-dropping scenery and the freedom to stop at any surf spot, vineyard or outback town that takes your fancy. There’s nothing better than a great Australian road trip.

Whether heading off on a wildlife-spotting adventure or following the pristine coast, taking to the tarmac is a great way to discover authentic Australia, meet friendly locals and connect incredibly varied destinations.

With wide, traffic-free roads, easy-to-follow routes and a mix of accommodations ranging from luxury spa resorts to wild campsites, you’ll enjoy new experiences every day.

And with Aussies driving on the left, the only thing you’ll need to get used to is the dazzling scenery outside.

Here are some of the best road trips you can take in this unforgettable land. For each, you can easily chose to either do the whole route, or just pick part of it. 

Great Ocean Road: Victoria

From Torquay to Port Fairy

Three days in total  

Hugging the coast as it wends its way alongside the wild Southern Ocean, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road offers unforgettable vistas and fascinating native wildlife, from koalas to kangaroos.

Dotted with must-see attractions, award-winning restaurants, and cascading waterfalls, it’s the perfect speedy trip for those in a crunch. Make it a round trip from Melbourne and you can still complete the whole route in three days, with stop-offs along the way.

The route officially begins in Melbourne, and a first day of driving will see you travel 116 miles to the the wild beaches and cliffs of Apollo Bay, where you can stop overnight. Driving on, head to Otway National Park, where you can stroll the lush rainforest, try a tree-top canopy walk and see where the Bass Strait meets the Southern Ocean.

You’ll marvel at the magnificent Twelve Apostles, immense limestone stacks that keep guard on the coast of Port Campbell National Park, explore the Bay of Islands and make your way to the historic fishing village of Port Fairy.

Here, a second overnight stay will set you up for the journey back to Melbourne, stopping off to enjoy sights you haven’t yet seen – a perfect medley of windswept beaches, whale-watching, volcanic craters and enticing hot springs.

The Legendary Pacific Coast touring route: New South Wales and Queensland

From Sydney to Brisbane

Nine days in total 

Set out from the cosmopolitan hub of Sydney in search of adventure and excitement along the Pacific Coast on this nine-day itinerary.

From canopy walks above the lush Gondwana rainforests to the exhilarating waves of Byron Bay and dolphins of Port Stephens, the Pacific Coast touring route offers the ultimate exploration of these memorable shores.

After an initial drive from Sydney to Newcastle, via lovely lunch spots and Wyrrabalong National Park, you can step into world-class wine cellars peppered along the banks of Hunter River on day two, en-route to Pokolbin.

Submerge yourself in the crystalline waters of sparkling bays and scale the vast dunes of Port Stephens on day three.

Over the next three days you’ll explore white sands and incredible marine life as you drive north to Coffs Harbour and then on to Byron Bay, where an extra day gives you time to explore farmers’ markets, incredible eateries and bohemian bliss.

On day seven, you can take to the road again to the Gold Coast, stopping off to spot migrating whales if you’re travelling between May and November, and enjoying bushwalks in the verdant hinterland.

After an overnight stay, you’ll head on to visit Surfer’s Paradise, where you can soak up the buzzing beach lifestyle, visit theme parks and take in the views from the SkyPoint Climb.

Your final day brings you to Brisbane, just 62 miles north and an exciting city where you can combine riverside picnics with art galleries and Aboriginal experiences, before heading out tot snorkel around the city’s islands.

The Explorers Way: South Australia and The Northern Territory

Adelaide to Darwin

14 days in total  

Following the route of explorer John McDouall Stuart, the first European to traverse Australia south to north, this epic route takes around 14 days, or you can simply tackle a section of it.

It is a road trip that helps you soak up the best of the Australian outback as you drive straight through the heart of the country.

Go hiking in the extraterrestrial landscapes of Flinders Ranges, 236 miles north of Adelaide, then travel to Uluru over four or five days to admire the terracotta hues of the spiritual monolith and its ancient rock art sites. In the heart of the Red Centre, you can embark on the unforgettable Kings Canyon Rim Walk in neighbouring Watarrka National Park.

On day seven, continue through Alice Springs, the second largest city in the Northern Territory, then drive on towards the rugged peaks of West MacDonnell Ranges and the Karlu Karlu, also known as the Devil’s Marbles of Tennant Creek, a sacred area strewn with ancient granite boulders.

Over three days you’ll pass through Daly Waters and have the opportunity to bathe in the rejuvenating waters of Mataranka Thermal Pool as you head towards the vibrant city of Katherine, just 200 miles south of Darwin.

Then, before your final approach into the multicultural melting pot of Darwin, spend a day exploring the walking tracks, waterfalls and swimming holes of Litchfield National Park.

Sydney to Melbourne Touring Route: New South Wales and Victoria

Two fascinating routes from Sydney to Melbourne

Six to nine days total (depending on route chosen)  

Choose between two epic driving routes, each offering a unique Australian experience.

On the Coastal Discovery route, you’ll follow the turquoise coast past picturesque seaside towns, ancient wine valleys, and beaches hosting sunshine-dwelling kangaroos for nine leisurely days, while the six-day Inland Discovery itinerary promises the gold rush ruins and pioneering history,

This route allows you to explore the white-sand beaches of Jervis Bay, go whale watching in Merimbula to spot killer whales and make a splash in Gippsland, Australia’s largest inland waterway. Driving Wilsons Promontory, you’ll also head to Philip Island to see the famous Penguin Parade at sunset, before driving on to Melbourne.

Alternatively, head out from Sydney along the interior route to take in emerald hills to rugged peaks, the diverse landscapes open up to cultural exploration with the thriving capital of Canberra, 400 miles southwest of Sydney.

After exploring the galleries, parks, and museums of the capital, escape to rural adventure where old Gold Rush towns such as Gundagai blend with the picturesque townships of Victoria’s ‘spa country’. A final stop in historic waterfront city Geelong is just a short drive from Melbourne.

A self-guided Tasmania tour: Tasmania

Strahan and Gordon River to Freycinet National Park

13 days total  

The last Australian outpost before the frigid ice fields of Antarctica, some 3,300 miles further south, Tasmania is the world’s 26th largest island, and it has the diversity to show for it. From the world’s tallest flowering plant to the world’s cleanest air, it’s a land of superlatives waiting to be explored.

Criss-cross this wild island and take in its natural riches on an immersive route planning by Audley Travel. Catch a flight from the charming capital Hobart to rugged Strahan to begin your adventure in style.

Equipped with a fully insured vehicle and all accommodations arranged for you, this 13-day epic will take you through the stunning scenery of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, the exquisite wineries around pretty Launceston and the wild coast of Freycinet National Park.

No matter how long you have or the dazzling destinations you have in mind, a road trip is the perfect way to get to the heart of Australia.

Find out more and book your holiday at audleytravel.com