Here’s What Once-in-a-Lifetime Road Trips in Australia Look Like

Jyotsana Shekhawat

Last updated: Jan 17, 2025

With swanky roads bordering the vast blue and the occasional green and yellow, it is no wonder that road trips form an important part of every traveller’s ‘must-experience in Australia’ list. The outback and the reins, the sandstone charm and the beachy sass – every turn is the beginning of a new adventure.

For an immersive experience, here’s your very own curated list of road trips to experience in Australia.

Great Ocean Road 

If you have a thing for stunning coastal views, then the Great Ocean Road is for you. Hit the road in Torquay—a paradise for surfers, and keep your camera handy. Fall in love with Australia in between watching the towering cliffs and the legendary Twelve Apostles—the iconic meeting point of massive limestone stacks and the blue sea. 

Drive towards the Great Otway National Park and soon you will find yourself admiring lush rainforests, gorgeous walking trails along with hidden gems like the Hopetoun Falls. Swing by the famous Bells Beach—a hub for surfers, or take a detour to the town of Lorne for a relaxed coffee and some quintessential beach town vibes. 

Tasmania’s East Coast 

Explore some of Australia wildest, most unspoiled landscapes as you drive on the roads of Tasmania’s East Coast. Start from Hobart and continue driving up to the Bay of Fires, where you will find sparkling white beaches and stunning orange-tinged boulders set against crystal-clear waters—a perfect backdrop for some pictures!

If you are an adventure-enthusiast, do visit the Freycinet National Park that offers kayaking, hiking and some of the most awe-inspiring views in Australia, especially from the stellar Wineglass Bay lookout.
Drive to Maria Island along the way; this wildlife haven is where you meet wombats and kangaroos. And while you’re in Tasmania, check out the fresh wine scenes that the region is so loved for. 

Pacific Coast 

The Pacific Coast road trip from Sydney to Brisbane is an absolute heaven for those who are always on a hunt for perfect sun-kissed selfies. Let the meandering roads take you up the coast, bordered by a multitude of picturesque scenery. Take a break at Port Stephens and other such hotspots that set the stage for refreshing activities, like sandboarding down the Stockton Sand Dunes and cruising with the dolphins. 

Continue north, all the way to Byron Bay that’s popular for its laid-back vibe and – not to miss – the beloved Cape Byron Lighthouse—the vantage point for breathtaking coastal views. Add another punch of fun to the trip by stopping off at that quirky Big Banana Fun Park in Coffs Harbour or snorkelling in the Solitary Islands Marine Park. 

The Gibb River Road 

The Gibb River Road in the Kimberley region is the ultimate off-road experience that no hardcore adventurer touring Australia would want to miss. This 660-kilometer track is home to some of the most dramatic rugged swathes that you will ever witness. 

While driving along this scenic route, do dip your feet in the refreshing waters of Emma Gorge – and admire the dramatic cliffs of Windjana Gorge. If you find yourself craving rejuvenation, head to the Zebedee Springs, the hotspot for natural thermal springs. While this road demands the drivers to be well-versed with the turns and bumps – the rewards (read a wealth of eye-candy views and adventures) are worth it. 

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