Road Trips
Drive iconic routes from the Great Ocean Road to the Stuart Highway
About Road Trips
Australia was made for road trips. With vast open landscapes, iconic coastal routes, and some of the world's most spectacular driving roads, getting behind the wheel is one of the best ways to experience this enormous country. From the twisting cliff-top curves of the Great Ocean Road to the endless red horizons of the Stuart Highway, the tropical beauty of the Pacific Coast Touring Route, and the wildflower-studded wilderness of Western Australia's Gibb River Road, every Australian road trip delivers unforgettable scenery, charming small towns, and the quintessential freedom of the open road.
Quick Facts
- Great Ocean Road: 243km — world's largest war memorial
- Stuart Highway: 2,720km from Adelaide to Darwin
- Pacific Coast Route: 2,500km+ from Sydney to Cairns
- Gibb River Road: open May–October only (4WD required)
- Australia drives on the left side of the road
Top Highlights
Great Ocean Road
One of the world's most scenic coastal drives, the Great Ocean Road stretches 243km along Victoria's southwestern coast past the iconic Twelve Apostles, through rainforest, and along dramatic limestone cliffs. Built by returned soldiers after World War I, it is the world's largest war memorial.
Pacific Coast Touring Route
This epic east coast drive from Sydney to Cairns covers over 2,500km of stunning coastline, passing through Byron Bay, the Gold Coast, Fraser Island, the Whitsundays, and ending at the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.
The Red Centre Way
Drive through the ancient heart of Australia, from Alice Springs to Uluru and Kata Tjuta, via Kings Canyon. This 1,135km loop traverses some of the most dramatic desert landscapes on Earth, with star-filled skies, Aboriginal cultural sites, and the fiery red monolith at journey's end.
Gibb River Road
One of Australia's last great adventures, this 660km unsealed road through the Kimberley in Western Australia passes ancient gorges, remote cattle stations, Aboriginal rock art, and swimming holes in a landscape unchanged for millions of years. Accessible only in the dry season (May–October).
Coastal Drives
Australia's coastal roads are among the world's finest. The Great Ocean Road is the crown jewel — a 243km ribbon of asphalt clinging to Victoria's spectacular southwestern coastline. Stop at the Twelve Apostles limestone stacks, walk through the Great Otway National Park's rainforest, and sample fresh seafood in charming towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay. On the east coast, the Pacific Coast Touring Route from Sydney to Cairns passes through an astonishing variety of landscapes — from the surf culture of Byron Bay to the tropical paradise of the Whitsundays. In Western Australia, the Indian Ocean Drive from Perth to Geraldton passes the Pinnacles Desert and the lobster-fishing town of Cervantes.
Outback Adventures
For the ultimate Australian road trip, head to the outback. The Stuart Highway stretches 2,720km from Adelaide to Darwin, passing through the ochre landscapes of the Red Centre, the opal mining town of Coober Pedy (where residents live underground to escape the heat), and the tropical wetlands of the Top End. The Red Centre Way loop from Alice Springs takes in Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon — three of Australia's most spectacular natural landmarks. The Gibb River Road across the Kimberley is the country's most adventurous drive, requiring a 4WD and passing through country that feels like the last frontier on Earth.
Practical Tips
Road tripping in Australia requires some preparation given the vast distances between towns. Always carry extra water, fuel, and a basic emergency kit, especially in remote areas. Mobile phone coverage is limited outside major cities — consider hiring a satellite phone for outback drives. Road trains (trucks up to 53 metres long) are common on outback highways and require extra caution when overtaking. Fuel stops can be over 200km apart in remote areas. In the tropics and outback, watch for wildlife on the road, especially at dawn and dusk when kangaroos are most active. Speed limits vary by state, and many outback roads are unsealed — check conditions before departing.